Fred Rogers brings Olufemi to neighborhood

Fred Rogers Productions has appointed Olubunmi Mia Olufemi, producer of PBS Kids series Molly of Denali, as a supervising producer on forthcoming show Alma’s Way, which it is making for the US pubcaster.

Olubunmi Mia Olufemi

Olufemi has joined the non-profit children’s entertainment producer, which has been behind PBS Kids series Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Odd Squad and Peg & Cat.

She is responsible for overseeing all phases of production on Alma’s Way, serving as the company’s liaison with the animation studio and broadcaster.

Additionally, she manages the creation of series assets for marketing and licensing efforts, among other duties.

Olufemi reports to Ellen Doherty, executive producer of Alma’s Way and chief creative officer for Fred Rogers Productions.

Created by actor and writer Sonia Manzano, who starred as Maria on Sesame Street, one of the first Latino characters on national US television, Alma’s Way will launch on PBS Kids later this year.

Prior to joining Fred Rogers Productions, Olufemi was the producer of Molly of Denali, the first nationally distributed children’s show to feature a Native American lead character.

Fred Rogers Productions said that throughout her career Olufemi has been devoted to building inclusive productions, both on-screen and behind the scenes, that authentically celebrate and highlight underrepresented populations, particularly minorities and immigrant cultures.

Olufemi began her career in children’s television at WGBH, now known as GBH, where she worked on children’s series such as Arthur, Curious George, Martha Speaks and Design Squad Global.