Ali (Barash) Berman '05

Ali (Barash) Berman ‘05 earned her B.A. in English from Tufts University in 2009 with a minor in Communications and Media Studies. Ali is a Partner and the Co-Head of UTA Creators at leading global talent, entertainment and sports company United Talent Agency (UTA). She focuses on representing the Internet’s brightest stars, representing digital influencers and content creators, such as TikTok stars Charli and Dixie D’Amelio and their parents Marc and Heidi D’Amelio; the Internet’s “It-Girl” Emma Chamberlain; creator economy experts Colin and Samir; the queen of TikTok Alix Earle, Airrack, Jake Shane, Hyram Yarbro, Connor Wood (a.k.a. Fibula), Joshua Weissman; Girlbosstown (a.k.a. Robyn Delmonte), and many more.   

 Ali Berman was featured in Variety’s 2021 “LA Women’s Impact Report,” The Hollywood Reporter’s 2021 “Next Gen” class, Variety’s 2015 class of “Hollywood’s New Leaders” and in Broadcasting & Cable’s “18 Under 34” list. Ali joined UTA in 2011 after beginning her career in the agent trainee program at International Creative Management (ICM). She lives in L.A. with her husband and daughter.

Describe how Whitfield prepared you for college and beyond. 

Whitfield’s emphasis on the writing process prepared me for all writing tasks in college and beyond. Also, class sizes at Whitfield were small enough that everyone had a voice. In college, I never felt intimidated to ask questions or seek help during office hours because the teachers’ doors at Whitfield were always open. The ability to express myself clearly through all modes of communication and to advocate for myself are skills I began honing as a student.

What are you most thankful for from your Whitfield experience, both in and outside of the classroom? 

The educators and staff. So many of my teachers left an indelible mark on my brain and soul because they always counterbalanced my teenage insecurity with encouragement, warmth, and confidence. They held me accountable and, most importantly, saw me for me. High school was challenging for me socially, but I always found comfort and security in my teachers. 

What are some of your favorite Whitfield memories?

The chocolate chip cookies! In all seriousness, I loved our meal program when I was a student. No other schools at the time had as many food options as we did. Even with things as simple as food, Whitfield allowed us to be creative and free-thinkers because we had so many choices. I do miss that cereal bar! 

My senior year performance in Fiddler On The Roof. I remember feeling on top of the world at that time of my life. I was accepted to my dream college so the pressure of admissions was in the rearview mirror, and I was performing in a beloved musical - playing the part with no singing lines!

Spirit days. There was nothing better than sporting my cheerleading uniform during school on game days.

What were some of your favorite classes at Whitfield?

English, Geometry, Theater, and anything that Mrs. Chrysler taught. 

What skills do you use in your career that you began forming at Whitfield?

Whitfield taught and valued critical thinking and problem-solving skills that deepened my ability to engage in learning in meaningful and authentic ways. We also had group projects and discussions across all classes which helped me develop my ability to work with groups and be part of task-oriented teams. Whitfield also taught me time management - and a little procrastination! - which ultimately has helped me understand myself better as a worker and what motivates me. 

What opportunities did Whitfield provide you that you might not have had elsewhere?

I thrived academically because of the classroom sizes and the one-on-one attention from faculty and staff. Further, Whitfield’s emphasis on the Arts was incredibly impactful and allowed me to pursue my passions. Last, I always felt safe and trusted. Whether it was leaving my backpack in the hallway or not locking my locker, I always felt safe on campus. 

Describe your career. 

I help some of the industry’s top influencers build their brands beyond a screen, inking deals to create, rather than just promote, some of the hottest Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands and companies. Whether I’m working with beauty influencer Hyram Yarbro or helping YouTuber Emma Chamberlain launch her own line of coffee, I approach my work with an entrepreneurial perspective. Every day there’s some sort of new business model or new sort of ask when negotiating a deal. It’s just endless creativity.  I love identifying singular voices and building their careers. I love being at the center of culture, especially youth culture. 

In my senior yearbook, The Iliad, Mrs. Greathouse made predictions for each graduate. Her prediction for me was that I would work in Hollywood and help women. She was pretty spot-on. 

From here, I want to continue representing the voices at the center of the internet and at the center of culture. I also want to find more work/life balance.