Bongani Jeranyama
About Bongani Jeranyama
Bongani Jeranyama is an Associate Producer at Sesame Workshop, where he has worked since 2023. He has a diverse background in production coordination, program management, and content creation, along with experience in stand-up comedy.
Work at Sesame Workshop
Bongani Jeranyama currently serves as an Associate Producer at Sesame Workshop, a position he has held since 2023. In this role, he coordinates all production-related activities, including script reviews, budget meetings, video recording sessions, and animation reviews. Prior to this, he worked as a Production Coordinator in the International Social Impact department from 2022 to 2023, where he was involved in creating content for outreach, digital, and social media activities. He also co-created the first Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Sesame Workshop, known as BE @ Sesame, which focuses on supporting Black, African American, and Afro-Latine/Latinidad identifying employees and allies.
Education and Expertise
Bongani Jeranyama holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Economics and Political Science from Clark University, which he completed from 2011 to 2015. He furthered his education at the same institution, earning a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from 2015 to 2016. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his roles in production and program management, particularly in social impact initiatives.
Background in Program Management
Bongani Jeranyama has extensive experience in program management, having worked in various capacities at the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office from 2015 to 2019. His roles included Paralegal, Grant Program Manager, and Interim Director of External Affairs. He also served as a Program Manager at Northeastern University College of Professional Studies from 2019 to 2021. His work involved overseeing programs and managing external affairs, contributing to his skills in coordination and communication.
Political and Community Engagement
Bongani Jeranyama began his career with a focus on political engagement, having interned with the Democratic National Committee in 2014 and the Office of Rep. James P. McGovern from 2013 to 2014. These experiences provided him with insights into political operations and community outreach, which he later applied in his roles at the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and Sesame Workshop.
Stand-Up Comedy and Creative Contributions
In addition to his professional work, Bongani Jeranyama has pursued stand-up comedy, performing at notable venues such as The Rockwell Theatre, Eastville Comedy Club, and The Stand in the United States. He has also participated in Def Jam Africa Comedy Nights in South Africa. His creative contributions extend to developing episode narratives, budgets, and timelines for Takalani Sesame Seasons 15 & 16, for which he was nominated for an International Emmy Award.