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Championing gender equity, Hardt to Heart pitches the stories crafted by visionary college women to our partner industry producers and executives, empowering the female voice and uncovering untapped student narratives with the potential to shape their futures in
film, television, and drama.
Who We Are
About Hardt to Heart
Founded by Maria Eberhardt, Hardt to Heart is a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of college women in the film and drama industries. By connecting aspiring female storytellers with our expert clients, namely production studios, we create opportunities for untapped student stories to gain recognition and shape the future of film and television. Hardt to Heart fosters collaboration and mentorship, providing a supportive platform for emerging talent to thrive.
Our Mission
Hardt to Heart aims to build a dynamic and empowering community of young women-identifying storytellers from diverse backgrounds. Our mission is to showcase your voice and talent by giving you the path to access expert industry specialists, personalized mentorship, and opportunities that bring your stories to life.
Meet Maria Eberhardt, Founder of
Hardt to Heart
Maria Eberhardt's experience in the film industry spans over a decade — from 11 years as an actress and 4 years as an assistant director and producer, to over 6 years as an accomplished writer for established organizations like HERCampus Media. Combining her film and television expertise with her entrepreneurial ambitions and passion for gender equity, Maria leveraged her dual major in Theatre and Business, paired with a Communications minor, to found Hardt to Heart.
Hardt to Heart is a community-driven non-profit initiative dedicated to empowering women-identifying creatives in college. By tackling the unique challenges women face in the industry, founder Maria Eberhardt has built a supportive platform where college women can confidently share their stories and access career-changing opportunities. Her vision is to equip other college women with a clearer path to reach their full potential and redefine the industry.
Along with Hardt to Heart's vast array of industry clients, Maria is propelling women to make their mark on the industry, one bold story at a time.
"My goal is for
Hardt to Heart to be a transformative platform where college women can share their unique voices through story, gain recognition, and connect with industry professionals to bring their ideas to life."
~ Maria Eberhardt,
Founder & Executive Director, Hardt to Heart
The Power of
the Female Voice in Film
Representation & Inclusion
Supporting women-identifying storytellers in college ensures diverse perspectives are brought to the forefront, fostering representation and inclusivity in the stories we see on screen.
Revolutionizing Storytelling
College women bring fresh, untapped ideas to the film industry, redefining narratives and challenging traditional storytelling conventions.
Inspiring Future Visionaries
By showcasing the voices of college women, we pave the way for the next generation of storytellers to share their brilliance and make their mark on the industry.
How Hardt to Heart Works

1

College women submit their masterpieces, free of charge, via Hardt to Heart's submission form.

2

Review & Selection
Hardt to Heart reviews the story submissions and selects the 10 to 15 most innovative, creative, and visionary stories per batch.

3

Network, Connect, & Succeed
Hardt to Heart bridges the authors of those 10 to 15 unique stories with its unprecedented rolodex of clients across Hollywood, Broadway, LA and NYC-based film studios, affording those authors the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to potentially turn their story into the next industry blockbuster hit.
A Note on Credit:
All authors are guaranteed credit for their work throughout the process.
Submit Your Story
What's in it for our Clients
Hardt to Heart's industry clients gain access to a diverse pool of untapped stories from exceptionally talented young women. These connections benefit from fresh, innovative narratives that bring new perspectives to the screen, offering the potential for groundbreaking projects. By working in collaboration with Hardt to Heart, they contribute to shaping a more inclusive and vibrant film landscape, while utilizing our organization to discover the next wave of compelling storytellers and visionaries, like yourself.
Support Hardt to Heart
Volunteer
Reach out here to volunteer by helping review submitted stories.
Network
Learn from and work with experts in the film industry through our collective.
Contact Us
Personal Inquiries: maria@hardt2heart.org
General Inquiries: info@hardt2heart.org


Copyright © 2025 by Hardt to Heart
Maria Eberhardt