Alumni in Action

Name: Michael (Mike) Molina ‘06
Current Location: South Pasadena (LA), California 
Job Title: TV Writer 
Company/Organization: Nickelodeon, Disney+ (Freelance & Contracts)
Student Activities: Soccer, Theater, Speech & Debate, Improv Club Founder
Favorite Teacher: Rich “Fuj” Fujimoto ‘66 – “Fuj saw something in me. He encouraged me to take risks, explore new ideas, and try things I didn’t know I could do. That push opened the door to storytelling and ultimately, my career.”

Time as a student:
Mike’s path to becoming a professional writer started at Saint Ignatius. A film class with Mr. Fujimoto (Cinematic Literature) introduced him to the world of storytelling, and he quickly found his voice through speech and debate, theater, and improv. He helped launch the school’s first improv club with Dan Wilbur ‘05, a skill he still credits as essential to his writing today.

He remembers cheering on friends at football games, connecting with passionate teachers like Deacon McKenna and Paul Prokop, and finding community in unexpected places. “Each year had its own rhythm,” he said. “But it always came back to the people—friends, mentors, and a community that encouraged you to explore what excited you.”

Professional Career:
After years of writing sketch comedy and comic books, Mike broke into the industry: with grit, grind, and relentless creativity. He co-created a cartoon, produced monthly shows in New York City, and even came close to selling a series to FOX—an opportunity that introduced him to Jack Black, who later helped him make connections in Los Angeles.

Mike eventually joined the writing team for The Casagrandes on Nickelodeon, followed by additional freelance and staff work across multiple animated shows. Most recently, he became a writer on an unannounced series for Disney Television Animation. 

Despite the competitive nature of the entertainment industry, Mike’s approach has remained steady: stay humble, outwork the competition, and never stop learning. “You’re not just chasing dreams,” he said. “You’re building the stamina to stay ready when they show up.”

Advice to Students:
“Dreams aren’t immediate. You’ll probably go up against a million people for the job you want. Be the one who outworks them. But don’t let ambition make you forget kindness—treat people well, stay humble, and learn from everyone around you. That’s how you make it—and more importantly, how you stay grounded once you do.”