Nikki DeLoach Joins Ashley Williams Hallmark Make Her Mark Program

For fans of Hallmark’s most beloved stars, there’s something almost magical about watching friendship, talent, and purpose blend together. That’s exactly what’s happening with Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach right now.

These two powerhouse actresses first met in a Los Angeles acting class over twenty years ago. Since then, they’ve built parallel lives filled with family, creativity, and compassion.

Now, their journeys have crossed again as DeLoach joins Williams’ Make Her Mark mentorship program for aspiring female directors. It’s a pretty full-circle moment, celebrating both their enduring bond and the growing movement of women shaping film and TV from behind the scenes.

The Friendship That Became a Force for Change

Few friendships in Hollywood have lasted quite like Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach’s. Both have carved out impressive careers as Hallmark Channel favorites, bringing warmth and authenticity to their roles.

They’ve also shared deeply personal experiences—both are moms to two young boys and have faced the heartbreaking loss of a parent to dementia. That shared grief turned into action as they became passionate advocates for the Alzheimer’s Association, using their platform to raise funds and awareness.

But their connection isn’t just personal. Over the years, Williams and DeLoach have championed women in entertainment, determined to open doors that have stayed shut for too long.

That drive led to Williams’ creation of the Make Her Mark program, a Hallmark initiative for mentoring women who want to direct. Now, with DeLoach officially joining the newest group of mentees, things have come full circle in a pretty inspiring way.

From Acting Class to Creative Collaboration

When Williams and DeLoach first met two decades ago, neither could’ve predicted how intertwined their careers would get. Over the years, they’ve supported each other through projects, life milestones, and plenty of personal challenges.

Williams has called DeLoach one of the smartest, most intuitive actors she’s ever met—someone who doesn’t just perform but truly gets the art of storytelling. That perspective has now led DeLoach to stretch beyond acting and writing into directing.

Williams shared that when she first dreamed up Make Her Mark, DeLoach’s face was on the cover of her pitch materials. To her, DeLoach was the ideal candidate: talented, thoughtful, and with both the experience and heart to lead.

Still, Williams wanted DeLoach to earn her place. Rather than just stepping in, DeLoach went above and beyond—shadowing three different Hallmark productions, while most mentees shadow only one. That level of commitment showed she was ready to take on directing her first film.

Inside Hallmark’s Make Her Mark Program

The Make Her Mark initiative has quickly become a standout development at Hallmark. Founded by Williams, the program picks a small group of women each year from hundreds of applicants, giving them a shot to learn directing through mentorship and hands-on experience.

The 2025 class includes five women—Nikki DeLoach, Angie Nolan, Hannah Michielsen, Huriyyah Muhammad, and Sarah Wilson Thacker. Each brings a unique background and vision to the table.

Williams has praised this year’s group for their skill and dedication. Many have film degrees, years in the industry, and experience directing short films or working as assistant directors.

Yet, as Williams points out, opportunity often stays just out of reach for women directors. That’s what Make Her Mark hopes to change—by giving these creators the platform and confidence to take their next steps.

Nikki DeLoach’s Journey from Screenwriter to Director

DeLoach’s path to directing has been anything but straightforward. She’s best known for her roles in over twenty Hallmark films, but lately she’s become a prolific screenwriter too, partnering with Megan McNulty on Hallmark’s True Justice franchise.

Writing gave DeLoach a new perspective on storytelling, one she believes will make her a stronger director. She looks at every script through a director’s lens, thinking about how scenes flow and how to build emotion within budget and production limits.

Her writing background has also sharpened her practical instincts. Working within Hallmark’s famously tight schedules and budgets, DeLoach has learned to balance creativity with efficiency—a skill that’ll serve her well as a director.

She knows how to tell a story and make it work logistically, from managing set pieces to coordinating extras. In an industry where every minute counts, that kind of foresight is worth its weight in gold.

The Power of Representation Behind the Camera

This collaboration between Williams and DeLoach isn’t just about one woman’s career—it’s about creating a ripple effect. Hallmark’s Make Her Mark program is helping to redefine what leadership looks like in entertainment.

By mentoring women who already have the talent and experience but have lacked opportunity, the initiative is helping to diversify the creative voices shaping the stories audiences love. Williams has long believed that actors like DeLoach—those who naturally think about the bigger picture—are uniquely equipped to become great directors.

Experience on set gives them empathy for every role in a production, from crew to cast. Their understanding of narrative flow helps them craft emotionally resonant films that really connect with people. In that sense, DeLoach’s move into directing almost feels inevitable.

A Legacy of Mentorship and Empowerment

DeLoach isn’t the first woman to benefit from Make Her Mark, and she won’t be the last. The program’s first mentee, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe—known for her work in the Signed, Sealed, Delivered franchise—is already editing her fourth Hallmark movie as a director.

Her success is a powerful example of what happens when women are given the tools and trust to lead creative projects. With DeLoach now stepping into that same space, the future looks even brighter for female filmmakers at Hallmark.

For Williams, watching her longtime friend take this leap is deeply personal. She’s seen DeLoach evolve from a young actress into a multifaceted storyteller who writes, advocates, and now directs.

Their shared history, mutual respect, and commitment to uplifting others make this moment especially meaningful. It’s not just about professional growth—it’s about legacy, friendship, and the power of women supporting women.

What’s Next for Nikki DeLoach

Now that DeLoach has finished shadowing on three Hallmark productions, she’s waiting for the right chance to direct her first film. Given her track record and instincts, it’s safe to say that when that day comes, it’ll be worth watching.

Fans can expect her signature blend of heart, humor, and emotional depth—qualities that have made her a Hallmark favorite—to shine in her directorial debut. Meanwhile, her work as a screenwriter is thriving, with new projects on the horizon and a growing reputation as one of Hallmark’s most versatile creative voices.

Whether she’s in front of the camera, behind it, or crafting stories from her laptop, DeLoach embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience that’s defining this next wave of filmmakers.

Celebrating Women Who Lead with Heart

This story’s bigger than just career milestones. It’s really about how women in entertainment are changing the game and pushing the boundaries of what success looks like.

Ashley Williams and Nikki DeLoach didn’t just become friends—they turned that friendship into something way bigger. They’re using their influence to open doors and encourage others to step through them.

When women support each other, the whole industry feels it. You can actually see the difference.

Hallmark’s been branching out creatively, and projects like Make Her Mark are making sure we’re hearing from a wider, more empowered group of storytellers. With DeLoach now directing, there’s a buzz about the kinds of films she’ll bring to life next.

She’s always had this knack for authenticity and heart, so it’s not hard to imagine her new work connecting with fans in a real way.