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Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Tiána Lynn
Welcome to NYWIFT, Tiána Lynn! Tiána Lynn is the Founder and CEO of Wholistic Vibes Wellness (WVW), a neuroinclusive consulting and training firm focused on Black mental health, workplace culture, and systems-level change. With a background in case management, HR, and operations, she specializes in psychological safety frameworks, burnout prevention infrastructure, and trauma-aware leadership development. Through WVW Academy she is advancing accredited workforce training—particularly for Community Health Workers. Tiána is also the host of the Wholistic Vibes Podcast, where she explores Black mental health, identity, and healing through storytelling. Her work centers on building sustainable environments where people are supported, valued, and able to thrive. We spoke to her about her fascinating work at the intersection of media and wellness.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Esther Casas Roura
Welcome to NYWIFT, Esther Casas Roura! Esther is an award-winning filmmaker known for blending metaphorical storytelling with animation. Originally from Barcelona, Spain, she began her career as a molecular biologist before moving to New York and transitioning into filmmaking, focusing on animation while working across both commercial and narrative projects. She later founded Claymaniak Studios (now ECR Films) to create emotionally resonant films across stop-motion, traditional animation, and motion graphics. Her animated shorts—Check Date: An Underdog Love Story, Creamen, and FLOCKY—have screened internationally at over 150 film festivals. FLOCKY was recently shortlisted for the Goya Awards in Spain, has received 18 international awards, and has gained international recognition for its social impact. Esther is currently developing her fourth short, The Melody Within, and her first animated feature, TAO.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Christina Brennan
Welcome to NYWIFT, Christina Brennan! Christina is a New York–based filmmaker whose work explores the emotional complexity of young womanhood through bold, conversation-driven storytelling. She is particularly drawn to dystopian, psychological thriller, and comedy genres, often blending tension and humor. As a recent graduate, she made her directorial debut with the short film Dear Nora, which won first place at AGBO’s No Sleep ’Til Film Festival—marking an exciting start to her creative career. In addition to her work behind the camera, Christina is the founder of Onore Films, a community dedicated to supporting and connecting young women in film through collaboration and shared resources. With experience across multiple areas of production, she approaches filmmaking as both a creative practice and a way to foster meaningful connection. In our interview, Christina discussed her journey into filmmaking, the inspiration behind Dear Nora, and her passion for building community among emerging women in film.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Karen “Dr.K” Baptiste
Welcome to NYWIFT, Karen "Dr.K" Baptiste! Karen "Dr. K" Baptiste is an investigative journalist and media storyteller whose work explores the intersections of race, education, and the criminal legal system. She is an Emmy® award-winning filmmaker of the documentary Preschool to Prison, and also works as a speaker, leadership wellness coach, and organizational strategist. Her work centers lived experience, elevating voices that are often overlooked while connecting personal narratives to broader systems of accountability. Dr. K brings a rigorous, human-centered approach to storytelling that is grounded in care, amplification, and long-term generational impact. Originally from the Bronx, she collaborates with mission-driven organizations, creatives, and community leaders across the country to support storytelling and leadership practices that foster meaningful change.
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