We’re counting down the 40 days to NYWIFT’s 40th Anniversary Muse Awards with a look at some of our favorite honorees, all women of vision and achievement who have contributed to the film and television industry. Join us as we look back at #Muse40for40, and buy your tickets for the Muse Awards on Tuesday, December 10th at nywift.org/muse!
#30: Maysoon Zayid
By Kathryn O’Kane
Actor, writer, comedian and activist Maysoon Zayid co-founded and co- produced the New York Arab American Comedy Festival and The Muslim Funny Fest. Zayid had the most viewed TED Talk of 2014. She has also appeared in a variety of documentaries and movies including You Don’t Mess with the Zohan and The Muslims are Coming! She is an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, a frequent news commentator and walked in New York Fashion Week. Zayid is developing a comedy series for ABC network titled Can-Can, which is based on her personal experiences.
Urging the hiring of more people with disabilities: “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it. Make a pledge today to make your lives inclusive.”
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