By Tammy Reese
Advertising Week New York came back for its 19th edition from October 16–19, this time at THE PENN DISTRICT, bringing together the brightest minds in marketing, advertising, media, and tech. With an immersive and interactive program, attendees had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, discover new trends and network with professionals from around the world.
From inspiring keynotes to insightful panels, the event united entrepreneurs and creators in such a unique way.

Penni Love-Harper, Tammy Reese, Sherri Shepherd, and LaKisa Renee at Ad Week
On Day 1 at the Equality Lounge® during Advertising Week New York, a panel discussion featuring Sherri Shepherd, Host of The Sherri Show took place. NYWIFT members Tammy Reese, LaKisa Renee, and Penni Love-Harper sat front row to learn from and to engage in the conversation.
During the panel, The Emmy and NAACP award-winning host and comedian Sherri Shepherd sat down with BigCommerce’s Tom Bourdon to discuss how she reinvigorated daytime TV while living her dream and leading by example on her hit talk show Sherri. She was joined by her Executive Producer Jawn Murray and SVP of Brand Partnerships Karen Bonck. Sherri and her team provided insight on bringing their winning feel-good formula to TV every day and how that creates a rich environment for brands to thrive.

Penni Love-Harper, LaKisa Renee, Sherri Shepherd, Tammy Reese, and Yvette Green
After the panel, NYWIFT Members Tammy, LaKisa, and Penni introduced themselves and discussed their involvement with NYWIFT to Sherri. The conversation among the four New York Women in Film and Television led to Sherri personally inviting them to her live talk show the very next morning. Upon arrival the ladies were given VIP Style access which included priority entrance into the studio, front row seating, and backstage access. Our NYWIFT members were spotted numerous times on live tv during The Sherri Show!
What a remarkable way to represent our organization ladies! Job well done!
Catch them in the front row:
Related Posts
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 MORENYWIFT at Tribeca Festival: “APART” Animated Short Explores Friendship, Courage, and the Human Cost of Division
At the 25th Anniversary of the Tribeca Festival, the Shorts Program curated by Whoopi Goldberg delivered a powerful lineup of animated storytelling that continues to expand the boundaries of the medium. One of the standout selections, APART, made its world premiere at Spring Studios, offering audiences a deeply emotional lens into apartheid-era South Africa through the eyes of two young boys whose friendship is tested by a divided world. Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee bring us exclusive interviews with writer Spike Lee and director Pola Maneli.
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 MORE
Tammy Reese is CEO of Visionary Minds PR & Media, and a New York award winning Actress, Writer, and Journalist.
Comments are closed