NYWIFT Blog

By Shayna Cartledge 

Welcome to NYWIFT, Julie Pham!

Julie Theresin-Pham is a Vietnamese American actor, storyteller, host, writer, producer, and business strategist based in New York City. 

A first-generation immigrant and mother, she creates experiences that bring people together through storytelling, hospitality, and community. Her work explores identity, family, belonging, and human connection across film, performance, and documentary storytelling. 

She trained at the William Esper Studio, graduated from the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) improv training program, serves on the Junior Board of TADA! Youth Theater, and is developing her first documentary, American Daughter: Stories We Carry. 

She is also an active NYWIFT member who values collaboration, mentorship, and connection.

Could you give our readers a brief introduction to yourself?

I’m a Vietnamese American actor, storyteller, host, producer, writer, and business strategist based in New York City. As a first-generation immigrant, much of my work is inspired by identity, family, belonging, and the stories we inherit. Throughout my career, I’ve balanced two passions that are more connected than they might seem: storytelling and creating experiences that help people connect. 

For nearly 15 years, I built my career in technology and real estate at BuildingLink, leading revenue operations, strategic partnerships, and events before joining the hospitality experience platform BubbleTable, where I help shape strategy and growth.

Alongside my business career, I’ve continued working as an actor, host, and content creator. I trained at the William Esper Studio and graduated from the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) improv training program, experiences that strengthened my ability to listen, collaborate, and tell authentic stories. I’m currently developing my first documentary, American Daughter: Stories We Carry, and I also enjoy consulting with brands on customer experience and community engagement. 

Whether I’m on set, interviewing artists, developing a business strategy, or producing a film, my goal is always the same: to create experiences that help people feel seen, spark meaningful conversations, and bring people together through the power of storytelling.

Julie Pham as an On-Camera Host at Modern Sky Music Festival 2014

What brought you to NYWIFT?

I’ve admired NYWIFT for many years because of its commitment to supporting women across every aspect of film, television, and media. The person who finally inspired me to take the plunge was my friend and fellow actor, Sweta Keswani. She invited me to an NYWIFT networking event, introduced me to her friends, and immediately made me feel welcome. I left that evening thinking, “These are my people.” 

As my own career has expanded beyond acting into producing, hosting, writing, documentary development, and business strategy, joining NYWIFT felt like a natural next step. I’m passionate about building creative communities, which is also what drew me to serve on the Junior Board of TADA! Youth Theater. 

I’m excited to learn from fellow NYWIFT members while contributing my own experiences and supporting other women in the industry.

How did your upbringing shape your career endeavors?

Growing up as a first-generation Vietnamese American taught me early on that identity is rarely simple. I often found myself navigating different cultures, expectations, and perspectives, which taught me to see the world through multiple perspectives and made me naturally curious about people and their stories. That curiosity eventually became the foundation of my creative work. 

Whether I’m acting, interviewing someone, or developing a documentary, I’m interested in what connects us beneath our differences. Becoming a mother has deepened that perspective even further, inspiring me to explore the ways family history, culture, and memory shape who we become.

Julie Pham Hosting at Modern Sky Music Festival 2014

What is the most memorable lesson you’ve learned at The William Esper Studio training in the Meisner conservatory program?

One lesson has stayed with me long after leaving the studio: Don’t perform the emotion—live truthfully under the given circumstances. 

Meisner taught me that authentic listening is often more powerful than speaking, and that genuine connection comes from responding honestly to another person rather than trying to control the outcome. That lesson has influenced not only my acting but also my interviewing, hosting, documentary work, and even how I lead teams professionally. Whether I’m in front of a camera or talking with someone about their life, I try to remain present, curious, and genuinely open to what unfolds.

What is the best advice someone has given you that you’ve applied in your life?

The best advice I’ve ever received came from my mom: “Good luck, good love, and good money.” She has a wonderfully practical way of cutting straight to the chase and telling you exactly what you’ll need in this business! 

Over the years, I’ve come to realize she was right. Talent and hard work are essential, but so are timing, meaningful relationships, staying open to opportunity, and building a career that’s creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable. 

Whenever I’m faced with a big decision, I still come back to her simple three-part formula. It’s guided many of my choices, both personally and professionally.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to stop waiting for permission.

For a long time, I believed opportunities would come if I simply worked hard enough. While hard work matters, I’ve learned that it’s equally important to create your own opportunities, ask questions, introduce yourself, and share your ideas before you feel completely ready. Some of the most meaningful experiences in my career have come from taking that first step despite uncertainty. 

I’d also remind her that every experience, even the unexpected ones, becomes part of the story you’re eventually meant to tell.

Connect with Julie Pham via  Actors Access, Instagram @juliephambulous, or on Facebook. 

(All images courtesy of Julie Pham)