NYF Lady Liberty Leadership Program is an initiative of the New York Festivals designed to empower women in advertising through mentorship, learnings, and meaningful connections in the vibrant heart of NYC.
There can never be enough channels for creating safer spaces for women to connect and expand their knowledge, hone their leadership skills and find their own voice all while growing their network base. That’s what we hope to create. Welcome!
Overview
In a world where collaboration fuels success, the Lady Liberty Program aims to create an inclusive environment where women can share experiences, gain insights, and expand their networks—because every voice matters, and every connection counts.
We believe in the power of community, so our program is not just about learning; it’s about forging bonds with fellow creatives, sharing stories, and supporting each other on the journey.
Inspired by the enduring symbol of Lady Liberty herself—strength, vision, and welcome—the program is envisioned as a tiered experience that supports women across all stages of their careers.
From emerging talent to seasoned leaders, each level of the program is shaped to provide opportunities for growth, leadership development, and network-building. With flexibility at its core, the program can be tailored to meet the evolving needs of partners who share our values.
Together, we envision building more than a leadership program—we want to be part of a movement that honors creativity, champions equity, and empowers women to take on more leadership and while feeling energized to be in this industry.
Past events
The Lady Liberty Leadership Program kick-off event featured a one-day event with six specialized speakers. Participants with five to eight years of agency experience were nominated by their peers from past New York Festival Jury members and award winners.
The attendees not only gained insight from the thoughtful topics that aligned with their career trajectory but to find each other in the most human way in a small group.
Hosted at 7 WTC, an exclusive space with an incredible view of the city, the event was held in March to coincide with International Women’s Day. Participants connected via their social networks and created their own chat groups to stay in touch with each other throughout the year.
Social Hour Sponsored
By The Weber Shandwick Collective
The Journey from Self-Doubt to Empowerment
The day of talks reflected on the journey of creative leadership: beginning with claiming one's story, overcoming doubt, sustaining the spark, relying on others, pushing through discomfort, and ultimately becoming a force that uplifts others.
In addition to connecting with presenters and gaining direct LinkedIn access to industry leaders, participants are invited to join one of NYF’s prestigious Shortlist Juries—whether in Advertising, Health, or AME (strategy)—granting them unique industry insights and influence. Plus, as alumni, they’ll be invited to future gatherings to reconnect, network, and continue building bonds with their Lady Liberty peers.
Event photos
Increasing personal and professional presence with more visibility online.
Growing personally and professionally within unique groups and teams.
Increasing insight to advocacy tools that drive internal change within company policies to better address the needs of women.
Speakers
Tina Cervera
Executive Creative Leadership
Topic Earn Your Story
Marina Cuesta
Group Creative Director, Regional Co-Leader Círculo Creativo USA
Topic The Team for Your Solo: The Importance of Mentorship
Maddy kramer
Creative Director
Dentsu
Topic Finding Your Voice: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome through Passion Projects
Daniela Varela
Group Creative Director
The Weber Shandwick Collective
Topic Wearing Out Your Shoes: Why Growth Hurts and How to be Comfortable with It
Damasia Merbilhaa
Vice President, Latin America
TBWA\Worldwide
Topic Fire Always Needs O2: How to Keep the Creative Spark Alive without Burning Out
Amy Fortunato
VP, Group Creative Director
KLICK Health
Topic Empowered Women Empower Women
Lady Liberty Leadership Program Mentee Jury
As part of the NYF Lady Liberty Leadership Mentor Program, mentees are invited to join a New York Festivals Shortlist Jury. This unique opportunity offers a step into the world of judging early in the creative career span.
mentee jury
Alex Edmondson
VP Associate Creative Director, Copy
TBWA\WORLDHEALTH
Kristine Brown
Associate Creative Director
KLICK Health, New York
Mackenzie Keck
ACD
Art Code and Theory
Marisol Acuna
Copywriter
Dieste, Inc.
Amber McDonald
Associate Creative Director
Publicis
Sarika Persaud
Designer
MRM Health
Samantha Karasinski
Creative Senior Art Director
Dentsu
Arielle Henley
Senior Copywriter
MRM
Check out this invitation from Daniela Varela, Group Creative Director at The Weber Shandwick Collective who is the Lead Creative Mentor of this collaborative initiative with NYF.