03/13/2026
The New York Festivals Lady Liberty Leadership Program exists for one reason: the creative industry cannot afford to keep losing brilliant female talent.
Following a successful launch year, NYF is introducing the Lady Liberty Advisory Board to help guide the program’s next chapter and strengthen the pipeline for women across the creative industry.
Lady Liberty is designed to support women at the career moments where the industry too often loses them:
• Emerging talent breaking into the industry
• Mid to senior level women stepping into leadership
• Women returning to the industry after maternity leave or layoffs
“The creative industry loses too much brilliant female talent simply because life happens. It’s time we fix that pipeline. These critical career transitions are often the loneliest. With Lady Liberty, we are making a promise: whether you are starting out, leading the room, or returning to the fold, you won’t have to navigate it alone. We have a platform, together with a friendly face, just for you. It’s an absolute honor to lead this charge.”
— Daniela Varela, Group Creative, NYF Lady Liberty Board Chair
Daniela Varela, Group Creative Director, Weber Shandwick
Damasia Merbilhàa, Global Head of Agency Partners, Omnicom Advertising
Lenore Moritz, Founder of momentum leadership coaching firm
