The NYWIFT fall membership drive is almost over. So, it’s a perfect time to check in with new member Imoya Monroque and find out why she joined NYWIFT.
Imoya, would you tell us a bit about your acting career?
I am a member of SAG/AFTRA and have appeared in several national commercials and TV shows and pilots, such as Ugly Betty and Law & Order. I’ve worked on a number of feature films too—most recently, Protocon, Stranger in Paradise, and Can a Song Save Your Life. I also do some modeling and have been featured in several US and international magazines, including Essence.
What motivated you to join NYWIFT?
In 2011, I wrote a marketing plan to take my acting career to the next level. I realized that being a union member was not enough for me. This is a lonely career, and I wanted to be part of a creative group of people who were writers, directors, and producers to collaborate with and learn from.
I heard about NYWIFT from a friend who had attended some workshops and told me about the tremendous opportunity for networking with women working in the business.
You joined NYWIFT as a Gold Member. Why did you choose that membership level?
At a screening of Nigerian films in 2013, I met a NYWIFT board member who explained that for just a few dollars more monthly, I could be become a Gold Member. This level would entitle me to attend most events at no cost, unlike basic membership. I think this is a bargain.
What do you hope to get out of your involvement with the NYWIFT community?
Joining NYWIFT has been one of the most important career decisions I have made lately. I have access to new information, and I love attending the workshops and screenings, and the new connections I have made. The members are welcoming, and some of the people I have met have even invited me to participate in their projects.
Join NYWIFT by Wednesday (December 4, 2013) and get 50% off the initiation fee (usually $135, reduced to $67.50). Already a member? Encourage your friends and colleagues to join. The member who refers the most applicants during the drive will receive 5 free raffle tickets at the Muse Awards this year.
Maura Kelly serves on NYWIFT’s Board of Directors as the Vice President of Membership and Committee Chair.
nywift
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Marianna Olinger
Welcome to NYWIFT, Marianna Olinger! Marianna is an artist, producer, strategist, and visionary who evaluates media projects for their potential impact on society and social change. Marianna worked as lead impact producer for two Oscar-shortlisted documentaries, including The Territory (Sundance, Peabody, Emmy winner). As co-director at Earth Alliance, Marianna proclaims: ‘I am nature, and nature is in me.’ In our interview, she reflects on the pilot initiative, Indigenous Impact Alliance, through Doc Society's Climate Story Unit, and her work as co-producer of the short documentary Sankofa. Read on to learn about the work Marianna’s most excited to bring to life next.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Helen Huang
Welcome to NYWIFT, Helen Huang! Helen Huang (Haitong Huang) is a New York–based creative director, filmmaker, and curator working across film, moving image, and immersive media. She has served as Creative Director for the SOHO International Film Festival and is a core member of Vermilions Theater. Her work explores how cinematic storytelling evolves across new formats, bridging traditional film language with emerging technologies. A fellow at the Harvard Innovation Lab, she has received multiple international awards, with her work featured in Forbes, ELLE, and Harvard Gazette.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Kaia Goudreau
Welcome to NYWIFT, Kaia Goudreau! Kaia Goudreau is a filmmaker and photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. She studied filmmaking and writing at Sarah Lawrence College, cultivating a focus on stories that explore life’s in-between moments—aging, change, and quiet rituals. Kaia is developing a short film slated for production later this year and collaborating with director Linda Yellen on features in development and casting. She has also contributed to creative projects in France and Ireland, expanding her visual lens. Whether narrative or documentary, her work lingers on subtle moments that reveal depth and character. In our interview, Kaia discusses her inspiration and background in filmmaking, as well as her exciting upcoming projects.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Elliana Bertrand
Welcome to NYWIFT, Elliana Bertrand! Elliana is a New York–based producer, assistant director, and script supervisor working across film and television. A graduate of the inaugural cohort at NYU Tisch’s Martin Scorsese Virtual Production Center, she produced her thesis film The Feather, a Viking short shot exclusively on an LED volume. Over the past year, she has worked in the film unit at Saturday Night Live and contributed to a range of feature films and commercial projects, including a recent Netflix production. A dedicated moviegoer and advocate for the theatrical experience, Elliana has a particular love for Giallo cinema. Alongside her work in the industry, she is completing her Pilates teacher certification, bringing a refined understanding of movement, rhythm, and choreography into her approach to flow and precision on set. In our interview, she discussed her journey into assistant directing, the lessons she’s learned working in production, and the projects she hopes to explore in the future.
READ MORE
