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The New York Women in Communications, Inc. (NYWICI) held its ninth annual Ladies Who Laugh fundraiser Tuesday evening to benefit NYWICI’s Foundation Scholarship Program. Caroline’s on Broadway hosted the event, during which attendees enjoyed the comedienne talent and purchased raffle tickets in support of the NYWICI Foundation.
President of the NYWICI Foundation, Linda Descano, greeted and reminded the audience that, although it was about laughing out loud, the evening’s underlying purpose was to raise awareness of the next generation of female communicators.
President Linda Descano and Downtown reporter Nisha Stickles (All photos: Courtesy of Jasemin Zacharko)
Descano expressed the importance of providing young women the resources to succeed in the communications field.
“We’re committed to connecting women across the entire journey and giving them the tools to helping them realize their potential,” Descano said. “We’re looking at how we can help our members understand the power of the membership empowerment grants, and how we can help them continue to develop themselves.”
Following Descano’s welcome, Emcee Robyn Schall opened the entertainment with remarks about the inconvenience of tiny New York apartments. Schall continued the jokes, focusing on her unromantic encounters with men in the city and perceptions of body weight.
The laughs continued with writer and correspondent, Aparna Nancherla, along with television host and staff writer Phoebe Robinson; actress Brooke Van Poppelen; and New York Times journalist Rachel Dry.
The announcement for raffle winners concluded the night. Prizes included four tickets to Radio City’s show, a $500 gift card to the Bliss Spa, a VIP meet and greet with Dr. Oz, among others.
Proceeds from the event went towards funding the Foundation’s scholarships in the tri-state area to future female leaders in communications. Annual scholarships range from $2,5000 to $10,000, and offer opportunities for mentorship for students and entry-level professionals.
Co-Chair for Ladies Who Laugh, Alexandra Osten, with Co-Vice Presidents of Student Affairs Lori Greene and Brittany Hennessy
NYWICI’s Co-Vice President of Student Affairs, Lori Greene, elaborated on the audience’s support for the Foundation’s scholarship program.
“We have a lot of people supporting this event from the media field: HBO, the New York Times, Citi Bank,” Greene said. “NYWICI is an amazing organization, and I’ve been part of many different organizations. [NYWICI is] so warm and so welcoming. There are very smart people, very high-level people who are dedicated to giving back.”
To align with the mission to empower women in communications, comedienne Brooke Van Poppelen targeted her performance towards the crowd of awesome leaders.
Van Poppelen performing
Van Poppelen has worked with male comedic heavyweights, including John Oliver and Craig Ferguson, and often found herself as the lone comedienne in many situations. Despite having a “really positive experience… it doesn’t blind [Van Poppelen] to the fact that other people don’t have a positive experience.
She believes that some women don’t enjoy comedy because of the limited content written to uplift and commiserate women.
“I’ve always felt bad for women who get dragged to comedy shows where it’s just a male bashing other women in his set,” Van Poppelen said.
Although Van Poppelen “[jumps] at the chance to connect with smart, New York City women,” the self-proclaimed feminist tries to make her comedy accessible to both men and women.
“I always try to find the sweet spot to make men laugh as much as women because there’s a little something for everyone,” Van Poppelen said.
Comedy used in promotion of communications in New York City may seem random, but the relationship between two fields is quite simple: both try to communicate messages. Whether they be humorous or news-worthy, these messages take a determination to convey.
Van Poppelen poses with the newest issue of DOWNTOWN
Van Poppelen had advice for aspiring comediennes, but her words resonate to anyone, regardless of gender and career pursuits.
“I think sometimes when you’re younger in your career you can self-censor,” Van Poppelen said.
However, Van Poppelen encouraged young professionals to be bold and take advantage of the available content online to learn and gain confidence in their craft.
Van Poppelen said, “if you believe in it and it’s your truth you can be bold about it.”
– by Nisha Stickles