New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) has named its new Executive Director. The gender equality advocacy group’s Board of Directors announced Cynthia López would be taking on the role. The Emmy and Peabody winner will be succeeding current Exec Director Terry Lawler effective January 1.
López’s new position will see her leading NYWIFT initiatives and handling daily operations, such as advocacy, fundraising, programming, special events, membership, and outreach, with the Board of Directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cynthia López as NYWIFT’s newest Executive Director,” said Board President Simone Pero. “Cynthia’s proven talent at fostering community, building organizational and governmental partnerships, plus her outstanding fundraising abilities and a deep commitment to equality in all areas of entertainment, align perfectly with NYWIFT’s storied 40-year history and our vision for the future of the organization.” She continued, “We are immensely grateful to Terry Lawler for her leadership these past two decades, and look forward to Cynthia guiding NYWIFT as we continue to serve and expand our membership, grow organizationally, and heighten the call for parity in the rapidly changing moving image industry.”
López stated, “Women have repeatedly earned their rightful place in our society, government, media, and the economy. The recent electoral victories in Congress are exceptional examples, where, for the first time ever, more than 100 Congresswomen will be sworn in come January 2019. This is an inspiration to women in all areas of the film and television industry who are standing up for gender equity, equal pay, and safer work environments.” She added, “I am primed for the challenges that lay ahead of us, while also galvanized by the secured victories, and look forward to developing new initiatives in support of women working in media.”
López has previously worked as the Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, and as Executive Vice President and co-executive producer of PBS’ “POV” series. She’s a founder of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and is on the boards of Latino Public Broadcasting and Manhattan Neighborhood Network. She’s also held board seats on the Paley Center, NYC & Company, Museum of the Moving Image, and the Tribeca Film Institute Latin America Fund.
Throughout her career, López has won 11 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, a Special Emmy Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking, three Peabodys, two duPont-Columbia Awards, and NALIP’s Award for Commitment to Corporate Diversity.
