Our mission at BWIC Laff Fest is threefold – Empowerment, Advocacy, and Community:

Empowerment: We aim to encourage and educate each performer on their journey as comedians. Through workshops and showcases, we unlock their full potential, building and developing their skills in real-time.

Advocacy: We provide services for mental health and wellness outreach, offering in-person and teletherapy funded by grants and sponsorships.

Community: Our goal is to foster a foundational approach to building strong networks across the country. By doing so, we can create a robust legislative framework to support our communities in every region.

The festival has already proven to be a breeding ground for fresh talent, with comedians like Coco Fresh, Reece Cotton, Nonye Brown-West, and Franqi French receiving casting opportunities and auditioning for prestigious events like the Montreal Just For LaughsTM Festival.

Our Mission

Meet the Team

  • Joanna M. Briley

    Founder

    Joanna M. Briley is a NYC-based comedian, actor, writer, and the founder of BWICLF. Fueled by the lack of representation at national comedy festivals and showcases within the NYC comedy scene, Joanna decided it was time to create something that focused on centering funny Black Women. Some of her notable accomplishments include the hit stage performance ‘Swipe This: My Life in Transit!’, innovating Brooklyn House of Comedy, appearances on Bravo TV’s ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen’, and beyond. She is an advisory board member for Stand Up Girls!, Gold Comedy, and Ladies of Comedy Association. Joanna immerses herself in creating, building, and changing the narrative for women of all ethnicities.

  • Frankie Benz

    Executive Producer

    Frankie Benz, the clandestine comedy writer, has been weaving her comedic expertise into her repertoire for over a decade. Skillfully incorporating her background in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Cybersecurity, Frankie has navigated her way through the corporate world, all the while flying under the radar of her executives. Now, this secret comedic genius is enjoying a successful career, performing across the country at renowned venues such as her residency at the Comedy Shop NYC, Live Nation's House of Blues, SoHo House, and Improv.

  • Chrissy Collins

    Communications Manager

    With seven years of experience in journalism and media communications, Chrissy has covered diverse stories globally, including the Gabby Petito case, Capitol Riots, and George Floyd protests. Her expertise in team management and collaboration has been honed through managing communications for the Pan African Chamber of Commerce. As a dedicated storyteller, she is excited to bring her skills to amplify voices within the festival. Let's create impactful narratives together!

  • Ashley Edokpayi

    Branding Consultant

    Ashley is a dynamic multimedia professional with 10+ years of combined experience in branding, storytelling, communications, digital content, and media relations. She is passionate about the intersection of BIPOC cultures, justice movements, and how our lived experiences connect us. Through her creative agency, Bloom Creative, she combines her experiences and knowledge to elevate Black woman-owned brands and to fuel purpose-driven businesses. She is thrilled to bring her expertise to the BWICLF team.

  • Jose Bedoy

    Operations Manager

    Jose Bedoy is a luminary hailing from the vibrant streets of Los Angeles. With his unique brand of chill lo-fi humor, he effortlessly navigates the chaos of life, inviting audiences to revel in the absurdity of our shared human experience. Through his comedic lens, Jose ingeniously transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, leaving laughter in his wake. In a world where comedy meets activism, Jose fearlessly challenges the status quo, advocating for change with his signature wit.

Testimonials

Meka Mo, Comedian

“I’ve participated in the BWICLF two years in a row and each time, I’ve been exposed to clubs I never have been asked to perform at previously and shared, what can only be described as sisterhood with my fellow comedians during our healing circles. It really is a great comedy experience but also feeds the comic soul with connection and sisterhood.”

Donna Lewis, Comedian

“I've been in three BWIC Laffest and was honored to be a "featured" comic in 2023. The experience is very affirming of your talent as a woman comedian, and is absolutely supporting as a BLACK woman in comedy. Whether you're new or a veteran, the connections you make and the networking are worth every moment you're in attendance. I love and commend Joanna for making this space for us!”