Founder & Festival Director

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.

Brand Ambassador

Our brand ambassador, Mugga, is a testament to the extraordinary talent we celebrate. A Brooklyn native and veteran actress, comedian, and writer, Mugga has toured internationally, performing in the US, UK, Europe, and the Caribbean. Her credits include performances at top comedy clubs like Caroline's on Broadway, Gotham Comedy Club, and Stand Up NY, and television stand-up appearances on Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam, BET's Comic View, and BBC4's Club Class. A SAG Award-winning actress, Mugga has been part of the ensemble cast of "Orange is the New Black" and has appeared in "Manifest," "Blue Bloods," "Power," "Girls 5eva," and "Homeland." Her film credits include "The First Purge," "Precious," and "Honor Among Thieves." Mugga’s mission to be a positive influence extends beyond comedy to all aspects of the arts, with a particular emphasis on uplifting Black women.

Communications Director

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!

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.

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.