Meet The Team

Founder & Executive Director

Vanessa Grek

Vanessa is a media executive and serial entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in journalism and content strategy, including leadership roles at Bloomberg and TheStreet. She founded New York Female Founders to create a powerful, collaborative space where women building companies can access meaningful connections, strategic support, and real opportunities for growth. As Executive Director, she leads the organization’s vision, programming, and long-term development.

Treasurer

Atiya Sharmin

Atiya oversees NYFF’s financial management and accountability. She manages budgeting, banking, financial reporting, and ensures the organization maintains responsible fiscal practices to support sustainable growth and transparency.

Partnerships & Sponsorships Lead

Mareella D'Arcy

Mareella leads brand partnerships and sponsorship development for NYFF. She builds strategic relationships with aligned companies and organizations to support programming, events, and long-term community growth.

Secretary

Wida Lucas

Wida maintains NYFF’s official records and organizational documentation. She oversees meeting minutes, governance records, and compliance materials to ensure operational integrity and alignment with nonprofit standards.