Last year, I was inspired by localized campaigns from India. Getting that cultural nuance that still telegraphs outside the region taps into a keen insight. Plus, it’s extremely creative! We are still waiting for more goodies to come in for this year’s competition.
Here’s the full Q & A:
1.This is your inaugural year at the helm of the NYF Health Awards, what excites you the most?
Jen Vizina: I have enjoyed getting to know so many people over the past year and that is the most rewarding – building relationships with our agency partners. The Jury Chairs especially have made my first year such an incredible experience along with the wonderful group that said YES to our Executive Jury. It’s so satisfying to create the space for collaboration in this manner. Plus, it’s an honor to hear about the work directly from the teams and see the spark of insight and creativity.
2.What has stood out to you in entries from India, have you noticed any creative trends or breakthroughs?
Jen Vizina: Last year, I was inspired by localized campaigns from India. Getting that cultural nuance that still telegraphs outside the region taps into a keen insight. Plus, it’s extremely creative! We are still waiting for more goodies to come in for this year’s competition. [Final Deadline Oct. 24!]
3.What types of healthcare, wellness, or pharma campaigns are emerging from India?
Jen Vizina: With rising health awareness and smartphone penetration, campaigns can be more engaging with focused patient-centric strategies allowing for more conversational work rather than heavy clinical messaging. And with more consumer-centric work, it creates a broader base of awareness which then leads to less stigma to discuss conditions, such as mental health and other diseases that might carry that weight.
4.Tell us how you recruit the creative leaders from India.
Jen Vizina: We have some very enthusiastic brand ambassadors in India who have judged with us over the years whom we worked with to find out who they knew and respected in India. We review the credentials of those recommendations and start communication with them to see if we are a fit. From there, we hope our relationship grows, and they refer us to other talented people in the business. This year’s Shortlist Jurors from India include Lyndon Louis, National Creative Director at Exicon Group, John Mathew, Executive Vice President – McCann Health at McCann Health, an IPG Health Company, and Alok Saini, Creative Manager at ZS Creative & Communications.
5.NYF Health has a two-step jury process, starting with the international online Shortlist Jury. How do you find and recruit top creative talent for this global judging panel?
Jen Vizina: We are very lucky to have so much history in the industry that the long line of Jury members refer talented people to us and we branch out from there. We also are grateful to the creatives who enthusiastically share about themselves on LinkedIn! We comb through agencies, articles and profiles to identify smart, engaged and community-minded folks who want to be a part of something outside of their own work.
6.How do you choose the Chairs for each Executive Jury panel? What makes someone a strong Chair?
Jen Vizina: A strong Chair is a combination of being a keen observer of creativity, a team leader and a collaborator with New York Festivals and the Executive Jury. We really appreciate working with Chairs who not only create dynamic work but who are able to identify it and celebrate it no matter who made it. It’s also nice to partner with folks who enjoy amplifying what we are up to at NYF Health and encouraging people to take a look at us if they haven’t considered us in the past.
7.What new categories reflect the evolving healthcare, wellness, and pharma advertising landscape?
Jen Vizina: This year we borrowed from our sister competition to add NYF’In Funny. That is definitely something we see evolving in this sector – permission to use humor even when it’s about disease awareness. Sometimes a little wink helps people feel seen and when paired with messaging that can lead to solutions, it helps people hold onto hope.
8.What is the ROI for entering the NYF Health Awards and why should someone consider entering this year?
Jen Vizina: The ROI is not always tangible. The ROI for entering the NYF Health Awards doesn’t just show up as a direct line on your revenue sheet. It shows up in the way your work is perceived, the clients you attract, the talent you retain [and attract], and the doors that open because your work has been recognized at the highest level. One extra client, one successful pitch, or one standout hire can more than offset the entry cost, and the reputation benefit compounds year over year.
And even if your campaign isn’t a trophy winner or shortlisted, entering the NYF Health Awards delivers ROI. The process of curating and submitting your work sharpens how you tell your story and gets the team to get that case study done for pitches! Plus, the exposure to global jurors and peers puts your brand on the radar in powerful ways. Entering is an investment in your team’s pride and visibility. It says your work belongs in the global conversation about what’s next in health and wellness creativity!
9.Which trend in healthcare, wellness, or pharma advertising excites you the most this year?
Jen Vizina: What excites me most in healthcare advertising right now is seeing specialists step into influencer roles, connecting with audiences in ways that feel authentic and trusted. I’m equally thrilled by the spotlight on underrepresented women’s health issues bringing attention to topics that have long been ignored.
10.NYF’s Lady Liberty Leadership Program supports women in advertising through mentorship and networking in NYC. Tell us more about what inspired its creation, and how have participants benefited from it?
Jen Vizina: The New York Festivals Lady Liberty Leadership Program is an exclusive initiative designed to empower high-potential women in advertising. Launched in 2025, the program is designed to empower high-potential women in advertising, providing them with mentorship, leadership insights, and meaningful connections through programming such as workshops, panels and masterclasses.
Industry Insights: Engage with thought leaders on topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, sustaining creativity without burnout, and the importance of mentorship.
Mentorship Opportunities: Connect with seasoned professionals who offer guidance and support for career growth.
Networking: Build meaningful connections with peers and industry leaders, fostering a supportive community.
Ongoing Engagement: Access to a professional network for continued mentorship and participation in industry events.