Celebrating Women in Entertainment: Five Towns College Honors Women’s History Month
At Five Towns College, Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate and elevate the voices of women in the entertainment industry. For the third consecutive year, students from the FTC Business Club took the lead in organizing the annual Women in Entertainment Panel—a dynamic and inspiring event that brings together accomplished women in a male-dominated field to share their experiences, challenges, and insights.
Women in Entertainment: Inspiring the Next Generation
This year’s panel featured four distinguished women, each excelling in different sectors of the entertainment industry:
- Starr Fuentes – Multimedia Journalist at Newsday, educator in Media Arts in Brooklyn, and a proud Five Towns College alum.
- Amanda Carey – Assistant Producer at JVC Broadcasting, part-time on-air personality for Party 105, and FTC alum.
- Jillian Weston – Owner and founder of Jillian’s Circus, an online marketing agency, and President of the Social Media Association.
- Vanessa Silberman – Singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, mixer at Label A&R, and owner of Diamond Heart Productions.
Moderated by FTC Business Club Co-Presidents Isabella Green and Sydney Festa, the discussion delved into the realities of being a woman in entertainment. The panelists shared invaluable advice on overcoming obstacles, supporting fellow women in the industry, and staying motivated to achieve success in an ever evolving and competitive landscape.
Success in Business Begins at Five Towns College
From Left: Isabella Green, Sydney Festa, Starr Fuentes, Amanda Carey, Jillian Weston, and Vanessa Silberman
Panels like these are a testament to the hands-on learning experience at Five Towns College. Business students gain real-world exposure by interacting with industry leaders, expanding their networks, and even securing professional opportunities—such as Sydney Festa’s internship with Diamond Heart Productions and Vanessa Silberman, showcasing how these events directly contribute to student career success.
These opportunities would not be possible without the dedication and expertise of the talented women on the FTC faculty. Donna LaTorre, Chair of the Business Division, and Professor Anne Brown, who actively support the FTC Business Club, play instrumental roles in mentoring students and foster their professional development. Their guidance empowers students to take initiative and gain real-world experience in business and entertainment.
The Business Division at FTC offers robust programs tailored for future industry leaders. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management with concentrations in Marketing, Music Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS), Audio Recording Technology, and Business Management. These programs equip students with the tools and expertise to thrive in the entertainment and business sectors.
The FTC Business Club: Hands-On Learning in Action
The FTC Business Club is a dynamic platform where students put their education into practice. Organizing the Women in Entertainment Panel requires meticulous planning—securing speakers, crafting thought-provoking interview questions, coordinating event logistics, and working alongside the Mass Communication Division to ensure professional recording and coverage via The Record Online, FTC’s digital news outlet.
These real-world experiences provide invaluable event management skills, preparing students for leadership roles after graduation. As our co-hosts and club presidents gear up to transition from college to career, they do so armed with practical knowledge, confidence, and a strong professional network.
Collaboration with the Mass Communication Division
Events of this scale are made possible through collaboration with the Mass Communication Division. Held in Studio 400, FTC’s professional television and broadcast studio, the panel was flawlessly executed thanks to a dedicated student production team handling recording, staging, editing, and technical operations with precision and professionalism.
This exceptional collaboration is overseen by Dean of Institutional Technology and Production/Chair of the Communication Division, Thomas Calandrillo and Professor Holli Haerr, Chair of the Mass Communication Department, whose expertise ensures a seamless production process. Additionally, Professor Brigitte Boyle, head of The Record Online and the FTC Sound Stream Radio Station, plays a critical role in providing students with platforms to showcase their work and gain hands-on media experience. Under the leadership of these phenomenal women, FTC students are equipped with the skills and confidence to excel in the media and entertainment industries.
To watch the full panel and learn more about the production team, click here.
Build Your Future at Five Towns College
Students eager to participate in impactful events like the Women in Entertainment Panel can explore the diverse undergraduate programs at FTC. The Mass Communication Department offers concentrations in Broadcasting, Audio Recording Technology, Live Entertainment & Media Production, and Journalism, providing students with the skills to excel in media and entertainment.
At Five Towns College, students don’t just learn about the industry—they experience it firsthand. Through hands-on projects, professional networking, and real-world application, FTC continues to shape the next generation of industry leaders.
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