Strategic Advisor Taneshia Nash Laird Elevates NJ Film Industry at Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival

MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA — Cultural strategist and civic innovator Taneshia Nash Laird, founder of Thrive Tide Partners, served as strategic advisor for “Filming in the Garden State (FiGS),” an inaugural high-level convening held during the 23rd Annual Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival. Organized by New Jersey Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy, the event brought together leaders across media, government, and the creative economy to spotlight New Jersey’s rising prominence in film and digital media.

At Nash Laird’s recommendation, the event honored:

• Stephanie Tavares-Rance and Floyd A. B. Rance III, co-founders of the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival, with the Trailblazers Award.
• Rhonda Adams-Medina, Global Head of Business Affairs at Audible, with the Garden State Vanguard Award, recognizing her groundbreaking leadership in entertainment dealmaking and cultural innovation.

“When we bring government, artists, and business to the same table, we unlock new models for inclusive growth,” said Nash Laird.

Cultural Strategy and Civic Impact

Nash Laird’s advisory role in the event reflects her deep expertise in cultural economics, public-private partnership, and equitable development. Formerly President & CEO of Newark Symphony Hall, she led the turnaround of the historic New Jersey venue and launched a redevelopment strategy focused on community wealth building.

Now based in Massachusetts, she continues to shape national and regional conversations around arts, culture, and economic inclusion. A gubernatorial appointee to the Massachusetts Cultural Policy Development Advisory Council, Nash Laird also serves on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council’s advisory committee for Greater Boston’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

Her current advisory clients include the Boston Symphony Orchestra and WACO Theater Center in Los Angeles.

Through Thrive Tide Partners, Nash Laird advises governments, cultural institutions, and nonprofit leaders on building sustainable creative ecosystems that center Black excellence, economic justice, and long-term infrastructure.