We caught up with rising star Cortney Renee between her work with Madonna, Tina Fey and Gossip Girl. Here, Cortney dishes on career, philanthrophy and what's next.
When and how did you become a member of www.nycinv.com?
I’ve known about NYCInv for several years and I love the events and charities featured.
Spotted on the set of Gossip Girl, with director Madonna and filming with Tina Fey.... What's next for you?
Right now I am studying with great coaches for the next level in my acting career. I love my new commercial/TV agent, and I have a big meeting today with one of the best agencies in NY for representation with them, so we will see how things turn out. I am also starting to produce, and my first documentary project will begin production this fall. I am having a blast doing what I do, and only hope I can continue!
Tell us about your philanthropic work.My personal brand Cortney Renee was launched to support philanthropic fashion brands in their effort to impact social issues in a creative manner. My blog
www.cortneyrenee.com covers recent additions to this market segment, and shares the stories behind the brands. I love seeing their growth and their impact on the people they exist to serve.
How have your experiences with the charities you support changed your outlook on your own life?My first experience with this realm began with the awareness of sex trafficking brought about through my undergraduate studies. I helped launch the NY –based Stop Child Trafficking Now campaign (www.sctnow.org) and am still involved in the annual walk in NYC. I knew that knowledge required action, and my involvement with this cause drastically affected my understanding of our world and the necessity for each of us to do our part.
I am presently considering the invite to serve on the board of Elevate New York (www.elevatenewyork.org), an organization that endeavors to build long-term, life-changing relationships with Urban Youth. I know there is a great need for outstanding role models for today’s youth.
How do you balance your career and giving back so successfully?I realized that my life purpose was to reflect true beauty: “True beauty comes from a heart that lives to give back”. As long as my personal and professional commitments reflect this purpose, balance will be found.
Who or what has been your greatest inspiration?I’d say my faith has been my greatest inspiration. I believe it’s best to live up to one’s created potential, and a big part of that potential is what you can uniquely give to the world.
In which direction do you plan to take your brand in the future?Well, I am working with a NY firm to launch a project that will make philanthropic brands readily available to the consumers. Launch is expected to take place within the year.
Many people want to do their part for those in need, but don’t know the best way to go about it. What would your advice be to them?Educate yourself. There are hundreds of organizations in New York City alone that need more dedication, commitment, and service. Find a cause close to your heart and ask how you can help advance the world’s betterment. It’s really simple; you just have to want it.
Her favorites: Favorite City? NYC, or anywhere tropical
Travel Destination? St. Barths
Hotel? The Kempinski in Barbaros Bay Bodrum Turkey
Restaurant? Balaboosta in Nolita
Museum or gallery? I’d rather go to Lincoln Center for the opera.
Film? Bella, for the moment at least
Book? Success by Design by Hirsch
Cause(s) closest to your heart? Stop Child Trafficking Now and Elevate
NY Artist? Chris Botti
Bar? The Oak Room
Top 3 songs?Emmanuel by Chris Botti,
Baby I’m a Fool by Melody Gardot,
Pavane by Regina Carter
