Insurance 101 was an educational session presented by Jonathan K. Gray and Jalen Vasquez of Freelancers Union, designed to demystify insurance for independent workers. The session covered why freelancers need insurance, how it works, and how to choose the right plan. It provided an overview of essential coverages including professional liability, disability, term life, health, and dental insurance. Participants also learned about group vs. individual plans and discovered the resources, discounts, and community spaces available through Freelancers Union to support their independent careers.

Session Takeaway:
Participants left with a clear understanding of the unique risks freelancers face and the insurance options that can protect their income, health, and business. They gained practical knowledge on evaluating policies, knowing what coverage is necessary, and accessing affordable plans and exclusive member resources to help them work independently with greater security and confidence.

Speakers:
Jalen Vasquez
-Director of Freelancers Hub
-Worked with the Union for 6 years
-Organize all of our events
-Fellow freelancer of 9 years
-Work in graphic, web & toy design and recently also photography and social media management

Jonathan K. Gray
-Director of Benefits and Member Services
-14 years of insurance experience
-Worked with the Union for 7 years
-NJ Realtor/Notary
-Commercial Real Estate/Business Lending

Moderator:
Vivian Connolly - CEO/Executive Producer, Phosphene/ PNYA Chair. Before co-founding Phosphene in 2008, Vivian Connolly was Head of Production at Edgeworx Inc. where she oversaw all production and worked closely with Visual Effects Supervisor and now business partner John Bair on projects including Synecdoche New York, Chicago 10, The Universe, and Peabody winner Judgment Day.

Vivian has led strategic planning for Phosphene’s expansion and growth, including a hands-on approach to building a diverse, creative and collaborative team. Vivian has used her wide range of production and post-production experience to develop new approaches to the management side of the VFX industry, resulting in a more streamlined and efficient workflow.

Under Vivian’s leadership, Phosphene has teamed up with HBO, Apple TV, Disney, FOX, Sony, A24, Dreamworks, Paramount, Universal, CBS, ABC, FX, HULU, Warner Bros., Netflix, Amazon, Showtime and Cinemax. Phosphene has received Two VES nominations, one VES Award as well as three Emmy Award nominations.

Phosphene’s recent projects include: Babygirl, Daredevil, Rebel Ridge, Maestro, Tick Tick Boom, In The Heights, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Succession.

Vivian is a lifelong activist, the proud new chair of the Post New York Alliance, the even prouder mother of two mini activists, and an (almost) native New Yorker by way of Mexico City.