Get to know us!

Meet the foundHers

We're Christi Somers (formerly Chiello) and Hope D! Combined, we have decades of experience in entertainment, higher education, and career counseling.  We started The LaughtHER Collective to create an accessible space for womxn+ to explore their comedic voices!

Our unique and encouraging co-teaching approach makes stand up comedy approachable and supportive. Our classrooms ensure that every voice, from the quirky to the quiet, gets it's chance to shine in the spotlight.

We’re also proud to be Outreach Coordinators and Teaching Artists for Laughing Together! Created by Chris Gethard and Wellness Together, Laughing Together uses the power of comedy to support mental health advocacy in schools!

With Laughing Together, we have had incredible experiences working with sports teams, high school students and campers at the Double H Ranch. We will be participating in the annual Student Mental Wellness Conference this fall in Anaheim California and look forward to bringing our amazing workshops to more school communities!


  • Founder

    Christi Somers is a stand up comedian and comedy educator!

    She made her television debut on Comedy Central's Roast Battle, opposite legend Jimmy Carr and has been featured on:

    • Comedy Central Stand Up Featuring

    • This Joka presented by Will Smith

    • TruTV's Rachel Dratch's Late Night Snack & Comedy Knockout

    • Kevin Hart's LOL Network

    • Chris Gethard Presents

    • IFC's Comedy Crib.

    Christi was named a 'New Face of Comedy' at the International Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. Her one woman show at Joe's Pub was featured in the NY Times and hailed a “must see comedy event” by Time Out New York.

    Christi is an accomplished voice over artist, currently featured on PBS's 'Pinkalicious and Peterrific' & Adult Swim's 'Teenage Euthanasia.'

    Christi has taught on a collegiate level at Sarah Lawrence College, Muhlenberg College and Hunter College before creating The LaughtHER Collective with Hope D! Christi also works with the NYC-based nonprofit Stand Up! Girls and the California-based nonprofit Laughing Together!

    Christi is currently the opening act for Nicole Byer on her national theater tour!

  • Founder

    Hope is a comedian and comedy educator based right outside of Philly.

    Since 2022, Hope has helped students land coveted jobs on Showtime, Netflix, Saturday Night Live and various humor publications.

    Hope has been featured in:

    • Time Out New York

    • WNYC

    • and Broadway World

    ...for her thoughtful moderation of the New York Comedy Festival’s ‘Women in Comedy’ panel at The Stand.

    Hope obtained their Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Manhattan College in 2019. They have extensive experience in higher education, career counseling and non profit sectors. Along with a B.A. in Psychology, minors in Black Studies & Disaster Studies at SUNY New Paltz, Hope was awarded the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence 2011.

    Hope has comprehensive comedy training from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater and The People’s Improv Theatre where they studied stand up, improvisation, and sketch comedy both performance and writing.

    Hope went on to be selected for the NY Underground Comedy Festival’s Diversity Showcase and has performed on dozens of stages in NYC and the greater New England area.

    Hope is proud to be working with Laughing Together, bridging humor with mental health!

We are thrilled to welcome new additions to our TLC team. Their contributions have been vital to our success in these first few years and we are eternally grateful!!

MEET OUR TEAM

Based in Copenhagen and currently residing in Spain, Ro has a background in Corporate Communication & has worked for impact companies all over the world, from London to Nairobi. When she’s not workshopping her incredibly sharp material at local indie shows, you can find her organizing participation in major literary festivals such as the Frankfurt Book Fair and Festival du Livre de Paris.

Røskva Richardt (“Ro”) - Tech WhisperHER

Jiana a dynamic actress and comedian based in New York City. With a sharp wit and a unique perspective, she delves into personal topics with humor and honesty. Jiana began her comedy journey at The LaughtHER Collective, where she honed her skills on stage at The Stand. Her commitment to honesty and inclusivity in her work makes her a standout voice that inspires audiences and fellow performers alike.

Jiana Lopez - Social Media SorcerHER