Sandi Klein's Conversations With Creative Women

We are simply thrilled to welcome Anne Geddes to the CWCW family. Australian-born, New York City based, Anne, has the distinction of being one of the world's most recognized photographers. She is best known for her elaborately staged photos of infants, capturing the purity, beauty and vulnerability of her young subjects. Anne's body of work, which includes 7 award winning coffee table books, calendars, greeting cards and journals, has been published in 84 countries and translated into 24 languages. Anne was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame and is a Global Advocate for Children, advocating for the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

She’s back...and we couldn’t be more excited! So much has happened in the life of Yilian Canizares since our first conversation a while ago. This multi-talented violinist, vocalist and composer makes beautiful music by artfully blending jazz, classical music and her Afro-Cuban roots with her unique voice. She’s also an artist with a social conscience and to that end, has been invited to perform during the United Nations World Oceans day on June 8, 2021. For this very special occasion, Yilian will perform Yemaya, her own composition, which pays tribute to the West African Goddess of the Sea. Sit back and enjoy another powerful conversation with this classy, committed, creative woman!

Kimberly Greenbergim has been dubbed the "go-to-gal" for Fanny Brice, the legendary Jewish comedienne, stage and movie star, and the inspiration for the hit film, Funny Girl. Kim's solo show, "Fabulous Fanny: The Songs & Stories of Fanny Brice," has been playing across the country for 9 years and is now streaming on the STELLAR platform. She has performed across the U.S. in national tours, Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, regional theater, and cabarets and also happens to be one of the Top 10 Performing Arts Coaches. 

Ladies and Gentlemen: Meet Jo Weldon! A pioneer/authority in the neo-burlesque movement, she is one of the most recognized burlesque instructors in the world. Jo founded the New York School of Burlesque in 2004 after spending some 30 years stripping, modeling and being immersed in queer-punk movements. She's the author of The Burlesque Handbook and Fierce: The History of Leopard Print. Jo's Sex Worker Style project addresses fashion, gender, stigmatization and the policing of feminized bodies. We can't wait for you to meet this ballsy, talented, classy mover and shaker!

Professor, activist, author, editor, Johanna Fernandez, PhD, teaches 20th Century U.S. History and the history of social movements at Baruch College City University of New York. Her book, “The Young Lords: A Radical History,” chronicles the Puerto Rican counterpart to the Black Panther Party. Dr. Fernandez filed a freedom of Information lawsuit against the New York Police Department, which led to the recovery of the largest repository of police surveillance records in the country, including those of Malcolm X. You can't afford to miss our 'no holds barred' conversation with this passionate, accomplished, inspirational 'force of nature.'

New York-based Brazilian jewelry designer Cristina Duarte Veronese is a force to be reckoned with. Her one-of-a-kind, innovative, geometrically-designed earrings, necklaces, pins, rings, and bracelets in sterling silver and gold jewelry combine all aspects of today's changing lifestyles. Created and produced in her Brooklyn studio, Cristina's jewelry is on display at Studio duArte, her store in Manhattan's East Village.

Jane Monheit makes beautiful music. Acclaimed as one of the quintessential jazz/pop vocalists of her generation, she has performed here, there and everywhere and has collaborated with Michael Buble, Wynton Marsalis, John Pizzarelli and Ramsey Lewis. Jane's newest album,"Come What May," (available through Club44 Records), celebrates her 20th year as a top recording artist. We know you're going to love Jane....come what may!

Gina Barreca is truly a force of nature. She's written 10 books, edited 11 others, and her work has been translated into several languages. Her latest - FAST FUNNY WOMEN - is a collection of 75 nonfiction essays written by women ages 20 to 89 and includes a whole host of accomplished females. Gina's been featured on CNN, PBS, 20/20, 48 Hours, The Today Show, Oprah and was interviewed for the highly acclaimed PBS series for its profile of Mae West. A full-time academic, Gina teaches at the University of Connecticut and is an honoree of the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame. It won't take long for you to become a big GB fan!

Activist, Certified Life Coach, Professional Astrologer. It's not often these professions are part of the same resume, but they all describe Tracey Rogers. We cover a lot of ground in this wide-ranging conversation: from Tracey's tireless commitment to combat racial injustice and gender inequality, to learning how astrology can empower us to live empowered lives. This is one CWCW you cannot miss!

Artist, sculptor, weaver, print maker, quilter, performance artist, lecturer, educator, MacArthur Fellowship recipient, Joyce Scott is all of the above! Well known for her work in jewelry, glass, and beadwork, she has been called the "Queen of Beadwork." Joyce is renowned for her social commentary on issues such as racism, classism, sexism, violence and cultural stereotypes. Her work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions all over. Join us for a no-holds barred, fascinating conversation with this 'force of nature.'

Creative girls usually grow up to be creative women and we're betting that's exactly what's in store for Abby Ackerman. The 4th grader has her own podcast, PW KIDS 11050, which includes the zip code of her Long Island, New York town. When Abby's not in school or interviewing, she enjoys cooking, playing sports, video games, reading, hanging with her friends and 'fighting' with her twin sister and younger brother. We guarantee you'll come away from this conversation, blown away by this engaging, funny, self-assured dynamo!

Creativity is what Whitney Bolster's all about. She's the Founder and CEO of Ampersand, a female-led, mission-driven creative brand agency. And as such, Ampersand is, "defying the odds merely by existing and is dedicated to making space for more women to get involved in the industry. The female perspective is gaining on the world and we are here for it." Who could argue with that? Lots to talk about with mover and shaker Whitney Bolster!

Barely in her 20s, Ruby Locknar has a lot of creative credits to her name. She's an actor, technical director, and podcast host. Her theater credits include a national tour with TheaterWorks USA, multiple recordings with Kristen Chenoweth and Alice Cooper, among others. Ruby's technical production work includes "Jim Caruso's Pajama Cast Party," and "Virtual Halston" with actress Julie Halston, for which she won a BroadwayWorld Award for Best Producer of a Virtual Program. We know you're going to really enjoy meeting this engaging, enthusiastic, classy lady!

Beth Lipman is a contemporary artist who works in glass and is renowned for her sculptural compositions which, in her words, "explore aspects of material culture and deep time through still lives, site-specific installations and photographs." The recipient of numerous awards, Beth has exhibited her work at Manhattan's Museum of Art and Design, the Smithsonian, Milwaukee Art Museum and RISD Museum, to name just three. We know you'll really enjoy meeting this talented, creative, original artist.

What does it mean to be Black and Buddhist in our today's world? Cheryl Giles, licensed clinical psychologist and Senior Lecturer on Pastoral Care and Counseling at Harvard Divinity School knows first hand. She's one of the editors of and contributors to "Black & Buddhist - What Buddhism Can Teach Us About Race, Resilience, Transformation and Freedom." It's the first anthology of writings by African/American Buddhists. Cheryl's personal story, "They Say The People Could Fly," is powerful, moving and inspiring. And...so is our candid conversation. 

Award-winning journalist, director, producer, author - all part of Caren Zucker's resume. As a producer for ABC's World News and Nightline, Caren has covered economic summits, presidential campaigns, the Olympics and so much more. She has now directed her first documentary, "In a Different Key,' a narrative history of autism. The project, which followed the PBS Newshour series, "Autism Now," was inspired by her son's diagnosis of the disease. Caren takes us on her personal journey in a conversation you can't afford to miss.

Angie Durrell makes beautiful music and encourages others to do so too. The Ecuadorian-born violinist, educator and social entrepreneur is the Founder and Executive Director of INTEMPO, an inter-cultural organization whose goal is to make classical music and native instruments relevant, accessible and inclusive. Tune in to learn how and get to know this accomplished, passionate, creative woman!

Talk about accomplished! Award-winning journalist Jennifer Trainer has written 19 books that have been translated into 10 languages. She's the chef/creator of "Jump and Kiss Me," an all-natural line of spicy foods. Jennifer also happens to be one of the co-founders of MASS MoCA, which in 2017, became the largest museum of contemporary art in the world. The transformation from a massive factory to storied museum in North Adams, Massachusetts, is the subject of the documentary, MUSEUM TOWN, which by the way, marks Jennifer's directing debut. She is currently the director of the Hancock Shaker Village Museum in Hancock, Mass. Needless to say there's plenty to talk about!

Promoting and supporting gender equality in the wine world. That's been the mission of Sommelier Rania Zayyat. A leader in the global wine industry, Rania is the founder of Wonder Women of Wine, a non-profit created to do just that. She's also the founder Be The Change, an equal opportunity initiative committed to changing the status quo through action and policy. Lots to talk about - so pour yourself a glass of Chardonnay and join us for a fascinating, eye opening and engaging conversation.

It's not often we see a woman's name next to the title: Head of Development and Production. But that's exactly what Jessica Harrop does for Sandbox Films, a new mission-driven documentary company. An Emmy-nominated filmmaker in her own right, Jessica has dedicated her career to making movies that inspire passion about science. Her passion is contagious and we know you'll be inspired by this accomplished, committed, creative woman.