Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

A Marketing Executive whose business career has spanned more than 25 years, Marla Isackson has created innovative campaigns for Citibank, American Express, Barnes and Noble and WebMD. She has also been a longtime supporter of women's initiatives. Combining both, Marla founded Like A Boss Girls (likeabossgirls.com). The website with the catchy title, provides young women with the tools, information and inspiration to define, explore and achieve their goals to become entrepreneurs, leaders and social activists. She knows young women have the strength, determination and talent to make a difference - a big difference.

Singer Vivian Sessoms makes a return appearance - and we couldn't be more pleased! An entertainer with a long and impressive resume, Vivian's new album "LIFE" explores the themes of love, loss and life. The first single, the Billie Holiday classic "Strange Fruit," deals with the timeless and potent issues of racism and social inequality. "LIFE" also features appearances by some of the most talented musicians and performers to compose today's jazz scene. It's been quite a ride for Vivian, so listen in and catch up.

Jane Golden is a powerhouse. An artist, visionary, activist, educator, author and expert on urban transformation through art, she is the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. It began in 1984 as an anti-graffiti initiative and under Jane's direction has created more than 38-hundred landmark works of art. It is the country's largest mural program. We couldn't be more thrilled that she shares her story with us!

How many professional, classical female trombonists can you name? Let's go out on a limb and say, none. That's about to change. Let us introduce Rebecca Cherian, co-principal trombone of the Pittsburgh Symphony since 1989. The road to being the highest paid, highest ranked woman trombonist in a top ten U.S. orchestra has been a hard-fought journey for this talented, passionate, trail-blazing musician. As you're about to find out, Rebecca's one amazing woman.

Get up close and personal with EMME, the world's first curvy supermodel, whose career spans more than 2 decades. She's a recognized advocate for positive female body image, giving women a platform to feel beautiful and empowered. A tv personality, author, businesswoman and creator of her own clothing lines, EMME was the first model invited to appear before a Congressional subcommittee looking into how to increase public awareness of eating and body disorders. Needless to say, there's plenty to talk about!

A return appearance for creative and multi-talented Broadway/off-Broadway actress, director, producer, dancer, wardrobe supervisor and co-founder of the not-for-profit Working Artists Theater Project, Jessica Dermody. Even though this is conversation #2, there is no shortage of topics as we discuss Jessica's passion and love of the theater arts. Her enthusiasm, drive and commitment are both contagious and inspirational.

Barb Collins and Marsha Wallace, two amazing, inspirational and committed women. They are the co-founders of Dining for Women, the largest educational giving circle that connects people in the West with projects supporting women and girls living in extreme poverty in the developing world. Thanks to their tireless efforts and drive to make the world a better place, Dining for Women has 8,000 grassroots members in just about every state and 6 countries, who meet in home and community-based chapters. Members donate what they would have spent dining out. Since it's founding in 2003, DFW has raised more than 5 million dollars. Marsha and Barb will 'blow you away!'

What's it like working as a foreign correspondent? You're about to find out. Alexis Okeowo spent a good part of her career in Nigeria, Uganda and Mexico freelancing for various publications/organizations, including the New York Times Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Financial Times and the international news agency, Agence France-Press. Alexis, who joined the New Yorker as a staff writer in 2015, is working on a book: A Moonless, Starless Sky: Womoen and Men Fighting Extremism in Africa. She shares the challenges and rewards of global reporting as a woman in what's typically thought of as a man's world.

When it comes to public education Harriet Isecke's been there, done that. During her more than 38 year career, she's been a teacher, curriculum director, educational consultant, grant writer, children books author and has been listed in Who's Who Among American Educators four times. In 2010 Harriet began a new venture - Readorium. It's a web-based supplemental program aimed at teaching students reading comprehension skills using fun, easy to digest concepts. Readorium won the 2016 National CODiE Award for Best Reading/English/Language Arts Solution.

Born in Nairobi and raised in both Kenya and New York City, Agunda Okeyo describes herself as a Pan-African New Yorker. A writer, producer, filmmaker and activist, Agunda is the creator and force behind the monthly production of "Sisters of Comedy: at Caroline's on Broadway. It's a 'who's who' of black women in stand-up. Agunda's written about race, gender, politics, culture and film for numerous publications including Salon, The Daily Beast, Indiewire's Women and Hollywood blog. This year she produced a benefit show supporting an Equal Rights Amendment aimed at assuring gender equality and also in 2016, was named a Progressive Women's Voices Fellow with the Women's Media Center.