Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Tracy Edwards, Competitive Yachtswoman, Author, and Philanthropist

How to describe Tracy Edwards? Let's start with determined, accomplished, ballsy, adventurous, passionate. In 1989, when she was in her mid-20's, Tracy and her crew of 11 females became the first-ever all-women's team to compete in the grueling, prestigious, 32,000 mile Whitbread Round the World sailing race that begins and ends in Southampton, England. How she managed to pull this off (besting male crews in their class, by the way) is the focus of the inspiring, empowering documentary, "Maiden." We are thrilled to share Tracy's story in this not-to-be-missed conversation.

Aliza Sherman, Entrepreneur, Activist and Author

Entrepreneur, visionary, activist, author...all describe Aliza Sherman. In 1995 she founded Cybergrrl, the first full-service, female-owned web company and the first global internet networking organization for women. Newsweek noticed and named Aliza one of the Top People Who Matter Most on the Internet. She's currently the CEO of Ellementa, a global women's cannabis wellness network. Her work has been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, Time, CNN, CNBC and MSNBC. And....she's the author of 12 books. Needless to say, we cover a lot of ground in our conversation with this fascinating, committed, accomplished woman!

Sydney Sherman, Social Activist Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur Sydney Sherman is on a mission. She's the CEO and co-founder of Faire.Shop, a new kind of online marketplace that promotes and expands fair and ethical trade practices by selling ethically sourced products - from beauty and fashion to home goods and necessities. Headquartered in Austin, Faire's vision is a world without poverty, where everyone can "thrive in a dignified, economically sustainable way." You'll want to meet and get to know this committed, passionate and inspirational woman.

Roberta Hoskie, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

Roberta Hoskie has one helluva story to share. A high school drop-out and a mom at 17, Roberta was on welfare living in a Connecticut homeless shelter. But with a lot of grit, determination, moxie and smarts she turned her life around. She is the founder and owner of a successful business - Outreach Realty, which has morphed into 3 divisions: Residential Property Management, Tenant Placement and Maintenance Services. Roberta is also passionate about giving back. Her non-profit, Outreach Foundation, advocates affordable housing for low and moderate income families. We cover a lot of ground in this honest, open conversation with this inspirational woman!

Eve Durante, Entrepreneur

When Eve Durante married into a large Italian family, she learned a lot from her mother-in-law when it came to shopping, prepping, cooking and serving Sunday dinners and holiday meals. Eve's passion for delicious, clean eating was very much on display in her own kitchen - especially when it came to her home-made tomato sauce which she bottled and gave to family and friends. It earned rave reviews and Eve knew it was time to share her culinary skills with a much wider audience. So, in 2015 The Vine was born. Currently, there are five flavors of tomato sauce, four salsas and a honey-sweetened ketchup that can be found in more than 2,000 stores nationwide (www.foodsofthevine.com). Join us for a mouth-watering conversation with this culinary and entrepreneur.

Jessica Leonard, Entrepreneur and Chocolatier

Jessica Leonard's worked in some of New York's most storied restaurants: Daniel, 11 Madison Park, the James Beard House, but it was her love of chocolate that inspired her to go out on her own. In February, 2018, she opened Miss Maude's Bar of Chocolates in her home state of Virginia. The name refers to Virginia native Miss Maude who came of age in the Roaring 20s and left home for the big city, to among other pursuits, find the world's best chocolates. Jessica's added her brand to that list. Find out more in our mouth-watering conversation with this enthusiastic, adventurous entrepreneur.

Sheila Ronning, Businesswoman

Meet Sheila Ronning, leadership, networking expert, board strategist and founder of Women in the Boardroom. Since 2002, she's been connecting female executives with the people and tools needed to succeed in business and the boardroom. Her accomplishments haven't gone unnoticed, with a spot on the prestigious "40 Under Forty" membership Fortune's Most Powerful Women Insider network. Sheila and Women in the Boardroom has been featured in: The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Chicago Sun Times and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Journal.

Jennifer Baumgardner Returns

Past guest Jennifer Baumgardner's back and for good reason. The feminist activist, journalist, author and former publisher of The Feminist Press has launched a new venture. She's the founder of Dottir Press, an independent publishing house. Dottir is Icelandic for daughter and speaks to its mission of passing down and building upon feminist intellectual and creative legacies to fill the void in our history and present culture through storytelling in all forms and for all ages. Join us for yet another important and powerful conversation.

Shannelle Armstrong Fowler, Entrepreneur

Shannelle Armstrong Fowler is the owner and founder of Haute & Co. Bridal Boutique, Chicago's only luxury plus size bridal shop that caters to women sizes 14-32. By the way, the average woman in the U.S. happens to be a size 16. Shannelle is also the star of the PeopleTV series, "The Perfect Fit." It follows a dozen curvy women as they search for their 'perfect' wedding dress. We cover a lot of ground with this fashion entrepreneur and body positive advocate.

Sugandh Agrawal, Vegan Fashion Designer

Meet visionary and fashion activist, Sugandh Agrawal who shares with us her "American" dream story. Born in India, she moved to the U.S. to attend college and work in the industrial design field. And... it is here that she founded Gunas, an ethically-sourced, 100% vegan line of luxury handbags, backpacks, wallets, totes, satchels. That means no silk, no fur, no wool, no down feathers, no leather. Gunas products are made from a variety of fabrics and in sweatshop-free environments. What began as a NYC-based label in 2010, Gunas has gone global. You don't want to miss this inspiration conversation.