Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Joan Lobis, Retired NYS Supreme Court Judge

Although state courts handle more than 95% of all court cases in the U.S., a report from the American Constitution Society found that white men comprise 58% of state court judges; less than 33% are women and 20% are people of color. You're about to meet one of the 33%. Although recently retired, Joan Lobis spent more than 30 years on the bench, 26 as a New York State Supreme Court Judge. Her election to Civil Court in 1988 made Joan the first openly gay female judge in New York and then on the Supreme Court. She was one of the founding members of the New York City Bar Association's Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights. We cover a lot of territory during a conversation you won't want to miss.

Jill Schlesinger, Certified Financial Planner and Business Analyst

Money matters to Jill Schlesinger. And to that end, the Certified Financial Planner covers the economy, markets, investing and whatever else contains a $-sign. An Emmy-nominated Business Analyst for CBS News, she shares her expertise on the network's radio and tv stations across the country. You'll want to make time to listen to Jill's jaw-dropping, but empowering stories about what it's been like to be a woman in a man's world.  

Shawnna Thibodeau, Stuntwoman

Jumping off buildings, setting herself on fire, falling down a flight a stairs - all in a days work for stuntwoman Shawnna Thibodeau. Her list of film and tv credits is mind numbing and includes: "X-Men," "War of the Worlds," "Spiderman 3," "The Borne Ultimatum," "Ugly Betty," "Law and Order" and "Oz." Shawnna's been a stunt double for Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Uma Thurman and Carrie Mulligan. There's a lots to talk about with this daredevil who's also a wife and mother of 2 young children.

Chandrika Tandon, Singer/Businesswoman/Philanthropist

Chandrika Tandon's a creative, passionate, successful woman and then some! Not only is she a Grammy-nominated, multi-instrumentalist, singer and composer, but also a successful businesswoman and philanthropist. You won't want to miss this inspirational conversation as Chandrika shares her personal journey to enlightenment - balancing life as a singer/composer and a corporate executive.

Susan Johnson, Filmmaker

For Susan Johnson it's all about entertainment. After a successful career as a music video director, she decided to move over to movies, becoming an independent producer. Her first produced feature, Mean Creek premiered at Sundance and Cannes in 2004 and was released by Paramount Pictures and Focus Features. A total of 10 films followed, but for Susan, the time had come to 'go' behind the camera. She made her feature directorial debut with Carrie Pilby. Based on a best selling young adult novel, it premiered at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival. Susan talks openly and honestly about her career and what it's like being a woman in a man's world.

Lisa Grove, Director/CEO Telfair Museums

Here's a piece of art history you may not know. Telfair Museums, located in Savannah's beautiful historic district, happens to be the oldest public art museum in the South. Founded by a woman (!), it is comprised of the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Owens-Thomas House, - a National Historic Landmark, and the Jepson Center, devoted to contemporary art.

 

Lisa Grove is Director/CEO of Telfair Museums. Her leadership, vision and guidance have helped make Telfair Museums a dynamic center for the local community, serving more than 180,000 visitors each year. Join Lisa on this 'insider' tour of these three special and distinct sites.

Lori Sokol, PhD., Executive Director of Women's eNews

Lori Sokol's list of credentials is long and impressive. A psychologist, scholar, writer, mover and shaker, Lori is President of Sokol Media, which publishes a variety of business magazines that advocate for diversity in the workplace. She is also Executive Director of Women's eNews. Founded in 1999, its mission is to 'report stories of women and girls to create a more equitable world, a world that honors, respects and supports the lives of women and girls.' The match is a perfect one, since Lori is, someone who has, "dedicated my entire career to advocating for gender rights through the media."

Marla Isackson, Businesswoman

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.

Rebecca Cherian, Professional Musician

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.

Yolanda Jackson, Sports Marketing Guru

From a young age, sports played an important role in Yolanda Jackson's life and continues to do so today. She's the founder and CEO of Yolanda L. Jackson and Associates, a sports marketing company that represents female athletes - a profession built on 30 years experience. Twenty of those years were spent working at the Women's Sports Foundation - the brainchild of tennis great Billie Jean King. You'll want to hear what Yolanda has to say about the current and future status of women in sports.