Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Melanie Breault - Social Justice Communications Manager, Website & Social Media Specialist

Melanie Breault has been the Web and Social Media Specialist for Conversations with Creative Women since 2015. However, her professional life also includes social justice issues - supporting non-profit organizations as they build their profiles to expand their reach and make the world a better place. We cover a lot of ground in this honest and fascinating conversation. We know you'll feel the same after 'meeting and getting to know' this committed, passionate, engaging creative woman.

 

Raena Ashley - Entrepreneur and CEO

Raena Ashley spent a good part of her teenage years getting in trouble while living in a tough East Las Vegas neighborhood. But all that changed when eyelash extensions entered the picture. When she was 18, Raena learned all about eyelash extensions. Three years later, she started her own beauty education company and in the years since, has generated more than 2 million dollars in sales, with 18 locations in the U.S. Raena has taught more than 2,000 young women 'the tricks of the trade.' Hear all about her path to a rich and rewarding lifestyle and career.

H.H. Leonards - Founder and Chairman of the O Street Mansion and Museum in DC

H.H. Leonards purchased the O Street Mansion 50 years ago as an art space, but the impact it had helping Rosa Parks is a story many may not know. Leonards got a call from Brother Willis Edwards of the Beverly Hills branch of the NAACP asking if Ms. Parks could stay in the mansion until she was able to heal emotionally and physically after being attacked in her Detroit home. Leonards, who said she didn't know who Parks was, agreed, and a beautiful 10+ year friendship between the two women was fostered. And to that end, Leonards has written "Rosa Parks, Beyond the Bus: Life Lessons and Leadership."  This is truly one fascinating conversation that will simply blow your mind!

Arriel Biggs - Entrepreneur, Founder/Executive Director of Young Biz Kids

As far as Arriel Biggs is concerned, you're never too young to be exposed to entrepreneurship, financial literacy, philanthropy, and problem-solving skills. And to that end, she is the Founder and Executive Director of Young Biz Kids, a non-profit that teaches those skills and more to the leaders of tomorrow. Arriel has quite the personal story to share.  Her 15-year-old son Mikey is an entrepreneur - his business sense kicked in when he acquired his first vending machine at the ripe old age of....7! Lots to learn from this conversation - so sit back and enjoy!

Debbie Lum - Director, Producer

An award-winning filmmaker, Debbie Lum's projects give voice to the Asian/American experience and other unsung stories. Her documentary, TRY HARDER!, shines a light on San Francisco's iconic Lowell High School as it follows members of the senior class as they navigate the system and the pressure they feel applying to Ivy League colleges. It premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews and was broadcast on PBS' Independent Lens, along with a campaign to promote student health and AAPI stories. So much to talk about, so join us for one fascinating, eye opening conversation.

Anne Whitney Pierce - Author

Author Anne Whitney Pierce is a lifelong Cantabrigian (it's an adjective that refers or pertains to Cambridge University in England, or in Anne's case, Cambridge, Massachusetts). The author of several books, her most recent, DOWN TO THE RIVER, references Harvard Square in the 60s. It follows the privileged Potts family who falls apart during the raging uncertainty of the times. Anne's short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines and reviews and has won several awards, including the Willa Cather Fiction Prize and a Barnes and Noble Great New Writers Award.

Warda Mohamed Abdullahi - Author

Warda Mohamed Abdullahi has one hell of a story to share and she does so in her powerful memoir, "Warda: My Journey from the Horn of Africa to a College Education." Her degree comes from a college in the U.S. How she got there is the basis of this riveting story told by a fierce young woman, who overcame endless obstacles to achieve her goals. We may say this often, but this is one conversation you shouldn't miss.

Abby Epstein - Director, Producer

It's been a while, but former guest, Director Abby Epstein, is making a return appearance. Abby and Executive Producer Ricki Lake's latest collaboration, THE BUSINESS OF BIRTH CONTROL, examines the complex relationship between hormonal birth control and women's health and liberation. The documentary traces the feminist movement to investigate and expose the pill's risks alongside the racist legacy of hormonal contraception and its ongoing weaponization against communities of color. A lot to talk about? YOU BET!!

Gabri Christa - Choreographer, Dancer, Filmmaker, Writer, Educator

Born in Curacao and trained in the Netherlands, Gabri Christa is an accomplished filmmaker, curator, choreographer, performer and writer. She's passionate about social justice, multiculturalism and personal stories that have universal appeal. Gabri, who is also an Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Barnard College, conceived and curated MOVING BODY-MOVING IMAGE FESTIVAL, a biennial presentation of dance films that focus on issues of social justice. This year's program centers on The Moving Body with Disabilities. We know you'll enjoy our conversation with this engaging, passionate and committed creative woman.

Shirley Woodson - Artist, Educator, Advocate

Shirley Woodson made her artistic debut in 1960 and in the decades since, her brilliant and intensely colorful paintings have been exhibited here, there, and everywhere. And at 85, her first one-woman show at the prestigious Detroit Institute of Arts, which happens to be her hometown museum, is the talk of ‘the town.’ The solo exhibition, “Shield of the Nile Reflections,” focuses on the river’s importance to civilization. We are so excited for you to meet and get to know this fascinating, accomplished, engaging creative heavyweight.