Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Deirdra Jones, Designer

When in a restaurant, how much attention do you pay to the outfits worn by the wait staff? Probably, not much. That's so not the case for Deirdra Jones. Along with her husband, they founded Jones of Boerum Hill, a high-end uniform and apron company to: "fill a void in the market for a workwear company to take a more fashion forward approach to uniforms and aprons." And have they ever! Their line can be found in top bars, restaurants and hotels all over the world. Meet and get to know yet another creative woman.

Melissa Salguero, Music Educator

It's both an honor and pleasure to introduce Melissa Salguero: teacher, musician, role model, mentor and...2018 Grammy Music Educator Award winner! She joined the faculty of P.S. 48 Joseph R. Drake elementary school in New York's South Bronx neighborhood in 2010. In the years since, Melissa has built its music program from the ground up, raising more than $160,000, including the $50,000 she received on the Ellen DeGeneres show. Melissa combines science and musical concepts by transforming her classroom into a Mad Scientist lab. You're about to listen to one uplifting, inspiring, feel good conversation.

Sharon Washington, Actress

You're about to meet and get to know award-winning stage, film, television actress and playwright, Sharon Washington. Her eclectic career spans more than 25 years and with it a long list of credits.

 

She recently made her debut as a playwright with her highly acclaimed one woman-show, "Feeding The Dragon." It's set in the St. Agnes branch of the New York City Public Library. Why? Because that's where Sharon lived with her mother and father, the library custodian. Sharon takes us on her creative career path in this fascinating, honest, engaging conversation.

Dr. Carol Berkin, Professor of History

Jenifer Foote, Broadway Actress

Jenifer Foote's resume in a word? Wow! She's a New York City-based actress, dancer, choreographer/associate director and teacher. Jenifer's Broadway credits include: "Hello Dolly!," "She Loves Me," "Holiday Inn," "On The Twentieth Century," "The Mystery of Edwin Drood," "Follies," "Rock of Ages," "A Chorus Line" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." Jenifer's also taught master classes in vocal performance, scene study and dance. You'll want to meet this creative woman, whose passion for her work is contagious!

Sophie Brooks, Filmmaker

Sophie Brooks got her Bachelor of Fine Arts in film and television from New York University in 2012. And not quite 5 years later, has made her feature writing and directing debut with "The Boy Downstairs." The romantic comedy stars Zosia Mamet (she played Shoshanna Shapiro in the HBO hit "Girls"), who, after a few years living abroad, moves back to New York City. Unbeknownst to her, she rents an apartment in her former boyfriend's building. Sophie talks about her motivation as well as the challenges she faced in making her first commercial film.

Tracy Geltman, Theatrical Company Manager

Clearly, mounting a Broadway show is a herculean task that requires the talents and expertise of a whole cast of characters, far beyond the actors you see on stage. One of those players is the Company Manager. Who? In case you didn't know, the job of a Company Manager is one of the toughest in the theater. You're about to find out why. Tracy Geltman began her career at Maine State Music Theater as an apprentice before coming to New York, where she worked on "Hairspray," "War Paint," "Fun Home" and "The Band's Visit," to name just a few Broadway hits. Listen in as she talks about her love of theater and what it's like to be the Company Manager.

Joan Kron, Journalist and Filmmaker

Joan Kron in a word? Icon. This 90 year old creative, accomplished, trendsetter's career has spanned more than 50 years! Among her many accomplishments: Joan co-founded the New York Times Home section, was the first fashion reporter for the Wall Street Journal, an editor at Avenue and a famed columnist at Allure magazines, where she literally invented the plastic surgery beat. And than last year "Take My Nose...Please,!" the first film she wrote, directed and produced was released. Lots to talk about?? You bet!

Susan Spicer, Chef/Restauranteur

According to the National Restaurant Association, only 19% of chefs in the U.S. are women. You're about to meet one of them. Susan Spicer has been dubbed a one-woman industry in New Orleans. She is the chef/owner of 3 Big Easy restaurants: Mondo, Rosedale and the French Quarter's culinary landmark, Bayona. Inducted into the James Beard Who's Who of Food and Beverage in America and a member of the Culinary Hall of Fame, Susan shares her passion and drive to prepare creative classic dishes, while expanding on local culinary traditions.

Lucie Canzoniero, Student Photographer

Meet Lucie Canzoniero, who certainly has the creative street cred, just not the age. Lucie is a freshman at New York City's prestigious LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts Her major is technical theater, but she has many interests and talents. They include: photography, film and....wrestling! Lucie started taking pictures about 4 years ago. Last Spring she had the opportunity to accompany her dad to India where he was working on a documentary about an organization that helps girls, rescued from sex trafficking, get jobs and start new lives. Lucie, took lots of pictures and says the experience was inspirational and sparked in her a desire to "take pictures for the rest of my life." She'd better! You're in store for a very refreshing, open, honest conversation with one very classy female.