Sandi Klein's Conversations with Creative Women

Jane Golden, Activist and Artist

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!

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.

EMME, Supermodel and Businesswoman

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!

Jessica Dermody, Off-Broadway Producer

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.

Barbara Collins and Marsha Wallace, Philanthropists

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!'

Alexis Okeowo, Journalist

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.

Harriet Isecke, Educator and Author

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.

Agunda Okeyo, Comedian

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.

Ilana Levine, Actress

Actress Ilana Levine's stage, film and tv career has spanned more than 25 years. On Broadway she's best known as Lucy Van Pelt in the revival of "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown." Among her film credits: "Confessions of a Shopaholic," "Kissing Jessica Stein" and the "Nanny Diaries." TV appearances include "Seinfeld," "Law and Order" and "NYPD Blue." She's now part of the podcast universe having launched "Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine." Some of her celebrity guests are recent Tony winner Reed Birney, Cynthia Nixon, John Slattery and BD Wong. Ilana's interview style is unfiltered and uniquely funny and so is this conversation.

Amanda Pacheco, Pastry Chef

Hear what life is like as Pastry Chef of the venerated Balthazar Bakery - where thousands of croissants, baguettes, scones, breads, tarts, cakes, pies and mini pastries are lovingly made daily at its Englewood, New Jersey 14,000 square foot facility. Amanda Pacheco, who earned degrees in both Culinary and Pastry Arts from Johnson & Wales, began working at Balthazar as a pastry cook, worked her way up to sous pastry chef and in 2015, snagged her dream job - Pastry Chef. Amanda, who supervises a staff of 8, gets to work at 5:00am 5 days a week, including holidays - Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, Easter. But, it's a labor of love.Grab an iced tea and a galette and check out this mouth-watering conversation.