National Performers/Authors

A Circle of Artists. After Mary Cassatt’s breakdown, she became a feminist. Feisty, irreverent and willing to sever her family ties for her beliefs. Cassatt presents women before her time, like Sofonisba Anguissola; women she knew and admired, like Berthe Morisot; women whose work she didn’t respect, like Cecilia Beaux; and women whose work she didn’t understand, like Veladon.

Georgia O’Keeffe: A Dramatic Portrait. Miss O’Keeffe conducts a tour of her world through her sensational flowers, abstracts and cityscapes to the vastness and beauty of the American West. Joyful, irreverent and courageous, she discusses her career, her breakdown, her critics, her “photographic portrait’ by Alfred Stieglitz and their extraordinary relationship.

Lilla Cabot Perry: Impressions of Monet & The American Impressionists Mrs. Perry was a prominent Boston artist, a “Boston Brahmin” and a published poet.  She spent nine summers in Giverny with Claude Monet who encouraged her to paint en plein air. She shares stories about Monet, Sargent, Theodore Robinson, John Breck and Giverny, the “cradle of American Impressionism.”

Anne Morrow Lindbergh: An Extraordinary Life. Anne was the author of thirteen books, an aviation pioneer and a feminist. She shares her joy of flying and the numbing tragedy of her son’s kidnapping, illuminating the life that gave her the wisdom to write Gift From the Sea, which, over fifty-five years later, is still widely acclaimed. The program is set in 1975, at a celebration of the 20th anniversary edition of Gift From the Sea with Anne as the featured speaker.

Lillian Hellman: Memories & Moments. Hellman was a brilliant, passionate, provocative woman and an internationally acclaimed author who wrote Broadway plays and best-selling books. Rude, independent and eloquent, she was renowned as a political activist, a wit and extraordinary hostess and a fabulous storyteller. In an illustrious career spanning five decades she won a permanent place in American Letters.

SUFFRAGE MUSIC:

Visit Linda’s web site for both traditional and contemporary songs about Suffrage.

Here’s to the Women! Commemorating Women’s Journey to Justice

Original and collected songs that celebrate women’s history with a special emphasis on the battle for the vote. Meet Native weavers, quilters, suffragists, labor leaders, domestic workers, and Rosie, the Riveters. Available as download or hard copy.

Failure is Impossible: Traditional Songs of the Suffragists

Eight traditional songs recorded by Linda and her daughter, Kristin Allen-Zito, for the documentary “Courage in Corsets”.

COMMENTS:

“Linda Allen breathes life into the 19th Amendment story through song and story that is totally charming as well as instructive. Goose bumps and joy were the response of the day”.                                                                                                                                 — Muffy Francke, Co-Chair, The 19th Amendment Centennial Committee of the Renaissance Society

“A vibrant voice in this important struggle”

--Robert P.J. Cooney, Jr. author of Winning the Vote: The Triumph of the American Woman Suffrage Movement and Remembering Inez: The Last Campaign of Inez Milholland, Suffrage Martyr.

Annette Travels with the Following Determined Women :Lucretia Mott; Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, and Carrie Chapman Catt, who persisted in their drive for equal rights for women are portrayed in one production:  The Long Road to Victory: From Pedestal to Politics & Prison in the Battle for Woman Suffrage. 

Jane Addams, humanitarian and founder of Chicago’s social settlement Hull House, was a persistent advocate for social justice and workers rights during the first great wave of immigration.  Her daring ideas and leadership for international peace earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931.

Susan B. Anthony, the forthright, passionate and unstoppable woman suffrage leader, was persistent in pressing the case for a woman suffrage amendment in the U.S. Constitution and equal pay for working women.

Coco Chanel, the 20^th century’s most influential fashion designer and business tycoon, pulled out all the stops on style and age with her fashion theories and innovations, persistently demanding  that women reject fashion fads and be comfortable in their clothes and in their own style.

Louise Nevelson, sculpture’s Queen Bee, persistently pushed at the boundaries of art until at the age of 68 she received respect & recognition for her innovative environmental art, and at 85 received the National Medal of Arts from President Ronald Reagan.

Elizabeth Van Lew, whose persistent loyalty to the United States and antipathy for slavery, in spite of her Southern birth and residency, led her to become the Civil War’s most effective espionage agent, all for which she paid the price of life-long ridicule and segregation from neighbors and former friends.

Dorothy Thompson, mid-20^th-century journalist and oracle, whose persistent, nonconforming views presaged today’s social and political conditions, was named by Time magazine in 1939, along with Eleanor Roosevelt, as the “most “influential” woman “in the United States.”

Trail blazer for Women’s Rights, Dr. Mary Walker was inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, several hospitals and military bases bear her name, yet most people do not know of her.

Truly a heroine who needs to be known – audiences are captivated and surprised by her story, rooting for her as her story of persistence unfolds. Not intimidated by any man, even President Lincoln! Being denied enlistment as a surgeon because of her gender did not stop her.

Born into a family of abolitionist, Dr. Walker’s parents believed strongly in equal rights and equal education for all humans. Their family farm was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

“Our Education Committee is very happy to have been able to present INDEPENDENCE. Following the play, we held a reception for the actress who made herself available to chat with our residents, which was appreciated by all!” Fran, Kendal on Hudson

“…The play allowed students to see just how hard women in the past worked to change those gender expectations. There is a lot of history packed into that short play!” Dr. Eliza McFeely

“Students were mesmerized by performer Kathie Barnes. This was the first time, for most students and adults in the audience that they had ever heard of Dr. Walker whose feistiness, tireless energy and sheer will to keep moving ahead and not accept defeat was very well portrayed through script and actor.

Students had a chance to ask questions, and did they ever!” Vivian, LFNY

Visit website to watch the trailer and read more testimonials.

Workshop with students or groups available

Q&A with actress (and playwright if available)

As the first woman foreign correspondent in Europe, Margaret supported the Roman Revolution of 1848-49. She died with her family in a shipwreck off Fire Island returning to America on July 19, 1850. Since 2001, Michael has spoken on “The Transcendentalists: Emerson, Margaret Fuller, and Theodore Parker.” He earned his Master of Divinity at Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem, PA while serving as Student Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, PA, and at Thomas Paine UU Fellowship in Collegeville, PA.

His studies included the Sacred Feminine, the creative and spiritual gifts of Hildegard von Bingen and the goddess Asherah as the consort of God. Michael achieved his Master of Education, Secondary History Certification, at Gwynedd Mercy University while teaching religious studies. His History Seminar paper, “Margaret Fuller Shapes the Consciousness of America through the New York Tribune,” is in the libraries of the New York and Massachusetts Historical Societies.

During Margaret Fuller’s 2010 Bicentennial, Michael spoke at First Parish of Concord, the Summer Conversational Series, Concord School of Philosophy, at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, and at the UU History Conference in Waltham, MA. Currently, he is representing Margaret Fuller for the New York Cultural Heritage Tourism Network as New York State prepares for the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote 2017. His program there is “Margaret Fuller in New York: Planting the Seeds for Equality and the Sacred Marriage.” Michael adds, “I am available to travel to you. My honorarium is $350.00. I seek accommodations  through your group and also help with travel expenses as needed . I am available for in-depth workshops on Margaret Fuller including her intuitive and creative gifts and the sacred marriage she struggled to live.”

However in this lively all-ladies Latin dance team, ladies step up to the plate and learn this material themselves, demonstrating that women can lead very capably, too! The phenomenon of women leading partnership dances reflects their changing role in society.  In the spirit of “art imitates life,” DanceInTime brings you a presentation in which ladies embrace all the roles that are played by Latin dancers. And the audience members may want to bring their dancing shoes, as the program can be constructed to give them a chance to learn some dance steps if they wish!  (Women in the audience can be given the opportunity to learn the leader’s steps, of course.)  The program is guaranteed to be both empowering and fun!! Every time this show is done, it’s uniquely designed to best suit each venue/audience.  The show would generally be constructed to include any or all of these components, according to what is desired:

1. Performance by two dancers
2. Performance by a dance team  (Can include having the audience guess which dancer is leading/which is following)
3. Instruction for anyone in the audience who might like to try some moves
4. Brief talk about the history of women’s roles from antiquity to the present and how they have changed.  Talk can include discussion of how dance roles reflect societal norms, and the tradition-breaking work done by this dance group.

Paula has spoken extensively around the country at conferences, universities, colleges, and junior colleges. She is an ideal speaker for American history, political science, sociology, Law Day (May 1), Constitution Day (Sept. 17), Susan B. Anthony’s birthday (Feb. 15), Women’s History Month (March), Women’s Equality Day (Aug. 26), and any leadership or election event.

Videos are on her website – www.paulacasey.com – and on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP3NoP1YjkuK9_aHhTUrAYA

She is also the co-founder of the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Heritage Trail – http://tnwomansuffrageheritagetrail.com. In her presentations, she highlights the dearth of statuary honoring women.

She served as president of Tennessee Woman Suffrage Monument, Inc., and was the primary fund-raiser for the monument that was unveiled on Aug. 26, 2016, in Nashville’s Centennial Park. She served as fiscal agent for Jackson’s statue of Sue Shelton White, the only Tennessee woman jailed fighting for suffrage, which was unveiled on May 25, 2017, in front of Jackson’s City Hall.

She chairs the Memphis Suffrage Monument committee which will unveil the “Equality Trailblazers” public art on the Mississippi river side of the University of Memphis law school on March 27, 2020.

Her book, The Perfect 36: Tennessee Delivers Woman Suffrage, and DVD, “Generations: American Women Win the Vote,” are available in the NWHP online store.

Historical Women Portrayed and Thematic Units:

Harriet Tubman: Civil War, Slavery, Underground Railroad, Abolition

Sojourner Truth: Civil War, Women Suffrage, Abolition, Slavery, Itinerant Preacher

Bessie Coleman: World War 1, Aviation, Jim Crow, Roaring Twenties

Madam C.J. Walker: Entrepreneur (Hair, skin & nail products), Civil Rights, Harlem Renaissance

Mary Fields: Wild West, Mail Carrier

Phillis Wheatley: Revolutionary War, (General George Washington, Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere), Revolutionary Poet, Literary Genius

Hatshepsut: Egyptian Pharaoh

Cathy Williams-female Buffalo Soldier:  Civil War, Wild West, Buffalo Soldier

******All of the above women may be seen and read about on my web site.

Audience Range: Grades three to adults Geographic Range: Anywhere in the USA and Abroad—Whomever calls I will come.

Books Written:

Belle:  A beautiful woman inherits her father's farm and inherits all that goes into running a successful farm; love, romance, marriage, tragedy.

Ms. Emmaline's Little Book of Wit & Wisdom:  It is a list of phrases parents used on the farm of a little girl growing up in South Carolina.  It is the African Proverbs meeting Roots.

Zach and his Lucky Zebra Socks:  A little five-year-old walking to the beat of his own drum; in dressing himself; he is extremely lucky whenever he wears his zebra socks.

Deedle, Deedle Your House is on Fire!  The best summer adventures since Huckleberry Finn.

 **I am available for your next Book Club Meeting or Book Signing.  Books may be ordered from Amazon or Author house.

 I am available for your next:  Banquet, luncheon, meeting, conference, convention, community day, family reunion, youth summit, summer camp, church program, school program, college seminar, women conference/forum, documentary, feature film, radio talk show, TV talk show, and birthday parties.

 I also present a very special KWANZAA presentation –everyone gets involved --making gifts, dancing and singing.

 **** For the sixth year I will present The Harriet Tubman summer camp and the Bessie Coleman summer camp.  A unique camp fusing history and science-STEM.

 NEW! NEW!!  NEW!!  NEW!!

  QUILT STORIES---QUILTS MY MOTHER MADE ON DISPLAY, STORIES ABOUT THE QUILTING BEES, AND HOW TO MAKE A QUILT.

MOTHER EARTH—CHARACTER FOR NATURE FESTS, GARDENING CLUBS, REFUGE CENTERS, SCHOOLS, EARTH DAY, ETC.

 Please share this information with others and I do hope our path cross soon, thank you.

MABLE RINGLING: This is a 'farm to table" story. Mable grew up on an Ohio farm and ended up at the most beautiful table in Sarasota. Hear her story unfold as she tells of her life and times when she was the woman behind the man who ran "the greatest show on earth."

BERTHA HONORE PALMER: Bertha's life took her from the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, to Washington D.C., to a castle in England and then to the state of Florida to become a rancher and developer. She has a tale to tell about her exploits and her challenges as she becomes one of the most influential women of her life and times.

MARTHA (MARTY) HARTMAN: Martha is best known for founding The Petticoat Painters in 1953, which is the oldest continuously exhibiting women's art group in the United States. In her Life and Times, she tells the story of the development of all of the arts in Sarasota County, Florida with references to the men and women who helped to create the cultural coast of Florida.

ELIZABETH VAN LEW: As a Northern sympathizer in the Confederate capital of Richmond, VA, Elizsabeth became Ulysses S/ Grant's primary spy during the Civil War. Her work helped to turn the victory to the North. She also recounts the aftermath of the Civil War and how the failure of Reconstruction affects us today.

CARRIE CHAPMAN CATT: Hear the story of the fight for women’s rights as told by one of the leaders of the movement. As the president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, it was Carrie's work which got the last state to vote to pass the amendment. Hear her story of her life and times before and after women had the right to vote.

MINA MILLER EDISON: The daughter of an inventor and the wife of an inventor, Mina tells the story of her life and times during the development of the Chautauqua movement and her life and times as the wife of Thomas Alva Edison.

Her other thoroughly engaging programs are:

Adventurous Women: Eight True Stories about Women Who Made a Difference A fascinating slide show and Penny Colman’s stories about eight amazing women from an Arctic explorer to a plant hunter who lived passionate, productive and adventurous lives.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony: A Friendship That Changed the World A thought-provoking slide show and Penny Colman’s insights into the legendary friendship between Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony and their historic 51-year-long fight for women’s rights, despite fierce opposition, daunting conditions, and betrayal by friends and allies.

Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front In World War II An inspiring slide show with archival film footage and Penny Colman’s commentary about the heroic women who kept the home front running and created the “miracle of production” that ensured the Allies success in World War II.

Book Club Conversations: Lively, interactive conversations with Penny Colman about any of her books via Skype or Facetime, or in person if possible. For information galore about Penny’s books please go to

In 1993 he started the Woman Suffrage Media Project to coordinate and further efforts to popularize this little known part of American history. He also began research for a photographic history of the suffrage movement, and over the following years visited or corresponded with major libraries and historical societies across the country.  Recipient of a research grant from The Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America at Harvard, he served as a researcher and consultant for several suffrage related books, publications, and films including the PBS documentary, “One Women, One Vote.”  After over a decade of work, he completed the lavishly illustrated, 500 page history, “Winning the Vote: The Triumph of the American Woman Suffrage Movement,” full of facts and images documenting women’s early political achievements.

The book received glowing reviews and was recommended as an essential resource for the nation’s public and school libraries.  He has spoken at the Smithsonian Institution, the National Constitution Center, and the Library of Congress, emphasizing in particular the successful grassroots political campaigns suffragists waged between 1910 and 1920. Mr. Cooney received the “Write Women Back Into History” Award in 2005 from the National Women’s History Project in recognition of his work uncovering this empowering chapter in American history.  A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he lives with his wife in Half Moon Bay, California and is available to speak in California and nationally about this important part of American history.

This LIVE performance (with piano accompanist) is both entertaining and engagingly educational.

♪ Includes both Vintage and Contemporary Songs:♪ Audience Participation♪ Appropriate for ages 12+

Testimonials:

"LADIES OF LIBERTY, was one of the most remarkable events – of any kind – that I have ever attended. This brilliant one-woman performance traced the roots of suffrage from its roots all the way to 21st century feminism. Her genius was to illustrate the struggles and triumphs using songs, stories, and readings that were sometimes humorous, sometimes touching, and always deeply affecting.  The audience literally went wild."Penny Wright, Director of Programming, Rogers Memorial Library

"From beginning to end “Ladies of Liberty“ is a fantastic show for people of all ages. I thought I knew a lot about women’s rights but seeing the fight put to music with original songs from the period was eye-opening. And it brings you right up to today’s woman so it is a real joy to see and hear."Judi, League of Women Voters

"Ladies of Liberty is an awe-inspiring, outstanding performance of songs, script and screen images, created as part of the Hamptons League of Women Voters Centennial celebration of women winning the vote in NYS. It exceeded everyone’s expectations and received rave reviews."Arlene, League of Women Voters

 

“Sheryl’s performance as Eleanor Roosevelt exceeded all our expectations; we can’t wait to have her back again! Her portrayal is done in a very thoughtful, creative, and interesting manner that draws you into her world. The performance would appeal to all age groups. Thank you Sheryl!” ~ Donna Weiss, Stoneham Historical Society

“We gathered together again for our first meeting, luncheon, and program on September 10,2018. We truly appreciate the performance by Sheryl Faye. Thank you Sheryl for the entertaining and enlightening re-enactment of Abigail Adams. She is designated as the “First Second Lady and Second First Lady of the United States.” Her life has been the most documented of our First Ladies. We can get an accurate glimpse of history by the letters she wrote. The costumes and historical information were very thorough”. ~Women’s Club of Woodbury CT

 “Ms Faye captivated the entire audience, including the youngsters. She made us laugh and she definitely brought tears to our eyes when Helen’s teacher finally broke through to the deaf and blind girl with her sign for “water”. Ms Faye captured the moment of Helen Keller’s awakening vividly and realistically. We look forward to having Sheryl Faye return to Lancaster with more performances about historical women in the future. A true professional, Sheryl was easy to work with from beginning to end. We cannot recommend her highly enough as an artist and performer.” ~ Karen Silverthorn, Assistant Director, Thayer Memorial Library, Lancaster.

She has given talks, presented testimony, or served as a consultant  on the American revolution in women’s rights throughout the U.S., as well as in Canada, the UK, France, Belgium, Spain, Japan, China, Israel, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. For years, she traveled abroad as an “American specialist” on the women’s rights movement for the then-US Information  Agency. Sonia also gives talks about her exceptional life. She was born in Berlin, Germany of Polish-Jewish parents,  with  whom she fled the Nazi regime, going first to Belgium, and then coming to the U.S. in 1934.  One of six permanent exhibits at the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp, Belgium, dedicated to the Red Star Line and immigration, is about Sonia. She is the author of a memoir, Eat First–You Don’t Know What They’ll Give You: The Adventures of an Immigrant  Family and Their Feminist Daughter.

Leigh has an enhanced Zoom account and thus is able to host this virtual program for up to 100 attendees.

Leigh is a licensed NYC tour guide. She is passionate about exploring all five NYC boroughs and beyond on foot, mostly through organized walking tours. Leigh is retired from a 36-year career as a non-profit librarian. She loves doing research about the neighborhoods where she gives tours and sharing the information about them with attendees. Leigh is a feminist, collector, genealogist, and lover of arts, culture, and travel. After residing in the suburbs of NYC for many years, she now loves living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

Leigh has presented the virtual Feminist Walk through Harlem many times. The presentation is always well received by audiences. And it elicits many questions and comments during the Q&A afterwards. Attendees have access to a list of all the stops, as well as a reading/watching list related to the virtual tour.

Tracy also empowers women entrepreneurs, in a number of speeches, to do business “on the golf course” like men have done for years  by participating in health, fitness and sporting events together as well as support today’s female athletes by attending their games.

Tracy has been a pioneer in woman entrepreneurship in Central New York since 1995 as women business ownership was becoming a good career option. She has promoted, advocated, written and advised thousands of women with her knowledge in order to help them become more successful. She is willing to share her knowledge with your organization too.

To see an example of one of Tracy’s recent speeches, visit https://vimeo.com/186109168.

To learn more about her, visit her personal website at www.tracyhigginbotham.com or her company  websites at www.womenties.com or www.womensathleticnetwork.com.

Tracy has an active business blog with her written work that have become speeches at www.womenties.wordpress.com.  She is happy to tailor make a speech perfect for your event or audience.

Dorothea Dix:  Advocate for the Mentally Ill & Head of Civil War Nurses  Dorothea Dix was born into a respected New England family, but her early life was a hard one.  As a girl, she was called upon to take care of her sickly mother and two small brothers in the Maine wilderness. With her grandmother’s help, Dorothea went to school in Boston and opened a successful school for the poor, became the Civil War’s Head of Nurses, and later returned to her life’s work, profoundly affecting the destinies of mentally ill people throughout the country.  She was determined to make a difference, and with the help of family and friends, Dorothea made her dreams come true.

Carrie Chapman Catt:  Suffragist, Founder of the League of Women Voters and National Women’s Hall of Fame Honoree  Born in 1859, Carrie Chapman Catt became a popular school superintendent, charismatic lecturer, astute organizer and two-time president of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.  She was Susan B. Anthony’s hand-picked successor and a major force in the 19th Amendment becoming a reality in 1920.  Carrie was featured on the cover of Time Magazine, worked for world peace and children’s rights, and received the Chi Omega Award at the White House.  This show is getting Rave Reviews!  Watch Carrie’s Trailer on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ehKy6B9GVMQ

Louisa May Alcott: Reformer & Author of “Little Women”  Nineteenth Century writer Louisa May Alcott grew up in a time of radical social change.  After a childhood spent in ‘genteel poverty’, she struggled to establish a writing career, later becoming a Civil War nurse.  Louisa never married and continued to write and work tirelessly for reform as she single-handedly supported her family.  It’s an extraordinary story!

More:  Amelia Earhart, Betsy Ross, Martha Washington, Mary Todd Lincoln, Indentured Servant Bridgid O’Murphy, Pennsylvanian Anna Morris Holstein

Client & Audience Reactions

“She talks the talk and walks the walk [in] a convincing first-person voice to share the compelling and decades-long story of the fight for women’s right to vote.” League of Women Voters of Radnor

“Thank you for…a great performance. We hope to have you here again.” NASA-Langley

“We have 28 participants enrolled in your Elder Week lecture and are very excited!” Delaware Co. Elder Week

“Carrie… got rave reviews!” Shannondell Community Interest Group

“Betsy Ross was perfect!”  PA Sleep Study Conference

“Pat tells a dynamic and memorable story in a short amount of time, and students from all locations and backgrounds have reacted very well to her.” Dir. of Campus Life, Delaware County Community College

“You had the audience mesmerized.  BRAVO!”   NJ-AARP Chapter

“Thank you, thank you!  …Amelia came to life for [my daughters] and me.”  College Park Airport Museum

“…A wonderful portrayal…so quiet, you could hear a pin drop!  That’s a first for our group.” Jacksonville Community Center

“Everyone loved you…You take such a personal interest, we can tell you love it too.  Also, here’s a copy of the article/interview by the local paper–you were front page!”  Montville Historical Society

Award-Winning Shows:  U.S. Coast Guard Museum Captain’s Coin; Public Scholar for NJ Council for the Humanities; BellAtlantic Video Awards contest; Women for Greater Philadelphia; NAVSUP Commander’s Coin – US Navy; Federal Women’s Program Appreciation Award

Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s overlooked spinster in “The Bedquilt,” Edna Ferber’s restless saleslady in “Representing T. A. Buck“ [pictured], Kate Chopin’s yearning widow in “A Pair of Silk Stockings,” Mary E. Wilkins Freeman’s daring farmwife in “The Revolt of ‘Mother’,” Elsie Singmaster’s Mary Bowman, persevering through war and its long aftermath in “Gettysburg: One Woman's War” [pictured]: these women—our foremothers—are ever so familiar.

From coast to coast, in my unique style I’ve portrayed every character in 30 different stories, live, for 450 sponsors—including colleges and universities, woman’s clubs, libraries, historical societies, senior communities, and international conferences.

FROM MY AUDIENCES:

• “What you have to offer in ‘Gettysburg: One Woman's War’ is priceless.” /  “Luminous!” “Revelatory!”
• “BRAVO for ‘Roman Fever’! Thank you for the elegance and intelligence you bring!” [pictured]
• “ Enchanting!” / “ ‘The Bedquilt’ was extraordinary! You opened so many doors for me!”
• “ ‘The Apple Tree’ was perfect. You simply ‘became.’ ”
• “You totally transported me back to the turn of the last century.” / “What a gift to us was Every One His Own Way: The Chicago Stories of Edith Wyatt.’ ”
• “ ‘Representing T. A. Buck’ was perfection. You evoked the period and the characters effortlessly. I could smell his cigar.”
• “You bring such a vulnerability and radiance to your reading: lovely ‘Christmas Stocking’!” / “I felt you were talking just to me.”“I'm not feeling real comfortable around my shadows at the moment. Glad I had the lights on during ‘Halloween Hauntings.’ “ [virtual]

# # #

PHOTO INFORMATION:

Edna Ferber's Representing T. A. Buck; CREDIT Wm. Grau

Elsie Singmaster's Gettysburg: One Woman's War; CREDIT Kathryn Durr, Gettysburg College

Edith Wharton's Roman Fever; CREDIT Michael Goodwin

With presenters based on both coasts and in between, Living Voices programs are developed to be presented in a variety of school and community settings and for a range of audiences, from K-12 students through adults. The adaptable and flexible format of the programs was designed to be effective in both large and small venues, from a single school classroom in Alaska to a thousand-seat theatre space at Universal Studios, and anything in between.

Winner of the 2017 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Award for Education

Here is a link to our preview video: https://vimeo.com/291746980

Martinez has made appearances at universities, corporations, institutions and organizations, including Columbia University, Trinity College, Towson University, The University of Pennsylvania, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The NJ National Guard, The PA Department of Veterans Affairs, The NJ Department of Community Development, The Vanguard Group, Synchrony Bank and J.P Morgan Chase. The artist is available to speak throughout the U.S. Many of the paintings and social commentaries in this socially-conscious presentation are in Martinez’s art book, “Soraida’s Verdadism: The Intellectual Voice of a Puerto Rican Woman on Canvas; Unique, Controversial Images and Style.”

To share their stories with people from all walks of life, especially students and women, is a joy, an honor—and a mission. There is a need to acknowledge these Latinas (and so many others!) and celebrate their accomplishments in order to break stereotypes, bridge societal gaps, and establish a mutual respect so that each individual can be seen as a potential center of influence. These Latinas serve as examples—that each of us has the power to make a positive mark in this world. Sylvia’s other lecture topics include:

1. A Woman’s Power to Effect Change—Locally, Nationally, Globally
2. Every Woman has a Story to Tell
3. Writing to Change the World (One Journalist’s Point of View)

The Book of Latina Women: 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength & Success was selected for the 2007 California Collection for High Schools by the California Readers’ Association. Sylvia has presented at C-Span Book TV, The L.A. Times Festival of Books, Book Expo America, Southern California Writers’ Conference and Latino Book & Family Festival. Sylvia earned her M.A. in Digital Journalism from National University, her B.A. in Print Journalism from the University of Southern California, and certification in Women’s Studies from San Diego State University. A journalist, author, teacher, and editor, Sylvia continues to adamantly believe in the power of the written word, that every person has a story to tell—and that these stories need to be shared.