In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Mandeville, La. residents Cathy Deano and Renee Maloney found themselves seeking work with more meaning – something new and inspiring that would also give them a platform to give a little something back. The duo came up with Corks N Canvas, a paint-and-sip art experience aimed at helping the…
Leading Ladies
Michelle Ciarlo-Hayes
Michelle Ciarlo-Hayes had a choice: stay in a safe job as a university librarian or go after her dream job in photography and digital art. “What sane person leaves their dependable job with steady salary and excellent benefits to make a living in the art world?” she asks. But that’s exactly what Michelle did. She…
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Leading Ladies
Amber Bernhardt
Amber Bernhardt has one of the most enthusiastic, genuine self-job descriptions we've had the pleasure of reading, yet. A teaser: "I play for a living. I create make believe. And if I make believe and play to the extent of my ability, I get to enrich humanity doing it. How cool is that?!" We'd say it…
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Leading Ladies
Maria Yoon
When performance artist Maria Yoon said “I do” at Times Square in New York City this May, it wasn’t the first time — it was her 50th. Maria, a first generation Korean-American, felt pressure to get hitched at a young age from both her parents and the Korean-American community. In response, she became “Maria the…
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Leading Ladies
Minden Koopmans
Minden Koopmans is the epitome of that woman who's going to go out there and change the world. She already is. As assistant director at 3rd Ward, a creative workshop in New York City where individuals can experiment, practice and polish a craft or activity, she makes the kind of personal impact that affects others…
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Leading Ladies
Camille Schenkkan
Camille Schenkkan discovered her dream job during a graduate school class in 2008. After hearing about Arts for LA, a regional advocacy group, she knew it was where she had to be. She set up an informational interview with the group's executive director about a month later and was hired the next week! Currently she is…