Thursdays: 2-3:30 pm
6 Sessions: Jan. 22-Feb. 26
Gold Member: $81
Silver Member and General Admission: $90

Carole Kleinberg’s combined expertise as a theater educator, director, and administrator coalesced in her vision for a theater that would celebrate Jewish literature, culture, and history while remaining universal in its appeal and respected for its excellence.  

Carolyn Michel has been a leader in Sarasota’s arts community for over 40 years, including her days as a member of the Asolo Rep company, her acclaimed performances on Broadway in regional theater, at Florida Studio Theatre, and the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, along with her work as a fundraiser for arts organizations and her tireless efforts for Sarasota Jewish Theatre.  

Jennifer L. Shafer, Ph.D., co-owner and President of Shafer Consulting, serves as Co-Executive Director of the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida — a collaborative network of 45 science-based environmental organizations along Florida’s Gulf Coast. She organizes ideas, strategies, and experiences for natural resource protection, leading strategic planning and science communication efforts. With two decades of experience in research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement, she has shaped insightful, creative strategies that advance environmental goals.

Abbey Tyrna, Ph.D., an educator and scientist, joined Suncoast Waterkeeper in 2022. In her role, she has enhanced water quality monitoring for harmful bacteria, increased the number of pollution reports submitted to environmental enforcement agencies, and advocated for establishing strict pollution limits on Piney Point’s discharge. A native of Cape Coral, Abbey earned her doctorate from Penn State and has dedicated her career to studying wetlands and protecting Florida’s waters.
 

Christine P. Johnson, President of Big Waters Land Trust for 15 years, leads a team protecting our land and water for the benefit of people and nature. As a fifth-generation Floridian, Christine never imagined that she would work to protect the land and water she grew up on. Previously, she worked in management and consulting with Fortune 500 companies, helped the Girl Scouts of Southwest Florida raise $7 million for their headquarters, and raised over $100 million for Ringling College of Art and Design.

Dr. Janet Taylor is a Community Psychiatrist at Centerstone in Sarasota and is on the Board of the ACLU of Florida. She’s on the frontline battling the emotional and economic impact of mental illness. She holds a medical degree from the University of Louisville, completed her psychiatric residency at New York Medical College, and obtained a Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. She is co-author of The Courageous Classroom: Creating A Culture of Safety for Students to Learn and Thrive. (Wiley, 2021).

Victoria Kasdan is the owner of Cruise Planners®: Travel2Nirvana, curating luxury cruises, land tours, and heritage-inspired group journeys. Beyond travel, Victoria co-founded Making An Impact, Inc., a nonprofit connecting residents to vital community resources. A registered nurse, nonprofit co-founder, and former public health executive, she is a Florida Top 50 Influencer recognized for leadership, entrepreneurship, and creating meaningful experiences that connect people worldwide.

Alyssia Lazin’s passion for photography was launched with a Kodak Brownie at age 13. After university, she was a photographic model for fashion magazines in New York City, Paris, Milan, and London. She received her master’s degree at Yale University (CT) in graphic design and opened a design studio in NYC serving Fortune 500 companies and art institutions. After 25 years in design, she has dedicated herself to fine arts photography. Her work has been exhibited in the U.S., Europe, South America, and India. Alyssia splits her time between Sarasota and Lucca, Italy.

Virginia Shearer has been Executive Director of the Sarasota Art Museum (SAM) since 2021 and has 30 years of museum experience. Previously, she was Director of Education at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. Virginia’s mission at SAM is to make contemporary art relevant and inspiring for diverse audiences, providing programs for students, families, and art enthusiasts. She envisions the museum as both a cultural cornerstone for Sarasota and a nationally recognized contemporary art destination.

Christine Jennings began her banking career as a teller at 17 and rose to become founder, president, CEO, and chair of Sarasota Bank. After its successful sale, she ran for U.S. Congress and later led Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe through a major turnaround. She now chairs Canandaigua National Trust Co. of Florida and serves on the boards of Sunshine from Darkness and Senior Friendship Centers.

Susan Burns is the editor-in-chief of Sarasota Magazine, where she leads the publication’s editorial vision with a deep commitment to community storytelling. A New College of Florida graduate, Susan joined the magazine in 1987 as a writer and editor, later founded the regional business publication Biz941, earned numerous journalism awards, and held leadership roles in local nonprofits.
 

Denise Flynn found comfort in Buddhism after a 20-year career with the New York City Police Department. Having witnessed the World Trade Center tragedy, she sought solace and understanding of the world. Working with New York’s multi-cultural community, while a member of the Disorder Control Unit, Denise felt the despair of those voicing anger and pain against society’s inequities, bringing her closer to Buddhist teachings and practices, with its guidance to accept all beings as they are.

Samar Dahmash-Jarrah is a Kuwait-born Palestinian-American journalist, author, and educator. As a former contributor to CNN World Report and an instructor at the University of South Florida, she is a frequent speaker on Arab-American relations, culture, and media. Samar has authored books in English and Arabic and co-hosts a weekly radio show on WMNF 88.5 FM in Tampa. 

Rabbi Jennifer Singer is the Jewish Learning & Engagement Manager at the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. Rabbi Singer holds a master of art degree in Jewish Education from the Jewish Theological Seminary (NY), as well as ordination as a Rabbi and Spiritual Director from the ALEPH Alliance for Jewish Renewal. She has lived in Sarasota since 1998 and is well-known as a spiritual leader and educator. 

Rev. Anita D. Williams was raised in Bradenton and graduated from Argosy University with her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her ministerial journey began in 1990 while serving as a youth director. She has been an ordained pastor in Florida since 2000 and is now the Senior Pastor of Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Sarasota. Reverend Williams empowers women in ministry while training men and women for pastorship.

Sue Jacobson is a community volunteer for projects that interest and inspire her (like this one). Currently, she “works” with the Boxser Diversity Initiative, Miracle on the Key, Conversations Across the Aisle (CATA), and Temple Beth Israel. Her perspective is informed by years of service and leadership on the boards of directors of local and regional human service organizations. Sue practiced law for over 30 years in upstate New York and Sarasota.