31 Voices March

Mingmei Yip was born in China, received her Ph.D. from the University of Paris, Sorbonne, and held faculty appointments at the Chinese University and Baptist University in Hong Kong. She’s published five books in Chinese, written several columns for seven major Hong Kong newspapers, and has appeared on over forty TV and radio programs in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Mainland China, and the U.S. She immigrated to the United States in 1992, where she now lives in New York City.

Arielle Eckstut is an agent-at-large at the Levine Greenberg Literary Agency, one of New York City's most respected and successful agencies. For 18 years, she has been helping hundreds of talented writers become published authors. Arielle is not only the author of seven books, but she is also a successful entrepreneur. She co-founded the iconic company, LittleMissMatched, and grew it from a tiny operation into a leading national brand, which grossed over $30 million in retail sales last year, and now has stores from coast to coast. In this interview, Arielle talks about what qualities and skills authors and entrepreneurs have in common with each other.

Hailed by The New York Times for her "magnificiently sweet tone," oboist Keve Wilson talks about women in the arts and how they are changing their communities and the world. Keve is the co-founder of Ladies First, which makes it premier at the Bohemian National Hall on Friday, May 18th at 7.p.m. This interview features Pure Imagination, the title track from Keve's latest album. It also features Tiho Noci, composed and performed by Milica Paranosic, co-founder of Ladies First. As solo oboist with the Absolute Ensemble, Keve has performed from Estonia to Greece, and appears on the group's multiple CDs, including the Grammy-nominated album Absolute Mix. Tickets for Ladies First are on sale now!

Dr. Julia Byers is the Art Therapy Coordinator, Co-coordinator of the Advanced Certificate in Play Therapy, and Senior Advisor in the PhD Interdisciplinary Studies and Expressive Therapy programs.  Julia has provided workshops and lectures in crisis intervention and alternative therapies in 14 different countries. From an inter-disciplinary perspective, Dr. Byers is interested in the use of art therapy for positive psychological growth.Dr. Byers’ research interests include working with many diverse international groups of people on topics of wellness, prevention, organizational consulting, creativity and innovation, and studio arts based inquiry.  Julia has published many articles on humanitarian art therapy, excellence in teaching, crisis intervention and other related topics emphasizing the role of the arts for building empathy and hope within our complex global societies.  

Melanie Notkin is America’s premier Savvy Auntie, empowering the nearly 50% of American women who are not moms to celebrate all they do for the children in their lives, while living their own lives to the fullest. She launched SavvyAuntie.com, the first online community for aunts and godmothers, in the summer of 2008 to wide-acclaim. The website includes expert content designed specifically for aunts, activities, community and trendy gift ideas.Melanie will share the secrets of how to get the best from our relationships with children. Whether you are an aunt, great aunt, or godmother.  Photo Credits: Ana Schecter