Thursdays, January 20 – March 3
Registration opens November 30.
A seven-session series featuring women whose innovations and accomplishments are having an impact and influencing lives locally and globally.
(November 3, 2021) — Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Ringling College (OLLI at Ringling College) presents its third annual “Listening to Women,” a seven-session series featuring women whose innovations and accomplishments are having an impact and influencing lives locally and globally. The series takes place on Thursdays at 1 p.m., January 20-March 3, 2022, at the Ringling College Museum Campus, 1001 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Registration for the seven-session series is $81 for OLLI Gold Members; $90 for general admission. Masks are required and audiences will be limited to 80 people. For more information and to register, call 941-309-5111, or visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org. Listening to Women is made possible, in part, with support from Sarasota Magazine, West Coast Woman, and First Horizons Foundation. This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of Susan Samelson, a passionate OLLI supporter.
Holly Freedman, a member of the OLLI Advisory Council, heads up the team that created and coordinated the “Listening to Women” series. Team members include Jamie Coffey, Victoria Eckl, Louise Gallagher, Bev Harms, Victoria Kasdan, Terry Rixse, Tobie van der Vorm, and Lois Watson.
“Each week we will meet women who had the passion and determination to break barriers and overcome obstacles to become movers and shakers in their own fields,” she says. “These include women who have persevered in the visual and performing arts, fashion, religion, science, technology, healthcare, and the military and who continue to serve our communities with a focus on the challenges still facing young women today.”
Freedman adds that the “Listening to Women” series not only brings attention to the incredible women who live and work here, but also enhances the depth and breadth of the course offerings at OLLI. “Our hope is that the audience — men and women — will be inspired by these stories and ask for more similar programs at OLLI.”
The “Listening to Women” schedule at a glance (For complete details and schedule, visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org).
- Reverend Liz Walker has just stepped down from the pulpit of Roxbury Presbyterian Church in Boston, MA, a dynamic congregation leading a struggling community through the COVID-19 pandemic. The ministry is the latest in Walker’s multi-career life of big battles and pushing boundaries — from her role as the first African-American television news anchor at WBZ-TV in Boston to that of a humanitarian building a girls’ school in South Sudan. Currently the founder and creator of a groundbreaking community trauma program being replicated around the country, Walker has much to share about healing, reinvention, and learning to live fearlessly.
- Join these fashion trailblazers as they discuss their personal experiences in the industry, where they are now, and what the future might hold in the world of design and retail. As a professor and specialist in consumer behavior, Johnson Colbert connects to the psychology of why we buy what we buy, and how these trends shape society. Olsen — a master of reinvention — shares her expertise on navigating the fashion business and how to build a brand while staying true to yourself. The conversation between these two dynamic women sharing personal stories, offering thoughts on fashion in a post-pandemic world, and giving visions for innovations is sure to engage and inspire.
- : Women represent only 28 percent of the workforce in STEM-related fields and in colleges men still significantly outnumber women majoring in these areas. Three dynamic women who, despite the odds, pursued and excelled in roles in a wide variety of science and technology oriented fields, will talk about their lives and experiences. Their stories and conversation will offer fresh perspectives and focus on the realities of today’s world in science, technology, and healthcare.
- Three classical musicians from Sarasota Orchestra talk about their lives and work. Committed to expanding the power of music outside of the concert hall, these women have founded organizations dedicated to bringing live music to people, wherever they are. From churches and assisted living facilities to homeless shelters, hospitals, and prisons, these women are using music to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals.
- Follow Hawaii-born and raised Alma Grocki as she enters the U.S. Naval Academy in the second class of women, through her career in the Navy as one of the first women officers on Naval Shipyard waterfronts overhauling ships and submarines, culminating in her promotion to Rear Admiral leading the reserve Engineering Duty Officer community, while juggling marriage, family, a civilian career, and volunteer work. Filled with anecdotes and observations of this dynamic time in the nation’s military, including an update on the integration of women in today’s Navy.
- Four artists and advocates of the arts will explore and share the magical moments that called them to the dance of diverse careers. These accomplished women discuss their unique stories and paths, including the influential people and special places that brought them to careers as artists, designers, public art experts, and art teachers.
- “Code Red” is a whimsical, coming-of-age short film that deals with the lack of easy access to feminine hygiene products that girls face in schools. In this session, the filmmakers will discuss the inspiration behind the film, their dedication to creating a majority female crew and their desire to bring attention to a worldwide cause that is ever-present, yet rarely spoken about – period poverty. “Code Red” was produced by Ringling College of Art and Design, crewed by Film Department students and alumni, and filmed on location at Girls Inc. of Sarasota County and Ringling College Studio Labs.
About OLLI At Ringling College
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Ringling College is a program of Ringling College of Art and Design. OLLI at Ringling College operates year-round and is supported through student registrations and private contributions. OLLI courses are non-credit and primarily based on a liberal arts curriculum. Tuition varies depending on course length. There are no grades and no tests. Courses are offered purely for the joy of learning. Visit www.OLLIatRinglingCollege.org
About Ringling College of Art and Design
Since 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design has cultivated the creative spirit in students from around the globe. The private, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in eleven disciplines and the Bachelor of Arts in two. The College’s rigorous curriculum employs the studio model of teaching and immediately engages students through a comprehensive program that is both specific to the major of study and focused on the liberal arts. The Ringling College teaching model ultimately shapes students into highly employable and globally aware artists and designers. For more information, please visit www.ringling.edu.