TIFF 2023 Films by Female Directors: Shannon’s Picks
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023 has come to a close. This year, I had attended the Industry Conference, as I do every year, and between events and parties, managed to screen a few films directed by women – and loved them. Here are the highlights:
Me, attending the Women in Film and TV TIFF party
- La Chimera:
A romantic drama set in the 1980s in Tuscany, Italy. Directed and written by Alice Rohrwatcher and starring Isabella Rossellini and Josh O’Connor. La Chimera is a story is about a young English archaeologist who gets involved in the underground world of the ‘tombaroli,’ the nocturnal raiders of tombs and thieves of stolen Etruscan artifacts, and “lost love.” The film also has a female cinematographer, Hélène Louvart, and editor, Nelly Quettier – a powerhouse of female talent.
- Origin:
At the heart of the story is “connecting” the roots of discrimination of India’s caste system, racism in the United States, and the persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany. Origin is a biographical drama written and directed by Ava DuVernay (U.S.), based on the award-winning book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Pulizer-Prize writer, Isabel Wilkerson. The film delves into the life of Wilkerson as she journeys into writing the book while grieving. Starring Connie Nielsen as Wilkerson, and includes Jon Bernthal, Vera Farmiga and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.
- The Peasants:
From the makers of the Oscar-nominated film, Loving Vincent, The Peasants is a Polish film about a 20th century, teenaged girl, Jagna, known for her beauty who is forced to marry a rich older farmer, despite her love for his son. This causes the village to gossip and ultimately shun her. But all along she longs for independence and freedom, to be herself and love who she desires. The story was adapted from a 20th century Nobel Prize-winning novel written by Polish author Władysław Reymont.
The film was shot using live-action and then all the individual film frames were hand-painted by dozens of artists, with the end result looking like a moving painting from the 20th century.
Directed by Dorota (DK) Kobiela along with Hugh Welchman (wife and husband team), who are based in Poland. Starring Kamila Urzedowska as Jagna, Mirosław Baka as Boryna the wealthy farmer, and Robert Gulaczyk (Loving Vincent) as his son and Jagna’s love interest, Antek.
Me, attending the India Film Industry TIFF party (photo credit: Bill Newcott)
There were other films by women screening at the festival, but unfortunately these are the only one’s I was able to screen.
Please support women in the film and television industry.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational television host/producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, speaker and writer covering travel, wellness and wine.
Tasting the world’s first black turmeric latte from Shunya India
This week, I attended an event “What’s Brewing in the Himalayas,” hosted by Consulate General of India in Toronto featuring a tasting of organic, herbal, caffeine-free beverages from Shunya India, an India-based company located in the foothills of the Himalayas. The company’s products are soon to be launched in Canada.
Consul General Apoorva Srivastava
Tasting of Shunya India’s beverages
Shunya India’s products are based on ancient Ayurveda medicine and all their herbs are mountain-harvested and organic. Many of the farmers are women.
We tasted four of Shunya India’s products, including the world’s first black turmeric latte. Black turmeric is known to have medicinal properties such as gut health and pain relief
“The name ‘Shunya’ is an ode to fresh beginnings, the immense potential, awareness, energy, and transformative powers that are associated with Shunyatha or Nothingness, from which wondrous creations are born.”
Tasting the world’s first black turmeric latte (the yellow beverage in the cup)
Another product, Himalayan Ashwagandha, has the ingredient Ashwagandha, which is anti-inflammatory and supports your immunity.
My favourite product of the ones we tried is the Damask Rose, a healthy alternative to tea and coffee. I drink a lot of tea and need to stop.
A take-away gift from Shunya India for all guests
An interesting fact about this company is many of the farmers are women who work hard to grow and harvest the herbs used to make these products.
Also attending the event was an Ayurvedic medicine expert from India, Dr. Tanuja Mano J. Nesari, who talked briefly about the health benefits of black turmeric and ashwagandha, as well as Ayruveda in general. There were also executives from Canada India Foundation in attendance.
Toronto-based Ravi Kumar, Eximpro, who imports Shunya India in Canada
Representatives from the Consulate General of India in Toronto and Canada India Foundation
I appreciate my friends at the Consulate General of India in Toronto. Meet Ratna.
Dr. Tanuja Mano J. Nesari, an expert and professor of Ayurveda at the University of Delhi
Lastly, we also said farewell to Consul General, Apoorva Srivastava, who is leaving for her new post in Slovakia.
I am inspired to learn more about the herbs and the ancient Indian medical system, Ayurveda. It is a natural approach to physical and mental health. I really enjoyed these and I will incorporate into my daily life.
Shunyal India is imported in Canada by Eximpro, specialists in international trade and trade services.
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational writer, broadcaster and speaker, writing about travel, wellness and wine.
A trailblazing woman’s travel guide to Wyoming
Me on the Medicine Bow Peak Gap Lake Trail
Wyoming, U.S.A. is a vast and rugged playground with mountains and a sky as far as the eyes can see.
Fondly known as the Cowboy State, there is another nickname, though, that is getting more buzz these days: the Equality State. That’s because next year, Wyoming will celebrate the 150th anniversary of women’s suffrage as the first territory in the U.S. – and the free world – to grant women the right to vote. It also happens to be a fabulous destination to visit.
On a 6-day road trip this month across Wyoming, I visited the historic sites honouring women’s suffrage and pioneering women who made an impact, and met many of today’s trailblazers who continue in the same spirit. This is my journey.
Low-hanging clouds over the plains
Day 1
I fly from Toronto to Denver, Colorado to meet a group of 13 women I would travel with for the next 6 days, and together we drive (2 hrs) to Cheyenne, the “magic city of the plains.” Our first stop is a tour of the national historic landmark, State Capital building (built 1886-90), which is undergoing a massive restoration project and expected to be completed next year. We are accompanied by Wyoming Senator, Affie Ellis, the first Native American to sit in the Wyoming senate.
State Capitol Building
“Mike” gives us a tour
Dinner is at the historic house of suffrage pioneer, Esther Morris, who, in 1870, became the first female Justice of the Peace. She is also believed to have pushed, in 1869, for a change to the constitution that would give Wyoming women the right to vote. Esther’s at the Morris House will soon open as a restaurant, and we get a preview from our hosts, John and Maria Kopper, who also own the pizza establishment, Bella Fuaco, across the street, where our meal comes from. Our group is joined by Wyoming Senators Affie Ellis and Tara Nethercott, and Diane Shober, director of Wyoming Tourism, who share their inspirational stories of Wyoming women.
Senator Affi Ellis and me
Senator Tara Nethercott welcoming remarks
So grateful to the owners for this experience
Later, I check into Little America Hotel and do some light yoga in my spacious room.
Little America Hotel
Day 2
Off to the Paramount Café for a breakfast bean burrito. Followed by a Cheyenne Street Railway Trolley Tour, with stops including: the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, with its exhibits about early rodeos and its many stagecoaches; the Cowgirls of the West Museum; and Wyoming State Museum, featuring Wyoming’s history and culture.
Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum
A real Cowgirl volunteer at the Cowgirls Museum
Historically significant flag
A drive to the city of Laramie (45 mins) and lunch at Sweet Melissa’s, where Melissa herself drops by. We visit the Laramie Plains Museum and the Wyoming House for Historic Women.
Laramie Plains Museum
Laramie Plains Museum
History lesson at Laramie Plains Museum
We explore the downtown and drop by the largest craftsman co-operative in the U.S., The Bent & Rusty, where founder, Billie Eckhardt, gives a talk about their business and furniture-making workshops.
Billie Eckhardt talks Bent and Rusty
Bent and Rusy
Then we drive to Vee Bar Guest Ranch (30 mins), once a stage coach stop and post office, which has 5 historic buildings, like the John Wayne saloon, a cozy and comfy lodge, and guest cabins. After a tour of the barn and meeting some horses with owner, Kari Kilmer, we sit down for a buffet-style dinner in the lodge’s dining area. Then, with a grateful heart, I slip into my quaint room upstairs in the lodge.
Kari Kilmer, manager
Cowboy caviar for dinner
Day 3
We are hiking today, so it is an early drive to the village of Centennial (40 mins), with a stop for breakfast at the Mountain View Hotel and Cafe, where we meet our hiking guide, Rebecca Walsh, founder of HikeLikeaWoman.net. Then on to Lewis Lake (20 mins) where we hike Medicine Bow Peak Gap Lake Trail (5.5 kms) for 2.5 hrs. The air is crisp, a light dusting of snow covers the ground, and the scenery of the Snowy Mountain range is stunning.
Hiking Guide Rebecca Walsh
Then, on to city of Lander (3 hrs) and, after checking in at the Shoshone Rose Casino Hotel, we are hosted to a reception by the local women from Wind River Country at The Mill House, a beautiful property owned by entrepreneur Jill Hunter. An enjoyable evening listening to the stories of local women.
Reception at The Mill House
Lobby of Shoshone Rose Casino Hotel
Day 4
Breakfast is at The Middle Fork, where I enjoy lemony ricotta pancakes, and we have a visit from owner Jenna Ackerman.
The Middle Fork is modern and bright
Best pancakes ever
Then we depart Lander for South Pass City Historic Site, which was once a station on the Oregon Trail, but became a ghost town after the gold mines closed. What remains are some 30 historic structures from the 1860/70s, including the Carissa Mine. We sit for an history session with park superintendent, Joe Ellis, and architect, Pam Spencer Hockett.
Carissa Mine in the distance
Leaving South Pass and along the highway we see signage for the “Wyoming Women’s Suffrage Pathway,” an initiative driven by Wyoming Senator Tara Nethercott.
On to the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center and are treated to a delightful hoop dance performance by two local dancers. We also meet reps from the Wind River Hotel to learn about their property.
Hoop Dance performance
Drummers
Now on to Casper, the second largest city in Wyoming (2 hrs). Our first stop is the cool and whimsical Backwards Distilling Company where owners Amber Pollock and wife Mallory mix some fun cocktails, and give us a tour of the facility.
Amber Pollock, owner, gives us a tour
Amber and wife Mallory make us cocktails
Dinner is at the new Grab and Go Gourmet where we meet founder, Maggie, and am treated to delicious vegetarian fare.
Maggie working hard in the kitchen preparing our dinner
Love Brussel Sprouts and tempeh
Then time to check-in at the Ramkota Hotel, with it’s wild west-inspired lobby and spacious rooms.
Day 5
Breakfast at the Cheese Barrel, where everything is made with cheese. Next is a private tour of the National Historic Trails Interpretation Center, which has fun interactive exhibits, like experiencing a ride in a wagon. Then we drive out to Casper Mountain (18 km), through snow, to tour the new Hogadon Basin Ski Area Lodge, and sit for a presentation by two Biathlon Club reps, followed by lunch.
View of Casper from the National Historic Trails Centre
It’s snowing on our way to Casper Mountain
Cauliflower steak for me for lunch
Returning to Casper, we drop by the new Crescent Moon Café, owned by young female entrepreneur (“McKenzie”), for lavender-flavoured lattes (and other in exotic flavours). Then an exclusive tour of the Nicolaysen Art Museum‘s private vault with Wyoming’s first and only female art curator, Amanda Yonker. The museum is planning an all-female themed show in 2020.
Amber Yonker showing us the Vault
Gallery of playful art
Now, the unexpected fun: we arrive at the Ugly Bug Fly Shop for a “fly-tying” class combined with tasting local wine (“Crazy Woman”), with local fishing guides.
Shop owner giving us a fly-tying session
Starting on my masterpiece
Help?! Female angler Addie Dees to the rescue!
One of my travel pals, Elaine, trying to figure this thing out
Crazy Woman wine. It just had to be so.
Finally, our last group dinner is at the Pump Room. Thankfully there is a fireplace we can sit next to, while I enjoy a Caesar salad and glass of Riesling.
Then it is back to the Ramkota Hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Day 6
Early morning drive to Denver (4 hrs) to catch a flight (Delta Airlines) to Toronto. Six days well lived.
* drive times are approximate
Resources: Wyoming Tourism
Transportation, accommodations, guides and meals provided/arranged courtesy of Wyoming Tourism.Opinions are my own.
Shannon Skinner is a Toronto-based travel writer, author, radio host and creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. Tweet her at @Shannon_Skinner or Instagram: @shannon.skinner.
Sunday Stories: World Humanitarian Day and women dying in childbirth
On this World Humanitarian Day, let’s talk about something that has been on my mind.
In late 2014, I visited the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, and had the opportunity to interview its Director of Communications about the work the UN is doing around the world. I asked about the UN’s major areas of concern for women, particularly in underdeveloped nations. What I learned opened my eyes.
What I discovered is this: women are dying while giving birth at an alarming rate.
Woman working at a loom in Assam, India.
Every day, approximately 830 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). And 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries. While you might expect it, maternal mortality is higher in women living in rural areas and among poorer communities.
You don’t have to be a woman or a parent to be touched by this issue. I have no biological children of my own and yet this situation touches me deeply. It touches me right to my core because I am a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a lover. It connects with something deep inside me – the woman I am.
When I think of hundreds of women dying every day, it shakes up the humanitarian in me; the one who observes the world on my travels to places known and unknown; regions where women are treated with dignity and respect – and regions where they are not. It has awaked the witness in me and the writer who loves to be on the road and deeply desires documenting the moment.
There are many reasons for maternal mortality, from lack of resources and health care, to the general oppression and undervaluing of women as a way of life. While the maternal death rates have decreased in some areas around the world, they have increased in North America. In Canada, the maternal mortality for Indigenous women is higher than that of other groups.
We have the ability to find solutions to this major problem. I am only one person, but I hope that I will be able to, one day, contribute to a meaningful solution.
Thank you for taking time out of your day to read my Sunday Story
Love xo
Shannon
Shannon’s Sunday Stories is a new initiative of stories of personal challenge and pivotal moments to inspire readers, published on Shannon’s Facebook page every Sunday. And now, here.
Shannon Skinner is a broadcaster, author, international speaker and travel writer. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.
St. Patrick’s Day is a good reminder
St Patrick, as the story goes, didn’t really drive snakes out of Ireland. Those “snakes” were actually the pagans, giving way to the rise of Christianity. With the suppression of paganism and rise of Christianity came the disempowerment of women and feminine power for centuries to come – something we still fight today.
So for today, enjoy the green beer and don’t forget to wear something green, but be reminded of its roots.
BTW – I still believe in Leprechauns.
And since all eyes are on Ireland, today, Conde Nast Traveler published the 15 most beautiful place in Ireland to visit. In honour of St. Paddy’s Day, I’m sharing that article with you here.
On this International Women’s Day, be Phenomenal
On this International Women’s Day, I want to share a poem that so many of us can relate to:
Phenomenal Woman – a poem by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
*Photo courtesy Huffington Post
Join me tonight on the Global Social Change Summit
I am speaking tonight on the Global Social Change Summit on the topic: “Women: Why We Need Your Voice in 2017 ” – all about advocacy, spirituality and…politics (yes, they can coexist).
Join me at 6:30 PM EST – it’s free! Register online here:
http://www.gifew.com/summit-2017/#a_aid=SS
10 tips for women travelling solo
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India (2016)
Women travel for a variety of reasons, from recreation to business to study. For any woman travelling solo, personal safety must be paramount — regardless of the purpose. Whether you are travelling to a major city on business, taking the road less travelled, or doing the all-inclusive resort get-away, the same principle applies: put your safety first.
Here are 10 tips to help you enjoy your trip and stay safe:
1. Attitude Check: Do not be afraid to travel alone. Remember this: whatever we fear comes near. When planning your trip, closely examine your attitude about it. If you are experiencing fear about traveling solo, find the tools to quash it before you go. On the other hand, do not be cocky either. There is a fine line between being fearless and using common sense.
2. Research Before You Go: Every destination has its popular spots and areas where it may not be wise to venture into if you are a woman alone. Depending on your destination, culturally it may not be prudent for you to be seen alone at night, such as Morocco. In some major cities, if you turn the wrong corner you might find yourself in an area that makes you uncomfortable or unwelcomed, like New York or Johannesburg. The best thing to do is research before you leave to get an understanding of what you are getting yourself into and the areas to avoid.
3. Keep in Touch: Let your loved ones know where you are staying and also your travel itinerary. If you are accustomed to traveling alone, it might not feel like a “big girl” thing to do. But it cannot hurt and your loved ones will appreciate it. If you are going into countries where there is political unrest or conflict, check-in with Canadian embassy and stay up-to-date with travel alerts. Also be sure to leave a copy of your passport at home.
4. Emergency Plan: Have a plan for what you would do in the event of a medical emergency. Often this is the last thing on our minds when we are excited about upcoming trips. However, if you are traveling alone and become ill – or worse — it would be beneficial to know where you will find the best support and help locally. Also ensure your insurance is up-to-date before you leave.
5. Leave Jewels at Home: Leave your good jewelry at home where it is safe. Some single women wear a ring that looks like a wedding band to fend off unwanted attention. While I have tried this, I cannot vouch that it was effective. However, I have noticed that whenever I have worn good jewelry it has, at times, grabbed unwanted attention of locals trying to determine if I am a wealthy tourist.
6. Mind the Alcohol: If you are not fully aware of your surroundings at all times, you are highly vulnerable. I recall when I was in my twenties traveling through a European country with some girlfriends. One became extremely intoxicated and disappeared with a bartender for about an hour, until we – fortunately — found her on the floor behind the bar just as the guy started assaulting her. This does not mean be paranoid either; just watch the amount of alcohol you consume and do not accept a drink from a stranger.
7. Blend-in with Locals: Do not look make it obvious that you are a tourist otherwise you are making yourself an obvious target. Do not read maps in the open. Always look like you know what you are doing and where you are going. Be respectful of the local religious and cultural beliefs, even if you do not agree with them.
8. Carry Two Credit Cards: I like to take two credit cards, one as a back-up with plenty of room for purchases, in case something happens to my primary card. One of the drawbacks of traveling alone is that you do not have someone else you can count on if you run out of money, get robbed or if your credit card company freezes your card.
9. Trust Your Intuition: Listen to your gut instinct. If you are feeling somewhat unsettled or something feels “off,” pay attention to it. If you feel safe, you are safe.
10. Have a Pretend Boyfriend: Sometimes when I am asked by locals or other travellers if I am traveling alone, I say I am with or meeting my boyfriend — or husband. This is one of my “best practices” and really comes in handy, especially when sitting alone at a restaurant and a male waiter starts to probe. This might sound silly, but it works for me.
Shannon Skinner is the host/producer of ExtraordinaryWomenTV, a radio show host, international speaker and author, who lives to travel and discover fine wines. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.
This article was originally published in Infinity Magazine
Episode 10 Shannon Skinner Live on VoiceAmerica Women
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, August 4, 2015 — Tonight on Shannon Skinner Live episode 10, host Shannon Skinner speaks with Chicago-based women’s health expert, Dr. Karin Ulstrup, about her international work in Mali around female genital mutilation, and her unique program educating medical students to prepare them for creating fulfilling lives; and Cynthia Horvath Garbutt, executive director for the Global Health Initiative (GHI) at Chicago Lake Shore Medical Associates, and the fund’s director for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, about their cutting-edge initiative to advance global healthcare. Tune-in to VoiceAmerica Women tonight at 7pm EST/ 4PM Pacific.
Shannon Skinner Live is a weekly radio show that uncovers the stories and solutions to living an extraordinary life and making this world a better place. It features interviews with experts, visionaries and activists.
About Dr. Karin Ulstrup:
Dr. Karin Ulstrup is an internist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago where her focus is on women’s health and preventive care. Before becoming a doctor, she was a partner at a litigation consulting firm where her focus was in weapon system programs. She returned to school and attended Georgetown University School of Medicine then residency in internal medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She serves internationally to help create sustainable healthcare solutions in underserved areas of around the world. She has worked in Kenya, Nepal, Guatemala, Nigeria and Mali, as well as in Southern Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, and has served on the Global Health Initiative Fund at Northwestern since its inception in 2008. She is also an active teacher and mentor in the Feinberg School of Medicine where she leads over forty medical students. She is based in Chicago.
About Cynthia Horvath Garbutt:
Cynthia Horvath Garbutt is an attorney and the founding executive director for the Global Health Initiative (GHI) at Chicago Lake Shore Medical Associates, and serves as the fund’s director for Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Since 2008, she has worked with GHI founding president Dr. Robert J. Havey and the physicians at Chicago Lake Shore Medical Associates, a regional medical practice of Northwestern Medical Group, to fund over 650 medical students and residents for month long rotations to low resource areas around the world. She is based in Chicago.
About Shannon Skinner:
Shannon Skinner is a Canadian television talk show host, speaker and writer. In 2010, she launched Shannon Skinner’s Extraordinary Women TV, the first-of-its-kind, as a live web TV show, and later developed it into an broadcast television show and online platform that is the ultimate online life-guidance resource for women. She is the author of the Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity; and she writes on a range of topics, including inspiration, feminine leadership, change, creativity and travel.
Episode 9 Shannon Skinner Live guests: Marina Nemat and Rona Maynard
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TORONTO, July 28, 2015 — Tonight on Shannon Skinner Live episode 9, host Shannon Skinner speaks with two authors of popular memoirs and advocates who are using their personal stories to transform lives. Shannon’s guest are Marina Nemat, author of the best-selling memoir Prisoner of Tehran; and Rona Maynard, journalist and author of My Mother’s Daughter, and former editor of Chatelaine magazine. Tune-in to VoiceAmerica Women tonight at 7pm EST/ 4PM Pacific.
Shannon Skinner Live is a weekly radio show that uncovers the stories and solutions to living an extraordinary life and making this world a better place. It features interviews with experts, visionaries and activists.
About Marina Nemat:
Marina Nemat was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. After the Islamic revolution of 1979, she was arrested at the age of sixteen and spent more than two years in Evin, a political prison in Tehran, where she was tortured and came close to execution. In 1991, she moved to Canada, where she now resides. Her memoir of her life in Iran, “Prisoner of Tehran,” has been published in 28 countries, and is an international bestseller. Her memoir has also been adapted for the stage.
Her second book, “Life After Terhan: a Life Reclaimed,” was published in 2010. She has received numerous awards including the human dignity award from the European parliament, and is an advisor to a number of human rights organizations, including the Canadian Centre for Victims of Torture, and Pen Canada, among others. She is a regular contributor to news outlets, and speaks all over the world. [http://www.marinanemat.com/]
About Rona Maynard:
Rona Maynard taps the power of stories to open minds and build communities. As Editor at Chatelaine during the biggest re-branding in its history, Rona led the team that attracted a new generation of readers. Her truth-telling editorials were carried in wallets and taped to fridge doors. One of the first prominent Canadians to go public with a history of depression, Rona shares her story at podiums nationwide, proving that mental illness is no barrier to success. She is the author of a memoir, “My Mother’s Daughter,” that Alice Munro has called “wonderfully honest and enthralling,” and the leader of a memoir workshop for first-time writers. By popular demand, she now offers a companion workshop on brand building through storytelling. [http://ronamaynard.com/]
About Shannon Skinner:
Shannon Skinner is a Canadian television talk show host, speaker and writer. In 2010, she launched Shannon Skinner’s Extraordinary Women TV, the first-of-its-kind, as a live web TV show, and later developed it into an broadcast television show and online platform that is the ultimate online life-guidance resource for women. She is the author of the Whispering Heart: Your Inner Guide to Creativity; and she writes on a range of topics, including inspiration, feminine leadership, change, creativity and travel.
