Marilyn Russell's Remarkable Women

WOGL honored Julie Ertz as our Remarkable Woman of the Year last year and she continues to show how remarkable she truly is. You may've seen the emotional embrace she shared with her team mate Casey Short while the National Anthem played at the start of the the second game of the National Women’s Soccer League tournament in Utah last week. It was the embrace seen and heard around the world...2 players, one white, one African American, both wearing BLM tee's knelt, hugged and wept together to show unity in sports and in friendship. Julie's statement is below. Just one more reason we wanted to share Julie and Marilyn's conversation on sports, love, life, support and giving back to the community. “Currently, every time the national anthem is played, our country continues to become more and more divided on what the visual symbol of unity looks like,” Short and Ertz said in a joint statement they released Tuesday. “Through our continuous conversations we wanted to make sure that whatever we decided to do, it would not be an empty gesture. It would be a gesture that portrayed that we have heard those who needed to be heard, validated and loved. “That moment during the anthem was difficult, very difficult. We are still searching but we are humbled by the outpouring of support.” Marilyn also sits down with the President of St Hubert's High School for Girls, Lizanne Magarity Pando to learn how brick and mortar schools quickly adjusted to teaching digitally from home and getting the class of 2020 ready to graduate. The students, with the help of their sewing teacher,  leapt into action from home and helped make masks for hundreds of health-care workers in Philadelphia. Lots more to the story so listen in.

Teacher, Family Coach Coordinator, now Assistant Vice Principal at Agora Cyber Charter School, our guest this week is the very talented and cheerful Holly Allen. She's an absolute delight and because students are an essential part of the Agora family and story, Holly is joined by three 2020 graduating students, Michelle, Sarah and Theresa, each with their own compelling story to share. Agora Cyber Charter School is an online public school that's been educating students K-12 for 15 years now. You're invited to their upcoming virtual Open House and all the information is available at agora.org.

Marilyn Russell sits down with Remarkable Woman Katie Grau, a Registered Nurse from Virtua Hosptial in Voorhees, NJ who has been working in the Intensive Care Unit in the midst of the Pandemic. Katie works on a pulmonary unit that is exclusively providing care for COVID-19 patients. Here, she shares how her work life has changed due to the pandemic and just how amazing the staff at Virtua have been through it all.

This week's show features Ginny Marino, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Central and Southern NJ. She is a dynamic leader whose career has been focused on the empowerment and advancement of women and girls. Ginny shares details on the launch of GSCSNJ's virtual learning portal, providing scouts and parents to stay connected through virtual-learning materials and online sessions. Marilyn also talks to the Executive Director of Magic Gardens - Emily Smith, because when we're all allowed to go back out again...we're going to need a little magic. Magic Gardens is featured in Jason Segal's "Dispatches from Elsewhere" and in fact, may have influenced his decision to film the show here in Philadelphia. PMG is an immersive mixed media art environment that's completely covered with mosaics and features an outdoor sculpture garden.

The first guest on this weeks show is Chef Jen Carroll from Spice Finch. She is working with the James Beard Foundation in a myriad of ways including a James Beard POP Up Dinner in April.  Then, just in case anyone happens to be thinking about whiskey, we talk to Samantha Beedle. She is the North American Whiskey Ambassador from Breakthru Beverage and she is here to get us ready for St. Patrick's Day.     

This weeks guests are Susan Campbell and Erica Spencer. They are both here to talk about the upcoming Change the Luck of a Child Telethon which is happening on March 24th from 6:00am to 8:00pm Susan is the CEO, Ronald McDonald House Philadelphia and Erica is a volunteer who used to work for McDonald’s and would volunteer at the House. Then her son, Mason, needed a kidney transplant, so she and her family wound up spending many nights at the Ronald McDonald House as he received treatment.  If you want to donate you can go to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Telethon website 

The 3rd annual Women’s Day Conference, an educational and networking opportunity focused on professional development, peer mentoring and support for women in public service is coming up.  This week Lt. Lisa Desamour from the Philadelphia Fire Dept, Lt. Myesha Massey from the Philadelphia police department, and Angel Roebuck from The American Red Cross join Marilyn to share details of the upcoming Women’s Day Event.  The second guest is Chef Jen Carroll from Spice Finch. She is working with the James Beard Foundation in a myriad of ways including a James Beard POP Up Dinner in April. 

Since it's still Heart Month, first up on this week's Remarkable Women is Alin Gragossian. Alin shares a very harrowing story of heart failure. With no warning signs, and very few symptoms, this young lady nearly died of heart failure before her 30th birthday.​ On an up note...have you heard about WonderSpaces? Jenn McCreary joins Marilyn to share the details on a beautiful new Art Space in the Fashion District that immerses audiences in a myriad of ways including virtual reality. Listen to learn more. 

Today's show features Melanie Corbman. She is the Manager, Clinical Genetics at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.  Melanie shares a fascinating story of how she came to the field of Genetics and genetic counseling and the great work that CTCA is doing with patients around that.  Our second guest is Heather Annechiarico. She is the owner of Wine Dive, the first wine-focused bar and exclusive bottle shop with a seriously casual bent. The concept is simple, nothin too fancy but everything fabulous.

Our first guest this week is Leigh Goldenburg, Executive Director, Theatre Philadelphia. Leigh shares all the details on the upcoming 3rd annual Philadelphia Theater Week in Philly (and the burbs). It's happening Feb 6th - 16th and for more details check out wwwphillytheatreweek.com. And then we talk to Maria Pacifico, President of Pacifico Ford, Mazda, and Hyundai. Maria is the first female Auto Show Chair in 2020 and she gives us details on the upcoming Philly Auto show 

To start the show this week Maria Pacifico from Pacifico Ford joined us with details on the upcoming Philly Auto show  Our second guest is Jenn McCreary from Wonder Spaces, a new interactive Art installation at the Fashion District 

Getting you ready for Heart Month next month this episode of Remarkable Women shares the extraordinary survival story of Alin Gragossian who nearly died of heart failure before her 30th birthday. Then stick around for dessert as Marilyn's second guest is from United Way of Southern Chester County sharing all the details of an upcoming Chocolate Fest in beautiful Kennett Square. 

Cindy joins the program and shares all the Philly Home Show events including a session with her team. She’s also an author - listen to learn more about this fascinating and remarkable woman. 

This week's Marilyn talks to Lisa Ertz, the Executive Director of the Ertz Family Foundation and the mother of Philadelphia Eagles tight end, Zach Ertz. The foundation is committed to making an impact in Philadelphia communities and abroad. Marilyn talks to her about the foundation and what is was like raising four boys by herself She also continued her conversation with the Remarkable Woman of the Year - Julie Ertz. Julie was honored for her charitable work with the Ertz Family Foundation as well as her accomplishments on the soccer field as a World Cup Champion and as the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.   

This week's Marilyn talks to the Remarkable Woman of the Year - Julie Ertz. She was honored for her charitable work with the Ertz Family Foundation as well as her accomplishments on the soccer field as a World Cup Champion and the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year.  Then Marilyn talked to Amy Sheeran from the Philadelphia Zoo about LumiNature, a new holiday lights experience that has been in the works for two years. It is open now until Sunday, January 5th

This week's first guest is Shelly Fisher. She is the creator of "One Tough B" line of jewelry. She is finding the strength to get through not one but two cancers. Shelly kept the faith by reminding herself, she was one tough B...and now helps others remember that about themselves. Also on this show are two remarkable breast cancer survivors Andy and Krysten both diagnosed with State 4 Metastic Breast Cancer. They came toshare details about their Podcast...called "Making the Breast of It."  They're fighting the disease in every possible way and sharing their stories with their audience. 

This week on the show Marilyn talks to comedienne and actress Jillian Bell --- from "Brittany Runs A Marathon," and soon to star in "Splash!" ​ Her second guest is Mackenzie Schott, a volunteer with the Borgen Project.  The Borgen Project is an innovative, national campaign that is working to make poverty a focus of the U.S. foreign policy And finally she talks to author Sara Novic, a Philadelphia writer and  author of "Girl At War," which won an American Library Association. Sara shares details on her latest book  "American is Immigrants," which features short illustrated biographies  of Americans hailing from all 193 countries. 

Kicking off the show this week is the remarkable Maria Pacifico, President of Pacifico Ford, Mazda, and Hyundai. She is the Vice Chair of the Ford Dealers Advertising Association, and has served on the Advertising Board since 2015. Maria has been a member of the Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia since 2010, and is currently on the Executive Committee. She is set to be the first female Auto Show Chair in 2020 and the President of the Association in 2022. In the second half of the show we meet ​Ashley Dunek, Assistant Publisher for JerseyMan/PhillyMan Magazine and the Operations Manager for USA Man. Ashley has helped build their private business network, the Legacy Club and coordinates a myriad of events including their Legacy Gala, an annual event that's raised over $20,000 for various charities. She's a Pennsauken native, graduate of Holy Family University and a former special-ed teacher.

Lauren Hart is known as "The Voice of the Flyers", she sings the National Anthem for every home game.  Next we meet a lovely and talented author from our area, Sara Novic. Sara is the author of the novel Girl at War  which won an American Library Association Alex Award, was an LA Times Book Prize finalist, and is available in thirteen more languages. Her nonfiction project America is Immigrants, short illustrated biographies of Americans hailing from all 193+ countries, is available now and she'll be doing a book-signing November 14th at Penn Book Center.

Lauren Hart is known as "The Voice of the Flyers", she sings the National Anthem for every home game. She is a cancer survivor and proud to open up the festivities at the 5th Annual Philly Fights Cancer. Philly Fights Cancer acts as the main fundraising channel for Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center. The event features celebrity performances by Hugh Jackman, John Mulaney and Andy Grammer.  Elissa Bloom is the Executive Director of Philadelphia Fashion Incubator. PFI's objective is to enable fashion entrepreneurs to make the best decisions for their businesses through cutting-edge curriculum, business programs and opportunities tailored to current retail trends. Elissa talks to Marilyn about their upcoming event, "An Evening of Fashion with Purpose" at Joan Shepp in Philadelphia. Click here for tickets. 

Karen Phelps Moyer is the founder of Eluna Network, which is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide comfort, hope and healing to children and families affected by grief and addiction. Karen discusses Eluna's upcoming signature event, the 7th Annual Champions for Children.

Lauren Hart is known as "The Voice of the Flyers", she sings the National Anthem for every home game. She is a cancer survivor and proud to open up the festivities at the 5th Annual Philly Fights Cancer. Philly Fights Cancer acts as the main fundraising channel for Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center. The event features celebrity performances by Hugh Jackman, John Mulaney and Andy Grammer. 

We pick up where we left off with Andy Sealy and Krysten Gentile, two inspirational women who have started a podcast called "Making the Breast of It". Both women have been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, but are fighting every step of the way to stay healthy and happy...and sharing their stories with their audience. Learn more at  www.makingthebreastofitpod.com. Next up is Jennifer Ulibarri, a Territory Outreach Manager for Promises Behavioral Health. Jennifer is dedicated to helping individuals start on their road to recovery from mental health disorders and substance use.

Fist we meet Michelle Histand from Independence Blue Cross in support of the upcoming B.PHL Festival in Philadelphia. Michelle is the Executive Director of B.PHL Festival and Director of Innovation at Independence Blue Cross. Michelle oversees all planning and execution of over 200 events taking place throughout the 3-day festival coming up this week in Philadelphia.​ Then we meet two inspirational women who have started a podcast called "Making the Breast of It". The podcast is hosted by Andy Sealy and Krysten Gentile. Both women have been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, but are fighting every step of the way to stay healthy and happy...and sharing their stories with their audience. Learn more at  www.makingthebreastofitpod.com.

Linda Kuepper and Jacqui Makowski from the Autism Cares Foundation join Marilyn to talk about their upcoming Race for Resources on November 2, 2019. 

First we meet an inspiring young author named Erin Clemens. Erin wrote a book called "I Have Asperger's" because she wanted to share her personal experiences in hopes that parents and teachers could have a better understanding of what having Asperger's is like. Since publishing her book, she has become a major autism advocate. Next we meet Jennifer Lynn Robinson, CEO of Purposeful Networking  and President for the Philly Chapter of Fem City. Are you networked? Tune in to hear Jenn's networking tips and for details on an upcoming Fem City Business Conference featuring Vittoria Woodill from CBS 3.  

First on the show are three remarkable women from the National Brain Tumor Society. The mission of NBTS is to discover a cure, enable the delivery of effective treatments, mobilize and unite the brain tumor community, and advocate for patients and their care partners. The 14th Annual Race for Hope is on October 12, 2019 at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. For details or register click here.  Then we meet Joann Pierdomenico and Vincent James, the founders of the non-profit Keep Music Alive and two international music holidays -- music holidays:  Teach Music Week (March) and Kids Music Day (October). They speak about the upcoming 4th Annual Kids Music Day on Friday, October 4th. 

First on the show are three remarkable women from the National Brain Tumor Society. The mission of NBTS is to discover a cure, enable the delivery of effective treatments, mobilize and unite the brain tumor community, and advocate for patients and their care partners. The 14th Annual Race for Hope is on October 12, 2019 at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. For details or register click here.  Next you meet Katie Edwards from Philadelphia's Clean Air Council. The 14th Annual Greenfest Philly Celebration is Sunday, September 8, 2019.   

First on the show is Zabeth Teelucksing​h, Executive Director for the non-profit Global Philadelphia Association (GPA). Under her leadership, GPA partnered with the City of Philadelphia for membership in the Organization of World Heritage Cities, making Philadelphia the first World Heritage City in the US. Zabeth shares all the details about the World Heritage City Celebration Dinner this Thursday 9/5 and the 2019 Global Philly Expo.​ Next we meet an inspiring young author named Erin Clemens. Erin wrote a book called "I Have Asperger's" because she wanted to share her personal experiences in hopes that parents and teachers could have a better understanding of what having Asperger's is like. Since publishing her book, she has become a major autism advocate.  

First we pick up where we left off with Cheryl Colleluori, President of the HEADstrong Foundation, whose mission is to improve lives affected by cancer in memory of its founder, her son Nicholas.  Next we meet Zabeth Teelucksingh, Executive Director for the non-profit Global Philadelphia Association (GPA). Under her leadership, GPA partnered with the City of Philadelphia for membership in the Organization of World Heritage Cities, making Philadelphia the first World Heritage City in the US. Zabeth shares all the details about the upcoming World Heritage City Celebration Dinner and the 2019 Global Philly Expo.  

First on the show is Cheryl Colleluori, President of the HEADstrong Foundation, whose mission is to improve lives affected by cancer in memory of its founder, her son Nicholas.  Then the lead singer of Berlin Terri Nunn calls in to chat about Berlin’s 40th Anniversary Tour with the B-52’s. They will be in Philadelphia on September 19 at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.

First on the show is Catherine Cahill, President & CEO of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts. The Mann has so many great upcoming concerts and events including Grease™ with Orchestra performed by The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia on Thursday, August 15. Tickets are available at www.manncenter.org Then we meet Hollywood screenwriter and director Cindy Chupack. Cindy has won two Emmys and three Golden Globes as a TV writer/producer whose credits include Modern Family, Sex and the City, Everybody Loves Raymond, Divorce, and Better Things. She talks with Marilyn about her feature directing debut, Otherhood starring Patricia Arquette, Angela Bassett and Felicity Huffman. Otherhood is about the period in life when moms become “empty nesters” and have to learn to explore the stage beyond motherhood. Otherhood is available on Netflix now.

We pick up where we left off last week with Sarah Laurel. Sarah is the Director of Outreach for Savage Sisters Non-Profit. Savage Sisters is dedicated to helping women in recovery. They offer women the opportunity for healing all aspects of the disease of addiction; mind, body and spirit. Sarah’s story will move you. If you’d like to help or donate, please visit www.savagesisters.org Then we meet Amy Needle, President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. Historic Philadelphia’s programs include the Betsy Ross House, Once Upon A Nation storytelling and immersive walking tours, and Franklin Square. Amy shares all the details on the new Franklin Square Fountain Show grand opening on Wednesday, July 31. The 180-year-old, historic Franklin Square Fountain will dance along to popular music choreographed to songs by Boyz II Men, U2, Louis Armstrong, and more.

First on the show is Diane Melley, Executive Director of Second Century Initiatives & Corporate Partnerships for The Philadelphia Foundation (TPF). TPF is currently in the middle of a  first-of-its-kind grantmaking initiative called The Key to Community Grants. TPF invited community members to select local nonprofits to receive $1 Million Key to Community Grants. The finalists have been selected and you can vote to decide which nonprofits should receive the grants. Voting runs through Friday, July 26th at philafound.org/vote. Next we meet a fierce young woman named Sarah Laurel. Sarah is the Director of Outreach for Savage Sisters Non-Profit. Savage Sisters is dedicated to helping women in recovery. They offer women the opportunity for healing all aspects of the disease of addiction; mind, body and spirit. Sarah’s story will move you. If you’d like to help or donate, please visit www.savagesisters.org

First on the show is Jennifer Ulibarri, a Territory Outreach Manager for Promises Behavioral Health. Jennifer is dedicated to helping individuals start on their road to recovery from mental health disorders and substance use. Then we meet the star of Cirque du Soleil Amaluna, Alix Croop.  Alix is from Allentown, PA. For a short period, she worked in the field of Neuropsychology and as a mobile therapist before running away with Cirque du Soleil! Amaluna runs from July 24 to August 25 Under the Big Top, Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. If you want to see Alix in Amaluna, get your tickets here.

Did you know the Philadelphia Phillies principal charity is the ALS Association? The Phillies have raised $18.4 million to fight ALS thanks to their partnership with this week’s remarkable woman, Ellyn Phillips. Ellyn has served as the volunteer president of the ALS Association since 1984 and has helped shape the scope and fortitude of the association as well as cultivate a lasting partnership with the Phillies.

First on the show is Liz Scott, the Co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. In 2000, her 4-year-old daughter Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for other children with cancer. In her lifetime, Alex would go on to raise over $1 million before she passed away in 2004 at the age of 8.  Since that time, Liz and her husband Jay have worked alongside thousands of supporters across the country to carry on her legacy of hope. Then we meet a young remarkable woman named Anna Payne. She is the Executive Assistant to Bucks County Commissioner and Auditor of Middletown Township Bucks County. She is one of the honorees for KYW's Women of Achievement Awards on Thursday, June 27th at the Loews Hotel. 

First on the show is Liz Scott, the Co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. In 2000, her 4-year-old daughter Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for other children with cancer. In her lifetime, Alex would go on to raise over $1 million before she passed away in 2004 at the age of 8.  Since that time, Liz and her husband Jay have worked alongside thousands of supporters across the country to carry on her legacy of hope. Then we meet a young remarkable woman named Anna Payne. She is the Executive Assistant to Bucks County Commissioner and Auditor of Middletown Township Bucks County. She is one of the honorees for KYW's Women of Achievement Awards on Thursday, June 27th at the Loews Hotel. 

First on the show are Cindy Messerle and Cheri Perron from the Lupus Foundation of America Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter. They share upcoming events and how to get involved with the foundation. For more info visit Lupus.org/tristate Then we meet the remarkable Liz Scott, the Co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. In 2000, her 4-year-old daughter Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for other children with cancer. In her lifetime, Alex would go on to raise over $1 million before she passed away in 2004 at the age of 8.  Since that time, Liz and her husband Jay have worked alongside thousands of supporters across the country to carry on her legacy of hope.

First on the show are Cindy Messerle and Cheri Perron from the Lupus Foundation of America Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter. They share upcoming events and how to get involved with the foundation. For more info visit Lupus.org/tristate Then we meet the remarkable Liz Scott, the Co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. In 2000, her 4-year-old daughter Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for other children with cancer. In her lifetime, Alex would go on to raise over $1 million before she passed away in 2004 at the age of 8.  Since that time, Liz and her husband Jay have worked alongside thousands of supporters across the country to carry on her legacy of hope.

Lupus Foundation and Philadelphia Zoo - aired on 6/9/19