Ladies We Love: Linda Leonard, Actress, Director and Teacher

In today's Ladies We Love feature, we're talking with vocalist, actress, choreographer and director, Linda Leonard who also serves on the faculty at KD College.  

How are you "breaking the glass" for yourself and paying it forward to women?

 At the young age of 55 as a cancer survivor I have renewed my health and my weight (recently lost 47 lbs) and hopefully my career and my energy to help other women do the same! IT IS possible at any age to begin again. Being connected with organizations such as KERA an NPR and MADD I have hopefully helped women regain confidence and power by realizing that they can accomplish ANYTHING if they ask for help, be open to the help around them and work to achieve their personal goals.   

Describe yourself in three words

 Kind, Passionate, Positive

Think back to elementary school. What did you want to be?

 A Marine Biologist, a Broadway Star and a Psychologist  

What was your college major? Did you stick with your plan?

 I got a BA in Theatre and associate degree in Psychology and Dance. Yes...

Name your greatest achievement in the workplace.

 I have had many achievements in my careers. Too many to name! 

Things that please me. 

1) Touring for 4 years with CATS, 2) creating and directing a play called "Beyond The Shock" (co-produced with MADD) with my college students at KD College www.kdstudio.com  to help them deal with grief and loss and healing, 3) marrying my soul mate and fabulous actor Bill Jenkins and 4) continuing to make a living using my creativity and the gifts I have been blessed with 5) sharing my creative information with young artists in all disciplines.

Tell us about a hard lesson you had to learn.

I had to learn to say "no" which I am still not very good at, but I'm working on it! I just want to please as many people as possible.

What is your passion? Personal and professional?

My personal passion is collaboration on all levels of life and love and creativity to create the most positive, fulfilling existence possible.

My professional passion is striving for creative communication through theatre, film, TV, dance, song, writing to help people connect, laugh, cry, be a part of a larger whole, not feel alone in their suffering, and move forward and heal.

Who inspires you?

My MotherHilary ClintonMaya AngelouBette MidlerMarianne WilliamsonGhandiWilliam ShakespeareAnne RicePasty RodenburgMae WestJulie AndrewsCarol Burnett

What one piece of advice would you give to the women of GlassHeel

 Never give up. The universe will always support you if you open the door.

Do you know someone who should be featured in Ladies We Love? Let us know by emailing team at glassheel.com.