First-time author Maggie Sullivan describes herself as “a writer, NPR nerd, classic ENFP, and dedicated dog mom from Cleveland.”
She’s also come up with a great idea for a book. Boss Ladies of CLE features 20 women from northeast Ohio, photographed in their workspaces by the author on her phone. She says, “ I am not a photographer. I believe capturing the photos this way makes the project more genuine, and embodies the endearing, scrappy spirit of Cleveland.”
She describes the book as a side project from her day job, but her selection of Cleveland women is diverse and well-chosen. Most will be familiar to those who are plugged into the local entrepreneurial scene and are excellent choices to be packaged and showcased in a volume like this. They include such women as Grog Shop owner Kathy Blackmon; Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody Stewart; Cleveland Flea founder Stephanie Sheldon; Anjua Maximo of GrooveRide Fitness studios; Erin Huber Rosen of Drink Local, Drink Tap; Dancing Wheels founder/performer Mary Verdi-Fletcher; Yellowcake’s Valerie Mayen; and co-owners of Lakewood’s Salt, Jessica Parkison and chef Jill Vedaa (pictured).
“I have hope for the future because of the women in this book,” Sullivan posted on her Facebook page. “These are women who have found their way to the top of their fields despite systematic barriers. They’ve infiltrated systems of power that were not built for women or people of color to benefit from. They’ve built businesses that have made our community stronger. Right now, our leadership in government, corporate America, the media, entertainment, and nearly every industry across the board looks very white and very male, especially in Cleveland and the State of Ohio. Changing that could change everything.”
The book is available now for preorder, to be shipped June 3.