Holly Freedman is the founder of OLLI's Listening to Women, which is an annual lecture series started in 2019. The series highlights the life stories, achievements, and diversity of women who are influential figures in their respective fields. These women have reshaped industries and are making a difference in today's communities. 

Holly has been instrumental in selecting these speakers and the success of this program, which is now in its 6th year. This art talk will delve into Holly's selection process and interactions with these remarkable women. Their backstories and struggles are an inspiration for us all. 

Since moving to Sarasota in 2010, Holly has served OLLI at Ringling College in several leadership roles, including chair of the curriculum committee and co-chair of the advisory council. Her professional career spans over 30 years in nonprofit management, including roles such as executive director of the Alliance of New York State Arts Councils and executive director of the Arts Council of Rockland (NY). After her roles in furthering the arts, she served as president and CEO of the Rockland Economic Development Corporation and as executive director of the Rockland Industrial Development Agency. As an expert in nonprofit management and public service, she was also an adjunct professor at Long Island University in its MPA program and received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service from Dominican University in Blauvelt, NY.