A very recent recipient of an MBA with a focus on leadership from Columbia Business School, Connie Gao earned her degree while working full-time as Book of the Month's Marketing Director. Though her career and academic life are both — alone and together — amply impressive, she still makes time to enjoy life's pleasures. A big fan of the Chelsea Market (and self-proclaimed "huge foodie"), Connie's often spotted perusing its boutiques on her way to "buy fresh seafood from The Lobster Place." In this interview, she describes the challenges she faced as a teen who grew up in China and landed at prep school in Connecticut, the qualities that make an excellent leader, and how her relationship with her mom has evolved over the years.
Read MoreGrowing up in political exile in the US, Mahen became a fixture in the NYC party scene of the 1970s and 80s. Now she’s the powerhouse founder of the African Film Festival which enters its 30th year this summer.
Read MoreSara is a social media manager and photographer and the creator of People Who Do, a website showcasing people who go after what they want. She lives in Chelsea.
Read More