As we enter the second half of the second decade of the 21st century, there remains an alarming shortfall of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) careers. Most experts agree the United States alone will need nearly 2
I was literally immersed in the light of Claude Monet’s creativity when I visited the Musée de l’Orangerie in the Tuileries Garden during a recent trip to Paris. The museum devotes two large oval-shaped rooms to Monet’s study of nymphéas.
Last week I wrote about an extraordinary commencement speech given by Meghan Musnicki at Ithaca College. Musnicki issued four challenges to the new college graduates: set goals but be willing to change them, experience failure and learn, practice gratitude, and
We have entered the days of college graduation — of erudite speeches given by those we deem to be successful in life. And I have come to realize the best speeches are not those that outline outward achievements of life,
When is the last time you were bored? And, what did you do about it? Day dream? Leisurely observe the world? Or, like most of us, fill your time with a structured activity? Recent studies on boredom and creativity suggest that boredom can
Design thinking — a dynamic and fluid iterative approach to problem solving has captured the imagination of educators and kids alike with its emphasis on the intuitive creativity we all remember from childhood. I wondered if our tiniest students, preschoolers
“The world in general disapproves of creativity,” wrote Isaac Asimov. In a 1959 letter to a team of scientists at MIT, the great science fiction writer advised his colleagues to prepare themselves for disapproval. Creative ideas would appear outlandish and
Here’s a mantra for reimagining 21st century philanthropy: we can’t solve today’s problems with yesterday’s logic. Although the basis of 20th century American philanthropy was citizen altruism, a combination of top down management and exclusive grant making made possible its achievements.
Thinking about creativity as a skill, not a mighty mystery, makes it accessible to all of us. Too many people still think of creativity as a mystery — the exclusive property of the very intellectually gifted or a bolt of
Interest in women and girls and tangible actions to improve their lives continue to gain momentum. More and more people are speaking up for women and girls — and pursuing innovative ideas to enhance their economic security, education, health and
