Our last show was 10/17/24

Theme: “Wild at Heart”

We’re all wild at heart. For our first Generation Women New Jersey show, we’re going to hear about moments of courage. Join us at Triumph Brewing in Red Bank, NJ on October 17th at 7pm for our inaugural show! Our talented multigenerational lineup will tell us stories about brazen moments, fearless acts, times they stuck it to the man (or woman), took the road less traveled, demanded more, and did things their way. Get read to be inspired, surprised and entertained and remember that it’s never too late to make a bold move or big choice.

Team 20s - Nathalia Garcia

Nathalia Garcia is a first generation Brazilian-American studying at Georgian Court University in hopes of soon becoming a high school English teacher. She seeks connection through poetry and what she likes to call haunted prose. Born in the spring, she used to obsess over vibrant flowers and, overcome with their loveliness, would pop them into her mouth and eat them! These days, Nathalia can be found in creek beds searching for fossilized shark teeth, at local poetry events, or at her home in Long Branch where she resides with a loving partner, their two cats, and 100+ houseplants.

Team 30s - Michelle Akin

Michelle Akin is a mom, writer, pop vocalist, and Master Certified Coach, in private practice since 2012. In addition to working 1:1 with clients, she also takes individuals and corporate teams to theme parks to ride roller coasters, as an exercise in surrender and play. Michelle also has extensive experience in developing coaches and leaders as a Senior Program leader with Accomplishment Coaching. As a multi-passionate creative, she believes that relationships are the the greatest opportunity life affords us for creating art.

Team 40s - Meredith Avakian

Meredith Z. Avakian (“MZA”) is a writer, spoken word poet, keynote speaker, storyteller, conscious communications coach and consultant. She is also an instructor and the director of community outreach and engagement at Project Write Now.  Perhaps most notably, she’s spent the last nine years doing something new every day.  Her self-proclaimed Journey of Firsts has radically transformed her life. She believes in living a great story and is doing just that..

Team 50s - Jennifer Chauhan

Jennifer Chauhan is a writer, educator, and co-founder/executive director of Project Write Now, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming individuals, organizations, and communities through writing. She has worked in education for more than 30 years, including as a journalist and public high school English and Creative Writing teacher. Her passion is giving people of all ages and backgrounds supportive spaces to explore their authentic selves through writing and sharing their stories. She enjoys reading a poem upon waking every day, walking among trees, and being a part of any live performance (whether on stage or in the audience). She lives in River Vale, NJ, with her family.

Team 60s - Mary Lou Killian Searles

Mary Lou is an out and proud mom and stepmom who has self-identified as a writer since fourth grade. A semi-retired therapist and social worker, she feeds her internal momma bear at every opportunity. Mary Lou stubbornly believes in the power of pen and voice to change the world. She writes about political and personal musings of an LGBTQI family at PrideandPrejudices.com

Team 70s - Deb Petrino Cleary

Debbie Petrino Cleary has been reinventing herself for over 70 years. Professional musical theatre actress, cabaret singer, mother and wife, Real Estate Sales, Spiritual Medium, and currently working her first book: a memoir entitled, Liverpool, An American Love Story. If we can move someone with our words, we help each other and heal ourselves.