I first met the dynamic Marian Rich at a Global Play Brigade event and later at an East Side Institute meeting. Marian, a New York City native, shared her journey from growing up in Manhattan in the 1960s to becoming a political activist and theater artist. Her father, a blacklisted character actor during the McCarthy era, influenced her early interest in theater. Marian's involvement with the East Side Institute and the Global Play Brigade highlights her work in using improv and theater for social change. She discussed her transition from acting to art due to chronic pain and her role in creating mental health workshops in Harlem. Marian emphasized the importance of play and creativity in overcoming life's challenges. Marian co-leads a monthly Creative Playground -https://www.wemanitycoaching.com/creative-playground - with her colleague Aurelie Harp. Marian and Aurelie also lead a weekly in-person coaching group in NYC at https://www.wemanitycoaching.com/inperson-group You can learn more about Marian and her work at: https://www.marianrich.com