Shawn Finnie & Leigh Goldenberg

Philly brings it on the big screen and on the stage, and the guests on this episode of Love + Grit work behind the scenes to make it all happen, proving that the heart and soul of a travel destination are the people we meet. Shawn Finnie’s journey is an incredible example of our city’s resilience and grit. His career path brought him from Philly to experiencing homelessness in New York City to Los Angeles, where he now works for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, ensuring that diverse voices and backgrounds aren’t just represented, but also engaged and activated. And in Philly, Wilma Theater Managing Director Leigh Goldenberg — also the brains behind the annual Philly Theatre Week — joins the conversation to discuss efforts to increase diversity on local stages and expand the prestigious Barrymore Awards with honors for gender-inclusive performances.