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Who We Are:

	Vali Forrister is a grrrl who is the producing artistic director for Actors Bridge Ensemble and
the creator of Act Like a GRRRL.  Vali's graduate training is in the performance of personal narratives 
as a means of personal and social change.  A professional actor, director, producer and writer for the
last twelve years, her work has been recognized by the local press as being “a tour-de-force,” and 
“seemingly effortless” (Tennessean), “consistently excellent” and “major league” (Nashville Scene).  Her 
original performance of personal narratives entitled DECONSTRUCTING FEMININITY won university and 
regional awards. This year, Actors Bridge will premiere two original plays that Vali has co-written:  
FAITH/DOUBT exploring Nashville's experiences with religion -- or why we believe what we believe -- and 
ORDINARY HEROES examining Nashville's pivotal role in the civil rights movement of the 1960's. Her work 
as the producer and director of THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES has raised over $60,000 to end violence against 
women in Nashville. She is often a featured speaker for organizations that work to end violence against 
women because of her personal journey from rape to wholeness.

	Heather Talley is a Ph.D. student in sociology and a program assistant in the Women's and Gender 
Studies Program at Vanderbilt University. In addition, Heather is the graduate intern at Feminist Teacher-- 
a journal devoted to examining racism, sexism, and homophobia in the classroom.  As a researcher and a 
teacher, she is devoted to providing a space for her interviewees and students can articulate and share 
their experiences.  Heather became a grrrl early in life--what else is a sister of three brothers supposed 
to do?  Currently, she is working on helping her smart, tough, funny nieces--Riley, Reed, Sami, and 
Marki--become fabulous grrrls!

	Nicole H. Lemon is a third-year Master of Divinity student at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. 
Nicole works as a research assistant and will be a graduate writing consultant for The Writing Studio 
at Vanderbilt University for the 2006-2007 academic year.  During the summer, she will work on a 
paper to be presented at the upcoming conference, “Sisters of African Descent: Connecting Spirituality, 
Religion and Vocation.” In this paper, she will discuss womanist theology and the interconnectedness of 
self-definition and spiritual discernment. Also, Nicole will take a reading course designed to explore 
women's ways of knowing and finding their voices in the classroom and society.  She is excited about 
the opportunity to share what she discovers in this course with the grrrls.

	Rachel Agee is one of Nashville's finest talents. A comedienne, producer and soon-to-be director, 
Rachel also holds the distinction of being the President of Vali Nation,  
is a long-time member of the Actors Bridge Ensemble and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the ABE Board.

	Jeanne Moses is a home school mom, an actor, a writer, a prop mistress and costumer par excellence.
There is nothing that Jeanne Moses can't make (or find in a dumpster). She is resourceful, creative, witty
and talented. She also smells good and teaches others how to smell good through the art of aromatherapy 
(a highlight of last year's ALAG).

	Midori A. Lockett -After a many year absence from Nashville, this native is excited to work again 
within the local performing arts community.  Through various capacities, Midori draws upon her creativity 
and extensive theatre experience to enhance Nashville's artistic landscape.  Since 2003, she has worked 
almost exclusively with Amun Ra Theatre and recently collaborated with Actors Bridge Ensemble to create 
the original work, Ordinary Heroes.  Midori is proud to be a member of the planning team for the 2nd season
of Act Like a Grrrl!

	Betsy Phillips lives at the end of a sunny side street in Nashville, where she, along with her 
infamous dog, wrecks havoc on the internet.

	Jackson Roland is the son of Jeanne, designer of this website, and a computer wiz.