Born in London to Greek parents, Marina began her passion for acting at the Royal Shakespeare Company affiliated Guild Hall of Music and Drama School. The Worthington Repertory Theatre company's production of Hamlet was Marina's entre into the theatre world. She went on to appear with a variety of European companies such as Coventry Rep's production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame in the role of Esmerelda and in The Rocky Horror Picture Show as Magenta.

Once Marina distinguished herself in theatre, she began to expand her acting career into television. She appeared in several popular British television series such as Minder & Hazel and starred in the critically acclaimed made for British television film One Last Chance. Marina also appeared in feature films produced on both sides of the Atlantic including: The Wicked Lady with Faye Dunaway; Death Wish III opposite Charles Bronson; Blind Date with Bruce Willis and Richard Donner's The Thief of Baghdad.

But it was Marina's riveting portrayal of Deana Troi, the psychic counselor, for seven years on the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as her co-starring role with Patrick Stewart in the feature films Star Trek: Generations, Star Trek: First Contact and in the most recently released, Star Trek: Insurrection that has brought her legions of fans throughout the galaxy.

Ms. Sirtis made her American theatre debut in Hartford Stage's production of Loot and then starred in the world premiere of Neil Simon's Hotel Suite at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, both of which won her exceptional praise for her performances.

Women On The Rise featuring Marina Sirtis

Donya Zimmerman is the principle owner of Family & Community Mediation and Business Consulting. Donya has over 15 years of experience as a legal professional. She was an attorney for over 10 years practicing in the following areas of law: family, bankruptcy, juvenile, business, foreclosures defense, and contract. Now she has decided to dedicate her career to assisting individuals with starting their own business, starting their own non-profit organization, and small businesses with reorganization and development growth.

As a business consultant, Donya assists individuals with business formation, ensuring their business is properly registered as a legal entity (Inc., LLC, S-Corp, etc.), and assist businesses with completing their certification (WOSB, MBE, DBE, etc.) to bid for government contracts. As a mediator, Donya provides mediation services to public (individuals, businesses, churches, and community organizations) to resolve disputes in a safe and stress-free environment. Also, Donya assists churches and community organizations with setting up their own mediation programs.

Women On The Rise featuring Donya Zimmerman

Angela Carswell is the Co-Founder/Playwrite at Positive Arts Movement.

And RIMSHOT Urban Musical tells a dynamic story through music, prose, song, and dance about the challenges of independent artistry, the lures of the recording industry and the importance of avoiding the dangers associated with a quick route to "fame". 

A significant portion of the proceeds will be allocated to local organizations with initiatives and resources to end human trafficking domestically and internationally.  ​We are on a national tour targeting all the major cities identified as hubs for human trafficking.

VERTIKAL LIFE Magazine