Ann B. Friedman joins the Potluck call
...educator, founder of Planet Word in Washington, D.C., an interactive museum
Our Monday Zoom lunch guest will be Ann B. Friedman, a former Des Moines woman whose family consists of several well-known influencers, including her husband, author, and writer Thomas Friedman. Her family of origin is best known in Iowa because of their success in the shopping mall business and whose surname ‘Bucksbaum’ is associated with numerous philanthropic causes.
Ann graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1973.
The focus for our call today is Ann Friedman’s dedication to education and early childhood development, and it is because of this passion, she created a museum in the Washington, D.C. area called Planet Word. According to the organization’s website:
Planet Word is an immersive language experience at the historic Franklin School on 13th and K Street in Washington, D.C. Planet Word is a voice-activated museum (the world’s first!), and the interactive galleries and exhibits bring words and language to life in fun ways.
Ann (née Bucksbaum) is a teacher and the daughter of real estate developer Matthew Bucksbaum and Carolyn ‘Kay’ Swartz. Matthew co-founded General Growth Properties, a shopping mall giant.
Ann Louise Bucksbaum was born in Marshalltown and attended Bettendorf public schools before moving to Des Moines, enrolling in Merrill Junior High School, and graduating from Roosevelt High School. She graduated from Stanford University in three years with majors in economics and history and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa there.
Ann has served on the boards of the National Symphony Orchestra and the Aspen Music Festival and School. She has also served as a board member of Conservation International and originated its Women's Forum in Washington, D.C.
Your Zoom link. The call begins at noon central time and lasts one hour.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83105428891
Iowa Writers’ Collaborative
Did you read the roundup of columns from our Iowa Writers’ Collaborative members? Here it is:
The Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 22-25, 2024, is halfway full already. Look at our roster of speakers, and you’ll understand why. Over 45 speakers are on board. Participant skill levels range from novice to published career writers.
There’s a story in everyone. Let us help you tell yours.
Come! We’ll have some serious fun.