Leslie Kwartin

Leslie’s Updated Autobiography (2021)

In 1965, I graduated with a Bachelor of Music (BM) from University of Connecticut, having majored in applied piano and music history. My first job in NY city was as proofreader, for RCA records, of librettos, ad copy etc. A friend turned me on to a production assistant opening at the “Guiding Light” (CBS-TV). I spent my adult career (over 30 years) producing daytime dramas for each of the broadcast networks. It was a rewarding to win 2 Daytime Drama Emmy awards during that time.

From 1988-1991, tried California (Los Angeles) lifestyles—worked for Cirque du Soleil, Fox TV, went back to school for Landscape Architecture masters (completed 1 year, at Cal Polytech, Pomona), worked for LA Arboretum—and then lured back to produce “One Life to Live” (ABC-TV) and “Another World” (NBC-TV).

In 2000, I moved to Marin County, across the Golden Gate bridge from San Francisco. At first I worked as streaming media producer for Fortune 500 companies, then chose less stressful activities; e.g. ( upscale boutiques, art collective, and volunteer work for Image for Success dressing clients in need of work clothes and self esteem). I production managed cookbooks, (one for Stan Raaen owner/partner of Va de Vi restaurant; one for a medical marijuana publisher). I became Manager of the nonprofit Retail Store for Bloom (formerly named Image for Success) from 2012 to 2019. I retired in 2019. Back to my personal life, In 2000, I met Stan Raaen—at a movie club. We bought a home, claimed our small poodle rescue, and became a family. Stan has three grown children and 3 grandchildren whom I love.

... 2020 has been a year requiring resilience from all of us. So far we have been COVID free and various family members have recovered. I had successful surgery for a cancer in my lung. It has been a time of learning to accept what is and voting for change. Here’s to connecting at the 2021 Zoom reunion with hope and gratitude and thankfulness!