Carla DeSantis

Letters of Recommendation

From Mina Carson, Oregon State University

To Whom It May Concern:

Carla DeSantis is an extraordinary speaker who packs years of top-level music and journalism experience into her presentations on women and rock music. Founder and editor of ROCKRGRL Magazine, Carla made that publication into the almost impossibly ideal combination: a slick, smart, and credible record of the challenging world of women rockers--challenging because, of course, rock has been historically dominated by men, and the women in the field have interesting stories to tell about their survival and creativity.

In addition to creating a topflight popular magazine, Carla has taken her own performing experience into mentoring other players, writers and producers. She has been a keynote speaker at a number of important events, including the first Rock and Roll Camp for Girls in Portland, OR, where my writing partners and I first met her. She organized and "pulled off" two incredibly complex and exciting conferences for women in rock music, the ROCKRGRL Conferences in Seattle, in 2000 and 2005. These were combinations of panels and workshops during the day, keynote speakers and a rich docket of club performances at night. We attended both conferences and can attest to their power and professionalism, as well as the breadth of their appeal to veterans and neophytes alike.

Carla appeared at Oregon State University in the winter of 2006 at our invitation. She addressed several classes and gave a general presentation in the afternoon. Her speaking style is direct, humorous, and effective in organization and message. I watched as she stayed on after her talk to chat at length with students and local people who wanted to share their stories or get suggestions. Carla also maintains an active page on MySpace and mentors young musicians from there. She is a great presence, a tireless and cheerful guest, and one of the world's authorities on her topic. She knows the people and issues whereof she speaks.

We'd bring Carla back again -- and probably will! -- in a heartbeat. I always look forward to seeing and hearing her. Please feel free to contact me for additional comments.

Mina Carson
Associate Professor of History
Oregon State University
Milam 306
Corvallis, OR 97330
Co-author, Girls Rock! Fifty Years of Women Making Music
(University Press of Kentucky, 2004)

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From Audrey Bilger, Claremont Colleges

October 22, 2006

To Whom It May Concern:

Carla DeSantis is an inspirational speaker. With the ease of a good friend sharing stories and experiences over coffee, Carla talks about her life as a musician and as the founder and publisher of ROCKRGRL magazine. Obstacles to Carla have been opportunities-in-the-making.

When she saw that women musicians were not being represented in mainstream music magazines, she founded a magazine to showcase women's talents.

She is a rich resource for students who are interested in pursuing careers in journalism, music, and/or feminist activism.

When she spoke at the Claremont Colleges, students lined up afterward to tell her how meaningful her talk had been - and to ask for, and receive, advice on how to move forward with their writing and music.

She's a powerful leader, who leaves her audiences feeling challenged, motivated, and optimistic. I can't recommend her highly enough.

Professor Audrey Bilger
Literature and Women's Studies
Claremont Colleges

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From Tom Wheeler, University of Oregon

Hello,
I’ve known Carla DeSantis for three or four years, but I’ve known her
work even longer. As the former Editor in Chief of Guitar Player, I
became an early admirer of Carla’s vision and dedication.
Currently, I’m a journalism professor at the University of Oregon.
Carla has visited several classes here. She has addressed various
topics relating to publishing, writing, editing, circulation
strategies, etc., as well as topics relating to women’s studies
(female roles in popular culture, stereotyping, empowerment, etc.).
She is also qualified to speak about the music business.
Carla DeSantis is a compelling and entertaining speaker. My students
invariably respond positively to her. They agree with me that Carla’s
messages are important, and that Carla delivers them in a thoughtful,
provocative, and inspirational way.
Carla’s appearances are always two-way affairs; she encourages
students to participate, to ask questions, and to voice their own
opinions.

I recommend her without reservation.

Tom Wheeler