Public Figure Profiles

Joan Ganz Cooney

Joan Ganz Cooney is an American television writer and producer. She is one of the founders of Sesame Workshop (formerly Children's Television Workshop or CTW), the organization famous for the creation of the children's television show Sesame Street, which was also co-created by her. Cooney grew up in Phoenix and earned a Bachelor of Arts in education from the University of Arizona in 1951. After working for the State Department in Washington, D.C., and as a journalist in Phoenix, she worked as a publicist for television and production companies in New York City. In 1961, she became interested in working for educational television, and became a documentary producer for New York's first educational TV station WNET (Channel 13). Many of the programs she produced won local Emmys.

In 1966, Cooney hosted what she called "a little dinner party" at her apartment near Gramercy Park. In attendance was her then-husband Tim Cooney, her boss Lewis Freedman, and Lloyd Morrisett, an executive at the Carnegie Corporation, in which the potential of television to teach young children was discussed. Cooney was chosen to oversee and direct the creation of what eventually became the children's television program Sesame Street, which premiered in 1969, and the CTW, the organization that oversaw its production. Cooney was named CTW's first executive director. As one of the first female executives in American television, her appointment was called "one of the most important television developments of the decade".Cooney remained executive director of the CTW until 1990 when she became the chair of CTW's executive board. She served on different boards, was the trustees of many organizations, and received many awards and honorary degrees. In 2007, the Sesame Workshop founded The Joan Ganz Cooney Center, named in her honor.

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Some of their strengths

Joan Ganz Cooney has many admirable traits.

Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Independent, Organized, Creative, Intense, Intuitive, Sophisticated, and Curious.

Adventurous and Independent

According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Joan Ganz Cooney is someone who is an adventurous, independent, and energetic person, who is insightful, imaginative, generous, and honest. A person who seems to identify with family, heritage and ancestry.

Helpful and Supportive

Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Joan Ganz Cooney well know them as someone who can be accepting, supportive, and productive, like a garden.

Independent and Organized

According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Joan Ganz Cooney as someone who is independent, organized, inventive, and generous.

A person who is curious and a loves learning, who seems to always know what to say, who has an optimism that can overcome any difficult situation, and who seems to be able to master almost any skill.

Stable and Creative

Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Joan Ganz Cooney is someone who thrives in volatile situations, and who tends to be a source of stability and comfort for others who are experiencing challenging times .

They are also someone who is patient, assertive, and who is a natural leader that likes to help others in need.

Optimistic and Quick-witted

According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Joan Ganz Cooney tends to be someone who is optimistic and spontaneous, and who has a clear and analytical mind. Who can be witty, with a happy-go-lucky- nature that makes others cheerful, and who possesses an adventurous zest for life.

Some of Joan Ganz Cooney's challenges

While Joan Ganz Cooney has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.

For example, Joan Ganz Cooney can be Domineering, Selfish, Impulsive, Careless, Complicated, Brusque, and Difficult.

Impulsive and Careless

One of Joan Ganz Cooney's key challenges is that they are someone who can be impulsive and careless.

Joan Ganz Cooney must also exercise caution as they can be short-tempered and aggressive, and can be excessive and unrealistic.

Domineering and Impatient

Joan Ganz Cooney is someone who can be demanding, egotistical, and controlling, can have a lack of judgment regarding personal finances, be argumentative and stubborn, and who can have a tendency to be withdrawn and spend time in self-imposed isolation.

Irritable and Callous

Finally, Joan Ganz Cooney also can be short-tempered, childish, insensitive, and careless at times.

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