My name is Weston Stroud. I am 25 years old and I have lived in Macon for 16 years. My family moved from Atlanta when I was a child, and as an adult, I chose to live in Macon after I graduated from State University of New York College of Environmental Science & Forestry, where…

Stasia (they/them) is committed to building a more just world and applies values of intentionality and working collectively towards this goal. As a former high school educator and a queer person of color, they carry a keen awareness of the intersections of identity, experience, and the many hidden gifts that can emerge when people are…

Raie Gessesse is a fierce advocate for racial and gender justice through blending her interests in culture, policy & community organizing. In recognition of her community advocacy, she was appointed by former Governor Mark Dayton to serve as a cabinet member on the first-ever Young Women’s Cabinet. In her role, she has worked tirelessly to…

Quynh-Mai Nguyen (she/her) is a 2nd generation Vietnamese-American social practice artist, poet, musician, and community organizer from San José, CA. For the past 10 years, Nguyen has been dedicated to working with underrepresented communities to help uplift their narratives through placemaking, events, and programming. In 2018, KQED Arts Bay Brilliant recognized Nguyen as one of…

Monique Becker is Co-Founder of Mona Lisa Development (MLD), a socially responsible real estate development firm with property management, consulting and general contracting capabilities. A certified Detroit-Based, Detroit-Resident and Women-Owned business, MLD is committed to extending opportunities to others in our community to preserve place and people in the creation of neighborhood masterpieces. Monique supports…

Marcus D. Laws, originally from Laurinburg, North Carolina. My professional background is in Psychology, Criminal Justice and Healthcare Management with focuses on Counseling, Housing/Vocational Rehabilitation, Mental Health/Substance Use and Developmental Disabilities in Community Based Settings.

Makayla Binter is a 2020 Davidson College graduate who majored in Biology and Studio Art. While at Davidson, she was an athlete, student leader, and project facilitator. At the end of her senior year, she was co-coordinator for a multi-cultural retention and mentorship program, STRIDE, a Davidson Arts and Creative Engagement Fellow, a Bonner Scholar,…

Justin Pinn believes that his mission and calling in life is to ensure opportunity, equity, and access for all. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, Pinn, a first-generation college graduate, relocated to Miami as a TFA Corps Member, teaching secondary science. Currently, Justin serves as the head of the Alumni programming at TFA…

Jordan has degrees in both Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design and is currently working within those realms in Duluth, Minnesota. He is passionate about community-driven creative problem solving within the built environment and spends much of his free time brainstorming along those lines. He is an advocate for multimodal transportation options and has volunteered on…

Iliana is a community organizer in Philadelphia and a Los Angeles native. She is a Salvadoran-American who was the first in her family to get a Bachelor’s degree and is now working on a Masters of Education with a focus on policy at Temple University. Iliana believes that shared knowledge and accessible educational tools are…

Emily is a landscape designer with Alta Planning + Design and a proud board member of Partners for Parks. Her passion lies in creating and advocating for public space that enriches the community experience, generates lasting positive change, and makes people feel good. Emily’s work largely focuses on streetscape, greenway, and other active transportation projects…

Ebony Welch is a creative artist and educator from Bristol, PA. Once she completed her M.Ed from Temple University, she committed to supporting marginalized communities from an educational lens. Her thesis focused on using photo-voice to analyze how young folks capture their lived experiences. Throughout her time in Philadelphia she has been inspired to utilize…

Darion is an Akron native who has volunteered with several organizations in the area. He works for the Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition (OECC) as a place maker and groundskeeper. With a passion for his local community, Darion loves to make a positive change in people’s lives and working at the Coalition provides him that…

Courtney Smith is a creative strategist and Bradenton native with a passion for problem solving. Utilizing a diverse background ranging from professional theatre to non-profit event production and economic development leadership programming, her favorite projects bring together multiple disciplines, industries, and talents in partnership to expand community progress. In her current role with the St.…

My mission in life is to empower people, especially women, via personal transparency and collaboration. I am a mother to an incredible little boy. Professionally, I work as a Case Management Coordinator at a social service agency in Philadelphia, and am the founder of Purple House Project PA Inc., a non-profit focused on intimate partner…

Chris Medina is a community advocate, artist and law student with a passion for environmental and social justice. Through his organization GoneMIA – a Miami-based creative collective dedicated to convening and supporting local artists whose work addresses local issues – Chris embraces the social value of the arts to raise awareness of, spark dialogue about,…

Ben Will is a singer-songwriter, performer, and cultural production strategist native to Detroit, MI. While convening multiple diverse events per year in spaces ranging from the Detroit Opera House all the way to the highly acclaimed venue of his parents’ backyard, one thing is evident in all his work; Ben creates crafted artistic experiences which…

Anna is a multi-disciplinarian: she is a lifelong artist and designer, has worked in museums and libraries, spent five years as a horticulturalist at a local greenhouse and is budding herbalist. Adding to her worldview, she grew up a “military brat”, living everywhere and nowhere. Born to an Appalachian white mother and an immigrant Filipino…

I am grateful to those who lessen suffering in the world. I wish to dedicate my time and heart in sharing their stories. As a motion picture artist, documentarian, and social entrepreneur, I’m drawn to what drives people to overcome impossible odds. From documenting social entrepreneurs starting mobile homeless bus showers to a war veteran…

Alexa is passionate about creating equitable and resilient cities. She is the Urban Design Director of the East Region in the City of Detroit Planning Department. She manages a team responsible for planning and implementing neighborhood development and landscape infrastructure projects in line with a vision co-created with the community. She is also a project…

Steven is a husband, a dad, a social worker, and a member of Macon’s mildest moped gang. He loves Joni Mitchell and chips and salsa. He cannot cook but he can whistle pretty good. He thinks it’s a good idea to live, work and worship in the same place. He has four boys in his…

Spencer Sommers is a designer at CO-OP Architecture in Aberdeen, SD. In his spare time, he volunteers on several downtown boards and has previously spent time teaching and participating in design reviews at the South Dakota State University Department of Architecture.

I am a hard working single mother of three, looking to improve the community I am raising my children in. I am the founder of Youth 2 Adults, a nonprofit youth organization working with at risk children in Akron. I am a resident of the Kenmore neighborhood and see the potential it has to be…

Engaging with a diverse range of clients including residents, stakeholders, non-profit organizations, and local officials, Briana Mason has been working to improve the quality of life for Detroiters. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Howard University and a Master Degree in Urban Planning from Eastern Michigan University. She currently serves as a…

Jamii Tata is a parent, writer and educator who utilizes creative writing, performance poetry, storytelling, audio production, self-publishing and entrepreneurial training as Literacy Learning tools to educate inner city youth in community spaces (i.e. libraries, community centers, schools and community gardens).

Caroline is an Environmental Analyst with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, and a citizen board member of Keep Charlotte Beautiful. Her career has been dedicated to environmental stewardship of urban natural resources. She promotes data-driven solutions to today’s environmental challenges. You can often find her out cleaning up a waterway, road, or park, tending her community…

Lyn Kim holds a Bachelor of Health Science from the University of Florida and a M.S. in Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis. She worked in local government in St. Louis City and Charlotte before her most recent position at a medical device startup. Her need to create inclusive environments that encourages participation…

Moira Villiard is a visual artist who grew up on the Fond du Lac Reservation and who currently currently works full-time at Duluth’s only American Indian center (AICHO) as the Arts & Cultural Programming Coordinator. Her passion is community organizing, arts access, creative placemaking (with an emphasis on Indigenous land acknowledgement), and curating spaces that…

Nancy Cleveland earned her B.S. in Advertising from Syracuse University. Although, raised in New York, she was born in Macon, GA, and re-located there in 2014. She manages the Community Foundation of Central Georgia’s day-to-day advertising, media relations and e-communication activities. In addition, she works with the development department on a variety of projects, including…

Kyle was born and raised in Miami, Florida and work for Venture Cafe Miami (VCM). It is his personal goal to build loving communities where all individuals can thrive and prosper. Before VCM, Kyle worked for a mental health tech startup called TAO Connect for 4 years as the product manager and lead software developer,…

My name is Kat, and I am a recent graduate from the Florida State University with a Master of Public Health & Master of Science in Planning. I started working with Urban Health Partnerships (UHP) in April 2019, but before working with UHP, I worked as a community outreach coordinator in Tallahassee, Florida for over…

A native of southern Mexico, Marcos moved to Philadelphia as a teen. After high school, he went on to work in many restaurants around the city. Marcos has experience in helping organize the Latino community in Philadelphia, having previously worked with Kensington Soccer Club and as a bilingual community liaison at the Bicycle Coalition of…

Somaly Osteen has more than ten years of experience working for multiple local and international non-profit organizations. Somaly started her career in the country of Cambodia while taking part as a community advocate, community engagement, and development. Currently, Somaly serves as a Community Development Specialist with SEAMAAC where she works within a diverse community filled…

I am a Kansas native proud to call Philadelphia home. With an academic and practice background in community development, I’m interested in how human-centered design can grow more equitable cities. At the Rail Park, I explore how this new public space interacts with people and social power through thoughtful curation of public programs and community…

Molly is a Philadelphia native that has worked with city youths for seven years. Over the years she has promoted literacy, worked to lessen the digital divide, brought about a greater understanding of diverse populations, built up STEAM programming, and implemented sensory programming. Additionally, Molly has fostered nature, horticulture, and healthy eating programs for children…

Lucila Chavez is the first generation immigrant and the first in her family to get a Bachelor’s degree. Her major was in Psychology degree with a minor in Biology to better understand people she interacts with and herself. She is a community activist who started the Chicks in Bowls San Jose-CA chapter, a group of…

I am a born and raised San Jose resident. English is my second language. I am an autodidact, with an eclectic hybrid of old and new school methodologies, brought up by Obi-Wan Kenobi like mentors in AEC Industry. I have over 10 years of marketing and business development experience from the design (Architecture, Engineering, and…

Xia is a young Hmong community artist in the Twin Cities Metro area. She earned her degree in Mass Communications from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Xia currently works in Human Resources for a Home Health Care agency providing support to people with disabilities. She is passionate about working with marginalized communities, including…

As a founding member of Centre Social Dance (CSD), Jay facilitates weekly dances and dance lessons, teaches fusion and blues dance, and trains new DJs. As a lighting designer, Jay reinvents public spaces and venues for fusion dance events across the country. CSD is the 2nd dance community Jay has helped found and the 4th…

Jason fell in love with bicycling when, for his 16th birthday, he received a vintage Italian racing bike from his uncle – which had supposedly been won in a poker game. Jason first became involved in bicycle organizing and advocacy after riding in Chicago’s Critical Mass bike ride, which helped him discover the personal and…

Philip Green is dedicated to broadening economic opportunities and fostering community connectedness in under-resourced communities. As Program Director of the North 5th Street Revitalization Project (N5SRP), he uses a grassroots and creative placemaking approach to engaging the residents and merchants of Olney, Philadelphia’s most ethnically diverse neighborhood. His professional journey began in the farm fields…

Alex Peay is the Founder and President of Rising Sons. An organization that provides workforce development opportunities for young adults ages through community engagement. Since its establishment in Philadelphia, Alex has became the recipient of the John S. & James L Knight Foundation’s Black Male Engagement Award, A United Way Philly Root’s Fellow, a member…

Victoria Gilbert works as a Project Manager for Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, a 501c3 nonprofit facilitating economic development in the City of Camden, New Jersey, and lives in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of South Philadelphia. Her past experience living and volunteering in Eastern Kentucky inspires her to work with communities striving to improve their economic welfare…

I break down silos for a living with a proven track record of building highly effective partnerships to develop and advance a shared mission from conception to implementation. I specialize in branding, economic and community development, as well as sustainability. All of which come in handy when working to rebuild undeserved urban communities. As Commercial…

Binsen J Gonzalez is a strategic counselor and storyteller at CMCP Group. He’s lead initiatives for Global Economic Forum thought leaders and rising tech companies. He is passionate about human quality of life. In 2014, PRISA one of the largest media conglomerates, selected Binsen as one of 20 Latino millennials poised to change the world.…

Blair Butterfield is the founder and director of Art of Cultural Evolution a Miami based environmental and arts non-profit. Her organization’s mission is to foster sustainability for all utilizing the transformational power of the arts. Art of Cultural Evolution has recently been awarded a land grant by Miami-Dade County Commissioners to build Miami’s first art…

A native South Floridian and resident of Miami-Dade County for the past ten years, Naomi is dedicated to working as a change agent in communities. During her final year of undergraduate studies at University of Miami’s School of Architecture, she discovered her true passion for being an engaged citizen. Since then, Naomi has grown her…

David Moore is a native of Akron, Ohio. He graduated from Miami University (OH) with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies with a focus in Civic and Public Engagement, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning. After graduation, David relocated to Macon, Georgia to begin a career in urban…

Rachel is a Mercer University graduate, with a B.A. in Social Entrepreneurship, Psychology, and Spanish. After graduation, she served one year as an English instructor in Thailand through Teach Thailand Corps. Rachel now serves as the Affiliate Coordinator for Susan G. Komen Central Georgia, overseeing all aspects of the organization’s local breast health outreach, education,…

Marlo Custodio is a director, producer, cinematographer, editor, and educator. His seasoned background as a social justice documentary filmmaker has allowed him to have a signature vision on innovative and entertaining work through different markets and target audiences. He is currently the Digital Arts Coordinator for the Underserved & Gifted and is currently teaching film,…

Justin Triano is the founder of RideESSJ, a group which has been leading the bicycle effort for the Eastside, a notorious and underdeveloped part of San Jose. His work in the Eastside community has brought him to serve on San Jose’s BPAC and serves as an ally and advisor to the DOT. He served on…

Originally from rural West Virginia, Zia obtained a B.A in Political Science and a B.S. in Psychology from Louisiana State University with a concentration in International Law & Human Rights from Linnaeus University, Sweden. In 2011, she obtained a M.A. in International Policy Studies & Development from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, where she…

Artist, Muralist, and Seamstress; Erin Salazar was raised throughout the Mojave Desert of southern California. She studied Fine Art at San Jose State University, graduating with a BFA in 2010. Since leaving School Erin has been putting up murals, making her own custom stitched creations for private sale, and working on beautification projects around the…

Varian Shrum was born and raised in the DC area but migrated south to attend Wake Forest University. Seeds of urbanism were planted when a class for her Communication major unexpectedly covered the relationship between the built environment and Public Health, and she was hooked! That moment of inspiration set off a 5 year chain…

Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri for 20 years, I never imagined I’d land in Charlotte, North Carolina only 10 years later by way of Chicago, Beijing, Cairo, Johannesburg, Lusaka, Maputo, Seattle, Columbus, and Detroit. In all of those places, ironically, I came to value planting roots and creating super-local neighborhood connections, the kind you…

Orlando Bailey is the Community Engagement Manager for Eastside Community Network (ECN) formally the Warren/Conner Development Coalition on Detroit’s Eastside. Orlando is a Detroit native who grew up just down the road from where he works. While obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree Electronic Media/Film Studies and Journalism at Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Orlando had…

Chad Rochkind is the founder of Human Scale Studio, a consultancy that helps the shapers of the urban world build a more human-centered future. Metropolis Magazine named Chad one of its “10 New Talents of 2014”, having been nominated by Vishaan Chakrabarti of SHoP Architects. Prior to Human Scale Studio, Chad was Executive Director of…

Ciarra Ross believes no work is more powerful than that which deepens our sense of creativity and critical consciousness. As a writer, educator, doula, and holistic health practitioner, Ciarra works to contribute to the bodies of knowledge that deliver this healing to humanity’s age-old wounds and internal scars. Based in Detroit, Ciarra’s work draws on…

Kyle W. Bartell is the co-founder of Sit On It Detroit. A project geared toward building reclaim wooden benches at bus stops with free libraries attached to them at Detroit area bus stops. Bartell is a native Detroiter, born on the Northwest side of the city. Educated in Detroit public schools growing up, later Kyle…

Cornetta Lane was born, raised and educated in the city of Detroit. A social entrepreneur with a quirky manner of self-expression. A storyteller in training. Led by curiosity. Energized by spiritual evolution and intellectual pursuits. Project Summary: Strengthening Detroit communities through honest conversations and civic engagement activities as part of Detroit Dialogues, a monthly discussion…

Margarita Barry is a social entrepreneur, designer and aspiring changemaker. The Detroit native is a seasoned media-maker, first making waves with her multicultural women’s magazine Tint as a teen. With a passion for inspiring young entrepreneurs, activating creative places and using art and digital media to empower communities, Margarita launched I Am Young Detroit in…

Amber Genet is passionate about Greater Akron and creating new ways for people to be involved and engaged in the Akron community. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Public Relations & Business Communication and recently completed her Masters in Communication all from the University of Akron. Making Akron her chosen community, her first job was…

David has lived in Akron his entire life and is madly in love with all of the people and places within it. Most people in Akron know him because of his involvement with community festivals such as Big Love, Square Fest, and PorckRockr as well as being on the planning committee for GAINS (Greater Akron…

Relating to activating public life in public space, I would like to activate public life in public spaces such as the public library! I would like to bring the library to the public with a book bike! A custom designed book bike called Speed Reader will look like the character Speed Racer to get the…

Zacharias (Zak) Mendez has worked for the City of San Jose’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) since 2007. In 2013, he completed his undergraduate degree with honors from San Jose State University’s College of Social Sciences. Since leaving school he has joined PRNS full time as a member of the Department’s new…

Millennial. Creative. Catalyst. Dreamer. World Citizen. Meme Lover. Recently graduated with her Master of Public Administration Degree and currently pursuing an MBA degree, Simone does what she loves – building partnerships, engaging with the local community, and completing print and design work for Manatee County Government. In her role as Neighborhood Specialist with Manatee County…

As the Director of Planning and Senior Project Manager at Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC), Sarah oversees the Neighborhood Planning & Advocacy program and coordinates all real estate and affordable housing developments. As the Director of Planning, she works with PCDC’s Planning Committee to engage, educate, and cultivate community leaders in matters of zoning and…

Sam Saunders (b.1993) is a recent graduate of the University of Michigan, with a degree in music composition and piano performance. In addition to his musical studies, Sam is the founder and director of the non-profit organization Seven Mile Music, which provides free music lessons to over 60 children in inner-city Detroit every week. Last…

At the age of 24, Richard co-founded the North Limestone Community Development Corporation, the first place-based community development corporation in Lexington. After serving on the board for a short period, Richard transitioned into the sole staff member – eventually growing the staff to three in two-and-a-half years. During that time, Richard launched several programs including…

A native of Detroit, MI, Rebecca “Bucky” Willis received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) in 2012. Bucky has volunteered and worked for a number of non-profit organizations in Detroit, including the Foundation for Agricultural Resources in Michigan (F.A.R.M), Habitat for Humanity, Detroit Future City and the Detroit Collaborative…

Marcus first engaged with the Grand Forks community as a student at the University of North Dakota through a cartography class with a service learning project for the final. The experience deepened his interest in how the built environment came to be and after a few more years of classes and volunteering with the Near…

Kia O. Moore is the Creative Director of Hip Hop University, a non-profit mentoring organization focused on uplifting at-opportunity students (e.i. at-risk students) and the communities in which they dwell through academic tutoring, life coaching, and community outreach through the lens of hip hop culture. Moore holds a B.A. in Communication Studies with a certificate…

I’m the guy who is way too intense and passionate for his own good but will use that to solve the problems in education and one day change the world. For the past year, I have been working as Director of Business Development at an education startup called Indigo Project. Our mission is to transform…

Jason Su is the street life project manager for the San Jose Downtown Association, where he leads and implements various art, construction, and advocacy projects. In his time, downtown has seen a proliferation of art crosswalks, murals, a pedestrian count program, and the Knight Cities Challenge grant for a retail incubator on the ground floor…

Hannah Smith, Anishinaabekwewi, is a lifelong resident of Minnesota, and an enrolled member of White Earth Nation. Hannah has a science background and has built experience working as a NASA/Kiksapa geospatial intern. During this internship, she conducted a research project—Land Use Impacts on Water Quality on White Earth Nation. This project lead to the Ogichidaakwe…

Germane Barnes manages the Arts & Recreation Center for the Opa-locka Community Development Corporation as their Designer-In-Residence. A graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Woodbury University, his Master of Architecture final project, entitled “Symbiotic Dwellings: Architectural Interrogations Of Race, Identity, And Community” was awarded the Thesis Prize. Barnes’ expertise in the built environment…

Ezekiel Harris is a visionary leader who specializes in social innovation and human-centered design. He is fueled by first-hand experience confronting deeply entrenched social challenges to create positive social and economic change by transforming places, systems and communities because of his unique ability for rapid prototyping. Ezekiel currently serves as the Executive Director of MACC…

Cristina Mas is an energetic and passionate leader in commercial brokerage and Miami’s non-profit community, launching some of the city’s most innovative and important charitable fundraising initiatives. Mas is currently a Commercial Real Estate Sales Associates for Colliers International. Immediately prior to her current position, she ran Marketing and External Affairs for Pointe Group Advisors.Her…

I am an assistant professor at the Department of Geography at The Pennsylvania State University, and serve as the founder and director of the Penn State Friendly Cities Lab (FCL). My background is in geographic information systems (GIS), social systems and complexity. I study how social activity and interpersonal relationships (utility of contacts, salience of…

Brad Vassallo is the Pop Up Market Place (PUMP) Project Manager for Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM). Despite having only recently graduated from Temple University’s Community Development program, Brad has accumulated some substantial experience along the way. Beginning with his time at Banner Neighborhoods Community Corporation as Supervisor of their Neighborhood Youth Employment Program, he…

Beth Vild is a local permaculture and health equity community organizer with 14 years of community organizing experience. She moved to Akron at the request of friends from the Pan African Studies Department at Kent State University. Once she moved to Akron and began knocking on doors she quickly realized the amount of food-related illnesses…

Amanda Zullo is a designer, community engager and food enthusiast. She has a passion for health and wellness, sustainable living and fresh food Amanda earned her Masters in Urban Design with a Post-Masters Certificate in Real Estate Development, a Bachelors of Architecture, and a Bachelors of Arts in Architecture with a Minor in Geography, all…

Alex Epstein is a co-founder of the Urban Creators, a North-Philadelphia based non-profit transform blighted inner-city landscapes into dynamic safe-spaces that cultivate connectivity, self-sufficiency, and innovation. In 2009, Alex moved to North Philadelphia to attend Temple University, but was warned never to leave campus because the surrounding neighborhoods were “too dirty and dangerous”. Deeply disturbed…

As the founder of Yellowbrick Street Team, lead fellow of League of Creative Interventionists – Wichita, and Director of Special Projects for Downtown Wichita, Alex Pemberton works to increase engagement through urban design interventions and creative placemaking. With the brain of a businessman and the heart of an artist, Alex finds fulfillment in connecting communities…

Since moving to Tallahassee to study philosophy in 2011, Jacqueline has fallen in love with the city and established herself as a passionate community builder. Her experience, including serving as an appointed commissioner on the Leon County/Tallahassee Commission on the Status of Women & Girls and as a graduate student in public administration, have sharpened…

Spud called State College home for 12 years after moving here as a student and instantly feeling a connection to this place. It was the perfect combination of big city talent, small town trust, and connection to nature. After graduating, he launched New Leaf Initiative, a community innovation center for the community which gave him…

Deidra is a mother of two who lives, works, and bikes in Manatee County (Bradenton, FL). She works for the local government and enjoy using alternative ways of transportation any chance she can. On any given weekend, she and her children would be engaging in some type of outdoor activity such as walking, going to…

Raised by a single mother in the projects, Josh fought hard to overcome significant adversities throughout his childhood. Josh walked-on to the University of Kentucky Track and Field Team and eventually earned a full scholarship while receiving several honors such as the UK Sullivan Medallion Award. After earning a master’s degree in social work, Josh…

Tyrell is an avid, green urbanism volunteer in his community, a husband, and a father to a 8 year old little boy. He is also president and founder of Decay Devils, Incorporated, a 2-year-old 501(c)3 non-profit (13 member) organization. Its mission is to educate the general public about the historical and social importance of abandoned…

Raised a San Jose native, Amy began her career as a public servant at the City of San Jose. While pursuing her B.A. at UC Santa Cruz and MSc at Brunel University London, and working throughout in cities like Seattle, Spokane, and San Francisco, Amy explored major cities and brought home an altered perspective with…

Erika is a queer immigrant, artist, and community organizer for immigrant rights in Philadelphia. After emigrating from Mexico at a young age, Erika remained undocumented until receiving her green card in 2013. As a result, Erika’s visual art pays homage to her culture and upbringing while simultaneously serving as a tool for social change. As…

Michael grew up in Pittsburgh and lived in Philly for 16 years. He has an ecumenical professional background. He has over fifteen years of experience in the music industry as a DJ, producer, executive and promoter – having performed hundreds of shows worldwide and planned over a hundred live music events in Philly. He has…

Michael is passionate about integrating the arts, public health, and trauma informed care to advocate for youth rights and social change in underserved communities. Much of his work has centered around amplifying the voices of marginalized populations, including youth and families experiencing homelessness and migrant farm-workers. Michael is currently the Senior Manager of Youth Programs…

LaTierra Piphus is a Professional Womanist and Community Organizer specializing in affinity groups for Black Queer & Trans folks, Black Womyn & Femmes. A Midwest native, LaTierra graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside with her Bachelors of Arts in Communication, minor in Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies, and acquired certificates in Community Based-Learning and Media…

Suze Guillaume completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications at the University of Florida and her Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University. Suze has made it her passion and goal to redefine what it truly means to “Believe in the Impossible.” As a successful social entrepreneur and author, she…

Danielle is an arts administrator and grant writer in Miami, FL. For the past 4 years, she has co-run an alternative art space that specializes in experimental, nomadic programming that specifically highlights South Florida’s unique landscapes and people. Danielle is passionate about public programming, plants, nutrition and most importantly, about Miami. More recently she has…

Eric is originally from Nashville, TN, but he made Macon his home in 2014 when he became the Executive Director of Centenary Community Ministries, Inc. (CCMI). He is a minister on staff at Centenary United Methodist Church, the faith community out which CCMI was birthed in 2009. In his spare time, he loves walking, biking,…

Born and raised in Macon, GA, Morgan has called Macon home for 20 plus years. Professionally, Morgan is an Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Professional, and an innovator who constantly thinks outside the box. Upon graduating Mercer University in 2010, she started her professional career at Emory University and is now the Safety Analyst for…

Rachel is the director of Green Living Science (GLS), which is a Detroit nonprofit organization that provides recycling/environmental education. In guiding the development of GLS Rachel has leveraged local technical and creative experts to develop a hands-on and engaging problem-solving based curriculum. Rachel lives and works in Detroit because she chooses to be part of…

Kayana Sessoms is passionate about creating opportunities for Detroit youth. She has 15 years facilitating developmental programs for people of all ages. As the Program Director at Osborn Neighborhood Alliance, she organized the 2015 – 2016 “For the Love of Osborn” Neighborhood Parade in Detroit, MI. In addition, she co-founded Action by Presence, an organization…