Arts

Talented creative individuals working in the field of visual, auditory and performance arts

Geoffrey Klein

Geoffrey Klein

Geoffrey Klein works with organizations to communicate more effectively. He is a dynamic keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, MIT AI-certified consultant, and best-selling author of THE CONTENT BEAST.

He teaches at the Wharton School of Business and Temple University, as well as produces visual content.

Geoffrey specializes in simplifying and demystifying AI for business and showcases how it can enhance communication through easy-to-understand concepts and practical tactics.

Geoffrey Klein works with organizations to communicate more effectively. He is a dynamic keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, MIT AI-certified consultant, and best-selling author of THE CONTENT BEAST. He teaches at the Wharton School of Business and... Show more

Andre Wolf

Andre Wolf

Wolf, Photogrpher, Car Guy, and Football fan

Wolf, Photogrpher, Car Guy, and Football fan Show more

Dennis Kardys

Dennis Kardys

As Head of Design and Development at Diagram, Dennis leads a talented team of designers, developers, and QA specialists. With a background spanning coding, UX, and testing, he champions bold ideas and collaborative problem-solving.

Passionate about design’s power to inspire change, he advocates for ethical standards, professionalism, and a workplace culture that fosters diversity, creativity, and growth.

As Head of Design and Development at Diagram, Dennis leads a talented team of designers, developers, and QA specialists. With a background spanning coding, UX, and testing, he champions bold ideas and collaborative problem-solving. Passionate abou... Show more

Emily Honerbrink

Emily Honerbrink

Emily is a Principal and Senior Strategic Marketing Manager at SEH, where she influences digital strategy and practical AI adoption across engineering, planning, and consulting teams. With nearly two decades of experience spanning marketing, digital transformation, and the AEC industry, she specializes in translating emerging technologies into tools users can actually use.

Emily works closely with technical teams to identify where AI adds real value, whether that is improving efficiency, reducing risk, or enhancing decision-making without disrupting core engineering judgment. Her work focuses on applied use cases, realistic guardrails, and helping teams move from curiosity to confident adoption.

Emily is a Principal and Senior Strategic Marketing Manager at SEH, where she influences digital strategy and practical AI adoption across engineering, planning, and consulting teams. With nearly two decades of experience spanning marketing, digital ... Show more

David Chege

David Chege

I am passionate about market research, focusing on SME market segments and business ecosystems. My work revolves around need-based innovation, particularly within social entrepreneurship spaces, where I explore sustainable solutions that drive long-term impact.

With a keen eye for emerging trends, I specialize in identifying opportunities for social sustainability ventures. I bridge gaps between market needs and transformative innovations, and I thrive on fostering collaborations that create business models with lasting social value.

I am passionate about market research, focusing on SME market segments and business ecosystems. My work revolves around need-based innovation, particularly within social entrepreneurship spaces, where I explore sustainable solutions that drive long-t... Show more

Jinah Kim

Jinah Kim

Jinah Kim's research focuses on the American Century in Asia, decolonizing Korea, and legacies of US militarism in the Asia-Pacific. She is the recipient of the 2020-2021 National Endowment for the Humanities Award and the 2020 California Civil Liberties Grant.

Jinah Kim's research focuses on the American Century in Asia, decolonizing Korea, and legacies of US militarism in the Asia-Pacific. She is the recipient of the 2020-2021 National Endowment for the Humanities Award and the 2020 California Civil Liber... Show more

Antonieta Herrera

Antonieta Herrera

Antonieta Herrera es la fundadora de ZEAZE, un ecosistema de impacto social y Venture Builder de nueva generación enfocado en construir resiliencia económica y digital para Latinoamérica.

Lidera iniciativas internas pro-bono de Impulso para el acompañamiento estratégico a ONGs dedicadas a derechos humanos y sostenibilidad. Además, crea el currículum para laboratorios de incubación donde los participantes aprenden a construir soluciones (MVPs) para problemas reales de la región. Es también CEO y Arquitecta de Producto de Enhacy, un asistente de marketing inteligente para democratizar la creación de autoridad orgánica para emprendedores.

Como creadora y anfitriona, expande el ecosistema a través de sus dos podcasts: Reimagina Latam, un espacio para visibilizar a los héroes que construyen activamente el futuro de nuestra región; y Reimagina Blueprints, una serie enfocada en analizar y documentar los frameworks de innovación de líderes globales. Su participación activa en comunidades como Voice of Women in Innovation contribuye a fortalecer un ecosistema tecnológico más inclusivo y diverso.

Su misión: es fomentar una cultura de adopción tecnológica que sea ética y consciente para nuestra Región.

Antonieta Herrera es la fundadora de ZEAZE, un ecosistema de impacto social y Venture Builder de nueva generación enfocado en construir resiliencia económica y digital para Latinoamérica. Lidera iniciativas internas pro-bono de Impulso para el aco... Show more

Vicente Suc

Vicente Suc

Ing. en sistemas, Co-fundador de CSN y Proticket, Co-Lider del Java User Group y Lider del AWS User Group Guatemala, especializado en crear soluciones seguras y escalables sobre la nube de AWS. He liderado proyectos en sectores de salud, educación, BPO's, conciertos y plataformas digitales, combinando inteligencia artificial, servicios serverless y visión de negocio. Actualmente impulso iniciativas tecnológicas que optimizan procesos y mejoran la experiencia.

Ing. en sistemas, Co-fundador de CSN y Proticket, Co-Lider del Java User Group y Lider del AWS User Group Guatemala, especializado en crear soluciones seguras y escalables sobre la nube de AWS. He liderado proyectos en sectores de salud, educación, B... Show more

Dylan Gamez

Dylan Gamez

Dylan Gamez is the Marketing and Public Relations Director for The Hacienda in New Port Richey and Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora- built in 1927 and 1883 respectively. Dylan started her career in hospitality at Walt Disney World while finishing her degree in Broadcast Journalism at UCF. Dylan splits her time between Mount Dora and New Port Richey, but reside in Fruitland Park with her husband, Barrett and their three dogs and two cats. Dylan is currently on the Marketing Committee for VISITFLORIDA, Vice President of New Port Richey Main Street and deeply involved with Florida’s Sports Coast- Pasco’s Tourism Board, Mount Dora Area Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations and nonprofits. Dylan was recently named one of the 50 Most Dynamic Women in the Tampa Bay Area by the Laker-Lutz News and won an award from the Secretary of State for a marketing video she produced for New Port Richey Main Street. She most recently was a speaker at the VISIT FLORIDA Conference on Tourism

Dylan Gamez is the Marketing and Public Relations Director for The Hacienda in New Port Richey and Lakeside Inn in Mount Dora- built in 1927 and 1883 respectively. Dylan started her career in hospitality at Walt Disney World while finishing her degre... Show more

Francisco Bernardo

Francisco Bernardo

Francisco Bernardo, PhD, is a research engineer and designer focused on Human-centred computaional toolkits for user innovation. He has extensive work experience in the industry, academia, and at their interface, where he conducts applied research at the intersection of art and creative technology.

Francisco Bernardo, PhD, is a research engineer and designer focused on Human-centred computaional toolkits for user innovation. He has extensive work experience in the industry, academia, and at their interface, where he conducts applied research at... Show more

Rita Arrigo

Rita Arrigo

Rita Arrigo is a speaker and strategist helping organisations navigate the shift from AI assisting to AI acting. After leading national‑level initiatives at the National AI Centre and delivering her TEDx talk on the human side of AI adoption, she now works with leaders to build AI systems that are trustworthy, accountable, and genuinely useful. Her work sits at the intersection of responsible AI, organisational transformation, and the psychology of trust. Rita brings clarity to a space often dominated by hype, offering practical pathways for scaling AI safely — without losing the human judgement that matters most.

Rita Arrigo is a speaker and strategist helping organisations navigate the shift from AI assisting to AI acting. After leading national‑level initiatives at the National AI Centre and delivering her TEDx talk on the human side of AI adoption, she now... Show more

Jasmine Stephen

Jasmine Stephen

Jasmine is a two time Emmy Award winning television producer, writer, and speaker who explores what it means to build a successful career that is both ambitious and sustainable.

With years of experience working in high-pressure creative environments, Jasmine brings a grounded, real-world perspective to conversations about leadership, growth, and self-trust. Her work focuses on helping professionals move beyond burnout-driven definitions of success and toward careers that support clarity, consistency, and long-term fulfillment.

Jasmine speaks candidly about navigating career evolution in real time—making aligned decisions, releasing all-or-nothing thinking, and learning to lead without self-abandonment. Her talks blend storytelling with practical insight, offering audiences tools to grow intentionally while staying connected to their values.

She believes the most effective leaders aren’t the loudest or the busiest—but the ones who know how to sustain themselves as they build.

Jasmine is a two time Emmy Award winning television producer, writer, and speaker who explores what it means to build a successful career that is both ambitious and sustainable. With years of experience working in high-pressure creative environmen... Show more

Charles-Louis de Maere

Charles-Louis de Maere

Bringing people together is something that lives on through my workshops and training. Whether they take place online or on-premise, I facilitate workshops and learning experiences that focus on high participation, on learning by doing and verifying that the concepts are integrated. I use Live Online Learning Activities to ensure people get a chance to practice their understanding of the new concepts.

What better way is there to give meaning to what we say than to draw to make our thoughts explicit? When we add visual information to what we’re saying, suddenly our intention becomes much more precise, and we can begin to work on shared understanding. This is why I love bringing people in contact with the power of Visual Thinking, of getting back to our roots and using pen and paper to bring people closer together.

Stories are another option for bringing sensitive topics to the surface, which I recently started to explore through my self-development practice, as well as during numerous Around the world in (less than) 80 days workshops throughout the past years!

Bringing people together is something that lives on through my workshops and training. Whether they take place online or on-premise, I facilitate workshops and learning experiences that focus on high participation, on learning by doing and verifying ... Show more

Tatyana Arrington

Tatyana Arrington

Tatyana Arrington is an entertainment journalist, on camera host, and founder of What The Film, a pop culture platform covering film, television, music, and cultural moments. She has been featured in Teen Vogue, BBC News, TODAY, Newsweek, Yahoo Entertainment, and more, and has interviewed talent including Michael B. Jordan, Halle Bailey, KeKe Palmer, and Edward Norton. Tatyana has hosted red carpets, live interviews, and panel discussions at major industry events and is known for her sharp cultural insight, engaging presence, and ability to lead dynamic conversations in live settings.

Tatyana Arrington is an entertainment journalist, on camera host, and founder of What The Film, a pop culture platform covering film, television, music, and cultural moments. She has been featured in Teen Vogue, BBC News, TODAY, Newsweek, Yahoo Enter... Show more

Carlos Arturo Quiroga Quiroga

Carlos Arturo Quiroga Quiroga

Corporate Digital Architecture Leader, Work as Solution Architect at different companies; now Financial Latam Group, in past IBM Global Business Services, Oracle & EDS (HPe now DXC) in Colombia. Agile Coach, Mentor & Design Thinking practitioner.

Has experience in developing & deploying distributed solutions, including APIs strategy, API Economy adoption (ecosystems & platform), Cloud, Omnichannel, Microservices, SOA (Service Oriented Architecture) & Front End technologies (Ionic, Bootstrap, Angular, etc.), applying Agile & Design Thinking techniques to align IT solutions to customer needs.

Corporate Digital Architecture Leader, Work as Solution Architect at different companies; now Financial Latam Group, in past IBM Global Business Services, Oracle & EDS (HPe now DXC) in Colombia. Agile Coach, Mentor & Design Thinking practitioner. ... Show more

Reut Beker

Reut Beker

I started my career as a software engineer before moving into product management, where I combine two things that define me: a builder’s mindset and a creative spirit. I’ve been drawing since childhood, and that visual thinking shapes how I design, ask questions, and solve complex problems. Today I lead AI and analytics products at LSports, driven by curiosity, passion, and a love for turning ambiguity into something real.

When I faced the challenge of discovery without customers, I put on both hats - PM and builder - and created an agentic persona system from scratch. That project changed the way I collaborate with AI and make decisions. Beyond building products, I’m deeply committed to mentoring and helping others push beyond their comfort zone. On stage, I share honest stories, practical insights, and a belief that innovation is possible for anyone willing to experiment.

I started my career as a software engineer before moving into product management, where I combine two things that define me: a builder’s mindset and a creative spirit. I’ve been drawing since childhood, and that visual thinking shapes how I design, a... Show more

Ken Perlstein

Ken Perlstein

Ken Perlstein is a New York-based actor, writer, and comedian whose work includes theater, television, film, and stand-up comedy. His career reflects versatility and dedication, with a focus on character-driven stories that strike a balance between humor and drama in meaningful ways.

He was raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he studied acting and directing at the University of Michigan. In 1994, he relocated to New York to pursue his professional career. His first role in the industry was as an NBC page. This position provided him with a close view of television production and offered valuable lessons in discipline and craft that would serve as a foundation for his future.

Ken went on to complete his MFA in Acting through The Actors Studio MFA Program at The New School. During this time, he trained with members of The Actors Studio and refined his skills under the guidance of accomplished professionals, further developing his artistic abilities.

His stage work includes performances in productions such as Laughter on the 23rd Floor and Lost in Yonkers. His television credits include recurring roles on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and guest appearances on series such as Succession, The Americans, City on a Hill, Person of Interest, and FBI.

Beyond acting, he has taken on writing, producing, and directing. He created, directed, and starred in the independent film "January," which was screened at the Millennial Film Festival and the Miami Independent Film Festival. Perlstein also wrote and executive-produced the pilot "How Am I Doing?", which was presented at festivals across the country and is now available online. Both projects earned recognition for his acting and directing. He is currently developing a new series and preparing its pitch deck.

His stand-up comedy career spans more than two decades, with performances at New York City venues such as Caroline’s, Comic Strip Live, Stand Up New York, and the British Comedy Festival. He has also performed throughout the tri-state area and Los Angeles, often blending personal storytelling with sharp character work.

Outside of entertainment, he works as a certified peer recovery specialist with a Bronx-based mobile crisis unit. In this role, Ken supports individuals in crisis, providing guidance and connecting them with resources in collaboration with licensed social workers. This work demonstrates his commitment to advocacy and service, extending beyond his performance.

He is also known for his skill in impressions and has an athletic background in football, wrestling, and swimming, with his current fitness focus on swimming and cross-training.

Now living in New York City with his family, Ken Perlstein continues to pursue acting, writing, comedy, and advocacy, creating meaningful projects while remaining active in both his artistic career and his community.

Ken Perlstein is a New York-based actor, writer, and comedian whose work includes theater, television, film, and stand-up comedy. His career reflects versatility and dedication, with a focus on character-driven stories that strike a balance between h... Show more

Mike de Jager

Mike de Jager

South African born, UK resident, Mike is a Mechanical Design Engineer & spent 20 years as a Draughtsman in the Dairy industry, a Project Technician & ran the drawing office for NCD/Clover Dairies. At Toyota, he worked as a mechanical designer in body in white. He moved to the UK in 2001, spent 7 years creating & designing 3D technical models.
He continued his studies in IT & enhanced his developer & web design skills at Halesowen College.
At age 50, in 2008 Mike jumped tracks & began a new career as IT Manager & NAV implementation project leader for SSI Schaefer in Andover, England. With the NAV project successfully implemented, he moved to Evosoft as support office manager, then to Sci-Net in Oxford as a consultant & then to KPMG for a three year corporate engagement.
As the Dynamics 365 Solution Architect for Experience/GCC for almost 3 years - now Global Solutions Architect for Dynavics, Mike has implemented multiple D365 solutions for a range of customers in a variety of industries in the UK.

South African born, UK resident, Mike is a Mechanical Design Engineer & spent 20 years as a Draughtsman in the Dairy industry, a Project Technician & ran the drawing office for NCD/Clover Dairies. At Toyota, he worked as a mechanical designer in body... Show more

Loredana Frontino

Loredana Frontino

Passionate about technology and design. The background in both fields led her to become a ux/ui designer and Frontend developer and become the point of contact of those worlds.
She likes organizing meetups with GDG Turin and share her knowledge.

Passionate about technology and design. The background in both fields led her to become a ux/ui designer and Frontend developer and become the point of contact of those worlds. She likes organizing meetups with GDG Turin and share her knowledge. Show more

Leah Drew

Leah Drew

Leah Drew is a trauma-informed somatic leadership mentor, women’s empowerment guide, and culture-shaping consultant devoted to helping people remember who they are beneath performance, perfection, and people-pleasing so they can expand into their next level without burnout.

With a background in pain management, nervous system regulation, international teaching, embodiment & somatic work, and leadership development, Leah brings a rare blend of science, soul, and lived experience to every stage she steps onto. She supports high-achieving women, entrepreneurs, and leaders in reconnecting to their bodies, reclaiming their confidence, and leading with emotional intelligence, authenticity, and heart-led power.

Alongside her work with women's leadership, Leah consults with co-ed organizations and executive teams to enhance workplace culture and performance by creating workforces that are engaged, energized, and resilient. She helps businesses build high-performing teams by embedding practical, leadership-led wellbeing and culture practices into the everyday workflow to transform burnout cultures into environments where people feel supported, connected, motivated, and empowered to do their best work, together.

Leah is the founder of the Somatic Leadership Academy and the Mind Body Initiative, and host of the Mindful Evolution Podcast. Her work centers on healing the feminine wounds that keep women playing small & functioning from burnout, and guiding people of all genders into leadership that is grounded, embodied, and unapologetically human.

Whether she’s speaking to entrepreneurs, corporate teams, facilitators, or global communities, Leah creates experiences that are deeply felt. She doesn't just speak, she guides her audience into an experience. Through storytelling, somatic practices, and deeply human conversations, she helps audiences connect with each other, build resilience, strengthen connection, and cultivate cultures rooted in presence, purpose, and belonging.

Her mission is simple: to help people transform their pain into power, their wounds into wisdom, and their lives into expressions of their fullest potential.

Leah Drew is a trauma-informed somatic leadership mentor, women’s empowerment guide, and culture-shaping consultant devoted to helping people remember who they are beneath performance, perfection, and people-pleasing so they can expand into their nex... Show more

Lenna Onto

Lenna Onto

Lenna is the CEO and founder of Clay Nation, a multi-dimensional clay animation and production studio at the intersection of Art and Technology. Lenna is a Cardano powerhouse, former IOHK & Mastercard and 2022 Forbes 30 under 30 lister, for arts and culture.

Lenna is the CEO and founder of Clay Nation, a multi-dimensional clay animation and production studio at the intersection of Art and Technology. Lenna is a Cardano powerhouse, former IOHK & Mastercard and 2022 Forbes 30 under 30 lister, for arts and ... Show more

Carol Chen

Carol Chen

Carol Chen is a Community Architect at Red Hat, having led several upstream communities including InstructLab, Ansible and ManageIQ. She has been actively involved in open source communities while working for Jolla and Nokia previously. In addition, she also has experiences in software development/integration in her 12 years in the mobile industry. On a personal note, Carol plays the Timpani in an orchestra in Tampere, Finland, where she now calls home.

Carol Chen is a Community Architect at Red Hat, having led several upstream communities including InstructLab, Ansible and ManageIQ. She has been actively involved in open source communities while working for Jolla and Nokia previously. In addition, ... Show more

Shelly H Bhujun-Sookun

Shelly H Bhujun-Sookun

A fashion geek with strong interest in technology and I randomly blog at littleshelly.me.

A fashion geek with strong interest in technology and I randomly blog at littleshelly.me. Show more

Frances Sun

Frances Sun

Frances Sun is a Taiwanese UX/UI designer with almost 15 years of experience in UI/UX at some of the world’s biggest and most respected names in technology and entertainment.

In her current role at The Walt Disney Company, she leads the Ad Platforms team, overseeing UX for the flagship sales product used across Disney’s linear channels like ABC and ESPN.

Frances began her teaching career in 2020 at Austin Community College, where she taught UX/UI design, visual design, and portfolio design.

Frances Sun is a Taiwanese UX/UI designer with almost 15 years of experience in UI/UX at some of the world’s biggest and most respected names in technology and entertainment. In her current role at The Walt Disney Company, she leads the Ad Platfor... Show more

Tolulope Okesanya

Tolulope Okesanya

With over four years of experience as a Product Manager in the SaaS and fintech industries, Tolulope Okesanya has established herself as a specialist in developing and scaling innovative payment systems and revenue-generating products. Her career is distinguished by her work on major payment integrations, including collections, remittance, and card acquiring, which have significantly driven business growth and expanded market reach.

Tolulope's expertise lies in crafting and implementing sophisticated payment solutions that address complex user needs and optimize revenue streams. She excels at leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact integrations and refine product strategies, resulting in substantial enhancements in user experience and business outcomes.

Beyond her professional achievements, Tolulope is dedicated to community empowerment and advocacy. She volunteers with Hertechtrail, a woman-focused tech foundation, where she teaches advanced product management. Her contributions to the foundation have helped thousands of Black women across 17 countries gain technical literacy and mentorship.

Tolulope's work continues to inspire innovation in the Africa FinTech space, and she is passionate about collaborating with others to advance the future of payment systems and user experiences.

With over four years of experience as a Product Manager in the SaaS and fintech industries, Tolulope Okesanya has established herself as a specialist in developing and scaling innovative payment systems and revenue-generating products. Her career is ... Show more

Chaz Chumley

Chaz Chumley

Consultant, Instructor, Author, Web Developer, Trainer, and Drupalist. Chaz has been specializing in Open Source web and database development with an emphasis on Component-based design. Chaz's experience has allowed him to participate in such ventures as Lynda.com developing Drupal training videos, Authoring Drupal books for Packt publishing including Drupal 8 Theming with Twig, and Mastering Drupal 8. Best of all is being Lead Web Platform Engineer for the University of California Los Angeles.

Chaz's adventures also allowed him to be an Instructor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas teaching Drupal and various web technologies as well as contributing numerous articles and presentations at NYCCamp, BadCamp, and DrupalCon.  Chaz is a well-known proponent for Component-based theming with Twig and Pattern Lab and is a contributor to the United States Web Design System.

Prior to UCLA, Chaz has filled many roles including Director of Technology, Technical Manager, and Open Source engineer for the Smithsonian where he has helped build a great website such as the National Museum of African American History & Culture and the National Museum of Natural History.

When Chaz is not working on the next great website he is busy spinning his favorite tunes, as he has been a Disc Jockey for the past 30 years taking him from the airwaves to clubs in Japan to playing master of ceremonies for the American Cancer Foundation and other great causes.

His most cherished accomplishment is being married for 25+ years to his wife Rebecca and raising two great kids.  Where he has learned the most valuable lesson in life. "Listen, Love and Cherish".

Consultant, Instructor, Author, Web Developer, Trainer, and Drupalist. Chaz has been specializing in Open Source web and database development with an emphasis on Component-based design. Chaz's experience has allowed him to participate in such venture... Show more

Frank Abe

Frank Abe

FRANK ABE is co-editor with Floyd Cheung of a new anthology, THE LITERATURE OF JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION, (Penguin Classics). He is lead author of a graphic novel, WE HEREBY REFUSE: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration (Chin Music Press), and with collaborators Tamiko Nimura, Ross Ishikawa, and Matt Sasaki was named a Finalist in Creative Nonfiction for the Washington State Book Award. He won an American Book Award with Cheung and Greg Robinson as co-editor of JOHN OKADA: The Life & Rediscovered Work of the Author of No-No Boy (University of Washington Press), in which he authored the first-ever biography of Okada and traced the origins of his novel. He is currently developing a new stage adaptation of NO-NO BOY in partnership with Seattle Rep.

Abe wrote, produced, and directed the award-winning PBS documentary CONSCIENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION on the largest organized resistance in the camps, and with writer Frank Chin helped organize the first-ever “Day of Remembrance” in Seattle in 1978. He was an original member of Chin’s Asian American Theater Workshop in San Francisco and studied at the American Conservatory Theater.

FRANK ABE is co-editor with Floyd Cheung of a new anthology, THE LITERATURE OF JAPANESE AMERICAN INCARCERATION, (Penguin Classics). He is lead author of a graphic novel, WE HEREBY REFUSE: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration (Chin Mu... Show more

Eric Wada

Eric Wada

Bio :
Eric Wada is a cultural practitioner and Indigenous graduate scholar at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language, Program for Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization and Education. His work bridges performing arts, language, and ceremony to explore Okinawan identity, diaspora, and decolonial practice. Through the philosophy of Nadayashiku—conciliation as a pedagogy for survival—Wada examines how Indigenous and land-based education can foster responsible allyship, heal generational trauma, and inspire language revitalization grounded in ancestral worldview through decolonizing and re-indigenizing methodology. "From our experiences, decolonization as a process places us within a multi-layered social dermis where imperial and colonial powers have impregnated politics and cultures (Smith 2021, p. XV, Decolonizing Methodologies)."

Bio : Eric Wada is a cultural practitioner and Indigenous graduate scholar at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, Ka Haka ʻUla o Keʻelikōlani, College of Hawaiian Language, Program for Indigenous Language and Culture Revitalization and Education. His... Show more

Nigel Sinclair

Nigel Sinclair

Nigel Sinclair began his journey in England, where studying at Monkton Combe sparked a strong interest in history and the arts under the guidance of teachers like Richard Blake. After completing a degree in law and economics at Cambridge in 1969, he continued his studies at the Institute of Criminology before joining Denton, Hall & Burgin. In 1979, during a period of rising oil prices, he opened offices for the firm in Dubai and Sharjah, gaining experience in addressing complex business and legal challenges. This broadened his perspective and shaped his approach to problem-solving. He later earned an LLM from Columbia University in New York, passed the California Bar exam, and opened a Los Angeles branch for the firm, where he would build a long-term career and personal life.

By the early 1980s, he had become well known in Los Angeles, gradually shifting into entertainment law. He represented a growing roster of actors and directors, and in 1989 co-founded Sinclair Tenenbaum & Co., which helped transform the international financing and distribution of independent films. Projects such as Hamlet, Braveheart, 1492, and Green Card showed how ambitious productions could thrive outside the traditional studio system.

In 1996, he transitioned from law to producing, co-founding Intermedia Films and producing titles like Sliding Doors, Hilary and Jackie, The Wedding Planner, The Quiet American, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, and Iris. After taking the company public in 2000, he co-founded Spitfire Pictures in 2003, producing music documentaries such as Masked and Anonymous, Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who, and No Direction Home: Bob Dylan.

He later founded Exclusive Media, producing films including Rush, End of Watch, Snitch, and Parkland. In 2014, he co-founded White Horse Pictures, producing acclaimed documentaries like The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years, Pavarotti, The Apollo, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, Lucy and Desi, Beach Boys, and Stax: Soulsville U.S.A..

His work has received Academy Awards, BAFTAs, Emmys, Grammys, and a CBE. With a lasting commitment to storytelling and cultural history, Nigel Sinclair continues to create films that leave a meaningful legacy.

Nigel Sinclair began his journey in England, where studying at Monkton Combe sparked a strong interest in history and the arts under the guidance of teachers like Richard Blake. After completing a degree in law and economics at Cambridge in 1969, he ... Show more

Ensieh Shervin Shegeft

Ensieh Shervin Shegeft

Ensieh Shervin Shegeft is an analyst in the health care industry with more than twenty years of professional experience built across different organizations and roles. Her background includes project coordination, human resources support, and benefits administration, all performed with steady focus and accountability. She is known for being dependable and attentive to detail, qualities that have earned trust over time. Her work style reflects consistency and cooperation, contributing to stable outcomes and respectful professional relationships.

Shervin was born outside the United States and later relocated with her family, adapting to a new culture and environment during her formative years. Growing up in new communities required patience and resilience, which became lasting personal strengths. She completed her education step by step, earning an associate-level degree before completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. This achievement represented a meaningful milestone and reflected dedication, perseverance, and strong family encouragement.

Shervin Shegeft entered the workforce after completing her education and gradually developed a broad range of skills across multiple industries. While building her career, she was also raising two children, balancing professional responsibilities with family needs through careful planning and discipline. She approached each position with the goal of long-term stability, valuing consistency and reliability. Her ability to manage both work and home life demonstrated commitment and a steady sense of responsibility.

Shervin considers being a mother her most important role and has always remained closely involved in her children’s lives. She regularly volunteered in educational settings, supported school events, and assisted with classroom activities whenever possible. Being present and supportive was a priority, even during demanding work periods. As her children grew older and became more independent, maintaining strong connections and shared experiences continued to guide her daily life and personal decisions.

Shervin believes in contributing to her community through practical and meaningful actions. Over the years, she has volunteered her time, shared creative skills with young students, and participated in donation efforts during seasonal holidays. These activities were motivated by a desire to help rather than by a passion for recognition. She values giving back in simple ways that foster connection and support, finding quiet fulfillment in contributing to others' well-being.

Shervin Shegeft enjoys creative activities that provide balance and relaxation outside of work. Drawing and painting are personal outlets that allow her to slow down and focus, often through small, thoughtful projects made for loved ones. She also enjoys knitting, creating valuable items that combine care and patience. These hobbies offer a sense of calm and accomplishment, reinforcing the importance of taking time for creativity and reflection.

Shervin has a strong interest in cooking and baking, often preparing meals inspired by her cultural background and sharing them with family. Food has long been a way for her to express care, connection, and gratitude. She also enjoys interior design, finding satisfaction in arranging spaces thoughtfully and creating balanced environments. This interest has sparked curiosity about exploring real estate in the future, where creativity and attention to detail align naturally.

Ensieh Shervin Shegeft values spending quality time with her family and appreciates simple shared moments, such as watching movies together when time allows. She enjoys a wide range of film styles, finding meaning in both lighthearted and reflective stories. These moments highlight what matters most to her. Across her career, personal interests, and daily routines, family remains the foundation of her life and the central influence behind her priorities.

Ensieh Shervin Shegeft is an analyst in the health care industry with more than twenty years of professional experience built across different organizations and roles. Her background includes project coordination, human resources support, and benefit... Show more

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