For the better part of a decade, Matt Katsolis has been traveling the world working in documentary film and television for clients including ESPN, FUEL TV, Fox Sports, and Walking on Water. With roots originally as a cinematographer, Matt has matured into various roles, including producing, editing, co-directing and most recently having his directorial debut with "Dia de Luz | Day of Light" which is the culmination of 3 years of living and walking along side the community of La Chureca in Managua, Nicaragua. He aspires to use the power of filmmaking to not just share stories with the world, but also use them as an agent of change, being a voice for the voiceless.
Nathan has over 30 years of experience in the fields of international community development and education. He has been involved in the founding of several organizations, including Oxfam America, the international assistance organization based in Boston. Nathan is currently the Director of Earth Train, an international center for sustainable development and ecology in the Republic of Panama. The organization has provided unforgettable learning experiences, from workshops to international conferences and expeditions for over 13,000 young adults worldwide. In addition to Nathan's program efforts in Panama, Nathan's Mamoni Valley Preserve in Panama is currently responsible for the protection of over 14,000 acres of rain forest and upland farmland.
Joe Lambert Digital Storytelling Specialist
Joe founded the Center for Digital Storytelling (formerly the San Francisco Digital Media Center) in 1994, with wife Nina Mullen and colleague Dana Atchley. Together they developed a unique computer training and arts program that today is known as the Standard Digital Storytelling Workshop. This process grew out of Joe's long running collaboration with Dana on the solo theatrical multimedia work, Next Exit. Since then, Joe has traveled the world to spread the practice of digital storytelling and has authored and produced curricula in many contexts, including the Digital Storytelling Cookbook, the principle manual for the workshop process, and Digital Storytelling: Capturing Lives, Creating Community.
Brad Corrigan Musician, Founder, Advocate
(Alias Braddigan) Founder of Nicaraguan based organization, Love Light and Melody which uses music and the arts to rebuild, restore, and bring healing to communities ravaged by extreme poverty. Brad is a musician previously hailing from the Indie band DISPATCH, the first independent band in history to headline, and sell out three nights at Madison Square Garden raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to fight disease, devastation, and social injustice in the country of Zimbabwe. The funds raised support the bands' Dispatch Foundation, specifically earmarked for the Foundations' work in Zimbabwe.
Bob Cabeza, founder of Change Agents Productions, is an avid believer in bringing technology resources to children, teens, and families. He has worked in Youth Development and Administration with the YMCA for 15 years. He has also worked with The Foundation for the Junior Blind as the Director of Camp and Recreation for their forty- acre camp located in Malibu, CA. Bob spent three years doing outdoor education in Europe, mainly Switzerland, Austria and England. His passion is providing connections and resources to the underserved and physically challenged.
Lisa has managed international development projects for Nathan Associates,Inc. which include implementing communications and relations strategies with the the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as working as a Trade Specialist in El Salvador on the Export Promotion for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (USAID/EXPO) project, which generated 3,000 new jobs and fostered international business alliances. Lisa has worked as Business Development Manager at Adventure Travel Trade Assoc., as a consultant at Xola Consulting, Inc., and as Sustainable Tourism Editor at National Geographic Traveler Magazine, and on the Biodiversity Conservation and Economic Growth Project aimed at developing eco-tourism destinations throughout Bulgaria. Lisa has a BA in Hospitality from Northern Arizona University and MBA from The George Washington University with a focus on Environmental Management and Sustainable Tourism.
Turner is currently Field Marketing Manager for Sonic Mule Inc. Sonic Mule makes iPhone applications that focus on interactivity and use of sound in innovative ways to create an anonymous network called the Sonic Network. He received a Masters of Arts in Music Science and Technology at the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) at Stanford. Mr.Kirk is not only skilled at Ocarina:Smule sonic media but bagpipes as well.
Jesikah Maria Ross Participatory Media Specialist
Jesikah Maria Ross is an educator, media maker and community development practitioner. She works with schools, non-governmental organizations and social action groups around the globe to create participatory media projects that generate critical literacy, civic engagement, and community change. An award- winning media activist, jesikah's work centers on advancing social and environmental justice. She is the Co-founder and Director of UC Davis' Art of Regional Change initiative which brings artists, humanists, and social scientists together to collaborate with community partners on media arts projects that address pressing social issues in California's Central Valley and Sierra Nevada mountains.
