Roland Walker is the Marketing Communications Manager at Sledgeland Ghana Limited, where he drives brand growth through innovative storytelling, strategic partnerships and impactful media campaigns that strengthen the company’s market presence and engage audiences.
Marketing Communications Manager at Sledgeland Ghana Limited
Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show and Air America Radio, is a leading political satirist. A former correspondent and co-host of Unfiltered, she’s been recognized by major media and named one of EW’s “100 Most Creative People.” She now leads Abortion Access Front, using humor to defend reproductive rights.
Founder/Chief Creative Officer at Abortion Access Front
Diane McFarlin led UF’s College of Journalism and Communications for eight years, overseeing 100+ faculty and 3,000 students. Under her leadership, the College grew enrollment and expanded research and interdisciplinary classes, launched The Agency, earned major awards and advanced strategic initiatives in communication innovation.
Dean Emeritus, Univeristy of Florida College of Journalism and Communications
Marjan Safinia is an Iranian documentary filmmaker exploring identity, community and justice. She co-directed the acclaimed series And She Could Be Next. An Academy member, she serves on several boards, including Chicken & Egg Pictures and co-hosts The D-Word podcast.
Director and Producer at And She Could Be Next
Kristina Robbins is a documentary filmmaker and founder of Sweet Antelope in Los Angeles, blending food, storytelling and community to promote sustainability. With 17+ years of experience, she’s produced award-winning films like The McCombie Way and leads Juice Workshops, fostering creativity and connection.
Founder of Sweet Antelope
David Fenton is a pioneering communicator and founder of Fenton Communications, the first PR firm for social change. With 50+ years in progressive media, he helped launch groups like JStreet and Climate Nexus.
Pioneer in Progressive Communications
Mina Radman is Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Hilton with expertise in CSR, sustainability and crisis management. She holds degrees in journalism and strategic PR and has worked across public health, corporate and nonprofit sectors, mentoring staff and securing national media coverage.
Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Hilton
Thaddaeus Gregory is Policy Director for Seattle Councilmember Mark Solomon, specializing in land use, real estate and environmental law. A former land use lawyer, he helped shape Seattle’s One Seattle Plan. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer, he serves on local boards and fights for family-driven policy.
Policy Director – Councilmember Mark Solomon District 2
Jacqueline Bond is founder and Chief Literary Officer of Bond & Grace Co, a women-owned publishing house elevating all voices. With a background in strategic communications and public health marketing, she’s recognized for creating platforms that amplify underrepresented stories through literature and media.
Founder and Chief Literacy Officer at Bond & Grace Co LLC
Jennifer Jihye Chun, Ph.D., is a UCLA professor and chair in Labor and International Development Studies. Her research explores labor, accessibility, migration and social movements, focusing on low-income workers under global capitalism.
Professor and chair in Labor and International Development Studies at UCLA
Cynthia Barnett is an award-winning environmental journalist and author focused on water and the environment. Her books include Rain (National Book Award longlist) and The Sound of the Sea (NPR best science book). She teaches environmental journalism at the University of Florida and writes for National Geographic and The Atlantic.
Environmental Journalist & Author, Director of Environmental Journalism Initiatives at the University of Florida
Midya Ponte is the founder of Ponte Firm, an Austin-based communications agency specializing in influencer strategies and brand partnerships. The firm offers storytelling, content creation, social media marketing, talent management and event programming, delivering innovative marketing solutions across industries.
Founder of Civil Strategies
Jenifer Willig is a social impact entrepreneur and CEO, co-founder of WRTHY and founder of initiatives like motive and Whole World Water. With 20+ years in marketing, she’s led global brands and nonprofits focused on social change, accessibility and sustainable development, known for driving positive impact through business.
Co-founder and CEO of WRTHY
Elizabeth Carger, based in Milwaukee, holds a BA and MA from the University of Chicago. She has led roles as VP at Thinkgen and CEO of Beacon Insight Group, specializing in consumer insights, social marketing and public policy. Elizabeth advises organizations on complex social challenges with expertise and experience.
Director of Analytics, Lead
Linda Hon is Professor Emeritus of Public Relations at the University of Florida, where she taught for 28 years. Known for her research in digital social passion and PR theory, she’s received the Pathfinder Award and PR News’ Measurement Hall of Fame honor for her impact and mentorship.
Professor Emeritus (Retired), Department of Public Relations, College of Journalism and Communications, University of Florida
Samir Rachid Zaim, Ph.D., is a Seattle-based biostatistician and data scientist with 10+ years in biomedical informatics. Formerly at the Allen Institute for Immunology, he specializes in machine learning, clinical informatics and bioinformatics. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona and advances healthcare through innovative research.
Supervisor, Biostatistics at Allen Institute for Immunology
Jessica Coston Wells is a Public Information Assistant at Onslow County Schools with a background in education and communications from UNC Chapel Hill. She focuses on media relations and community engagement to enhance transparency and support school initiatives, fostering strong connections between schools and their communities.
Public Information Assistant at Onslow County Schools
Jinna Yoo is a researcher, educator and writer blending data-driven insights with storytelling. She teaches public health and communication, publishes on media and emotion and writes award-winning science fiction. Jinna bridges research and creative writing to inspire and inform audiences.
Adjunct Professor at Meredith College
Joe Marx is a senior advisor at Burness with 30+ years in communications and policy. An Emmy-winning filmmaker and former Communications Director at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, he’s led health access and tobacco control initiatives. Joe enjoys cycling, reading, music and family time.
Senior Advisor at Burness
Hari Pulapaka, born in Mumbai, is a chef, educator and mathematician. Founder of The Global Cooking School and Associate Professor at Stetson University, he’s a Worldchefs Master Chef and four-time James Beard semifinalist, celebrated for plant-forward cooking, food waste awareness and culinary innovation.
Chef and Founder of The Global Cooking School
Gabriela Gomez is Managing Supervisor at GMMB in Fairfax, Virginia. Since joining in 2021, she’s advanced to lead nonprofit and global communications, with expertise in bilingual media, press relations and strategic campaigns. Previously, she managed media efforts at UnidosUS.
Managing Supervisor at GMMB
Andy Burness is the founder and president of Burness, a global communications firm supporting nonprofits tackling poverty, health and environmental challenges. For over 35 years, he’s partnered with 600+ organizations worldwide and teaches at Harvard and GWU. A recognized leader in public interest communications and storytelling.
President at Burness Communications
Erin Birx Hart is the founder and president of Hart Strategies, a San Francisco-based firm driving social change through strategic communications in health, environment, education and justice. Formerly of Spitfire Strategies and the Moore Foundation, she teaches at the University of Oregon and is a leader in public interest communications.
Founder and President at Hart Strategies
Kristen Grimm is the founder and president of Spitfire Strategies, a communications firm advancing social and environmental justice. With 20+ years of experience, she’s guided hundreds of nonprofits, created tools like the Smart Chart and Mindful Messaging and founded AndACTION.org to link education with storytelling.
Founder at Spitfire Strategies
David Bornstein is a journalist, author and CEO/co-founder of the Solutions Journalism Network, which advances rigorous reporting on responses to social issues. Co-author of The New York Times’ “Fixes” column, he’s written acclaimed books on social innovation and earned awards for promoting social entrepreneurship.
Co-founder & CEO at Solutions Journalism Network
Kristen King, EVP and Managing Director of Agency and Brand Partnerships at ATTN:, is known for her human-centered marketing that fuses strategy and empathy to build authentic brand connections. Formerly at FIG and Engine, she led growth and high-impact campaigns while mentoring teams to unite insight, creativity and purpose.
Deputy Director, Campaigns and Communications at We Mean Business Coalition
Cody Yu Romano, a Seattle-based tech lead, specializes in generative AI and interactive world-building for video games. Blending creativity with precision engineering, he develops AI tools that automate design and enhance immersion, establishing himself as a leader in generative media innovation.
Software Engineer at Meta
Dr. Jacob Atem, a South Sudanese “Lost Boy,” co-founded the Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization, bringing affordable care to thousands. After fleeing war, he earned an MPH from Michigan State and a Ph.D.. from UF. Now a humanitarian leader, he transforms tragedy into hope through healthcare and education.
Ph.D., MPH. CEO, Co-Founder of Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization
Roland Walker is the Marketing Communications Manager at Sledgeland Ghana Limited, where he drives brand growth through innovative storytelling, strategic partnerships and impactful media campaigns that strengthen the company’s market presence and engage audiences.
Roland WalkerMarketing Communications Manager at Sledgeland Ghana Limited
Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show and Air America Radio, is a leading political satirist. A former correspondent and co-host of Unfiltered, she’s been recognized by major media and named one of EW’s “100 Most Creative People.” She now leads Abortion Access Front, using humor to defend reproductive rights.
Diane McFarlin led UF’s College of Journalism and Communications for eight years, overseeing 100+ faculty and 3,000 students. Under her leadership, the College grew enrollment and expanded research and interdisciplinary classes, launched The Agency, earned major awards and advanced strategic initiatives in communication innovation.
Marjan Safinia is an Iranian documentary filmmaker exploring identity, community and justice. She co-directed the acclaimed series And She Could Be Next. An Academy member, she serves on several boards, including Chicken & Egg Pictures and co-hosts The D-Word podcast.
Kristina Robbins is a documentary filmmaker and founder of Sweet Antelope in Los Angeles, blending food, storytelling and community to promote sustainability. With 17+ years of experience, she’s produced award-winning films like The McCombie Way and leads Juice Workshops, fostering creativity and connection.
Stacy Hess is a communications expert with nearly 20 years in PR, marketing and crisis management. Founder of positivePR, she builds grassroots support for social causes and has worked on high-profile cases like kidnap survivor Hannah Anderson’s. Stacy holds degrees in Communications and Spanish.Stacy HessBusiness Development Consultant
David Fenton is a pioneering communicator and founder of Fenton Communications, the first PR firm for social change. With 50+ years in progressive media, he helped launch groups like JStreet and Climate Nexus.
Mina Radman is Senior Manager of Corporate Communications at Hilton with expertise in CSR, sustainability and crisis management. She holds degrees in journalism and strategic PR and has worked across public health, corporate and nonprofit sectors, mentoring staff and securing national media coverage.
Thaddaeus Gregory is Policy Director for Seattle Councilmember Mark Solomon, specializing in land use, real estate and environmental law. A former land use lawyer, he helped shape Seattle’s One Seattle Plan. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer, he serves on local boards and fights for family-driven policy.
Jacqueline Bond is founder and Chief Literary Officer of Bond & Grace Co, a women-owned publishing house elevating all voices. With a background in strategic communications and public health marketing, she’s recognized for creating platforms that amplify underrepresented stories through literature and media.
Kalev Hannes Leetaru is an internet entrepreneur and senior fellow at GWU’s Center for Cyber & Homeland Security. Co-creator of GDELT, he pioneers big data analytics to forecast social trends. Named a Top 100 Global Thinker by Foreign Policy, he bridges tech, journalism and geopolitics worldwide.
Ann Searight Christiano is founder of the Center for Public Interest Communications and a clinical professor at the University of Florida. She pioneered public interest communications education and has worked with global organizations like the UN and Gates Foundation to advance social change through storytelling.
Jennifer Jihye Chun, Ph.D., is a UCLA professor and chair in Labor and International Development Studies. Her research explores labor, accessibility, migration and social movements, focusing on low-income workers under global capitalism.
Cynthia Barnett is an award-winning environmental journalist and author focused on water and the environment. Her books include Rain (National Book Award longlist) and The Sound of the Sea (NPR best science book). She teaches environmental journalism at the University of Florida and writes for National Geographic and The Atlantic.
Midya Ponte is the founder of Ponte Firm, an Austin-based communications agency specializing in influencer strategies and brand partnerships. The firm offers storytelling, content creation, social media marketing, talent management and event programming, delivering innovative marketing solutions across industries.
Ava L.J. Kim is an Assistant Professor at UC Davis. With a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, her research spans biological studies, postcolonialism and Latin and Asian American studies. She is well-liked by students, friends and fellow researchers.
Jenifer Willig is a social impact entrepreneur and CEO, co-founder of WRTHY and founder of initiatives like motive and Whole World Water. With 20+ years in marketing, she’s led global brands and nonprofits focused on social change, accessibility and sustainable development, known for driving positive impact through business.
Elizabeth Carger, based in Milwaukee, holds a BA and MA from the University of Chicago. She has led roles as VP at Thinkgen and CEO of Beacon Insight Group, specializing in consumer insights, social marketing and public policy. Elizabeth advises organizations on complex social challenges with expertise and experience.
Linda Hon is Professor Emeritus of Public Relations at the University of Florida, where she taught for 28 years. Known for her research in digital social passion and PR theory, she’s received the Pathfinder Award and PR News’ Measurement Hall of Fame honor for her impact and mentorship.
Samir Rachid Zaim, Ph.D., is a Seattle-based biostatistician and data scientist with 10+ years in biomedical informatics. Formerly at the Allen Institute for Immunology, he specializes in machine learning, clinical informatics and bioinformatics. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona and advances healthcare through innovative research.
Jessica Coston Wells is a Public Information Assistant at Onslow County Schools with a background in education and communications from UNC Chapel Hill. She focuses on media relations and community engagement to enhance transparency and support school initiatives, fostering strong connections between schools and their communities.
Jinna Yoo is a researcher, educator and writer blending data-driven insights with storytelling. She teaches public health and communication, publishes on media and emotion and writes award-winning science fiction. Jinna bridges research and creative writing to inspire and inform audiences.
Joe Marx is a senior advisor at Burness with 30+ years in communications and policy. An Emmy-winning filmmaker and former Communications Director at Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, he’s led health access and tobacco control initiatives. Joe enjoys cycling, reading, music and family time.
Hari Pulapaka, born in Mumbai, is a chef, educator and mathematician. Founder of The Global Cooking School and Associate Professor at Stetson University, he’s a Worldchefs Master Chef and four-time James Beard semifinalist, celebrated for plant-forward cooking, food waste awareness and culinary innovation.
Annie Neimand, Ph.D.., is a social change strategist and researcher specializing in systems thinking, human-centered design and frameworks for justice. Formerly Director of Research at UF’s Center for Public Interest Communications, she’s collaborated with the UN, Gates Foundation and National Geographic.
Gabriela Gomez is Managing Supervisor at GMMB in Fairfax, Virginia. Since joining in 2021, she’s advanced to lead nonprofit and global communications, with expertise in bilingual media, press relations and strategic campaigns. Previously, she managed media efforts at UnidosUS.
Andy Burness is the founder and president of Burness, a global communications firm supporting nonprofits tackling poverty, health and environmental challenges. For over 35 years, he’s partnered with 600+ organizations worldwide and teaches at Harvard and GWU. A recognized leader in public interest communications and storytelling.
Erin Birx Hart is the founder and president of Hart Strategies, a San Francisco-based firm driving social change through strategic communications in health, environment, education and justice. Formerly of Spitfire Strategies and the Moore Foundation, she teaches at the University of Oregon and is a leader in public interest communications.
Kristen Grimm is the founder and president of Spitfire Strategies, a communications firm advancing social and environmental justice. With 20+ years of experience, she’s guided hundreds of nonprofits, created tools like the Smart Chart and Mindful Messaging and founded AndACTION.org to link education with storytelling.
Kristen GrimmFounder at Spitfire Strategies
David Bornstein is a journalist, author and CEO/co-founder of the Solutions Journalism Network, which advances rigorous reporting on responses to social issues. Co-author of The New York Times’ “Fixes” column, he’s written acclaimed books on social innovation and earned awards for promoting social entrepreneurship.
Kristen King, EVP and Managing Director of Agency and Brand Partnerships at ATTN:, is known for her human-centered marketing that fuses strategy and empathy to build authentic brand connections. Formerly at FIG and Engine, she led growth and high-impact campaigns while mentoring teams to unite insight, creativity and purpose.
Cody Yu Romano, a Seattle-based tech lead, specializes in generative AI and interactive world-building for video games. Blending creativity with precision engineering, he develops AI tools that automate design and enhance immersion, establishing himself as a leader in generative media innovation.
Dr. Carolyn Day, a communication professor at Savannah College of Art and Design, holds a Ph.D.. from the University of South Florida and an M.A. and B.S. from California State University, Northridge. Her award-winning research explores rhetoric, corporate social responsibility and global communication ethics.
Dr. Jacob Atem, a South Sudanese “Lost Boy,” co-founded the Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization, bringing affordable care to thousands. After fleeing war, he earned an MPH from Michigan State and a Ph.D.. from UF. Now a humanitarian leader, he transforms tragedy into hope through healthcare and education.