The Gathering’s Guiding Idea

At frank 2023, we invited you to take a deep breath and settle in for the long view. Whether we’re looking back over our shoulder or out over the horizon, taking a long view can offer us perspective, humility and hope. It can inspire us to do better work and work to be better versions of ourselves. Throughout history, successful change agents have taken the long view–making choices that lead to a better future, following all the steps, and working collectively toward what’s best for humanity rather than individual, short-term gain.

Taking the long view means that we don’t always see the result or experience the benefits of our work. It also means that others’ choices brought us to where we are.

Watch frank 2023
  • 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.
    David Fenton
    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.
    Mina Radman
    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.
    Thaddeaus Gregory
    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.
    Jacqueline Bond
    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.
    Jennifer Jihye Chun
    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.
    Cynthia Barnett
    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.
    Midy Aponte
    Founder of Civil Strategies
  • 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.
    Ava L.J Kim
    Ph.D..
  • 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.
    Jennifer Willig
    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.
    Elizabeth Carger
    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.
    Linda Hon
    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.
    Samir Rachid
    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.
    Jessica Wells
    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.
    Jina Yoo
    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.
    Joe Marx
    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.
    Hari Palupaka
    Chef and Founder of The Global Cooking School
  • 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.
    Annie Neimand
    Ph.D..
  • 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.
    Gabriela Gomez
    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.
    Andy Burness
    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.
    Erin Hart
    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.
    Kristen Grimm
    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.
    David Bornstein
    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.
    Kristen King
    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.
    Cody Romano
    Software Engineer at Meta
  • 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.
    Carolyn Day
    Ph.D., M.A. B.S
  • 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.
    Jacob Atem
    Ph.D., MPH. CEO, Co-Founder of Southern Sudan Healthcare Organization

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To our frank 2023 sponsors

We appreciate the following foundations, organizations and individuals for their financial support of this year’s gathering to help lower the costs for you, the participants.

  • The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
  • Rita Allen Foundation
  • The Commonwealth Fund
  • Cause Communications
  • Visit Gainesville
  • Florida Climate Institute