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CERF2

Tye Fussell February 20, 2024
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CLIMATE EMERGENCY RESPONSE FORUM 2

Join us in Santa Barbara for the second forum in our ongoing series.
Together, we can move the needle on the climate crisis.

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The Climate Crisis is something that we desperately need to solve. What humanity has been doing to address it has not adequately worked. New collaborative and collective approaches are now required as we have less than two years to act decisively and on a global scale. Then we must continue acting for the next 30 years in order to fully succeed. No single organization, institution or government is going to move the needle on the climate crisis. It is time for humanity to foundationally change how we live in this world. Only all of us working together can achieve sustainability and renew the natural ecosystem. 

We are gathering capable stakeholders from many different disciplines to collaborate for two days. In this workshop environment, we will engage this diverse group’s unique skill sets to creatively build new networks and solutions to effect catalytic changes that significantly move the needle on the climate crisis.

Part of the reason the needle hasn't moved significantly is that we haven't been able to collectively hold the various climate crisis dimensions in mind as individual humans or groups. Now with AI augmentation of cognitive processes, we have the ability to see the panorama of climate crisis dimensions, and to have direct effect on all of them in a way that is truly healing for our world. Results of this workshop will be used as a model of hyper-collaborative workshops and as a mechanism for accelerating global solutions development and deployment ahead of future symptoms of climate crisis disasters.

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BUILDING MOMENTUM AND CONTINUITY

At CERF 1 in Greenville, SC, we designed and developed a system to accelerate the evolution of collective collaborative capacity in order for us to help save humanity and nature. Together, we initiated what can result in the shift in consciousness necessary to make global solutions possible. We proved a working model for ongoing transdisciplinary and diverse collaboration that includes ways to synchronize, synergize and catalyze global and local transformation and solutions efforts. We also developed a new workshop model for global capacity development to guide the world to move the needle on the climate crisis.

We also learned and designed foundational infrastructure needed for humanity to solve key components of the climate crisis and the larger poly-crisis. Each group came up with concrete tangible ideas, solutions, approaches, strategies and documented them, using conscious and intentional collaboration. 

Join the Forum in June 3-4, 2024

Unity of Santa Barbara
227 E Arrellaga St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

RSVP

unity of Santa Barbara

EMPOWERMENT OF YOUTH, WOMEN AND DIVERSITY IS ESSENTIAL FOR US TO MEET OUR GOALS

SPEAKERS, PARTICIPANTS AND ATTENDEES

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George Orbelian is a husband (Marcia), parent of twins (Craig and Wade), artist / creative, lifelong motorcyclist (current bike: Yamaha R1M) with expertise in both building competition motorcycles and experience in racing motorcycles, masters swimmer, lifelong surfer (San Francisco Ocean Beach + Hawaii and other locations around the world), surfboard design expert, author (ESSENTIAL SURFING), former Surfboard Design Editor for SURFER Magazine, real estate owner / manager (Orbelian Holdings, L.P.), environmentalist (Co-founder or Project Kaisei which funded Scripps Institution of Oceanography SEAPLEX research and received Google Earth Hero recognition, worked with The Quiksilver In Memory of Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational with Contest Director George Downing, is a technology entrepreneur (lead investor in Ojingo Labs, Inc. and in addition to the Buckminster Fuller Institute, is a board member of the Walter Munk Foundation of the Oceans, and the San Francisco State University School of International Business.

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George Orbelian, Board Member, Buckminster Fuller Insitute

Marc Bolick is passionate about guiding leaders and their teams to tackle complex challenges and make big change happen that has real, measurable, transformative impact.

As a dedicated innovation consultant, seasoned entrepreneur and servant leader, Marc has led teams through successful, high-impact product and service design initiatives across industries and around the world.

Marc uses his combination of technical, business and creative skills to help organizations and their leaders ask the right questions, develop strategic vision, and find and implement innovative solutions that create positive change. Developed over his 30 years of product and service design, Marc's approach to innovation integrates human-centered design, systems thinking, behavioral science, strategic foresight and other methodologies to address just about any business challenge that organizations face today. He's learned that the best approach to any complex challenge is to be pragmatic, holistic and people-centered.

Prior to consulting, Marc held positions in high-tech manufacturing, research and development, product marketing, and field service. He have co-founded, mentored and funded several startup ventures. Some of the great organizations Marc has had the privilege to serve include General Electric, Michelin, SAP, Coca Cola, Bank of America, Master Card, Bacardi, United Healthcare, ServiceNow, the US Food and Drug Administration and the US Agency for International Development.

Marc holds an MBA and BSME, and is fluent in French and Dutch. In his free time, Marc is obsessed with cycling, exploring new cultures through travel and bringing broken things back to life.

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Marc Bolick, Founder and
Managing Partner, ReShift

Amie Rafter, VP of Operations and Programs at World Systems Solutions. Amie has an MBA and BS in International Business and has had 25 years of corporate career success developing and leading teams for multi-billion-dollar tech and medical device companies. Amie has been a vehicle for driving strategic, collaborative relationships and modes of operating.

Now, blending heart and mind, Amie has been guided to support the development of new sustainable models of collaboration to enable the resolution of the worlds biggest issues. Combining her business background and education with her experience as a certified yoga teacher, life and career coach she focuses on compassionate execution as a non-profit leader committed to serving humanity and the natural world.

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Amie Rafter, VP of Operations and Programs, WSS

Dr. Ramanathan Subramanian is an expert in Urban comfort modelling and energy optimization. Currently, he is an independent consultant for Adaptis, Canada, and Oneistox, India, where he facilitates digitalization in built environment planning and smart city design optimization. He is a multi-disciplinary professional with a PhD in Modelling Urban Systems from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), a double master's in integrated Sustainable Design from National University of Singapore (NUS), and an MBA in Natural Resources Management from Amity University and bachelor's in mechanical engineering from Anna University.  In total has around 10+ years of professional work experience living, consulting, and studying in Germany, Singapore, and India. His work spans multiple capacities including researcher, academy fellow, urban informatics engineer, and innovation center project associate, consultant, manager, and design engineer, among others. Academic and professional experiences have imparted the characteristics of system level design evaluation, resilient model conception, modular scenario solution, innovation engineering, mentoring, and multicriteria optimization. His principal research interests include climate change mitigation, energy use optimization, the adoption of renewable energy, and outdoor thermal comfort modeling. His professional pursuits in change management, continuous process monitoring and improvement, and framework resilience modeling would be of significant assistance to policymakers, regulators, and compliance authorities.

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Dr. Ramanathan Subramanian, Urban Planning Consultant

Ragan Thomson, Chairperson of the Board, World Systems Solutions. Ragan serves as a Spiritual Healer, Guide, a consciousness facilitator and conscious Entrepreneur. Ragan has been healing and serving for over 20 years working with hundreds of clients both in the U.S. and internationally. In 2009, Ragan started her first conscious corporation along with four other shareholders called “In the Loving,” where as CEO she created conscious media products for the world with the tag line, “Helping People to Remember Who They Really Are”. In 2013, she founded Joyticity where she successfully empowered and offered facilitation to people as a Transformational Life Coach to open the door to their true inner joy through deep inner work. She opened her first physical location Healing Hub Santa Barbara in 2017 where she hosted her own work as well as other healing events including women’s empowerment groups. In 2019, she founded her next business called Ragan Thomson and is currently still actively serving through offering intuitive audios, healing sessions, prayer, meditation and retreats. Ragan’s life and work is one of the deep service and inner purification.

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Ragan Thomson, Chairperson of the Board, WSS

Temple Hayes - A global spiritual leader, Temple Hayes inspires and transforms a diverse group of international new thought seekers through her books, public speaking, radio shows, digital presence and social media evangelism. Along with Rev.Dr. Michael Beckwith, she is a member of the Leadership Council of Association for Global New Thought and active in two international nonprofits she founded: LifeRights, a peace through people initiative, and The SOFI Project, a world-wide rescue plan for companion animals.

As CEO and Senior Minister for one of the most innovative largest Unity churches, she creates and implements strategies and nurtures a culture of community in a diverse downtown campus which includes a free-standing new thought book store and a global soul food café. She is a much sought after speaker, collaborator and difference maker because she demonstrates not only why we need to be the change in the world but how we can co-create a world that works through everyone. "United we stand; divided we are merely a distraction." -Temple Hayes

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Reverend Temple Hayes,
Global Spiritual Leader

Nathan White is the CEO and CoFounder of a visionary project management team at Agess, Inc. with an aim to terraform earth to preindustrial levels. Can it be done? Only if we try. What is the tool? Seawater. 

With over twenty years of education and practice Nathan is an architectural designer, a real estate developer and a construction advisor leading this turnkey team of subject matter experts and industrial partners in all fields of regenerative systems for developments of all scales.

Nathan has worked as a Development Project Manager for Development Services Department with the City of San Diego for nearly a decade and also as adjunct faculty teaching Finance and Management with NewSchool of Architecture and Design bridging government policy, education and implementation.

His largest efforts are aimed to restore the Colorado River Basin and the heart of Africa with low cost, environmental restoration and a return on investment. His vision to restore the planet and provide a profit is a paradigm shift with infinite opportunities. 

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Nathan White,
CoFounder & CEO, Agess, Inc.

John Jones is the Founder, CEO and primary architect of the World Systems Solutions organization and initiative, content creator and spiritual compass. For 20 years John has served as an organizational consultant, taught courses on personal transformation, functioned as a life coach and is the author of two books covering topics related to global transformation, spiritual development and emotional healing. John also worked for 14 years as an information systems programmer, database designer, network administrator, business analyst, project manager and researcher of organizational change.

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John Jones, CEO, WSS

Dr. Nancy D. O’Reilly is an international philanthropist and trailblazer for women’s empowerment, who believes women will hasten their progress to equality by defining themselves and others as leaders. A successful author, educator, and podcast host, she founded Women Connect4Good, Inc., a 501(c)3 foundation, to help support other organizations that work to advance women and girls. She also serves on the boards of several social-profit groups, including Take The Lead, Inc. She invites everyone to join her in reaching out to support women in the pursuit of leadership, equality, safety and success.

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Dr. Nancy O'Reilly, Founder,
Women Connect4Good, Inc.

Michael Muyot is an industry disrupter on a mission to enhance environmental sustainability on a global scale by giving enterprises the resources to making data-informed, sustainability-driven business decisions. He is an advocate for leveraging cutting-edge technology including web3, blockchain and decentralized finance to drive innovation across corporate, public, and local community-based landscapes.

Michael has 20+ years of experience in corporate advising in which he has partnered with C-Suite Leaders from dozens of Fortune 500 Companies to adopt sustainability practices. One of his most impactful contributions to corporate sustainability was his development of a financial and sustainability index model (The SUSTCO Score), which has been used to index 8,000 companies across 52 globally dispersed stock exchanges on 6 continents.

Michael is also heavily invested in supporting political candidates with environmental sustainability mandates. In the past, he was a contributor to the 2020 Presidential Candidate, Andrew Yang, personally designing a Climate Action Plan & Strategy for his national platform.

Above all, Michael's top priority as a person and a professional is positioning others to make wise decisions that support sustainability, responsibility, and improving the world for ourselves today as well as future generations.

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Michael Muyot, Founder, American Polling Exchange

Jeff Djordjevic holds a BA from the University of Michigan and 20 years experience as a database architect. Jeff brings a transdisciplinary skillset to WSS, including creative direction, visual communications, information architecture, digital asset curation and organizational systems mapping. Working primarily with the Communications, Multimedia, Workshop Development, and  Website teams, Jeff also serves on the WSS Board of Directors

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Jeff Djordjevic,
Knowledge Synthesis Architect

Megan Werpy is a passionate advocate for addressing the climate and poly-crises through education, collaboration, community trust-building and innovative solutions. Her work is driven by a vision of uniting communities globally to implement impactful strategies that reharmonize our life processes with unity, collaboration, care for the environment and each other.

Megan's life has been largely influenced by growing up in an entrepreneurial family that owned many independent grocery stores; she learned the ins and outs of business as a family culture. After graduating with a degree in Business Marketing and Management, Megan stepped into many roles of community building and support. First with building online communities for women and then local communities, specifically collaborating with local educators to provide early childhood education. She has been named a 'Community Catalyzer' by those who know her for her ability to create momentum and provide creativity and energy towards collective community organizing. She also offers one-on-one and group sessions that facilitate people in emotional, mental, and spiritual development.

At the core of Megan's approach is the belief that education and collective action can catalyze substantial progress, that the local is the global, and that the foundational ways we interact with each other and make decisions perpetuate the challenges humanity is facing especially, youth, women and marginalized populations, globally.

In addition to her work with clients she helped establish the World Systems Solutions EmpowerED program, focused on Redesigning Education to Map to Global Sustainability. She also collaborates with local groups through the Black Hills Environmental Coalition to develop and implement models that allow for greater progress on climate crisis solutions and foster positive, long-term intercultural relationships.

Through her efforts, Megan supports the creation and dissemination of educational resources and technology-driven solutions that promote inclusivity and empowerment in the pursuit of sustainability. She organizes workshops and events aimed at bringing together diverse stakeholders across cultural, gender, and political lines, cultivating a unified movement for a sustainable future.

Megan fosters cross-organizational coordination by leveraging an extensive network of partners, resources, and organizations united in their commitment to climate action. Guided by the principle that collaboration is the path to a future that works, Megan feels that, with optimal support and coordination,  we can all can learn and evolve without needing to experience the great suffering currently unfolding in our world.

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Megan Werpy,
Community Empowerment and Communications Coordinator

Crispin Clarke is an Innovator, visionary and peace worker. The coordinator of the cross-country Global Peace Walk 2000, executive director of the NonviolenceWorks social services agency and cofounder-at-large of Rare Earth Alchemy, Inc. / REÅLEA.

Crispin has recently activated the long-planned GLOBAL PEACE YES Campaign and founding of the Global Peace Organization.

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Crispin Clarke,
GLOBAL PEACE YES Initiator

With over 16 years of experience, Vishal's proficiency encompasses automation, business development, fundraising and consulting. Notably, Vishal has been instrumental in orchestrating complex transformation programs for leading global corporations across diverse industry sectors and geographies, showcasing his specialized capabilities. Vishal holds an MBA in Finance and a B.Tech in Engineering. His career trajectory includes significant collaborations with international industry giants all over the world. 

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Vishal Gajjar, Business Development

Kerry "KFMorrison", creatively sponsors environmental and societal support systems; passionate about sharing the environmental solutions of our time, and what can come next. He is a strategic nonprofit consultant and climate systems developer with World Systems Solutions, and founder of The EcoMedia Compass- supporting restoration initiatives at California’s Salton Sea. He also sits on a few committees with the Natural Resources Agency.

As a former California Mayor and Chamber of Commerce President, and a leading voice for environmental restoration at California's Salton Sea, his work has driven major environmental initiatives, funding and education. Kerry inspires restoration initiatives in challenged regions, while bringing about organizational change through ushering in the adoption of new communications and renewable technologies.

He has hosted or coproduced about 100 community events and is an acclaimed environmental multimedia storyteller spotlighted by LA Times, Vice News, Al Jazeera, NBC, Emmys etc. His efforts a to give science and underserved communities a voice with scientific solutions reporting and community advocacy have been shown in over 50 documentary and news media pieces as well as multiple California State Senate recognitions.

Kerry and partners collaborate with political and corporate leaders, cause-based organizations and renewable developers to create tools that tip the scale for our sustainable future.

He'd love to chat, learn and grow inspired action with you about:

Developing a global utility to balance the climate of earth supported by collaborative human adaptability and natural systems restoration, social impact carbon credit and renewable energy investing, habitat restoration, water generation, communications systems, business partnerships, systems development, activism and nonprofits.

Values: Love, connection, education, sustainability, truth, gratitude, purpose, nature, health, equality, wisdom, friendship, food forests, regenerative agriculture, greening, community development & collaboration.

Fun: Adventure! Piano, singing, guitar, ukulele, writing, travel, yoga, gardening, sailing and wild places.

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Kerry Morrison, Climate Systems Developer & Strategy Consultant

Angel Adams's philosophy and approach are performance-centered. She seeks to catalyze creativity and innovation by employing effective solutions for the community being served in a timely manner. As a strategist, Angel has had the opportunity to mix her passions of community engagement, development and global sustainability over the course of a decade, working with philanthropic organizations. Angel's vision forward is rooted in fostering new relationships with an equitable lens while deepening existing relationships.

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Angel Adams,
Head of Ecosystem, Liberated Grounds

Farhana Hasan is the Founder and CEO of HerWILL, a US-based social enterprise dedicated to women's empowerment. With a focus on education, advocacy, discussion, and innovative technology, HerWILL aims to break social barriers and achieve gender equality by 2030 (UN SDG goal #5). And Farhana is doing this with the unique approach to bring economic opportunities for girls and women by making Data Science and Artificial Intelligence education, employment and entrepreneurial ventures accessible.

Farhana brings nearly 20 years of experience in global aviation, specializing in data science, business intelligence, aviation technology and leadership development. As a senior leader, she spearheaded technology implementation for partnership development at Delta Air Lines, collaborating with strategic partners worldwide. Farhana's team created the first on-time performance forecasting model for Delta Air Lines, endorsed by the US Department of Transportation. She also served on the SkyTeam IT Executive Board and managed multimillion-dollar technology investments for partnership integration. Farhana's expertise extends beyond aviation, as she has provided consultancy services to organizations across the US, Asia, Europe and South America. Additionally, she taught Business Intelligence for Executive MBA students at Georgia State University.

With HerWILL, Farhana combines her passion for women's empowerment, innovative technology, and data insights. Under her leadership, HerWILL has become a globally recognized brand, attracting reputable partners and achieving significant growth in followers. Farhana's unwavering determination and vision have paved the way for projects that create economic opportunities for marginalized individuals, particularly in the United States and Bangladesh. In recognition of her contributions, Farhana was honored as a 2022-2023 Distinguished Fellow of the International Women’s Forum. Her unwavering commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment continues to inspire others as she strives for a more inclusive world.

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Farhana Hasan,
Founder and CEO, HerWILL

Audney DePaulo is a Private Wealth Advisor who has spent the majority of his career working in various capacities with high-net-worth families, foundations and endowments. He recently joined Morgan Stanley as Senior Vice President, Private Wealth Advisor. Prior to this, Audrey joined Merrill Private Wealth Management in 2004 to work directly with clients, offering counsel and advice on multiple aspects of their financial well-being. He creates customized strategies for a select number of families across the United States in the areas of asset allocation, estate planning services for multiple generations, liability management, and the psychological aspects of significant wealth on family dynamics. He holds the Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™, AWMA™ designation from The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp.

He holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Arizona and an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Southern California. In his spare time, Audney is an avid swimmer and golfer who is also active in a variety of team sports, both coaching and participating. Audney lives with his wife and two children in Los Angeles.

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Audney DePaulo, SVP, Private Wealth Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Tahiya Islam is currently working as the Country Manager at HerWILL Bangladesh. HerWILL Bangladesh, a subsidiary of the esteemed HerWILL non-profit based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, endeavors to provide STEM opportunities to men and women globally, thereby nurturing the tech leaders of tomorrow. Tahiya's leadership at HerWILL Bangladesh aligns with her commitment to achieving UN SDG5 (Gender Equality) by 2030, as she works to break gender biases, and barriers, and ensure inclusive space for everyone.

She is a certified advocate under the Global Schools Program of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network and is undergoing a climate change fellowship with Teach for All. She is working on developing a climate education and leadership curriculum for South East Asian Countries that highlights pressing climate crises and topics that today's generation needs to be aware of. She has more than 7 years of experience in running a non-profit organization, Aim Initiative Foundation, in Bangladesh and she has completed a teaching fellowship program with Teach for Bangladesh where she has worked with underprivileged children, and provided them with quality academic education, and healthcare awareness, and 21st-century leadership skills.

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Tahiya Islam, Country Manager,
HerWILL Bangladesh

Dr. Ginny Whitelaw is an 86th Generation Rinzai Zen master, Chosei Zen priest and founder of the Institute for Zen Leadership. With more than 25 years developing whole leaders, she is the author of Resonate and The Zen Leader and co-developer of FEBI (“fee-bee”), a personality assessment that links mind and body and behaviors.

Formerly Deputy Manager for integrating NASA’s Space Station Program, she has a doctorate in biophysics, degrees in physics and philosophy and a fifth degree black belt in Aikido. She is a regular contributor to Forbes.com on leadership strategy.

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Dr. Ginny Whitelaw, Founder,
The Institute for Zen Leadership

Keri Evjy, Owner, Founder and CEO is a creative entrepreneur, teacher, permaculture designer, author, artist and community revitalist, committed to the healing of people and planet. She empowers others to be proactive agents of social and ecological change, building resilience and beauty. Her forte is project management, planning and coordination, edible and medicinal plant consultation and installation, herbalism, social restoration systems, communication and connecting the dots. 

Keri is also the Founder and CEO of Regenerative Life Design, LLC, and author of the Regenerative Life Design Playbook, which brings nature's principles to life design.

Keri resides on a cooperatively owned homestead in the southern Appalachian mountains, in the unceded lands of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee.

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Keri Evjy, Founder and CEO, Regenerative Life Design, LLC

Anthony David Adams is a polymath with notable accomplishments as a unicorn coach, inventor, self-authored patent holder, World Games invitee, AI researcher, award-winning journalist, activist, psychedelic advocate, teacher and entrepreneur.

He believes that we inhabit a holographic, fractal, and synergistic reality. To him, the courageous pursuit and study of creativity and love are our greatest spiritual endeavors.

His work has directly impacted millions of people around the world and has been featured by hundreds of media outlets, from Forbes to CNN, TIME and The New York Times.

He has collaborated with a broad spectrum of organizations, including The United Nations, Google, Asana, Bombas, and BMW. Additionally, he has worked alongside notable figures like Ray Kurzweil, John Legend and Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.

Anthony was born in Erie, PA, and studied Psychology & Philosophy at Edinboro University and Urban Planning at Wisconsin. He is currently touring North America in his Majik Bus.

Anthony David Adams
Anthony David Adams,
Founder, EarthPilot.org

Dr. David Alexander writes a monthly column in Science of Mind Magazine, entitled "Philosophy in Action" based on the works of Dr. Ernest Holmes. You can pick up a copy at your local Barnes and Noble or check out Science of Mind Magazine online for more info. 

Dr. David served as Senior Minister and co-founder of New Thought Center for Spiritual Living in Lake Oswego, OR from 2004-2019.

Dr. David currently serves as the Spiritual Director of the Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta, which has served the spiritual seeker in the greater Atlanta area since 1979. more information at www.slca.com

Highlights:

  • 1998 Youth Campion Award, United Church of Religious Science

  • 1999 Licensed Religious Science Practitioner

  • 2000 Bachelor of Science Degree in Child Development and Family Relations from the University of New Mexico

  • 2004 Co-Founding minister of New Thought Center for Spiritual Living

  • 2006 Ordained Minister

  • 2009 Inducted to Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College

  • 2011 Appointed Chair of Strategic Alliances for Centers for Spiritual Living

  • 2011-2016 - Served on Leadership Council for Centers for Spiritual Living (Chairman from 2013-2016)

  • 2014 Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Centers for Spiritual Living

  • 2015 Appointed to Leadership Council for the Association for Global New Thought

  • 2015 inducted into the College of Affirming Bishops and Faith Leaders by the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, under the leadership of Bishop Yvette Flunder

  • 2016 named to the Board of Governors for the Science of Mind Library and Archieves Foundation

  • 2018 Force for Good Award from Unity of Sacramento

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Reverend Dr. David Alexander,
Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta

Taunya van der Steen-Mizel found her whispered dream to the universe answered with the soul-centered, loving, bravely vulnerable, co-creative World Systems Solutions teams working in conscious collaboration every day toward the greater conscious interconnection of humanity with this one Earth.

Abundance has provided for sharing a home in Santa Monica with her husband, being a parent with two teenage daughters and regular travel to the breathtaking beauty of Telluride, CO.

Her professional work includes being a visual fine artist and architectural designer, an experienced yoga and meditation practitioner, a California Leadership Council board member with The Nature Conservancy and their Plastics Pollution focus group and a volunteer with other philanthropies including Heal the Bay.

Her architectural education and teaching, along with years of world travel have inspired her diverse interests and advocacy of human rights and the rights of nature equally.

Taunya holds a BA from Princeton University and a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Columbia University.

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Taunya van der Steen-Mizel,
Women in Climate and California Leadership Board Member, The Nature Conservancy

Krys White is the former director of engagement for The Climate Reality Project, where she oversaw global advocacy, policy and outreach strategy for more than 42,000 activists. She is a political strategist, an equitable policy consultant and an environmental and climate justice advisor.

Krys is a graduate of Howard University, receiving a BA in communication and culture with a specialization in legal communications and a minor in political science. She is a member of the board of trustees for the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation. She serves as the c4 president of Our Climate, a youth centered climate solutions organization, and she is a former Greater Washington Urban League board member. She is also a co-founder of Black Millennials 4 Flint, an environmental justice organization founded in the wake of the Flint water crisis to empower Black and Latine communities to advocate against the exposure of lead in the water, soil and in the air.

Krys previously served as a state director for a United States presidential campaign and served as the national Black youth vote manager for NextGen America. She worked as a political research strategist at the House Majority PAC during the 2018 election cycle producing a forty seat pick-up, returning The House to Democratic control. Her work and opinions have been featured on CBC News, BET News, MTV News, The Grio, and C-SPAN.

In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking with her son, and spends much of her free time advocating for equitable resources for black and brown communities nationwide -- to amplify civil rights voices and highlight awareness of environmental justice issues.

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Krys White, Senior Advisor, Sustainability Performance Office of Management, Department of Energy

Tom Bosschaert is the founder and director of Except and the visionary force behind its development. He is also the chairman of the Environment Committee of the World Institute for Change Management and Innovation (WICMI) in Switzerland.

Tom founded Except at the age of 19 in 1999 with a mission to find systemic solutions for our societal challenges by combining science, business, design and communication.

In the past decades, Tom has developed several hundred projects globally for groundbreaking sustainable cities, buildings, business, policy and industry.

His vision shows that we can flourish globally when we simultaneously integrate environmental, societal, economical and technical aspects in our society. He is a frequent keynote speaker and author of the Symbiosis in Development (SiD) framework and books.

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Tom Bosschaert,
Founder and Director, Except Integrated Sustainability
Beni Oren is an aspiring polymath. His main discipline has been meditation. He cares deeply about the collective well-being of our planet and is an ambassador of the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible. He is a writer, philosopher, and researcher of our higher human potentials. 
 
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Beni Oren, Youth Culture Architect and Systems Thinker
Jordan Daly is a spiritual seeker. She has had the honor of learning from some of the most incredible teachers, leaders, innovators, change agents, creative geniuses, academics and business builders in the world. She has wandered through the fashion industry, humanitarian aid, wellness and climate — launching companies from ground up, running strategy, creating an economic development fund, co-founding a tech company and developing framework for organizations and communities.  
 
Jordan’s path has led her to explore self inquiry, contemplation and regenerative practices. Her belief is that individual healing is the vehicle for economical, environmental and social transformation. Her role is a bridge builder between the inner landscape and outer world. 
 
She is a weaver and brings ideas to life. Guiding 1:1, building movements and creating community through the lens of self- inquiry, Jordan works with individuals, companies & organizations. 
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Jordan Daly,
Field Catalyst | Weaver | Advisor

Alex Rodriguez is the visionary Chief Executive Officer at Conduit Government Relations, where his strategic acumen and innovative approach have positioned the firm as a leader in strategic communications, government branding, and engagement with urban and Latino communities. With a career spanning over three decades, Rodriguez has cemented his status as an industry leader, offering unparalleled guidance to prominent organizations such as DirecTV, the Imperial Irrigation District, BHP Billiton, Oldsmobile, adidas, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Antioch University, and Sprint PCS, among others. His expertise encompasses government relations, environmental justice, and public affairs, making him a sought-after strategist for navigating complex landscapes.

Before founding Diversity Consulting Group, LLC in 1995, Rodriguez honed his skills at Hispanic Business Magazine, where as Senior Vice President of the Strategic Services Group he led the company's events division to exponential growth and profitability. His commitment to excellence and community engagement has been recognized at the highest levels. In March 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed him to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, with the State Senate confirming his appointment in February 2024. Alex was also appointed to the Board of directors of CalMutuals in April, 2024, and he contributes his insights and leadership to the Dean’s Council of the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is currently the president on the boards of the Santa Barbara County Finance Corporation and the La Cumbre Mutual Water Company. His national influence was further solidified by his appointment to the US EPA’s National Drinking Water Advisory Council by President Biden in December 2021.

Rodriguez's passion for community and economic development extends to his involvement with non-profit boards, including two two-year terms as Secretary of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, President of the Santa Barbara Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Treasurer of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. His educational journey reflects his diverse interests and dedication to continuous learning, holding a BA in Business Management from Antioch University Santa Barbara. He further augmented his business acumen through the Minority Enterprise Development program at Dartmouth University's Tuck School of Business.

Beyond the boardroom, Rodriguez is a martial arts aficionado, achieving master status with a fifth degree black belt in Hapkido, a fourth degree black belt in Chung Do Kwon (Combat Tae Kwon Do), and an induction into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in 2020. A Southern California native, he enjoys life in Santa Barbara

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Alex Rodriguez,
CEO, Conduit Government Relations

Rev. Elisha Christopher (they/them), is the Spiritual Director and Senior Minister at the Center for Spiritual Living Santa Cruz. Their call to leadership began at The Launching Pad—an innovative, intentional spiritual and residential community for young adults in Berkeley and Oakland, CA. Under Elisha’s innovative leadership, residents gained mindfulness and communication skills while managing an ‘open-door’ ministry.

 
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Rev. Elisha Christopher,
Spiritual Director, Center for Spiritual Living Santa Cruz

Linda Rodríguez, a seasoned Nonprofit Consultant with fourteen years of experience, brings expertise in campaigning, engagement, organizing and fundraising. Hailing from Southern California, her passion lies in advancing social justice, human rights, and environmental stewardship through strategic alliance-building. Committed to a future marked by justice, equity, sustainability and peace, Linda's professional acumen drives transformative change with unwavering dedication and impact.

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Linda Rodriguez,
Nonprofit Consultant

Joseph L. Cook started his career in the military as he served for three years as a Captain in U.S. Army (Medical Entomologist); followed by 38 years in U.S. Civil Service. Positions held were in increasing complexities at local, regional, national and international levels and included the following positions: Environmental Protection Specialist, Environmental Engineer, Natural Resources Program Manager, Environmental Program Manager, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Program Manager; Fisheries Biologist. He continued for the twelve years as a contractor, holding the positions of Environmental Engineer, Environmental Scientist, Senior Environmental Scientist, NEPA Specialist and Environmental Program Manager.

Joseph holds a  B.S. from the University of Michigan in Natural Resources, a M.S. from the University of Minnesota in Entomology, an MBA from the University of the Incarnate Word, a M.A.from Saint Mary’s University and a MTS from the Oblate School of Theology.

Joseph is Interested in the intersection of Spirituality and Earth Systems (Biodiversity, Ecology, Climate Change); Sustainable Systems.  He feels that it is almost too late to reduce the major impacts of climate change but if nothing major is done soon, the world will encounter challenges of unprecedented scope. The world is undergoing: increased greenhouse gas emissions; increased worldwide loss of glacial mass; increased loss of sea ice in the Arctic and Antarctic and loss of ice shelves in these areas; loss of lands in tropical environmental such as in the Amazon; loss of areas that grow life sustaining agriculture; threat s from environmental pollutants;     potential changes in ocean currents effecting worldwide climate and Ocean Life Systems; loss of biodiversity; worldwide temperature increases resulting in droughts, loss of arable lands, and wildfires, increased migration from climate change and socioeconomic issues; increasing risk of global conflicts leading to potential wars- among other challenges.

 
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Joseph L. Cook
Environmental Scientist

Morgan Harwith co-founded ClearWater Holdings, Ltd. and its operating division, 360 Power Group, which have invented 98.4% efficient proprietary Radial-Axial-Radial electric motors and generators. These machines will have a positive impact on the global economy while significantly reducing both input power usage and Green House Gas Emissions.

Before moving to California, he was VP, General Counsel and a Group VP of the Reynolds and Reynolds Company, a computer services company  (then a $550M NYSE company).  Prior to that time, he was the first International Attorney for the Amway Corporation and general counsel of a franchise-manufacturing company, Fireplace Corporation of America.

In California he was the  Co-Founder and Publisher of Pacific Rim Information Network, an information service that reported on the development of hotels, resorts and golf country clubs in Asia, South America and North America.

He uses his intuitive gifts as an energy healer and spiritual teacher.

Morgan holds both a B.B.A business and J.D. law degree from the University of Michigan.

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R. Morgan Harwith
Co-Founder & EVP, 360 Power Group

Dr. Esther Galfalvi is working to decentralize leadership and empower community at SingularityNET, an organization focused on creating beneficial artificial intelligence. Esther is building systems that will give agency to the global community to shape the future of AI ethics and governance. She has a history in careers education and leadership, guidance counseling, and digital platform work. She also has experience in personal transformation, holistic therapy and healing, and 10 years of tai chi training. Esther combines intellectual rigor and systemic thinking with a compassionate, transpersonal approach.

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Dr. Esther Galfalvi, Decentralization Program Lead & AI Ethics Project Coordinator, SingularityNET
Sammi Berwick holds a BA in Information and Social Science for the Digital Age from the University of Arizona. 
 

Her skills in strategic partnership development and digital marketing are complemented by a sensitivity to the energetic nuanced dynamics of relationships, supporting conscious discernment in aligning partnerships with organizational goals and the greater service mission. 

 
Sammi made significant contributions at Pyx Health by advancing health equity through empathetic chatbot technology that reached over six million lives and is recognized as one of Fast Company's World Changing Ideas.
 
Currently, Sammi serves on the Strategic Partnerships team at World Systems Solutions, fostering strategic relationships and conscious collaboration to accelerate global solutions for the climate crisis and interrelated global challenges.
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Sammi Berwick,
WSS Strategic Partnerships
The Descendants of the Earth community formed through the vision and service of Wolf and Lisa Wahpepah, who, like their elder, have dedicated their lives to preserving traditional Native American culture and ceremonial ways of prayer. Their full time service began with the encouragement and support of their elder Fred Wahpepah, after 16 years of demanding full time community service of his own, requiring constant travel throughout the continental U.S. prior to relocating to northern California in 1991.
 
From 1991-1997, Wolf and Lisa helped to establish a thriving inter tribal encampment on a 100 acre parcel of land near Pine Mountain located in the Los Padres National Forest called Chorro Grande. For six years, Native and non-Natives participated in various Native American ceremonies, teachings, and traditions both on site at Chorro Grande and at various off-site locations throughout Southern California. The encampment provided a positive and supportive environment that was conducive to preserving Native American traditions, sustainable living practices, community building, healing and personal growth.
 
By the end of 1997, Chorro Grande was sold by a private owner and the encampment was forced to disband. Members enjoined Wolf and Lisa Wapepah to maintain the continuity of this vision of a land base that could be preserved, protected and passed on to the next generations as a place of traditional teaching, ceremony, and refuge from the modern world. From this commitment, Descendants of the Earth became a non-profit entity on March 1, 1999.
 
In 2003, Descendants collectively pulled its resources together to purchase a parcel of land in the Las Padres National Forest, in order to build a self sustaining community, spiritual sanctuary, and restore the land from misuse and pollution. In spite of the loss of the original land base, Descendants of the Earth and its community has never faltered in its commitment to the people, the traditional ways and the vision of racial harmony.
 
With the full time dedication and support of Wolf and Lisa Wahpepah, the Descendants of the Earth community continues to exist and thrive consisting of over 300 active members and continue to implement programs that support our mission and goals. Those of us who have been a part of this Community have experienced first hand the healing benefits of a life filled with Traditional Ceremonies, environmental consciousness, community involvement and human service.
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Wolf and Lisa Wapehpah,
Native American Elders, Founders of Descendants of the Earth

Hannah Eckberg has studied permaculture and other regenerative practices for much of her life. Her passion to inspire others to do all they can on behalf of the planet has led to a career in environmental journalism and philanthropy.

Hannah co-founded the Permaculture Magazine North America and the Abundant Earth Foundation.
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Hannah Eckberg,
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Abundant Earth Foundation

Dr. Andrea Neal is a Visionary Circular Carbon Recovery and Transitional Fuels Innovator. For 20 years, Dr. Neal has been at the forefront of Blue Economy Business and Technology development as a senior executive and founder of five companies developing; blue circular economy models for monetization of non-recyclable plastic, blue-energy production, environmental detection and remediation systems, and financing and GHG reductions wraps to help generate Blue Capital to drive circular carbon recovery and transitional fuel developments. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University, and a PhD from The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

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Dr. Andrea Neal, Ph.D.,
CEO at Blue Capital, LLC

Julie Schneiderman considers herself an accidental and imperfect environmental advocate, activist and entrepreneur. Julie’s journey towards environmental advocacy and passion for sustainability began with her love of the arts, surfing and the ocean, and a creative idea to build community and self expression using artistic patches to decorate wetsuits. Julie’s EcoStiks patches did not stick to wetsuits, but because she was thinking of unique blank canvases, innovative and sustainability in their design, her EcoStiks patches grew into a much larger market for global impact.

By creating fabric peel and stick patches from recycled water bottles, her creations were more than mere decorative items for self-expression; they held the potential to spark real change by being a dynamic platform for awareness and collaboration. By uniting brands, nonprofits, and ambassadors under the umbrella of the EcoStiks EcoSystem, Julie orchestrated a powerful synergy aimed at raising awareness about the detrimental impact of single-use plastics and promoting a culture of reduce, reuse, recycle.

Through strategic collaborations, innovative initiatives, and a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship, Julie has elevated EcoStiks beyond a mere product. It has become a movement—one that champions sustainability, fosters positive change, and serves as a catalyst for a greener, more conscious world all by accident.

As a result of her journey as Founder of EcoStiks and Co-Founder of Women in the Water,  she is now dedicated to inspire others to implement accessible, positive, creative, simple pathways and opportunities to collaboratively create eco-change in our communities and globally.

Julie believes everyone can make a difference in whatever capacity feels good to them by integrating passion, joy, talent and environmental need. Small waves make big waves.

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Julie Schneiderman,
Founder and CEO at EcoStiks

Supporting Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising Strategy at World Systems Solutions. Bill Nash has a BS in Psychology and Marketing, with 25 years of corporate career success developing and leading teams for multi-billion-dollar tech and medical device companies.

Most recently Bill has been working in a consulting capacity to deliver value to clients in multiple verticals. With a strong passion for the outdoors and a sense of responsibility for the environment, Bill has been guided to leverage his passion and experience to support the development of new sustainable models of collaboration and technology to help to solve many of the issues we face globally.

Bill Nash,
Fundraising Strategy and Strategic Partnerships, WSS
Ana M. Becerra was born in San Bernardino, California where many of her ancestors migrated north from four areas of Mexico at the end of the 1800s and her great parents are buried. Her grandmother graduated from Sherman Indian School in Riverside, California in 1908. She was a strong influence in Ana’s life and still walks with her today. Ana’s indigenous roots are Guachichil and Cora. Ana has walked the Red Road and participated in indigenous activities, events, and ceremonies for most of her life. 
 
At age 18, she was a founding member of Red Wind, the first indigenous nonprofit organization based on principles of decolonization in 1972 in Ventura County. 
 
In 1973, Ana participated in the occupation of Wounded Knee, South Dakota to bring attention to the grave injustices suffered by the traditional Oglala Lakota people at the hands of local and federal government and law enforcement agencies. This critical event was transformational for Ana and for indigenous people throughout this country.
 
Ana embraces the belief that we are born whole and healthy and good, and the ceremonies and community give us a place to recover ourselves while serving others. The Indigenous ceremonies, cultures, languages, and ways of life provide us a familiar foundation. It is a long-term strategy of decolonization to work towards transforming systems, shifting power and generating sustainable solutions for the challenges we face with the environment and social and climate justice. 
 
Growing up, Ana’s first hand lesson about systemic political injustice occurred in 1966, when her parents took her and her younger siblings on the final day of the California Farm Workers Delano to Sacramento march led by César Chávez and Dolores Huerta to speak to the Governor about the many injustices farmworkers suffered in the fields. However, when they arrived at the Capitol grounds, the Governor had left town! At 12-years old, Ana looked around and realized the harsh reality-contrary to what they were telling her in school, this government was not for all people. This experience and others to follow lead to work in schools and organizations to eliminate systematic racism and other forms of oppression in their internal working culture and their outward delivery of services.
 
Early on, Ana was blessed to work as a teacher’s aide on an Indian Reservation in Montana where the tribe supported her to become a teacher in a bilingual/bicultural (Cree & English) school. Later after furthering her education, she also worked as a teacher and administrator in Nevada, California, and Oregon. Ana has worked in social justice nonprofit organizations and taught several university courses. Ana has a bachelor’s degree in Education, a master’s in science education, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Organizations. 
 
Ana has led women’s healing circles since 2010. She leads ceremonies and holds talk circles, including virtually during the pandemic. Ana supports the work of our community, including the women’s drum and the veterans. She also seeks funding, support, and opportunities for all the special interests and talents that exist within our community, so that it may continue to prosper.
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Ana M. Becerra,
Founder and Board Vice President, Sacred Indigenous Preservation

Kevin J. Patel is a passionate and distinguished climate justice leader and social entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, California with over a decade of experience advocating for a sustainable and equitable world. He envisions a future where young people can access the resources they need to implement climate solutions and combat environmental injustice.

Patel is widely recognized for his pioneering work in establishing the Youth Climate Commission, which he passed in 2019. As the architect of this initiative, Patel has enabled youth voices to be heard more effectively in addressing the climate crisis. In 2022, Patel was appointed to the Youth Climate Commission as a Commissioner.

In addition, he is the founder and Executive Director of OneUpAction International, a non-profit organization that supports and empowers young people to implement and accelerate climate solutions in their communities.

Patel's commitment to sustainability has earned him numerous accolades and ambassadorships. He serves as a UN Togetherband Ambassador for Goals 7, 13, and 14 and was named a 2020 National Geographic Young Explorer. He is also a member of several influential organizations, including the LA28 Next Gen Council, The Environmental Media Association (EMA) Activist Board, the World Economic Forum's 1t.org US Stakeholder Council, the Ingka Young Leaders Forum, Youthtopia World: Circle of Youth, the Climate Power Council, and many more.

Patel's exceptional achievements have been widely recognized, and he has been awarded the MensHealth 20 Under 20 in 2020 and the 2021 NowThis News Sustainability Honoree. Kevin recently received his undergraduate degree in Political Science at Loyola Marymount University. Patel remains committed to his mission of creating a sustainable and equitable world for all.

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Kevin J. Patel
Founder and Executive Director, OneUpAction International

Tiffany Persons founded Tiffany Company Casting in 2005. She and her team provide commercial casting for some of the largest brands in the world: American Express, Google, AT&T, Nike, Apple, Washington Mutual, Facebook, Disneyland, Starbucks to name a few … 

Known for bringing joy, passion and vulnerability to the advertising world, Tiffany is a champion for the beautiful communities of Sierra Leone. With unabashed enthusiasm and the collective generosity of so many, Shine On Sierra Leone has created groundbreaking education, healthcare, micro-loans, sustainability, and agriculture programs.

Most recently, she has lead trainings on Black culture in media to change the conversation about minority groups in marketing at its root and began her adventure in the world of storytelling. Her films range from provocative thrillers to heart-centric, transformative documentaries - with the through line of all being created for the sake of progressing humanity.

Tiffany is currently based in Topanga Canyon in the Los Angeles area where she lives with her five incredible children.

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Tiffany Persons. Owner, Tiffany Company Casting, Founding Director, Shine On Sierra Leone

For the last six years, Steve Bosak has helped people collaborate effectively to understand and solve complex challenges. He has also trained hundreds of people in human-centered design and facilitation. He has led co-creation, strategy, and training workshops for clients focused on international development, renewable energy, innovative finance for climate solutions, science education, community development, and public health.

Prior to his work as an innovation consultant and facilitator, Steve served as an advocate and executive for a number of U.S. environmental NGOs. He has worked for a New Zealand regional government on biodiversity policy and for the US Bureau of Land Management on ecosystem restoration programs.

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Steve Bosak
Partner and Senior Facilitator, Reshift

Since receiving his BA in Economics from Bates College, John Teitelbaum has achieved success within financial services in business administration, program management and operations/controls. His career began in trading operations for a small derivatives company and, subsequently, Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s most successful hedge funds.

John has spent the past decade at two of the world’s largest banks in roles that are highly cross-functional and global in nature. This has given him valuable experience understanding decentralized systems and partnering with stakeholders around the world to effect change that is focused on consistency, scalability and sustainability/repeatability.

In both his personal and professional interactions, John values kindness, curiosity and integrity above all else. He is honored to be part of the WSS community.

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John Teitelbaum,
Financial Services Professional

Sadie Adams is an accomplished entrepreneur, mentor, and business advisor with over 25 years of experience facilitating individuals and groups in broadening perspectives and integrating big experiences. She is the founder of Take Care Center for Body Mind Regeneration in Venice, CA offering an array of innovative healing and beauty modalities, combining holistic techniques and treatments to support the body, mind and spirit.

Throughout her career, Sadie has worked with affluential clients in both public and private sectors coast to coast, earning a reputation for quality, unique and transformative services. Her innovative models have been successfully replicated in multiple locations through her training and mentorship programs. Sadie's work has been featured in numerous beauty and wellness publications.

Her academic journey includes studies in developmental anatomy and embryology at the School for Body-Mind Centering™ and Ayurvedic medicine at the Ayurvedic Institute. These experiences have shaped her vision and opened to her to the occult; leading her focus to regenerative therapies.

Sadie serves in advisory and counseling roles in the realms of nonprofit, public benefit and shamanism, leveraging her extensive business experience and her ability to perceive patterns and relational dynamics. She excels in integrating holistic and functional wellness approaches into large-scale innovative efforts. Her subtle and nuanced sensitivity informs and supports WSS culture building and communications strategies.

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Sadie Adams,
Founder, Take Care Center for Body Mind Regeneration, WSS Board Member

Justin Wilkinson is a video content creator and has worked for ten years as a video producer, director and editor. A long-time member of WSS, he serves on the Multimedia Team and has created numerous promotional videos for our website and YouTube channel.

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Justin Wilkinson,
Sr. Video Editor and Producer, FuturHealth

Sarah Otterstrom is an experienced Executive Director with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Strong business development professional skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Rural Development, Sustainability, Wildlife, and Social Impact.

Additionally, Sarah is an intrepid conservation scientist with over 20 years of experience in Central America. After learning firsthand of the unique beauty of tropical dry forests and Pacific coast habitats, she decided to dedicate her life to protecting them. In 2005, she founded Paso Pacífico and has been the executive director since then. Sarah's scientific research has focused on the ecological impacts of fires in tropical forests and the cultural practices that influence tropical fire regimes.

As a conservation scientist, she serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Biotrópica. She has also served in the Association for Fire Ecology and the Sociedad Mesoamericana para la Biología y Conservación. She is an Ashoka Fellow and the recipient of honors such as the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award.

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Sarah Otterstrom,
Executive Director, Paso Pacifico

Carl Pongs, owner-operator of Greenbelt Growers nursery, president of Riverside and Corona Resource Conservation District (RCRCD) and founder of En-Gage Riverside serves as a tempered realist in the face of conservation and climate change.

Over 25 years ago Carl purchased Greenbelt Growers and has relied on a keen instinct for industry trends and a vast professional network to build his business into the industry standard. In 2012 he was asked to serve on the board at RCRCD, his realistic and fiscally responsible approach to conservation has been essential to the success of the organization.

Carl’s passion for environmental consideration has only grown since then, from championing the expansion of green infrastructure and being one of the largest producers of California Native Grasses to establishing himself as an advocate for Urban Agriculture and the protection of valuable water resources. As pressures over the repurposing of agricultural water resources for urban development began to overwhelm Riverside, Carl took action in actively protecting water security. By forming En-Gage Riverside he provided the platform for those who produce our food and water to connect and ensure the future of environmentally sustainable and local food production.

Carl has always had a human-based approach to conservation, an avid off-road adventurer and outdoor recreation enthusiast, his appreciation for the beauty of nature cannot be overstated. His objective approach and staunch commitment to his values, paired with his good humor have contributed greatly to his success.

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Carl Pongs,
Owner, Greenbelt Growers

Zinzi Johnson is an artist and mom who has been working on the visual side of music for 20 years, the last seven for country music star Sierra Ferrell. She cares deeply about our planet and chooses projects according to their environmental frenzy. She is represented by Eye in the Sky Management.

Zinzi started Piece Orange Productions (mostly ladies making movies ) about 10 years ago. These days, she likes making rock docs, listening to Kneecap, snacking on Japanese food and wearing Commes De Garçon.

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Zinzi Johnson,
Director, Piece Orange Productions

Jack Wielebinski has spent the entirety of his career in the financial services industry. Beginning as an investment banking analyst, and later working in private equity focused on financial services companies, spanning both the private equity and financial advisory practices at the firm. Prior to One Small Planet, Jack was the head of investor relations for a public company he supported through its IPO on the NASDAQ.

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Mr. Wielebinski runs the Fire Fund operations at One Small Planet, managing nearly all deal sourcing, analysis, portfolio management, and is a member of the investment committee and active on numerous boards. He believes in the possibility of a better and brighter future for the world through better designed systems and outcomes, which is why he does what he does at One Small Planet.
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Jack Wielebinski,
Chief Investment Officer,
One Small Planet

Natasha Glasgow is a media contributor, certified esthetician, beauty researcher and a Beauty Advisory Board Member at ELLE Magazine. She is also the founder of NVG Beauty, a private beauty advisory service that helps her clients navigate the world of beauty to make empowered, financially sound investments while cutting through the noise of what can be a very loud industry.

Natasha aims to ensure her clients cultivate a healthier relationship with their own appearance and the very concept of beauty. She is eternally driven to collaborate and connect with industry friends who share in this mission of advocating for the support we really need in skin care and beyond.

Her most recent projects are directed toward awareness and protection for young (tween), developing skin, and building an initiative around support and education. As the mom of a ten-year-old daughter, Natasha is deeply invested in the ways the beauty industry stands to impact children. She hopes she can make sure that that impact is a positive one.

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Natasha Glasgow,
Founder, NVG Beauty

Hannah-Beth Jackson is a former California legislator, practicing attorney, educator and small business owner. From 2012 to 2020, she served in the State Senate, representing nearly one million residents in the 19th Senate District, which includes Santa Barbara County and western Ventura County. From 1998 to 2004, she represented the 35th State Assembly District.

During her legislative career, Hannah-Beth served as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and received national recognition as a champion for women’s equality.  The Huffington Post identified her as one of 11 women in the United States “blazing new trails” in American politics and she was described as “the state senator shifting California’s workplace culture” by The New York Times.

Hannah-Beth is the author of the California Fair Pay Act, landmark legislation that strengthens the state’s equal pay law, and Senate Bill 826, the first law in the nation that requires publicly-held corporations to include women on their board of directors. She is a joint author of legislation that created the nation’s first affirmative consent standard (“Yes Means Yes”) for the state’s college and university campuses. In response to the #MeToo movement, she authored significant legislation to prevent and respond to sexual harassment. Even as the Trump Administration sought to roll back Title IX protections, she authored legislation to ensure victim-centered processes for responding to sexual harassment and assault on college campuses. In addition, she is the author of laws that strengthened and expanded California’s Paid Family Leave program and protect survivors of domestic violence.

A champion for the environment, Hannah-Beth is the author of Senate Bill 188, blocking the Trump administration’s efforts to expand oil development off the California coast, as well as legislation that strengthened the state’s pipeline safety laws, reduced the threat of future oil spills, and capped abandoned oil wells. She has been a leading advocate in the fight against climate change and a strong supporter of developing clean energy sources. She is also the author of the nation’s first industry-funded “take back” program for unused medications and needles, leading the way for extended producer responsibility legislation.

Among Hannah-Beth’s other legislative accomplishments are laws to improve California’s wildfire preparedness and response, reduce gun violence, expand services for aging Californians, and support military veterans struggling with mental illness and drug addiction. She is an outspoken advocate for Internet privacy protection and women’s reproductive rights.

Hannah-Beth is married to retired Superior Court Judge George Eskin, and they share three children and six grandchildren. She and her husband have resided in Santa Barbara for more than 40 years.

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Hannah-Beth Jackson,
California State Senator (Retired)

With a background of over 20 years in the music and yoga industries as an Event Operations professional, Lyndsay Kenefick has had the privilege of creating and executing live events and festivals on a global scale. This hands-on experience has allowed her to use her knowledge and expertise to support individuals in developing and building their own successful events. She has also become a mentor, guiding aspiring professionals in the music and yoga industries, helping people navigate their career paths, and fostering their personal growth and empowerment.

Additionally, Lyndsay is a passionate environmental and human rights activist who strongly focuses on addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations affected by climate-induced migration. She is currently working as a Project Manager at Earth Law Center, where she contributes her skills and dedication to safeguarding the rights of nature. Additionally, she serves as a Committee Member at Channel Islands Restoration, actively involved in initiatives to restore and protect our natural ecosystems.

Lyndsay is particularly intrigued by the intricate relationship between migration, the environment and climate change mitigation. She is fascinated by how these factors intersect and affect vulnerable communities, and she is dedicated to advocating for their rights and well-being. Lyndsay is committed to creating a better world through legal advocacy and sustainable solutions.

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Lyndsay Kenefick,
Founder, Creative Director, Creative Curations SB

Ivana Jevtic is a biomimicry professional with a diverse background in business, psychology, and sustainability. She holds a degree in finance from USC and spent a decade in the finance industry. Transitioning to science, she conducted research in social neuroscience and psychoneuroimmunology at UCLA, where she managed complex research projects and contributed to numerous publications in prestigious journals.

Ivana founded and successfully sold a sustainability-focused company, EcoActive.com, before pursuing a Corporate Social Responsibility certificate from NYU Stern and a master’s degree in Biomimicry from ASU. She also founded EvolvedEco, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness about the environment, climate, and sustainability, supporting activism that preserves and regenerates ecosystems, and advocating for biomimetic solutions.

Ivana's interdisciplinary expertise and leadership in both the private and non-profit sectors enable her to drive innovative, collaborative climate solutions.

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Ivana Jevtic,
Biomimicry Professional

BY THE END OF THE FORUM, WE WILL HAVE COLLABORATIVELY AND CO-CREATIVELY MET THE FOLLOWING TANGIBLE OBJECTIVES:

  • 1

    Define a new quality of consciousness necessary to collaboratively generate optimal long-term solutions that will directly result in renewal, sustainability and reharmonization with the planet. 

  • 2

    Utilize the latest AI technology to accelerate collaborative team processes and co-creative solutions development.

  • 3

    We will collaboratively arrive at understandings of the true nature of effectively scalable sustainable solutions and what is practically required to affect them.

  • 4

    Learn to differentiate between traditional and humanistic values in order to effectively map and align innovative approaches to global solutions generation.

  • 5

    We will map and document the evolutionary path needed to transform currently non-sustainable world values into sustainable ones.

The output of this workshop, once synthesized via AI, will generate a method of transforming economic and organizational processes of local communities worldwide into global sustainability.

  • Transformation of global values systems to sustainability
  • The world is now learning that global collaboration is the antidote to the climate crisis
  • Comprehensive access to trustworthy, quality, and fully vetted decision-making information for all global stakeholders
  • Ethical application of state-of-the-art AI technology to solve the climate crisis and allow humanity to achieve its highest potential
  • Accelerated research, development and delivery of solutions, technology, and resources
  • Technology augmented improvements in global and local cooperation
  • Realized capacity to generate economic systems that are sustainable and ecologically harmonious
  • Efficient coordination and synchronization of all nation's global change efforts
  • Improvement of global education to succinctly address and solve climate issues & to empower women, youth and all human diversity
  • Global stakeholder participation and influence in all climate issue resolution initiatives
  • Equitable and participative representation and decision making for every person, species and the ecosystem
  • Generation of a healthy environment for the billion children who are currently at risk
  • Adaptive climate migration strategies, creatively transforming potential conflict into humane climate solutions and the stabilization of all economies
  • Regeneration of the world’s ecosystems and effect agroecological sequestration of greenhouse gases
  • Scalable crowd sourced solutions to regenerate the planet
  • Supply chain stability and continuity of global economic function, capacity and adaptability
  • Access to food, water and medical systems security (filling the gaps in current systems for all)
POTENTIAL DISCUSSION TOPICS

To join us for post-CERF collaboration, please open a free Discord account to be invited to our private server:

JOIN WSS DISCORD

— AGENDA —

Day 1

Day 2

DAY ONE AGENDA

Objective: Utilize insights and learnings from the previous CERF to inform a highly focused and practical approach to solving specific socio-environmental challenges. Based on a hypothetical future scenario, the first day is dedicated to developing concrete, grounded solutions that can be applied in the real world to mitigate climate change and promote sustainability in the shortest time possible.

  • Review and Reflection: Begin with a recap of key takeaways from the previous CERF, highlighting successful strategies and areas needing improvement. This sets the stage for a continuity of process and purpose.
  • Focused Workshops: Engage in targeted workshops aimed at tackling predefined environmental problems. These sessions are designed around specific tasks and goals identified prior to the forum, ensuring a streamlined and effective solution development process
  • Showcasing Continuity: Highlight the evolutionary process from CERF one to now, demonstrating how past insights have shaped the current approach to developing real-world solutions.
  • Collaborative Practical Solution Development: Utilize a mix of expert-led and sessions to design practical, scalable solutions. This involves integrating technology, policy, and community engagement in a holistic approach and collaboration evolution process to environmental problem-solving for the common good.
  • AI-Augmented Practical Solution Development: Conducted real time via transdisciplinary expert ai-support personas. AI- synthesized or produced outputs from this day will support and feed the solutions generated process of the second workshop day.

This workshop will be recorded for educational purposes.

INSIGHTS WE HOPE PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE AND BUILD UPON:

We have the collaborative opportunity to reimagine the values systems necessary to enable sustainable life processes.

AI augmented collaboration is the antidote to the climate crisis.

Our current way of life and technology base and way of developing solutions is creating the climate crisis. 

Our current non-collaborative and unscalable approaches, however well intended, will not solve the climate crisis in the time available. A new paradigm is required!

We must collaboratively and collectively define and enact new approaches and paradigms. 

Participants realize we must build the collective global capacity in order to affect necessary transformational change into sustainability, now!

There is no higher or superordinate goal or priority. Sustainability and reharmonization with the planet is the goal and priority, all others are secondary.

There must be scalable, dedicated centralized global commons systems and technology to affect this new paradigm.

Accept and understand that we must now act to foundationally restructure our ways of life, ways of developing and using all technology and our collective economic processes to generate full sustainability.

It is vital that the ecosystem and all other species be represented as equal to human populations in all systems of global governance and solutions developments from now on.

We must create a highly organized global collaborative community effort to transform the world into sustainability now!

We must all learn to do more with less and to live and have less moving forward.

We must learn and accept that there is NO option for limitless growth of any organization, nation or economy within a finite planetary and ecosystem resources space.

Growth must be transcended as a standard of success by all nations, economies, organizations and peoples.

There is no potential for a future nation winner, in any military, combative or economic competitive process that does not bring about global economic collapse.

We can only now collaborate and work together in hope, trust and faith for the common good if we as national entities want to continue in a viable way.

As the various pressures of the climate crisis increase, there is no future for global or national humanity that is viable that is not based on love, trust, faith, collaboration, inclusiveness, fairness, equality, ethics and morals.

Our current systems are not designed to, nor are they ready to solve the climate crisis.  We need a new system, approach and paradigm.

CO-CREATING THE PHOENIX WORLD TRANSFORMATION PLATFORM™

A collaboration and education technology infrastructure is being designed by World Systems Solutions to bring individuals, organizations and nations into a functionally aligned union to give people, organizations and government institutions a way to collaborate quickly and proactively to solve the most pressing environmental issues.

The output from the participants in these workshops will be substantive solutions and abilities to change in all necessary ways for humanity to solve the climate crisis.

A collaboration and education technology infrastructure is being designed by World Systems Solutions to bring individuals, organizations and nations into a functionally aligned union to give people, organizations and government institutions a way to collaborate quickly and proactively to solve the most pressing environmental issues.

The output from the participants in these workshops will be substantive solutions and abilities to change in all necessary ways for humanity to solve the climate crisis.

We welcome corporate and organizational sponsorships for this event.

SPONSORSHIP PROPOSAL

COLLABORATING ORGANIZATIONS:

institute for zen leadership logo
global peace yes logo
reshift logo
orchid city logo
Liberated Grounds Logo
except logo
EcoMedia Compass logo
earthpiliot logo
agessinc logo
healing roots design logo
regenerative life design logo

LOVE LIFE, LEAD NOW  |  IT’S TIME TO RISE!  |  #PHOENIX

LOVE LIFE, LEAD NOW
IT’S TIME TO RISE!
#PHOENIX

Categories: Uncategorized

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