Archives: Episode

Ayse Ozlem Oguzcan-Cranston – Chef and Owner of Masa Midtown

Chef Ayse Ozlem Oguzcan-Cranston, also known as Chef Oz was born in Eskisehir Turkiye, but was raised in Brooklyn, New York.

Chef Oz found her love of cooking at an early age, watching her Mother make meals for her family while growing up in Brooklyn. It was this love of cooking that inspired her to enter culinary school at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC.

After finishing her education at the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC, Ozlem decided to work at Abigail Kirsch Catering from 2007-2012. In 2014, Ozlem decided to open her own catering business and decided to cater in the tri-state area.

When Ozlem and her husband moved to Kingston, NY, she got the opportunity to take over a brick and mortar restaurant and she opened Masa Midtown in March 2020 as a catering and events venue. When Covid hit, she pivoted her business to do takeout, but eventually opened to the public after the positive response from the community. Currently, Masa Midtown is open as a restaurant and catering business with Chef Oz at the helm.

Chef Oz resides in Kingston with her husband, Bill Cranston, and her kitty.

To learn more about Chef Oz and Masa Midtown:
IG: masa-midtown

Sara Hirsh Bordo – Filmmaker, Writer & Director and Founder/CEO of Women Rising

Named as an “Architect of Change” by Maria Shriver, Sara Hirsh Bordo is a 15x award-winning filmmaker and Founder/CEO of Women Rising®, listed as “One of the Most Innovative, Interesting, and Purpose-Driven Women Led Startups to Watch” by Inc Magazine.

Women Rising® began in 2013 with Sara directing and producing the first TEDxAustinWomen which became the year’s most live and on-demand viewed TEDxWomen event around the world. Sara’s film directorial debut, A BRAVE HEART: THE LIZZIE VELASQUEZ STORY premiered and won the 2015 Audience Award at SXSW and won awards at all eleven festivals played, received two WEBBY Awards, and secured global distribution via National Geographic,
LifetimeTV, Amazon Prime, and iTunes.

In 2017, Sara’s second film, PROTECT HER, was a first-of-its-kind project, aimed at protecting girls on campus by activating the power of the schools’ male athletes and was acquired by Amazon Prime. In 2018, Sara executive produced the animated short TIGHTLY WOUND, which played 25 film festivals worldwide, was acquired by Condé Nast and most recently executive produced the five-time award-winning documentary about deaf access to entertainment, SIGN THE SHOW, acquired by Apple+.

She has directed and produced Prevention Magazine’s Health and Wellness Summit, The Women’s March of Texas, which became the largest gathering of women in Texas history, followed by the Official Women in Football Weekend at Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, as well as executive produced March for Our Lives NYC, and directed The United State of Women Summit at the Shrine in Los Angeles, keynoted by Former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Currently executive producer of SXSW Community Award-winning ConnectHer International Film Festival and consulting director for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-sponsored, ConnectHer Pitch Fest, Sara has written and directed national short films and award-winning campaigns for clients like TOYOTA, ESPN, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Marvel, Farmhouse Fresh Goods, and University of Texas at Austin’s NIKE 360, as well as consulted on many Hollywood film marketing campaigns including Warner Bros.’ Wonder Woman franchise and Sony/Marvel’s blockbuster Madame Web.

In 2024, Sara and Women Rising released the findings of “Autoimmunity and the ‘Good‘ Girls,” the first sociological survey exploring the intersection of empowerment and autoimmunity in American women. The research has been featured by Psychology Today, is being used as curriculum for graduate school, and Dr. Richard Carmona, 17th Surgeon General of the United States, stated, “We are fortunate that Sara has taken this exploration on to inform us all on these gender dynamics of empowerment and health.”

Her first book “Autoimmunity and the ‘Good‘ Girls: How the Power to Put Yourself First Can Keep You Well,” sold at auction in a worldwide deal to HarperOne/Harper Collins in August 2024 for release in 2026.

Sara and her work have been featured in the books I Am That Girl and The Feminine Revolution, is a member of the Producer’s Guild of America and a three-time Juror for Best Documentary. An invited delegate to TED Women, the United Nations Media Day, the Vanity Fair New Establishment Summit, and The Obama White House’s Champions of Change Summit, Sara has been nominated twice for Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Entrepreneur, and is a member of the Global Wellness Institute Women in Leadership Committee. She has spoken about her creative work and activism at Apple, Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, the Air Force Academy, Women in Film, The Associated Press, and SXSW.

Sara and Women Rising’s work have been featured in Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter, Bustle, The Washington Post, Women.com, NPR, Fortune, Variety, Women and Hollywood, TCU Magazine, Tri Delta Magazine, Austin Woman Magazine, People, The New York Times, Women to Watch, and The Kelly Clarkson Show.

She previously held positions in media and entertainment, including Executive Director of Interactive Marketing at Paramount Pictures, VP of Digital Marketing at MGM Studios, and CEO and Co-Founder of NowLive, which was acquired by Live Media Group.

Sara lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is Aunt Sissy to 11 nieces and nephews, and Fairy Godmother Sara to three godchildren.

To learn more about Sara Hirsh Bordo, her films and Women Rising:
Instagram: @sarahirshbordo
Facebook and LinkedIn: Sara Hirsh Bordo

Simone Bueno – Filmmaker, Content Creator, Founder of Mom Is Not For Sale

Born in Brazil and living in the US since 2003, Simone Bueno is a multi-talented filmmaker and web developer who brings over 25 years of experience to her passion for empowering stories. As a mother of two, she understands the unique challenges faced by moms and small business owners seeking to connect with their audience. Simone’s journey in the film industry, spanning various roles from pre-production to color grading, led her to discover her passion for training others on on-camera presence and video creation. Through personalized sessions, she helps individuals overcome self-doubt and build confidence, enabling them to share their stories authentically and effectively. Simone’s extensive background in web development, including the creation of online courses and user guides, further enhances her ability to tailor her teachings to beginners.

To learn more about Simone Bueno::
https://simonemony.com
https://linkedin.com/in/simonedbueno
https://youtube.com/@IamSimoneMony
https://instagram.com/iamsimonemony
https://facebook.com/iamsimonemony

Fatima Tuj-Johora – Visual Journalist & National Geographic Explorer

Fatima-Tuj-Johora is an independent visual journalist and a National Geographic Explorer based in Bangladesh. Her passion is to produce artistic visuals that include information about stories of daily life, children’s and women’s rights, and environmental rights. She conveys significant facts about the human experience in intimate and engaging storytelling. Her works concentrate on the effects, consequences, and adaptation of global climate change that relate to natural phenomena and human experiences.
Despite having a degree in biological science, Fatima chose to pursue a career in photography because, to her, photography is all about empathy: it fosters closeness and understanding while addressing contemporary social issues like injustice, abuses of human rights, and our adverse relationship with the environment.
She has worked as a contributing photographer at Reuters and ZUMA Press. Her images have been published in The Guardian, Liberation, The Courier, Avax News, Hindustan Times, and many others.

Portfolio website: www.fatimatujjohora.com
Instagram: @fatimatujjohora

Yelba Zoe McCourt – Solo Performer, Actor, Writer, Psychiatric Nurse

Yelba Zoe McCourt was born in La Ceiba, Honduras and arrived in the US as a toddler. She grew up in New York City. She attributes her diverse upbringing with her ability to portray different characters and her facility with accents. She is a graduate of Stuyvesant High School and Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City. She studied acting and graduated from the American Repertory Theatre/Moscow Art Theatre Institute for Advanced Theater Training at Harvard University. Early on in her career she performed sketch comedy and improv in the West Village. Her television credits includes:Sesame Street, House of Buggin’, Law & Order, First Time Out, Riot, Walker Texas Ranger, Local Heroes, Fired Up, Tracey Takes On, Diagnosis Murder, Moesha, On Common Ground, No Mother’s Crying, No Babies Dying, Strong Medicine, The Mind of a Married Man, Hollywood 7, ER, For the People, and Kingpin. Her film credits include:Carlito’s Way, No Exit, Slings & Arrows, The Pest, Ghetto Rhapsody, Road Dogz, King Rikki, Hustlas, Frozen Stars, Shut Up and Kiss Me! Valentina’s Tango, and Griot’s Lament. In 2015 she graduated from UCLA with a Masters of Science degree in Nursing. She most recently wrote and performed in “Where Y’All From?” a solo play directed and developed by Jessica Lynn Johnson at Solofest 2024. Her solo show will preview at the Hollywood Fringe Festival on June 6 at 8:15 pm at the Zephyr Theatre.
To learn more about Yelba Zoe McCourt and her show “Where Y’All From:
https://yelbazoe.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/YelbaZoeMcCourt
https://www.instagram.com/yzmccourt/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yelbazoemccourt/?trk=opento_sprofile_details
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0652205/

Lauren Valbert – Owner Training 2.0, Trainer, Coach and Author

Lauren Valbert is a person who has “reinvented herself” several times. She has founded her own company twice, been a global marketing communications professional for tech companies for many years, developed innovation programs for corporate clients, and has been working with start-ups and scale-ups for more than two decades.

In the newest chapter of her life, she has started her own training company, Training 2.0, to help people raise their game, whether that is in professional or personal life. She is also a seasoned podcast and event host, panel moderator, webinar facilitator, and workshop leader. Her personal passion is to increase the representation of marginalized people on stage and in media, as “presentation is representation”. She has recently published a book called “Imposter”, which helps readers identify and overcome Imposter Syndrome, and to identify their own particular “Imposter Persona”.

To learn more about Lauren Valbert:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenvalbert/

Gabrielle Senza – Artist, Activist, Empowerment Coach

Gabrielle Senza is a multidisciplinary artist with a deep commitment to fostering a culture of compassion and fearlessness. Through audience-participatory installations, performances, and workshops, she encourages critical engagement and dialogue about unseen societal and environmental forces. Her artistic practice focuses on illuminating the invisible and unheard aspects of our world, bridging gaps in understanding through visual and performance art.

Senza exhibits, lectures, and performs internationally, and her work is represented in corporate, public, and private collections around the globe, including MoMA New York, the Whitney Museum, and Lifetime Entertainment among them. With a specific focus on creative engagement for social and environmental change, her projects are often showcased in a variety of settings, from museums and galleries to public spaces and international symposia.
Senza’s notable projects, such as The Long Slow Crawl, The Collaborative Scroll, Walk Unafraid, Terra Temporalis, and the InVisibility Lab, underscore her role as a creative researcher engaging international audiences through experimental events. Her most recent endeavor, Antarctica Temporalis, blends ephemeral art, mystical trance performances and inspiring climate narratives, encouraging individuals across generations to participate in a joy-filled climate movement.

An MFA graduate from Transart Institute and a ZK/U-Berlin Fellow, Senza has received several awards, grants, and artist residencies. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Walk Unafraid, a nonprofit organization that champions creative activism and supports under-represented and under-resourced artists, particularly from BIPOC and LGBTQ communities.

Based in the Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts for over 35 years, Senza continues to devote time and resources to protecting the environment and building a world where everyone is seen, heard and celebrated.

To learn more about Gabrielle Senza:
FB/IG:
@gabriellesenzastudio
@invisibilitylab
@wewalkunafraid
@antarcticatemporalis
@terra.luna.loves.you

Websites:
gabriellesenza.com
walkunafraid.org.
invisibilitylab.com

Barb Jordan – Personal Safety Expert

April is Sexual Assault Awareness & Prevention Month, To speak about this subject, my guest this week is Barb Jordan – Personal Safety Expert. Barb has been featured as a Personal Safety Expert on ABC Good Morning and ABC News-Los Angeles, NBC News-Nashville and Houston, as well as on CBS-Inside Edition. Barb has traveled the world as an elite athlete, coach, broadcaster, and instructor. Barb is a former collegiate 3X All American, 3X National Champion and 7X Gold Medalist as a USA Softball Team member and Coach.

Sarita Covington – Founder of Upper Manhattan Forest Kids

Sarita Covington is a social entrepreneur, the founder of Upper Manhattan Forest Kids, a multi-disciplinary artist, and a racial justice organizer from Harlem. She holds an MFA from Yale and co-founded ACRE (Artists Co-Creating Real Equity), an organizing body of artists and cultural workers committed to undoing racism within arts and culture work.

In 2016, she launched Upper Manhattan Forest Kids, a business that leads outdoor classes based on the Danish Forest School model for children up to ten years old. She uses New York City’s public parks as a classroom to learn about the world and build relationships with our natural ecosystems. The work intends to expand the culture of urban forest schooling through class curricula and related products that inspire urban families, and support the next generation to be thoughtful stewards of the Earth, living in the right relationship with nature.

Her work has received support from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, the Open Meadows Foundation, The Puffin Foundation, and the Jerome Foundation. Sarita has taught and facilitated within various communities, including the inmates at the Fishkill Correctional Facility and Yale University.

To learn more about Sarita Covington and Upper Manhattan Forest Kids:
IG – https://www.instagram.com/uppermanhattanforestkids/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/uppermanhattanforestkids
X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/UMFK8/
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/uppermanhattan

Naomi Mellor – Founder of Everybody Media & the International Women’s Podcast Awards

Naomi Mellor is a multi-faceted and multi-talented podcast host and producer, entrepreneur and veterinarian. Since starting her first podcast, Smashing the Ceiling, she has hosted and produced multiple successful shows, with clients including Nestlé and Closer Still Media.  She is the founder of Everybody Media (formerly known as The Skylark Collective), first European-based community for …

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Rebecca Bender – Founder of Little Bug Store & RAB Marketing

Rebecca Bender is an Award-Winning Marketing Strategist, and founder of Little Bug and RAB Marketing a boutique consultancy that empowers brands and marketing leaders with strategic guidance, integration assistance, email funnel creation, and more, that unleash new levels of success.

With experience on the frontlines of marketing and editorial at Sandboxx, the United States Air Force, the Japan Times, and Military.com, Rebecca’s uniquely military spouse based background is ever present in her experiences and gives her a firsthand understanding of military spouse life and the unique challenges marketing leaders face in military facing industries.

Her company Little Bug was recently named 2023 TOP CHOICE OF THE YEAR in the Baby Plush Lovie category by Baby Maternity Magazine and the 2023 PRODUCT OF THE YEAR AWARD in the Baby & Toddler Plush Products category by Creative Child Magazine.

Her writing and commentary can be found in major publications including The Japan Times and Kyoto News.

She is a two time children’s book author with her books “Henry the Sloth” and “Bev the Bear”.

To learn more about Rebecca Bender, Little Bug Store and RAB Marketing:

Social media:
Instagram:
@rab.digital
@littlebug_store

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-bender

Yazmin Castañeda – Founder of Origin Mexico (Re-Release)

Yazmin Castañeda is a first generation Mexican-American that currently lives in Austin, Texas with her daughters and husband. She was born in California and grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. After 20+ years in the Real Estate industry, Yazmin decided it was time to pivot and pursue a different path that would better align with her personal values and her entrepreneurship spirit. In 2020, Origin Mexico was born with a mission to share Mexico’s heritage through the beauty of artisanal goods while helping artisan women share the craftsmanship that has been passed down through many generations. She is on this life path due to the many sacrifices made by her family and her goal is to honor those sacrifices by helping others that are seeking a better future for their families, just as her family did many years ago.

Yazmin enjoys traveling, cooking, reading and is working on being more present to better enjoy those small yet beautiful moments in life.

Updates on Origin Mexico and Yazmin Castañeda:
We are happy to share that we celebrated our 3-year anniversary this summer! And, now we work with over 100 artisans throughout Mexico. Here is a blog that describes our accomplishments: THREE YEAR ANNIVERSARY – A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE AND ADVENTURE – Origin Mexico

We were also recently on Great Day Houston where we shared more about our brand and our mission: Origin Mexico and its Mission | khou.com

And, I was featured on Austin Woman Magazine: Yazmin Castañeda: More Than Clothes – Austin Woman Magazine (atxwoman.com)

I am a board member for The Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas – Austin Chapter and was recently a panel speaker at the Cafe con Leche event.

We are also so happy to share that you can find our products in 2 local boutiques and plan on expanding into more locations in the future.

Finally, here is a recent blog that talks about the Dia de Muertos celebration: The Complete Guide to the Celebration of Dia de los Muertos – Origin Mexico

To learn more about Yazmin Castañeda:
Website: https://originmexico.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/origin_mexico/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/originmexicogoods

Dr. Macie P. Smith – Licensed Social Worker/Speaker/Author

Dr. Macie P. Smith is nationally known for her work on dementia-competent practices and family caregiving matters. Her real-world unapologetic approach to practical caregiving has been published in national and international professional journals. She is a Licensed Gerontology Social Worker and an award-winning Alzheimer’s and dementia educator with over 22 years of experience coordinating care for aging and vulnerable populations. She is an advisory board member with Leeza’s Care Connection, founded by Emmy Award-Winning TV/radio personality & philanthropist Leeza Gibbons. Dr. Smith is also a best selling author. Her book, A Dementia Caregiver’s Guide to Care, has been featured on Amazon’s Top 100 Best Sellers List for several weeks. In addition, Dr. Smith co-host’s a new talk show centered around dementia friendly conversations entitled Dementia Divas: Caregiving and the Arts.

To learn more about Dr. Macie P. Smith and her book, A Dementia Caregiver’s Guide to Care:
Facebook – Dr. Macie Smith
LinkedIn & Instagram: Dr. Macie P.

Sofie van der Meulen – Health & Data Law Expert; Diversity & Inclusion Advocate

Sofie van der Meulen is a lawyer by training with specific expertise in the fields of health and data law and she is a diversity and inclusion advocate. Last year she delivered her TEDx talk on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She is also the chair of the board of foodwatch Netherlands, a consumer rights organisation that fights for the right of consumers to fair, safe and healthy food. Sofie is the owner of DOversity, from which she undertakes her freelance adventures such as writing and speaking.

Jen Amos – Founder of Holding Down the Fort Podcast (Re-Release)

Today, Tes talks with Jen Amos. Jen is an award-winning podcaster and co-owner of an award-winning business.

Jen first found podcasting in summer 2019 as a way to work through her mild depression and bouts of loneliness. She had recently moved from San Diego, CA (her home of 20+ years) to now Virginia Beach, VA with her husband and fur baby.

Jen actively seeks to find common ground through conversation and storytelling to foster connection, community and collaboration. She is known for her active listening skills, candidness, and ability to uncover powerful stories and universal lessons while conversing with her guests. Her favorite topics to cover on her podcast shows involve military families, entrepreneurs, women, and mental health. In less than two years (starting in summer 2019), Jen has been able to conduct nearly 500 podcast interviews.

Prior to podcasting and moving to the east coast, Jen received her Bachelor’s in Journalism emphasis Public Relations at San Diego State University and was fired from her fourth consecutive job in her young adult years. For a decade since, Jen has established a career in sales and in entrepreneurship with experience in the legal industry, online marketing, and now financial services.

website: jenamoscreates.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenamos/
http://instagram.com/thejenamos
https://twitter.com/thejenamos
https://www.facebook.com/thejenamos/

Anniina Sandberg – Founder of Visit Natives

Anniina Sandberg is the founder of Visit Natives, a travel agency that promotes sustainable indigenous tourism in Tanzania, Norway and Papua New Guinea.

Anniina has a passion for exploring indigenous cultures. She has a MA in African Studies.

UPDATE:
Anniina is raising funds for the Maasai women with her Mount Kilimanjaro Trek on 18-23 February 2024. You are welcome to join her expedition to climb the highest mountain in Africa!

To learn more about Anniina Sandberg and Visit Natives:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/theanthropologisttraveler/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visitnatives?paipv=0&eav=AfaN4c1NeDbrHhvUpRnGngUKhpT4FFkZFhPRaUrwJSHm_A_5PfFX8wM0y4rI6nVm1Gw&_rdr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visit-natives/

Jessica Cox – Motivational Speaker, “Positive Thinking” Business Consultant, Guinness World Record Holder (Re-Release)

My guest today is Jessica Cox. Born without arms, Jessica drives cars, surfs, scuba dives, and otherwise lives a normal life using her feet as others use their hands. She believes that the way we think has a greater impact on our lives than our physical constraints. To prove her point while also overcoming her greatest fear, in 2008 Jessica became the first pilot in aviation history licensed to fly a plane with just her feet. Since then, she has visited 27 countries sharing her inspirational message as a keynote speaker.

To learn more about Jessica:

Website: https://jessicacox.com/
Facebook: JessicaCox
IG: rightfooted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rightfooted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF7Ogv-CKkU

Ngozi Okaro – Founder of Custom Collaborative

Ngozi Okaro advocates for a fashion industry that honors planet and people. She founded Custom Collaborative to support immigrant & no/low-income women launching sustainable fashion businesses and careers. Custom Collaborative serves fashion-industry entrepreneurs, workers, and consumers who value ethical fashion. Ngozi is a Commissioner of the NYC Equal Employment Practices Commission, and a Director of …

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Hana Shannon – Artist (Re-Release)

Today, Tes speaks with Hana Shannon. Hana is a classically trained painter from the Czech Republic specializing in portraiture.  She received her Master’s degree in painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague and moved to the US over a decade ago to pursue her painting career. The energy and freedom of NYC have always provided great inspiration.

Maggie Kane – Founder of A Place at the Table

Maggie Kane first and foremost has a passion for loving people. Full on hype queen, she is a speaker, entrepreneur, and Executive Director with a special focus in nonprofits and small, killer coffee shops.

8 years ago, Maggie founded A Place at the Table, Raleigh’s, NC’s pay-what-you-can nonprofit cafe, which has fed thousands of humans some incredible food, and an even better community. She believes strongly in the power of unconventional communities and showing everyone she meets that they have a place at the table.

She is a proud member of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance board, Band Together Advisory Board, and Feed the Pack Food Pantry Advisory Board at NCSU.

She lives in Raleigh, loves to jump rope, and eats a large amount of peanut butter. She loves hiking in the mountains and hour-long tattoo appointments. You’ll find her watching movies at the theaters in those big comfy chairs, skydiving, or breaking away for a quick 2-day weekend trip.

To learn more about Maggie Kane:
Table Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tableraleigh/
Table Website: https://tableraleigh.org/
Segment on Kelly Clarkson Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkQJeAFzZHc

JoAnna Haugen – Founder of Rooted

JoAnna Haugen is an award-winning writer, speaker, consultant, and solutions advocate who has worked in communications-related positions in the travel and tourism industry her entire career.

She is also founder of Rooted, a solutions platform at the intersection of sustainable tourism, social impact, and storytelling. Through Rooted, JoAnna helps tourism professionals decolonize travel experiences and support sustainability using ethical marketing and strategic storytelling.

An international election observer, intrepid traveler, and American expat, JoAnna currently resides in Carthage, Tunisia.

To learn more about JoAnna Haugen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootedstorytelling/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannahaugen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/joanna_haugen

Dena Prastos – Founder of Indigo River

As Founder and CEO of Indigo River, Dena Prastos, AIA, is the first “waterfront architect,” trailblazing a new category in the industry. Indigo River is a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. A leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, the firm specializes in climate adaptation through waterfront solutions that seamlessly transcend boundaries – guiding and executing projects from ideation through final construction and operations.

Waterfront architect, civil engineer, futurist, climate adaptation expert, entrepreneur, and creative original, Dena is driven to transform the built world at the water’s edge. With transdisciplinary and progressive views, she is fueled by the overlapping of design, technology, and nature.

Dena is a licensed architect with a graduate degree in civil engineering. Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, she deeply appreciates nature and humankind’s ability to design, build, and create infrastructure in some of the world’s harshest conditions. Dena is an experienced leader of innovative leading projects around the world, directing infrastructure construction, marine
engineering, and the design of waterfront architecture. This experience has given her the tools to navigate the firm’s diverse client work with her unique vision and competency in construction, engineering, and waterfront architecture.

As a one-stop shop for solutions at the water’s edge, Indigo River works on notable projects around New York Harbor including East Side Coastal Resiliency in Manhattan, Robert De Niro’s Wildflower Studios in Astoria, River Ring in Williamsburg, and the Harlem River Greenway in East Harlem.

Before starting Indigo River, Dena worked at DCAK MSA Architecture and Engineering as the Director of Project Management and Business Development, McLaren Engineering Group as a senior project manager and The Conti Group. Dena earned her Bachelor of Architecture at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where she subsequently completed a graduate degree in Civil Engineering. At NJIT, she was a Division 1 soccer player. After gaining valuable experience in the industry, she went to Harvard Business School’s “Leading Professional Service Firms” Executive Education program.

She serves on the National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s (NCARB) Future’s Collaborative. In 2021, she joined the AIA Resilience and adaptation Advisory Group, and in 2022 she was asked to join AIA’s YAF Summit 30: Mission 2130; the Summit seeks to respond to critical issues present in the profession, namely, to address challenges the architecture
profession will face in the next century, focusing on architecture, society, and our planet. She also serves on her local Planning Board in historic Grand View-on-Hudson, New York.

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS: Registered Architect, NY, NJ & CT, AIA, NCARB, WEDG, LEED AP

ABOUT INDIGO RIVER:
Indigo River is a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. A leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, the firm specializes in climate adaptation through waterfront solutions that seamlessly transcend boundaries – guiding and executing projects from ideation through final
construction and operations.

To learn more about Dena Prastos and Indigo River:
https://www.instagram.com/indigo_river_/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denaprastos/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/indigo-river-consulting/

Amy Andersson – Conductor & Producer

Amy Andersson is an Internationally recognized, Grammy-winning conductor and producer.
Named by British music critic Norman Lebrecht as “America’s most watched Symphony
Orchestra Conductor,” Andersson has been praised for her dynamic musicality, expressive
technique and cross genre repertoire. She has toured to over twenty-two countries
conducting concerts and recording sessions in symphonic, operatic, film, musical theatre
and video game genres. She has appeared on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS
Morning News, CBS Evening News and has garnered press coverage in the Wall Street
Journal, Variety, Forbes, and Huffington Post.

Andersson is founder and conductor of Orchestra Moderne NYC, which debuted at
Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and has won critical acclaim for her charismatic and
visionary accomplishments as creator and conductor of Women Warriors: The Voices of
Change, a live-to-picture symphony production and documentary film. Women Warriors has
won over twenty-four international film and music awards including four Telly Awards, a
Hollywood Music in Media Award, a GRAMMY in “Best Classical Compendium, a 2022 BMI
“Impact Award,” a 2023 SCL “Jury Award” and has screened at film festivals in more than
twelve countries, including the Fimucité International Film Music Festival in Tenerife.

Known for her commitment to the music of living composers, she has conducted the works
of composers Neal Acree, Elitsa Alexandrova, Peter Boyer, Nathalie Bonin, Jessica Curry,
Miriam Cutler, Anne-Kathrin Dern, Greg Edmonson, Isolde Fair, Sharon Farber, Steve
Jablonsky, Grant Kirkhope, Penka Kouneva, Bear McCreary, Martin O’Donnell, Kol Otani,
Starr Parodi, Lolita Ritmanis, Garry Schyman, Yoko Shimomura, Jeremy Soule, George
Strezov, Chance Thomas, Nobou Uematsu, Jack Wall, and Austin Wintory, among others,
either on the concert stage or in recording sessions.

Andersson has made guest appearances the St. Louis Symphony, Houston Symphony,
Seattle Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Colorado Symphony,
Honolulu Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Florida Orchestra, Spanish Philharmonic,
Berliner Symphoniker, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, Stockholm Concert
Orchestra, Spanish National Youth Orchestra, Düsseldorfer Symphoniker, Classic FM Radio
Orchestra of Bulgaria, Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Junge Deutsche
Philharmonie, Neiderrheinsche Symphoniker, LOH Orchestra Sonderhausen, Giessen
Philharmonic, Aalborg Symphony Orchestra, Macedonian Philharmonic, Monte Carlo
Philharmonic, Jeunesses Musicales Deutschland, Colorado Music Festival Orchestra,
National Orchestral of Mexico, and at free-lance orchestras in Switzerland, Belgium,
Netherlands, Italy and Ireland. Andersson regularly conducted opera productions in
Germany at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, National Theater of Mannheim, Stadttheater
Aachen, Weikersheim Opera Festival, Rheinsberg Chamber Opera, and Schlosstheater
Schwetzinger. In 2017 Andersson completed a two year, world tour of the live-to-picture
concert Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses.

Andersson is a devoted teacher and educator and known also for her work with youth
orchestras. She was adjunct conducting faculty at the Universität der Künste Berlin, music
director of the famed CPE Bach High School of Performing Arts in Berlin, and adjunct
faculty in Media and Film Scoring at Brooklyn College/Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema.

In Germany she conducted the Rheinberg Chamber Opera Festival and Weikersheim
Opera Festival for four summer seasons of productions that featured rising opera singers
and youth orchestras. She is currently conducting faculty at the USC Thornton in the Screen
Scoring department, and the Hollywood Music Workshop in Baden, Austria.

Current projects include Andersson as co-Executive Producer on the soon to be released
film (2023)Tahlequah The Whale: A Dance of Grief, by filmmaker Daniel Kreizberg, featuring
the music of Lolita Ritmanis. She is also conductor and co-producer of the soon to be
released soundtrack.

Danniele Miller – Program Manager, Daughters for Earth

Danniele Miller is the Program Manager for Daughters for Earth, a campaign and fund that aims to inspire all women to engage in climate change action by mobilizing $100 million for on the ground, women-led efforts to protect and restore the Earth. Her passion for the environment is deeply influenced by the many women who paved the way to build a more sustainable world before her. Her past experience ranges from managing composting operations at a campus farm to local climate grassroots advocacy, and fundraising. She is a senior fellow through the Environmental Leadership Program and holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Wilson College and a Masters in Environmental Law & Policy from Vermont Law School. Danniele currently resides in the Washington D.C. metro area with her husband and their two rescue dogs. In her spare time, she loves horseback riding, hiking in the mountains, art, and gardening.

UPDATES:
Daughters for Earth passed its one-year anniversary since launching in March 2023. In just one year, Daughters granted $1.4M to nearly 60 women-powered projects that are protecting and restoring the Earth in 28 countries and the Arctic. You can explore the projects, which range from women protecting the Amazonian rainforest to rewilding college campuses, here.

Additionally, Daughters for Earth recently launched their inaugural Wise Daughters Council, an independent group of women from around the world to guide our philanthropic giving in an inclusive and just way, leading up to our next round of funding in fall 2023.

To stay updated on more news and events from Daughters for Earth, you can join their newsletter here.

To learn more about Danniele Miller and Daughters for Earth:
Website: https://daughtersforearth.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daughtersforearth/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Daughters4Earth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daughters4earth/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daughters4earth/

Megan Flood – Founder of Marine Lane

Megan Flood is the Founder of Marine Lane, a NYC design and branding studio she founded in 2012. For the last decade, Flood has led a team of creatives who are bonded by a shared love of design and belief in the power it has to connect, inspire, sell, and amuse.

Marine Lane, recipient of multiple industry awards, continues to attract a wide array of stellar clients who rave of the quality of work and service provided by a team dedicated to achieving client goals. Flood’s agency works with clients like BMW, Columbia University, Comcast, Cormetech, Foundation Partners, Hilton, JVC, New York Center for Autism, No Labels, Ogilvy, Rational360, RDY, Scientific Bioprocessing, Serendipity3, and The Pink Stuff.

The 24-hour/365-day-a-year commitment that comes with running the business is nothing compared to running after young sons Hayden, Rhys and Sonny the other 24-hour/365-days-a-year.

To learn more about Megan Flood and Marine Lane:
Website: https://www.marinelane.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinelane/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marine-lane/

Abby Pariser – A Member of Jane

Abby J. Pariser attended Barnard College, receiving her BA in American History in 1967. She also received her MA in 1975 at Roosevelt University, Chicago. Abby participated in the movement against the war in Vietnam during college and became part of Chicago Women’s Liberation Union at its founding in 1968. She joined Chicago Abortion Counseling …

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Marinel de Jesus – Founder, Brown Gal Trekker, Equity Global Treks, & The Porter Voice Collective

Marinel M. de Jesus, Esq. is a former civil rights lawyer from Washington,
DC, who turned her passion for hiking into a full-time endeavor as a social
entrepreneur, solutions-focused journalist, and speaker.

She is the founder of the award-winning media platform, Brown Gal Trekker, and mountain trekking enterprise, Equity Global Treks, both of which aim to elevate the status and
roles of women and indigenous communities in the outdoor and travel
industries. Marinel is a full-time global mountain nomad and travels to
mountain destinations regularly to explore adventure travel initiatives that are
community-led and/or focused on female leadership in the industry.

In 2019, she founded the non-profit human rights organization, The Porter Voice
Collective, which aims to advocate for the human rights of porters in Peru,
Nepal, and Tanzania and Workforce Equity Tourism as a form of sustainable
tourism through the use of storytelling and all forms of media.

Marinel has written for various outdoor & travel publications such as the Alpinist
Magazine, Outside, Fodor’s, Backpacker Magazine, Huffpost, and Adventure
Journal. She was a Board Member of the American Hiking Society & JEDI
Committee Chair from 2020-2022 and a Brand Ambassador for Osprey &
AKU Trekking Shoes.

To learn more about Marinel de Jesus, Brown Gal Trekker, Equity Global Treks, & The Porter Voice Collective:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/browngaltrekker/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownGalTrekker
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bgtexplorations

To learn more about The Porter Voice Collective, please go to:
https://theportervoicecollective.org/

The film KM82: The Porter Voices of Peru’s Camino Inca is having an advance screening from May 25th-June 8th. To view a private screening of the film, please fill out this registration form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd3LreIMSouDbtUnM53s-XADkDXWxXKbyHuO6Ddv-RsZSRUVw/viewform