Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community

Roz Thomas (they/them) is a gender-queer, non-binary, bisexual Black activist and disability advocate whose work is grounded in lived experience, deep reflection, and a lifelong commitment to justice. As an autistic and neurodivergent person navigating chronic illness, Roz brings nuance and honesty to conversations about access, self-compassion, and what it truly means to move through the world in...

Julian Raven is an artist, activist, and relentless truth-teller whose life has been defined—again and again—by a willingness to confront power head-on. From federal courtrooms to local government chambers, from the Smithsonian battle to the unfolding DEC fight in New York, his journey has been forged in the fire of refusing to look away, refusing to comply with convenient silence, and refusing to...

Mark Burnett is an entrepreneur and health innovator who turned a diagnosis of Parkinson’s and early Alzheimer’s into a mission of action. After uncovering links to toxic exposure and exploring science-backed solutions, he helped develop a nutraceutical to fight back and reclaim his health. Today, Mark shares his story to inspire resilience, advocacy, and hope for others facing complex health chal...

Esther has always been fascinated with parables and cultural folklore. Raised in the East Bay but proud to call San Jose home, she is a story seeker and writer at heart.  In 2024, Esther received the Content Emerging Artist Award, which recognizes not only artistic achievement, but contribution to the cultural vitality of Silicon Valley. Esther is a cultural community worker by day, and she partic...

Dr. Eugene Manley Jr. is a biomedical engineer, cancer scientist, nonprofit founder, and health equity advocate working at the intersection of science, community, and justice. He is the Founder & CEO of the SCHEQ Foundation (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity), where he builds plain-language tools and community-centered programs that help underserved populations navigate the cancer care continuu...

Russell Van Brocklen is a dyslexia researcher and creator of The Writing Method , a neuroscience-based approach that helps struggling students become confident writers. His work—supported by the New York State Senate and the SUNY Research Foundation—has helped students make significant gains in writing fluency through simple, science-backed routines. He now teaches parents and educators practical...

David Deighton is the creator of Triptych Dialogue an art experiment in bridging societal divides with in person communication with strangers. David uses art installations where thousands of visitors have discovered his work in unlikely venues such as National Park free speech areas or even on top of a mountain. Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community...

Deepika Kukreja is a poet, storyteller, and substitute teacher who brings deep compassion and reflection to everything she does. Born and raised in India she immigrated to the United States after marriage—a journey that reshaped her understanding of home, belonging, and identity. Through literature and journaling, Deepika discovered writing as a powerful tool for healing, especially as she navigat...

Mathias Lemos Castillo is a seasoned consultant with extensive experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As a strategic advisor, he has helped numerous organizations develop and implement comprehensive programs that drive meaningful change. His expertise spans across cultural competency training, workplace inclusion strategies, and community engagement. With a proven track record...

Manny Faces is an award-winning journalist, TEDx speaker, and cultural strategist who helps organizations remix how they innovate, educate, and uplift by unlocking the untapped potential of Hip Hop culture. He is the host of the acclaimed podcast Hip Hop Can Save America! and author of the Cornel West–endorsed book Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation ,...

“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky Guided by this belief, Trevor Welch is a passionate Bay Area community advocate rooted in his hometown of Richmond and deeply connected to Oakland and the greater San Francisco area. After earning his M.S. in Leadership & Management from the University of La Verne, Trevor...

Joshua Colangelo-Bryan is Special Counsel at Human Rights First, where he spearheads impact litigation and advocacy efforts to uphold democratic principles and support human rights defenders globally. Beyond representing Guantanamo detainees, he has sued Turkey for assaulting peaceful protestors in Washington, D.C., the Trump administration for attempting to deport a college student based on her p...

Mollie Crittenden is a certified transformational life coach, educator, and seasoned facilitator of racial justice work with white people, bringing over 25 years of experience to the path of collective liberation and equity. Her work centers on inner healing and conscious expansion, guiding others to live with a greater purpose, clarity, compassion, and alignment. Deeply connected to the natural w...

Heather Rovet is a Toronto-based real estate professional, author-in-progress, and public advocate known for her resilience and her commitment to empowering women impacted by manipulation and abuse. Her life changed when she became involved with a charming, calculated con artist — a man later exposed in the Amazon Prime documentary ROMCON: Who the F**k Is Jason Porter? . Through uncovering the tru...

Peter Gunn is a U.S. Air Force veteran, avid bodybuilder, coffee connoisseur, lead guitarist for the international band The Angellics , and a poet dedicated to reviving the epic literary traditions of the past. His life has been shaped by defining experiences—from a childhood near-death encounter at age seven to navigating morbid obesity and serving as an altar boy, where he began to notice the sh...

Nicholas Adkins is just a guy in a kilt who rides a pink furry bike and whose dog is a real live teddy bear. Grateful to have shared the pinksocks story at TEDxSanFrancisco! Author of PINKSOCKS: How a Pair of Socks Became a Symbol of Love and Connection. Get your copy today! https://pinksocks.life/book/ Follow him on Bluesky @nickisnpdx #pinksocks and on Instagram @nickisnpdx & @pinksocks.life...

Jasrah Bay is a lifelong community voice shaped by her experiences growing up in Los Angeles during the Civil Rights Movement. From witnessing the Watts uprising as a child to participating in student-led marches after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., her early life was deeply connected to the fight for justice and dignity. Guided by her family’s teachings of love, respect, and fai...

Hollis Peirce, a dedicated advocate and insightful commentator on disability issues, lives with congenital muscular dystrophy. Through personal experiences, Hollis has turned a powerful platform for change. Equipped with a master’s degree in history from Carleton University, Hollis brings a deep understanding of societal dynamics to both public speaking engagements and as the host of the podcast “...

Bobbi Barrington is a speaker, storyteller, and transformational coach who rebuilt her entire life in her 60s.   After 26 years in the wrong marriage, 40 years in the wrong career, and 59 years in the wrong body, she made a radical decision that changed everything.  She chose truth, authenticity, and herself.  And she has been rewriting her destiny ever since.   Bobbi brings a rare perspective to...

Steven Scott Eichenblatt is a graduate of Florida State University and the University of Florida College of Law. A practicing attorney with Page and Eichenblatt, and father of five, he has spent over thirty years advocating for children as a pro bono guardian ad litem and representing families of first responders killed on 9/11. He lives with his wife, Melissa Ross, in Orlando, Florida. Check out...

Martin Henson is the founder and executive director of BMEN, a nonprofit focused on building real support systems for Black men—mentally, emotionally, and culturally. He’s not just talking theory; he’s in the trenches helping Black men navigate the weight of racism, mental health struggles, masculinity, and everything that gets pushed aside in mainstream conversations. With a background in mental...

Ashley Magana is a full-time mama, dedicated entrepreneur, and creative powerhouse who believes in building a beautiful life from the inside out—and on paper! As a Financial Services representative, she helps individuals create a sturdy financial roadmap for the future. On the creative side, she uses her photography skills to capture moments and her passion for crafting to create. She also loves h...

Sara Alessandrini is an Italian filmmaker and social commentator based in Los Angeles, and the creator of the docuseries "This Is What New Yorkers Say". The series examines the resignation of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, exploring media coverage and conversations with everyday New Yorkers, while raising broader questions about politics, society, and public discourse. Want to be...

Evan Jaqua is a successful International Business Development specialist, with an immense range of personal and work experiences in multiple countries. Fluent in several foreign languages, the ideas that form the basis for the Solutions Party come from having seen the world from multiple perspectives. He has concluded that this is a critical time in history, and urgent reform is needed so that our...

Al Kushner is an award-winning author, LinkedIn Growth Strategist, and sought-after keynote speaker. With 30+ years of professional experience, Al specializes in helping financial advisors, CPAs, realtors, and business leaders build thought leadership and generate qualified leads through AI-driven LinkedIn strategies. His bestselling book, The AI LinkedIn Advantage, has transformed how thousands o...