Allies

Hope you enjoyed listening to our first season of episodes as much as we enjoyed creating them. Have a great summer and please check back in the fall for a new season of Allies!  For more excellent podcast listening:A Guest in the House - hosted by rapper and journalist David Shanks (aka Traum Diggs) and professor and author Mickey Hess, A Guest int he House celebrates the best of what hip-hop has to offer and the lessons it can teach us about the ways we relate to each other across cultural, racial and social divides. Altruism Unplugged - a podcast that raises awareness and promotes growth for charities, non profits, and business leaders that have found independent success and used their platform to give back. Hosted by Jerry Walsh.The Story Forge - Host Lyle Smith started The Story Forge to explore, collect, and share the stories of people who make things. Those unique and special individuals who create things that matter to them and other people.Writers Latitude - a podcast about writers, their work, and the things they care about. Hosted by novelist Joe Samuel Starnes. (This limited run, now archived podcast features some excellent interviews and discussion with contemporary American writers and others in the literary field.)Those Hard Conversations -  dedicated to discussing solutions to the issues facing our most vulnerable & marginalized communities. (Coming soon!)--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Steven Quigley, by age eight, was already an entrepreneur with his first business. He has traveled the world extensively, living in many countries, meeting people and collecting experiences that would later form his future. Before first having spent many years in South Asia, he eventually settled into a sales position on Wall Street. It was not long before he was back to business, eventually creating his own consumer finance firm, before his meeting with the express train – that changed everything. After a long journey inward, including recovery and healing from quadriplegia, he has re-emerged a new man, and is currently learning to walk again. He was enrolled as a graduate student at University of Pennsylvania until he withdrew to write his first book, Unbreakable Mind.  As a result of that life changing journey, though some would say a natural fit, he is now an author, international speaker and wellness coach.Steven Quigley - Additional Resources:Book:Unbreakable Mind: Channeling your Survival Instincts after Catastrophic InjuryWebsites and Blogs:Doing the Dirty DishesDoing the Dirty Dishes - SpanishTravel BlogSpiritual BlogSocial and Media:InstagramTwitterYouTube channel--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

SELWYN JONES BIO Born in 1966 to sharecroppers in the Jim Crow South, Selwyn Miles Jones was the youngest of seventeen children. In the small town of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Selwyn, and his siblings toiled alongside their parents in the tobacco fields and endured the most desolate and harsh conditions imaginable. The poverty, disrespect, hatred and disenfranchisement Selwyn and his family experienced was unimaginable to most, yet commonplace for many Black farming families.Selwyn realized early on that sharecropping was yet another version of enslavement. His mother made sure to show her children that there was a better life out there for them and encouraged Selwyn to dream big. Selwyn was determined to leave through any means necessary. His athletic prowess provided him with his ticket out. Through a short but intense arena football career he was able to find financial solvency and fulfilled a childhood desire to purchase a home for his mother. Though life continued to be filled with challenges (Selwyn lost three close family members tragically, including both his parents) he went on to become a successful salesman, hotel owner and father with his dynamic wife Jodie. Then on May 25, 2020 Selwyn’s life was forever changed. While watching the news, along with the rest of the world, he witnessed the unmerciful murder of his 46-year-old nephew, George Floyd. “It was the most horrific thing that I ever witnessed in my life.” As George Floyd’s murder ignited the largest civil rights protest in US history, Selwyn Jones became an activist. Every day Selwyn commits to ending police brutality and systemic racism and bringing justice to his nephew’s senseless and cruel murder. Known affectionately as Uncle Selwyn Jones he promised “I will not let his death be in vain. I do not want my sons or anyone else to go through what my nephew endured for that 8 minutes 46 seconds. I want to be a beacon of light for those who face racism or adversity in this life.” He continues his personal growth by positively enhancing the lives of others in his work as a community & civil rights leader. Contact:justice4george846@gmail.comAdditional Resources:Visible Men: Black Fathers Talk About Losing Sons to Police Brutality | GQSocial:FacebookInstagramMedia inquiries:julia@coolbrandmedia.com--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Vishal is putting his 20+ years of corporate business experience from the USA, and entrepreneurial experience from launching a business in Kenya, to now help some of the poorest communities in northern Kenya improve their livelihoods through socially and environmentally conscious business.--------------Additional Resources:Northern Rangelands TrustBeadworks Kenya --------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

LILI BERNARD is a Cuban-born, Los Angeles-based interdisciplinary artist of mixed African, Caribbean, European and Chinese descent. Her work examines issues of sexism, racism and trauma.  A mother of six whom she birthed in a ten-year span, Lili is an award-winning exhibiting fine artist, actor, published writer, independent curator, educator, community organizer, public speaker and founder of BAILA: Black Artists in Los Angeles. Raised predominantly in Princeton, Jct., New Jersey, and a  graduate of The American School in Japan where she spent 11th and 12th grade, Lili attended Cornell University and The City University of New York, earning a B.A. in German. She received her MFA in Visual Arts/Public Practice from Otis College of Art and Design. In the fine arts, Lili’s numerous credits include a 2017 solo exhibition at Museum of African Diaspora and favorable reviews in a multitude of mainstream art periodicals, including ARTnews Magazine. As an actor who has performed extensively in NYC Off-Broadway theatre, on television Lili starred in the BBC film Murder in Oakland, co-starred in Stephen King’s Golden Years, and guest-starred on Seinfeld and The Cosby Show. A Cosby survivor-turned public-figure antirape activist, Lili influenced the abolishment of the statute of limitations on rape prosecution in California with her #EndRapeSOL peers, as well as the gubernatorial signing of three #MeToo bills on employment sexual harassment and assault. Currently, she serves as co-chair of #ERAnow."My work exposes the post-colonial paradigm of suffering and resilience, through a collision of cruelty against compassion. The generational struggle of my Afro-Cuban immigrant family and Caribbean ancestors and my personal experiences as survivor of rape and domestic violence inform my exploration of the impact of trauma and the unconquerable nature of the human spirit." -- LILI BERNARDAdditional Media Resources:"Lili Bernard: Fighting Trauma With Art" (KCET.org) :https://www.kcet.org/shows/artbound/lili-bernard-fighting-trauma-with-artLili Bernard - Solo Museum Art Exhibition - MoAD 2017:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLeiFy6PJHM&t=1s"L.A. Habitat: Lili Bernard" (ARTnews Magazine):https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/l-a-habitat-lili-bernard-6617/Ain't Funny by Lili Bernard 2014:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjs9Kk37O3g&t=729s"California Governor Gavin Newsom Signs 2 #MeToo Bills Against Sexual Harrassment" (The Wrap):https://www.thewrap.com/california-gov-newsom-signs-2-metoo-bills-against-sexual-harrassment/Lili Bernard interview on GDLA (Fox 11 Los Angeles):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-x0oINdaJI"Op-Ed: I’m one of Bill Cosby’s accusers. His defense strategy is reprehensible."  (LA Times):https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-bernard-bill-cosby-racism-20170607-story.htmlLili Bernard on Michaela Pereira Show/HLN Comments on Camille Cosby's Post-Verdict Statement (HLN):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO0pnueTnd4Bill Cosby Rape Survivor Says Black Women Face Disproportionate Pressure Not to Speak Out on Assault (Democracy Now!):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gk8I63nLclACosby Accuser: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for 26 years” (MSNBC):https://www.msnbc.com/ali-velshi/watch/cosby-accuser-i-ve-been-waiting-for-this-moment-for-26-years-1220872259860Lili Bernard & Caroline Heldman talk Cosby, Dr Ford and more (Fox 11 Los Angeles):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0ddgglD3lM--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

John Valverde is the President and CEO of YouthBuild USA. He joined YouthBuild in 2017 after decades of work as an advocate for creating access to opportunity and removing barriers for formerly incarcerated and low-income people.John began working with imprisoned individuals in 1992 to ensure access to HIV/AIDS counseling, high school equivalency instruction, alternatives to violence programs, and college education. In 1995, responding to the gap created by the elimination of TAP and Pell funding for people in prison, he led an initiative to develop and deliver a college-level certificate program, the Certificate in Ministry and Human Services. Today called Rising Hope, this program continues in several New York State prisons. In 1998, he co-founded Hudson Link for Higher Education, the first privately funded accredited college program in New York’s prisons. More than 450 students in prison have graduated from Hudson Link, which has grown to serve five prisons with six college partners.In 2009, John worked with a team at the Osborne Association to create New York City’s first green jobs training program exclusively for people with criminal records. As Osborne’s Executive Vice President, John launched, managed, and led programs including children, youth, and family services; substance abuse treatment; workforce development; community benefit projects; financial literacy; health and wellness services; housing; alternatives to incarceration; mentoring and leadership development; and social enterprises. John has led teams that offer multiple evidence-based interventions, with a trauma-informed approach, to distinct populations that range from very young children to the elderly.As a steady and persistent advocate for creating access, John has worked with city, state, and federal agencies to develop and operate proven job readiness and placement programs. He forged Osborne's first relationships with labor unions and has served on the Board of Pathways to Apprenticeship that supports individuals from traditionally underserved communities gain access to apprenticeship programs.John often serves as a keynote speaker at important and related events to share his personal story of transformation and second chances. As a young man who was incarcerated at 21, John’s work to accept responsibility for his actions and commit to making amends started him on a journey of redemption that allowed him to imagine and build a new future. Though he was incarcerated for almost 16 years, John is now recognized as a proven leader and example for people affected by the criminal justice system. John’s personal and professional life embodies the work of YouthBuild and is a powerful representation of its mission. He is the proud recipient of the 2018 Brian S. Fischer Achievement Award from Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison. This award is presented annually to a formerly incarcerated leader who has made an impact by advocating for positive change in the world.John is a graduate of Aspen Institute’s Sector Skills Academy and a 2018 Pahara-Aspen Education Fellow. John received his Master of Professional Studies in Urban Ministry from the New York Theological Seminary and holds a Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science from Mercy College. --------------Additional Resources:USA TODAY: Prison experience helps me lead my company through uncertainty of COVID-19WGBH’s Greater Boston: YouthBuild USA CEO John Valverde On Navigating The UnknownWCVB’s Chronicle: Local nonprofits giving individuals the ability to succeed in their futuresPursuit: The Series: An online video series that chronicles entrepreneurs, influencers and professionals in pursuit of fulfillment and inspiring othersSkoll World Forum: John Valverde | Epiphanies in Proximity --------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Oluchi Nzimako is a human resources professional with 5+ years of experience in recruitment, payroll and benefits administration, HR compliance, and employee relations support. She has worked for various companies in real estate investment and development and the professional services sector. She has a strong interest in the HR space and is focused on building her skills portfolio in organizational development & design, strategic workforce planning, and talent management. She is also passionate about girl education, women’s health and economic empowerment. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and also a naturalized citizen of Toronto, Canada, Oluchi obtained her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Human Resources Management and Leadership & Organizations from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Canada, and her Masters degree in Industrial and Labour Relations from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. An avid reader of fiction and non-fiction literature, a theme parks fanatic and a fitness and wellness enthusiast, Oluchi also loves visiting museums, attending food and music festivals, and watching endless YouTube videos of interesting cars. She is currently based in Philadelphia, USA and works as a Compensation Consultant for a global health services company. --------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

David Shanks, aka Traum Diggs, is an MC/writer/journalist from Brooklyn, NY. He began writing articles in 2005, contributing correspondent features for print and online publications and has participated in conferences and panels at several colleges and universities including Rider University and SUNY- Rockland. He has also contributed chapters in Hip Hop in America: A Regional Guide; Expressive Writing: Classroom and Community; and St. James Encyclopedia of Hip-Hop Culture. David is also founder of The People vs. The Anti-People, a website dedicated to promoting unity, love, self-determination and community empowerment. His independent album releases include Jazz Hop, Major Journalism, and Jazz Hop II.   A more complete discography is available at traumdiggs.com .Social:traumdiggs.com IG:  @traumdiggsTwitter:  @traumdiggs Dr. Mickey Hess is Professor of English at Rider University and the author of A Guest in the House of Hip-Hop: How Rap Music Taught a Kid from Kentucky What a White Ally Should Be. With rapper and producer Buddha Monk, Mickey co-authored The Dirty Version: On Stage, in the Studio, and in the Streets with Ol' Dirty Bastard. His other books include Big Wheel at the Cracker Factory; Is Hip-Hop Dead? The Past, Present, and Future of America’s Most Wanted Music; and the edited collections Icons of Hip-Hop and Hip Hop in America: A Regional Guide.Social:mickeyhessTwitter:  @mickeyhessAdditional music Courtesy of Traum Diggs:"Untold Stories" by Traum Diggs-------------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Ted Birkhahn is President and Co-founder of Hot Paper Lantern (HPL). His firm, which won the 2020 PRovoke Media New Agency of the Year, helps global brands and business leaders protect, shape and grow their relevance and reputation. Ted’s passion and expertise in reputation management is built on an approach that integrates strategy, content and technology to enable clients to respond to shifts in the market swiftly and purposefully. His expertise in crisis communications runs deep with more than two decades of experience counseling some of the world’s largest brands, including EY, PVH Corp. (NYSE:PVH), GE (NYSE:GE), Steelcase (NYSE: SCS), Facebook (Nasdaq: FB), and Saint-Gobain, to name a few. Giving back to the profession and global community is also a big part of Ted’s life. He is a proud board member of several leading organizations – including College of Charleston’s Department of Communication Advisory Council, Hands Up for Haiti, and Shames JCC on the Hudson.Learn more:• Hands Up for Haiti • YVote--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Ron Sim, CSCCinematographer. Filmmaker. Storyteller.  As a former combat photographer, James Beard nominee, and six-time winner of the Canadian Society of Cinematographers Award for excellence in branding and commercial cinematography, Ron is arguably one of the most respected, passionate, and acclaimed cinematographers in the world.  His work spans multiple genres—from commercials, television, documentaries, and web films to special assignments in hostile environments, remote geographies, and natural disasters. Always reinventing himself, his passion for storytelling is fueled by his desire to bring viewers into different worlds, expanding their perspective, and gaining a better understanding of the people and places that make up our planet. With his camera, he has travelled to and worked in 83 countries.  His ability to connect with people from all walks of life—at every corner of the globe, allows him to tell stories unlike any other.  As a Director of Photography, his penchant for experimentation with technique and style allows him to always remain on the cutting edge of filmmaking. His body of work is a reflection of his understanding of the human experience.  From working with celebrity chef Eric Ripert on the Emmy Award winning series Avec Eric--presented by SquareSpace, to interviewing NASCAR racing legend Richard Childress, to capturing the plight of survivors of genocide in Cambodia--his films have been shot and viewed around the world.  His work on commercials, web films, and corporate branding campaigns for such global clients as Dow Chemical, Toyota, Ford, Harley Davidson, McDonald's, and LG has garnered millions of online views and has helped to excel the reputation of their brands.  A portfolio this diverse and eclectic places him in a rare class of DP’s that can handle an array of projects for any type of media platform. He and his wife, Linda, are owners of a tiny morkie named Milo who thinks he's a British pitbull.  He currently sits on the board of directors of various non-profits, and is Vice President of his local Cambodian Cultural Association.  He is founder and owner of Simmod Lens, an online company specializing in lens modifications and accessories. In his spare time he can be found on the RC race track dueling it out with kids half his age racing high powered remote controlled cars.  Ron and Linda currently reside in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. --------------Photography by Syx Langemann--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Julie M. Goldberg is a writer, librarian, teacher, political activist, and social media butterfly.  She ran for New York State Senate in 2018, and for county legislature the following year. She is active in local social justice, women's rights, mental health, and environmental organizations. Her fiction and essays have appeared in The Establishment, Dual Coast Magazine, The Manhattanville Review, River River, WomenArts Quarterly Journal, and others. She is a prose editor and board member of River, River, a community writing organization in Nyack, NY., and also serves on the board of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic Action Fund. She is writing her second novel. She lives in the Lower Hudson Valley with her husband of 25 years, their two grown children, and one very cute bunny. You can follow her on Twitter @juliegoldberg. --------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Jeremy A. Abbate is the Vice President & Publisher of Scientific American and its related titles (SA MIND, SA Special Collections, Scientific American Worldview), working with all of the editorial, content, business and production teams to drive Scientific American forward. He is responsible for developing and executing new media programs, brand extensions and collaborative ventures serving the international opinion leadership that turns to Scientific American for the best views of the future.  Abbate has made many appearances at conferences and events to facilitate high-level discussions on healthcare, innovative science and technology, policy and scientific entrepreneurship. He has spearheaded co-branded partnerships with several international organizations including TEDMED, CES, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, OSU’s Brain Health Summit, The Carter Center and others. Working to bring important scientific ideas into a dynamic media environment, he has led projects serving some of the world’s largest corporate organizations, including Colgate Palmolive, Johnson& Johnson, Procter & Gamble, Philips, Life Technologies, Amgen, Caterpillar and BMS. He leads several content and product initiatives at Scientific American that serve the educational and STEM markets. His writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Psychology Today, McSweeney’s, and other national publications. Abbate penned the forward to the popular medical travel guide, Patients Beyond Borders. Abbate has held many media positions prior to being SciAm’s publisher, including the Director of New Business for The Scientist magazine, a title serving working researchers and life science leaders. He serves on the advisory boards for Bioethics International; BioFuture, a New York-based life science conference; and MEGA, an organization exploring insights into the problems faced by humanity and the unique solutions positioned to solve them. Abbate has taught courses for the Magazine Publishers of America. He lives outside of New York City with his wife, Anina and two children. --------------www.scientificamerican.com Listen to Jeremy's solo acoustic album, Fifth & St. Nick: Seasonal Songs Re-Imagined for Solo Guitar, or purchase it here. --------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Dina Silver Pokedoff, APR is a driven and results-oriented senior brand and communications executive and an empowered female leader in the marketing and communications industry. Most recently, Dina was Director of Brand, Reputation and Influence at Saint-Gobain North America, one of the world’s largest building materials companies and manufacturers of innovative material solutions. At Saint-Gobain she implemented strategic initiatives for internal and external communications, and was instrumental in developing the long-term strategy for external philanthropic partnerships, brand strategy and external relations activities including media relations, social media, website and reputation/crisis management. As a visionary, she forged a path forward for the marketing and communications team that was only established within the last 10 years and demonstrated the value that communications adds for a company whose roots date back to 1665.  For these efforts, Dina most recently was recognized with Ragan’s/PR Daily Top Women in Communications 2020 and PR News Top Women in PR 2018. Prior to Saint-Gobain, Dina developed and executed metrics-driven, award-winning campaigns in a range of industries including manufacturing, higher education, healthcare, financial, insurance, telecommunications, not-for-profits and more.   Dina gives back to her profession as a member of the Public Relations Society of America and to the community as an active member of her synagogue, Beth Or. She also serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Cardiac Unit, and has supported fund raising efforts for the Pancreatic Cancer Network and local non-profit Run for Jenna. Dina lives in Chalfont, Pennsylvania with her husband Mark and their two beautiful children Benjamin (12) and Ava (6).  When not working she loves keeping fit by riding on her Peloton bike, as well as running, performing in musicals with the Temple Sinai Players, enjoying Broadway, and reading.   --------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Lawrence James, President and CEO of Connexus Technology, is passionate about serving in his community. He has spent countless hours volunteering his time to serve at Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCS) in North Philadelphia, providing spiritual and emotional support to inmates. He currently leads a team of men and women who bring hope to those who are incarcerated at George Hill Correctional Facility in Delaware County.  Besides giving hope, this weekly program for inmates includes spiritual guidance and community re-entry support.  Lawrence also volunteers his time at universities in Philadelphia, providing business expertise to young adults. Currently he serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he was a member of the Board of Directors for Drexel Neumann Academy (DNA), a free Catholic School in Chester, PA, for under-served students, where he introduced the students to drone flight and the technology behind it. Drexel Neumann Academy has since adopted the curriculum, and the course is being taught to students throughout the school. Lawrence’s service underscores his passion and interest in youth, criminal justice reform, and bridging the digital divide. This spirit of service permeates throughout the Connexus organization and is an essential component of the Connexus culture. Rev. Christopher J Holland II  serves as Executive Pastor of Salt and Light Community Church and the Executive Director of The Common Place (a not for profit ) in the Southwest section of Philadelphia. He is an entrepreneur and the Co-founder/COO of Connexus Technology, a leading-edge technology consulting firm in Philadelphia since 2003. He is a native of Philadelphia, and holds a Bachelor of Science and Engineering degree in Computer Science from Drexel University. After co-founding the technology startup, he obtained his Master of Divinity degree from Palmer Theological Seminary. As a member of The Common Place leadership team, Pastor Chris brings his gifts of strategic planning, pastoral care, community engagement and passion for family advocacy to fulfill the mission of The Common Place and uplift the Southwest Philadelphia Community.   He is happily married to Ime, and they are blessed to be parents of six children.Connexus Technology provides IT staffing and IT managed services for mid to large sized organizations in need of a dedicated IT partner. For more than 17 years, Connexus has been helping customers across the globe in a wide variety of industries to improve operations and profitability with innovative software solutions, and with expert on/offsite consultants. Connexus’ leadership team extends their skills and knowledge to serve the Philadelphia and surrounding communities through civic engagement. This spirit of service permeates throughout the Connexus organization and is an essential component of the Connexus culture.--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Anthony Sergi is producer of the Allies podcast, a show he co-created with host and long time friend and colleague, Carmen Ferrigno. He also produces the podcast A Guest in the House, co-hosted by rapper and journalist, David "Traum Diggs" Shanks, and author and professor of English, Dr. Mickey Hess.  His first podcast, now archived, was Writers Latitude, hosted by author, Joe Samuel Starnes.While the podcasts Anthony produces differ in style and content, they share a common goal: to express stories and perspectives of diverse lived and learned experiences in hopes of finding common ground in the ways we relate to each other.  It's what inspired him to start podcasting, and what drives him to help provide an outlet for other great hosts and their shows.--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Royce WarrickRoyce Warrick is Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary and Chief Compliance Officer for Solenis. She is responsible for managing the multinational enterprise’s legal, intellectual property, regulatory, compliance and governance affairs, as well as collaborating with the Solenis business team to enhance profitable growth.  Warrick is a member of Solenis’ Executive Committee and Global Senior Leadership Team.  Prior to joining Solenis in 2014, Warrick served as assistant general counsel and global corporate legal director overseeing legal affairs of strategic business units at The Dow Chemical Company and Rohm and Haas Company. Beginning her legal career as a litigation attorney, she later expanded her scope of experience to include business law, ethics and compliance, mergers and acquisitions, antitrust, employment law, information technology and corporate secretarial/governance. Warrick holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University and a juris doctor degree from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. She is a member of Villanova University’s Advisory Council Member for the Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women's Leadership, a member of the Forum of Executive Women, a member of the Georgia Tech Parents Board, a member of the Duke University Alumni Admissions Advisory Committee and a former board member of the STEM-focused Invent Now Kids®, a subsidiary of the National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation commissioned by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Warrick is also an active member of her community where she is a founding leader of her church’s College Prep Ministry, and a founder and trustee of the Roy Blair Paige Foundation, a non-profit organization, the mission of which is to enrich the development of servant-leader youth committed to community-uplift.  Ms. Warrick is a member of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware bars. She is married and has three daughters.--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Vanessa Short BullVanessa Short Bull is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. She was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of South Dakota, and is a direct descendent of Chief Red Cloud, Young Man Afraid of His Horses, Little Wound, and the Ghost Dance leader Short Bull.  Vanessa is a graduate of the University of South Dakota. She has served as the Co-chair for the Native Research Network, and was board member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe Research Review Board and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, SD Affiliate. She was previously a Nike-endorsed fitness athlete for the N7 shoe. She resides in Philadelphia, PA.Vanessa was the former Miss SD USA 2000 and Miss SD 2002, and has competed at both the Miss USA and Miss America Pageants. She is the first woman in South Dakota to garner both titles and was the first Native American to win both state titles. Vanessa is also a classically trained dancer who studied Dancing at the University of Utah, Ballet West Conservatory, and School of Cleveland Ballet. She was featured in the American Indian College Fund’s campaign Have You Seen a Real Indian and in the book Real Indians. She served as an officer in the Army Reserve Medical Service Corps. Her parents are Thomas Short Bull, President of Oglala Lakota College, and Darlene Short Bull, a retired Indian Health Service RN with over 30 yrs of service. Her husband, Major Christopher Gorham, is an entomologist with the Defense Logistics Agency, prior active duty Army officer, currently serves with the Army Reserves Medical Readiness Training Command, Ft. Dix, NJ.--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Hanson Yoo and Andrew Popper May seem an unlikely pair. Yoo, a former Jeopardy contestant, spends his time in IT. Popper, a publishing and marketing expert, travels the world, for both business and pleasure. And yet, together, these friends both of whom come from immigrant parents, offer unique perspectives on what it means to be an American. If you like listening to close friends bounce ideas back and forth, you really can’t do better than these two lifelong Allies.---------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez

Related links:The ARC: https://thearc.org/  National Down Syndrome Society: https://www.ndss.org/National Down Syndrome Congress: https://www.ndsccenter.org/LuMind IDSC Foundation:  https://www.lumindidsc.org/Spread the Word to End the Word: https://www.spreadtheword.global/  Disability Is Natural: https://www.disabilityisnatural.com/Think College: https://thinkcollege.net/--------------Music courtesy of Dan Rodriguez:"The Allies Theme" by Dan Rodriguez