Jacqueline is an artist, activist, author, and social entrepreneur. With two decades of applying creative thinking to seemingly intractable real-world challenges, she is nationally recognized for her school reform efforts and public art on progressive issues. She is the co-author of How to Walk to School: Blueprint for a Neighborhood School Renaissance.

She holds a BA & Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

Wayne Meisel is an ordained Presbyterian minister, AmeriCorps Chaplain, and the Executive Director of the Center for Faith and Service at McCormick Theological Seminary. He was formerly the Director of Faith and Service at the Cousins Foundation and the founding President of the Bonner Foundation. As a Presidential appointee to the Commission on National and Community Service, Wayne served as one of the architects of the AmeriCorps programs and also as a charter board member of Teach for America.

He holds a BA from from Harvard University.

Lynn is a seasoned leader in the entertainment industry. Her passion is sharing stories and creating legendary events, radio productions, and photography exhibitions – all with an eye to social impact. Hear her weekly musings on WNUR and Live From the Heartland.

She holds a BA from Northern Illinois University and an MA in Arts and Entertainment from Columbia College.

Experienced private investment executive with a passion for creating process improvements and automation spanning capital raising, due diligence, portfolio management, investor servicing, accounting, compliance, ESG, and impact investing. He’s a global team builder in strategic partnerships, product management, marketing, and M&A. Robert’s sons survived the Highland Park shooting.

He holds a BA from Michigan State.

Isabel is a dancer and choreographer exploring storytelling through movement and embodied expression. She is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, the immigration crisis, and amplifying voices through social media advocacy.

She is a BA Candidate in English and Creative Writing at the University of Chicago ’28.

Isa thrives at the intersection of globality, the arts, and community-building. She is passionate about the power of storytelling, cultural exchange, and collective action. With her multicultural background and a deep curiosity for the world, Isa is committed to fostering spaces where diverse voices are heard, celebrated, and empowered.

She is a B.A. candidate in Global Studies and Romance Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of Chicago ‘27.

Ethan is a student activist focusing on the intersectionality of art, storytelling, and social justice. His nonprofit efforts have included domestic violence, Ukrainian refugees, & teen mental health.

He is a BA Candidate in Psychology at the University of Chicago ’26

Ellie is a filmmaker, composer, and creative who believes in the power of storytelling to drive positive change at the intersection of art and democracy.

She is a BA Candidate in English and Political Science at the University of Chicago ’28.

Sholo is a mixed-media public artist, community organizer, and relentless activist for POC. Her work focuses on social change, especially racial equality and women’s rights. Her motto: “I Am Aware I Am Rare”

Aydin is a high school junior, youth activist, and journalist fighting for equal rights and gun violence prevention. He currently serves as the Midwest Legislative Lead for Queer Youth Assemble and the Southern-Central Illinois Liaison for Students Demand Action. He elevates LGBTQ+ students on the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance Youth Advisory Board and has served on the first-ever national PBS Newshour Student Advisory Team. He promotes the voices of Gen Z activists through his social justice podcast, “We Are Generation Z.”

Mark has been a union organizer, organizational development consultant, and human resource management executive. He has facilitated strategic planning and training to Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations, including teaching nonprofit management in the Organizational Behavior Program at Benedictine University. He also developed an international cadre of scientists and organizational experts, The Chaos Network, which explored the application of the science of chaos and complex systems to social systems. Mark is author of over 50 articles and book chapters, and the book, “The Quest for Fitness: A rational exploration into the new science of organization.”

He holds a Bachelor’s in Religious Studies and a Masters in Public Administration from Temple University.

Dr. Susan Birne-Stone is a Systems Psychotherapist, Coach, Media Consultant, Producer, Speaker, Writer, and Professor. She has over 25 years of experience working with individuals and families in achieving their goals and navigating trauma.

She holds an Ph.d. from New York University and a MA from Syracuse University.

David is a nationally respected and trusted expert in fundraising and nonprofit management and served as Vice President at Graham-Pelton Consulting. He helped found Seeds of Peace and was a Seminar Leader for Landmark Worldwide and a Lecturer at Princeton University.

He holds a BA from Brown University and a Ph.D. from Harvard University.