Lisa Lynelle Moore has extensive teaching and administrative experience.

She has also been faculty at the Boston University School of Social Work and an adjunct at the Smith College School for Social Work and is currently a Senior Lecturer and the Director of the Master of Arts in Social Work and Social Welfare Program at the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice.

Kim Paull believes that we are not slices of data; we are whole human beings, raised in families, rooted in communities, bearing our history.  And our data systems, culture, and context must honor that complexity.

Kim has worked for over a decade in public service as a government analytics leader. Most recently, Kim led the creation of an integrated data system and holistic data culture for Rhode Island’s health and human services agencies.

She is now the Director of the Health Equity Clinical Program for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island. She lives in Rhode Island with her wife and twin girls.

Bryson kamanga is Zimbabwean born sociology and social policy student at the Midlands State University passionate about social impact and transformation of lives despite an discrimination an individual faces. He is Millennium fellow and campus director, currently sits on the Millennium Fellowship Global admission committee, enactus MSU member and Co founder of Maganizo a passion project aimed at equipping children in orphanages and the vulnerable with information on social impact innovation and public speaking skills

Nwagbo Sandra Kosarachi is a remarkable queer activist, sign language interpreter, and the visionary founder behind Hands of Pride Initiative.

Living with a disability herself, Sandra draws deeply from her personal journey to champion the rights and inclusion of Deaf and LGBTQIA+ communities across Nigeria.

Her work is rooted in storytelling, inclusive technology, and hands-on community workshops tools she uses to break down communication barriers, confront stigma head-on, and cultivate safe, empowering spaces where marginalized voices are not just heard, but celebrated.

Maclytte Tsakatsa is a 27-year-old woman whose life experiences have shaped her into a powerful writer and composer. Growing up, she faced some harsh realities that pushed her to find solace in words when others might have had someone to lean on, she had only her pen and paper. That became her strength.

She’s currently volunteering as a Junior Project Assistant at the Earth Co-Existence Initiative, where she advocates for a more harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Her passion lies in creating safe spaces for others, especially in moments of distress.

Through poetry, Maclytte has not only healed herself but also discovered a way to uplift others. She hopes to bring those same gifts to this platform believing deeply that her words can offer motivation and comfort to those who need it most.

Benjamin Mageto is an 18-year-old aspiring activist contributing to Places to Thrive through his video work focused on breath and embodiment. In his current short-term role, he supports the organization’s human rights mission by producing visual content that highlights the power of breath as a tool for presence, resistance, and healing.

Driven by a passion for activism and creative expression, Benjamin is dedicated to learning and making meaningful contributions to social justice efforts. His work reflects a deep interest in the intersection of art, mindfulness, and advocacy.

Yeukai Pedzisa is a dedicated social worker pursuing a Master's in Social Work at the University of Pretoria South Africa. With a focus on child protection, safeguarding and the psychosocial well being of vulnerable and displaced populations.

Deeply committed to the principles of UBUNTU, which emphasize community and interconnectedness, she lives these values both personally and professionally. She is a Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program alumni.

Yeukai has a strong passion for exploration and photography, often venturing into diverse environments from bustling cityscapes to tranquil natural settings to capture and document memorable moments. These adventures enrich her personal growth and enhance her professional empathy and understanding, integral traits for her role as a social worker.

Brendah Wanjiku Ndung’u is a passionate creative who harnesses the power of art for self-expression, healing, and advocacy. Deeply drawn to visual storytelling, design, and writing, she channels her creativity into impactful projects that inspire dialogue and promote emotional well-being.

At the core of her work is a steadfast commitment to mental health advocacy. She believes in the transformative power of creativity and compassion, and is dedicated to fostering safe, inclusive spaces both online and offline where individuals feel seen, heard, and supported.

Beyond her creative pursuits, Brendah brings hands-on experience in caregiving, through which she has developed a deep sense of empathy and resilience. These experiences inform her holistic approach to wellness and community care.

Through artwork, campaigns, and collaborative initiatives, she strives to spark meaningful conversations around healing, identity, and hope. Brendah is continually learning and evolving, embracing vulnerability as a powerful force in storytelling and human connection.