30 Young Professionals 30 Young Professionals Changing the World Changing the World

The information for these cards have been The information for these cards have been gathered from various sites (cited) and will gathered from various sites (cited) and will be the framework for two different be the framework for two different assignments in our classroom. assignments in our classroom.

1. Young Professional Brackets 1. Young Professional Brackets 2. Hero Profiles 2. Hero Profiles - Boyd Gossett - Boyd Gossett Maroja Carter Maroja Carter Inspirational environmental activist who Inspirational environmental activist who has begun a national movement has begun a national movement Excerpt from TED’s Speaker Profile: Excerpt from TED’s Speaker Profile:

Majora Carter is a visionary voice in Majora Carter is a visionary voice in city planning who views urban re- city planning who views urban re- newal through an environmental newal through an environmental lens. The South Bronx native draws a lens. The South Bronx native draws a direct connection between ecologi- direct connection between ecologi- cal, economic and social degradation. cal, economic and social degradation. Hence her motto: "Green the Hence her motto: "Green the ghetto!" ghetto!"

With her inspired ideas and fierce With her inspired ideas and fierce persistence, Carter managed to bring persistence, Carter managed to bring Carter, who was awarded a Carter, who was awarded a the South Bronx its first open- the South Bronx its first open- 2005 MacArthur "genius" 2005 MacArthur "genius" waterfront park in 60 years, Hunts waterfront park in 60 years, Hunts grant, served as executive di- grant, served as executive di- Point Riverside Park. Then she scored Point Riverside Park. Then she scored rector of Sustainable South rector of Sustainable South $1.25 million in federal funds for a $1.25 million in federal funds for a Bronx for 7 years, where she Bronx for 7 years, where she greenway along the South Bronx greenway along the South Bronx pushed both for eco-friendly pushed both for eco-friendly waterfront, bringing the neighbor- waterfront, bringing the neighbor- practices (such as green and practices (such as green and hood open space, pedestrian and hood open space, pedestrian and cool roofs) and, equally im- cool roofs) and, equally im- bike paths, and space for mixed-use bike paths, and space for mixed-use portant, job training and green portant, job training and green economic development. economic development. -related economic develop- -related economic develop- ment for her vibrant neighbor- ment for her vibrant neighbor- Her success is no surprise to anyone Her success is no surprise to anyone hood on the rise. Below are hood on the rise. Below are who's seen her speak; Carter's confi- who's seen her speak; Carter's confi- her quotes. her quotes. dence, energy and intensely emo- dence, energy and intensely emo-

“As a black person in America, I am twice as tional delivery make her talks them- “As a black person in America, I am twice as tional delivery make her talks them- likely as a white person to live in an area selves a force of nature. (The release likely as a white person to live in an area selves a force of nature. (The release where air pollution poses the greatest risk to where air pollution poses the greatest risk to my health. I am five times more likely to live of her TEDTalk in 2006 prompted my health. I am five times more likely to live of her TEDTalk in 2006 prompted within walking distance of a power plant or within walking distance of a power plant or chemical facility — which I do.” Guy Kawasaki to wonder on chemical facility — which I do.” Guy Kawasaki to wonder on his blog whether she wasn't "every his blog whether she wasn't "every “Environmental justice [means that] no com- “Environmental justice [means that] no com- munity should be saddled with more environ- bit as good as [Apple CEO] Steve munity should be saddled with more environ- bit as good as [Apple CEO] Steve mental burdens and less environmental bene- mental burdens and less environmental bene- fits than any other.” Jobs," a legendary presenter.) fits than any other.” Jobs," a legendary presenter.) (TED) (TED) “My big brother Lenny fought in Vietnam, only “My big brother Lenny fought in Vietnam, only to be gunned down a few blocks from our to be gunned down a few blocks from our home [in the South Bronx].” home [in the South Bronx].” “It’s time to stop building the shopping malls, the “It’s time to stop building the shopping malls, the “Race and class are extremely reliable indica- prisons, the stadiums and other tributes to all of “Race and class are extremely reliable indica- prisons, the stadiums and other tributes to all of tors as to where one might find the good stuff, our collective failures. It is time that we start build- tors as to where one might find the good stuff, our collective failures. It is time that we start build- like parks and trees, and where one might ing living monuments to hope and possibility.” like parks and trees, and where one might ing living monuments to hope and possibility.” find the bad stuff, like power plants and waste (TED) find the bad stuff, like power plants and waste (TED) facilities.” facilities.” John Dabiri John Dabiri Recipient of the MacArthur Genius Grant Recipient of the MacArthur Genius Grant for designing ships like jellyfish for designing ships like jellyfish Excerpt from The Root’s Excerpt from The Root’s Decade of Genius: Decade of Genius: By investigating the simple jellyfish, By investigating the simple jellyfish, John Dabiri, a 2010 fellow, has un- John Dabiri, a 2010 fellow, has un- covered complex mechanisms of covered complex mechanisms of locomotion that have far-reaching locomotion that have far-reaching implications. Although he is a bio- implications. Although he is a bio- physicist, Dabiri's work draws from physicist, Dabiri's work draws from theoretical fluid dynamics, evolu- theoretical fluid dynamics, evolu- tionary biology and biomechanics. tionary biology and biomechanics. Excerpt from PopSci’s feature: In 2008 he was named one of "10 Excerpt from PopSci’s feature: In 2008 he was named one of "10 “It's just after sunset in Long Beach, Brilliant Scientists" by Popular Me- “It's just after sunset in Long Beach, Brilliant Scientists" by Popular Me- California, and John Dabiri stands on chanics magazine. Dabiri, who grad- California, and John Dabiri stands on chanics magazine. Dabiri, who grad- the end of a wooden dock, peering the end of a wooden dock, peering down at the water. In his white sneak- uated from Princeton University in down at the water. In his white sneak- uated from Princeton University in ers and striped polo shirt, Dabiri 2001, is an associate professor at ers and striped polo shirt, Dabiri 2001, is an associate professor at might be just another boater checking the California Institute of might be just another boater checking the California Institute of out a well-known local spectacle: a out a well-known local spectacle: a pulsing mass of hundreds of softball- Technology. pulsing mass of hundreds of softball- Technology. size moon jellyfish that regularly gath- (The Root) size moon jellyfish that regularly gath- (The Root) er here. er here. It's the green laser lighting up the It's the green laser lighting up the water that gives him away. Just be- Already, Dabiri's findings are inspiring de- water that gives him away. Just be- Already, Dabiri's findings are inspiring de- neath the surface, one of his graduate sign improvements in data-collecting neath the surface, one of his graduate sign improvements in data-collecting students records the motion of a sin- buoys, military submarines, even onshore students records the motion of a sin- buoys, military submarines, even onshore gle jellyfish with a custom-built, high- windmills. Which isn't to say that the Na- gle jellyfish with a custom-built, high- windmills. Which isn't to say that the Na- definition video camera and a water- vy's next fleet of deep-sea vehicles will be definition video camera and a water- vy's next fleet of deep-sea vehicles will be particle-illuminating laser. Every so soft and bulbous. "What we're trying to do particle-illuminating laser. Every so soft and bulbous. "What we're trying to do often, she hands it up to the biome- is not just mimic what we see in nature but often, she hands it up to the biome- is not just mimic what we see in nature but chanics professor for an adjustment, to extract the relevant design features -- chanics professor for an adjustment, to extract the relevant design features -- then sinks down again to record the like the vortex rings," Dabiri explains. "In then sinks down again to record the like the vortex rings," Dabiri explains. "In pumping of another jelly. nature you have evolution, with its own set pumping of another jelly. nature you have evolution, with its own set of constraints. We don't have those con- of constraints. We don't have those con- The measurements will be fed into straints as engineers. We can start with The measurements will be fed into straints as engineers. We can start with software programs that reveal the something like a jellyfish and take ad- software programs that reveal the something like a jellyfish and take ad- intricacies of how jellyfish push off vantage of the fact that we have propellers intricacies of how jellyfish push off vantage of the fact that we have propellers their own wake -- a doughnut-shaped and steel to build things that look nothing their own wake -- a doughnut-shaped and steel to build things that look nothing whirl of water known as a vortex ring like it but perform as well or even better." whirl of water known as a vortex ring like it but perform as well or even better." -- and thus use less energy to propel (PopSci) -- and thus use less energy to propel (PopSci) themselves forward. themselves forward. Brandon Turner Brandon Turner Molecular biologist who has discovered Molecular biologist who has discovered ways Pharmaceuticals can use proteins ways Pharmaceuticals can use proteins Excerpt from The Root’s Excerpt from The Root’s Young Futurists: Young Futurists:

Brandon's investigation in- Brandon's investigation in- to the molecular structure to the molecular structure of proteins has broad im- of proteins has broad im- plications for future drug plications for future drug development. He is also a development. He is also a champion rugby player champion rugby player and one of just 30 U.S. stu- and one of just 30 U.S. stu- dents who have been dents who have been named Rhodes scholars named Rhodes scholars The biophysics major this year. But ask this The biophysics major this year. But ask this works with homeless works with homeless scholar-athlete what fuels scholar-athlete what fuels people, melding public people, melding public health research and his passion and you'll get health research and his passion and you'll get sociology. Brandon's an answer that may sur- sociology. Brandon's an answer that may sur- work has revealed prise you: community work has revealed prise you: community barriers to diabetes service. (The Root) barriers to diabetes service. (The Root) management among management among the homeless, and he the homeless, and he works with shelters to works with shelters to provide diabetes edu- YOUTUBE INTERVIEW IS provide diabetes edu- YOUTUBE INTERVIEW IS cation as well as access AVAILABLE THROUGH cation as well as access AVAILABLE THROUGH to refrigerators to keep THE ROOT’S WEBSITE to refrigerators to keep THE ROOT’S WEBSITE medicines cold. medicines cold. (The Root) (The Root) Trinity Russell Trinity Russell High school biology student who made a High school biology student who made a large discovery proving scientists wrong large discovery proving scientists wrong Excerpt from the Root’s Young Futurists: Excerpt from the Root’s Young Futurists:

After seeing fruit flies kept in small After seeing fruit flies kept in small containers at a research lab during containers at a research lab during a school trip, Trinity decided to a school trip, Trinity decided to compare fruit flies that were reared compare fruit flies that were reared in laboratories with thousands of in laboratories with thousands of flies caught from the outdoors. In flies caught from the outdoors. In her yearlong research, she found her yearlong research, she found that the laboratory-reared flies that the laboratory-reared flies were unable to withstand starva- were unable to withstand starva- tion, struggled to gain altitude and tion, struggled to gain altitude and Long Island Teen’s were attracted to the dark -- unlike Long Island Teen’s were attracted to the dark -- unlike Big Time Research the ones collected from the out- Big Time Research the ones collected from the out- Breakthrough doors. "I concluded that scientists' Breakthrough doors. "I concluded that scientists' experiments may be compromised experiments may be compromised Her research eventually because they are using domesticat- Her research eventually because they are using domesticat- won her third place in won her third place in ed, or laboratory-reared, flies," she ed, or laboratory-reared, flies," she her division at the Intel her division at the Intel said. "Since fruit flies are remarka- said. "Since fruit flies are remarka- International Science International Science bly similar to humans and contain bly similar to humans and contain and Engineering Fair, and Engineering Fair, and she was published approximately 70 percent of all hu- and she was published approximately 70 percent of all hu- last year in the Journal man disease genes, the implications last year in the Journal man disease genes, the implications of Experimental Second- of the research were monumental." of Experimental Second- of the research were monumental." ary Science. She wants (The Root) ary Science. She wants (The Root) to continue studying to continue studying fruit flies and hopes to "The answer to every problem fruit flies and hopes to "The answer to every problem become a doctor and re- lies within science," she said. become a doctor and re- lies within science," she said. searcher. She also wants searcher. She also wants to start a mentoring "With science we can continue to start a mentoring "With science we can continue program to encourage to cure disease and discover program to encourage to cure disease and discover young people to consid- great new things. I feel as if sci- young people to consid- great new things. I feel as if sci- er research and science ence is truly the key to our fu- er research and science ence is truly the key to our fu- careers. ture." (The Root) careers. ture." (The Root) Amanda Kludt Amanda Kludt An online food blogger who has built one An online food blogger who has built one of the largest food critic sites in the U.S. of the largest food critic sites in the U.S. Excerpt from NYC’s 30 under 30: Excerpt from NYC’s 30 under 30: The Fooditrix The Fooditrix Rihanna's “Birthday Cake” could be Rihanna's “Birthday Cake” could be an anthem for most of our favorite an anthem for most of our favorite food obsessives, and Amanda Kludt food obsessives, and Amanda Kludt is no different. As the editorial di- is no different. As the editorial di- rector of the locally inclined, food- rector of the locally inclined, food- blog network Eater, the 29-year-old blog network Eater, the 29-year-old oversees all 22 of Eater’s U.S. sites. oversees all 22 of Eater’s U.S. sites. (Yep, 22.) Her day-to-day ranges (Yep, 22.) Her day-to-day ranges Tell us the true-life tale of the last Tell us the true-life tale of the last completely awesome thing you from all the big, business stuff to completely awesome thing you from all the big, business stuff to did. planning the future of a massive, did. planning the future of a massive, “In April, I went on a six-day road “In April, I went on a six-day road trip in Texas to visit our editors national entity, which die-hard trip in Texas to visit our editors national entity, which die-hard across the state. From Dallas to Aus- foodies have been saving as their across the state. From Dallas to Aus- foodies have been saving as their tin to Lockhart to Houston, we had tin to Lockhart to Houston, we had nonstop fantastic food. homepage for years. Oh, and that nonstop fantastic food. homepage for years. Oh, and that dessert inclination? Ends up, it's her dessert inclination? Ends up, it's her Any creative endeavors on the Any creative endeavors on the horizon? long-held dream to be fully im- horizon? long-held dream to be fully im- “I work at such a fun place for such mersed into the world of ice cream. “I work at such a fun place for such mersed into the world of ice cream. fun people, so ideally I can continue fun people, so ideally I can continue to help Eater grow: more cities, "Kludt Cones" sure would have a to help Eater grow: more cities, "Kludt Cones" sure would have a more countries, more video content, nice ring to it, but like everything more countries, more video content, nice ring to it, but like everything more large-scale projects, more in- more large-scale projects, more in- vestment in our editorial team. Out- else she's done a bang-up job with, vestment in our editorial team. Out- else she's done a bang-up job with, side of work, I organize a female- we'll leave the big ideas to her. side of work, I organize a female- we'll leave the big ideas to her. food-writer-networking group, so I food-writer-networking group, so I hope to take a more active role (NYC 30 under 30) hope to take a more active role (NYC 30 under 30) there. there.

A perfect day in your town always includes these three things... A perfect day in your town always includes these three things... “Breakfast with my husband at the greasy spoon in our neighborhood in Brooklyn, “Breakfast with my husband at the greasy spoon in our neighborhood in Brooklyn, Garden Grill; drinks at my local wine bar, Tuffet, preferably rosé out in the back- Garden Grill; drinks at my local wine bar, Tuffet, preferably rosé out in the back- yard with a bunch of ladies from the neighborhood; and dinner at Bamonte’s, the yard with a bunch of ladies from the neighborhood; and dinner at Bamonte’s, the 100-year-old, Italian red-sauce joint where the waiters wear tuxes, the cocktails 100-year-old, Italian red-sauce joint where the waiters wear tuxes, the cocktails are almost always terrible, and I’ve never once had a bad time.“ are almost always terrible, and I’ve never once had a bad time.“

What’s your mantra? What’s your mantra? “Never take yourself too seriously." “Never take yourself too seriously." Stevie Dance Stevie Dance An online style blogger who went from An online style blogger who went from having a website to styling stars having a website to styling stars Excerpt from NYC’s 30 under 30: Excerpt from NYC’s 30 under 30:

The Stylist The Stylist We’ve met our fair share of stylists. But, We’ve met our fair share of stylists. But, when it comes to Stevie Dance, there’s no when it comes to Stevie Dance, there’s no denying she’s really something special. denying she’s really something special. From a throwback editorial fusing Liya From a throwback editorial fusing Liya Kebede into artwork by Jonah Freeman Kebede into artwork by Jonah Freeman and Justin Lowe to styling hometown- and Justin Lowe to styling hometown- treasure Naomi Watts for a Vogue cover treasure Naomi Watts for a Vogue cover down under, the Australia-born stylist and down under, the Australia-born stylist and creative director has put her fashionable creative director has put her fashionable mark on some incredible spreads, which mark on some incredible spreads, which Any creative endeavors on the Any creative endeavors on the horizon? have since become timeless favorites. Best horizon? have since become timeless favorites. Best “My goals are more life goals. I just part? That’s not even her entire job. “My goals are more life goals. I just part? That’s not even her entire job. want to be inspired, and propelling On Shop Ghost, her self-created online want to be inspired, and propelling On Shop Ghost, her self-created online forward, and enjoy the path that zine, she flexes her curatorial muscle with a forward, and enjoy the path that zine, she flexes her curatorial muscle with a takes me there. I want to collabo- takes me there. I want to collabo- focus on of-the-moment everything across focus on of-the-moment everything across rate with those whose work I adore, rate with those whose work I adore, and try new things all the time, and the fashion spectrum. With model and and try new things all the time, and the fashion spectrum. With model and share what I learn along the way.” muse interviews, a shopable collection of share what I learn along the way.” muse interviews, a shopable collection of this season’s dopest finds, and a nifty pho- this season’s dopest finds, and a nifty pho- What’s the best professional les- What’s the best professional les- toblog interface topped with colorful com- toblog interface topped with colorful com- son you ever learned? son you ever learned? “To meditate, via David Lynch.” mentary, it’s a scrollful of inspiration — “To meditate, via David Lynch.” mentary, it’s a scrollful of inspiration — and a too-cool hub for all things “it." And, and a too-cool hub for all things “it." And, When you were a kid, what did considering her before-the-curve eye for When you were a kid, what did considering her before-the-curve eye for you think you were going to be you think you were going to be fashion, it's a great place to see what eve- fashion, it's a great place to see what eve- doing at this age? doing at this age? “I thought I was going to be a danc- ryone will be wearing six months from “I thought I was going to be a danc- ryone will be wearing six months from er at first, then a writer, then, ulti- now. (NYC 30 under 30) er at first, then a writer, then, ulti- now. (NYC 30 under 30) mately, my dream job was a film mately, my dream job was a film critic.” critic.”

What kind of kid were you? How does that affect who you are now? What kind of kid were you? How does that affect who you are now? “As a kid, I felt pretty fearless. I was obsessed with the underdog. I liked crea- “As a kid, I felt pretty fearless. I was obsessed with the underdog. I liked crea- tive writing. I went to an all-girls’ school, and I wore a uniform that I struggled tive writing. I went to an all-girls’ school, and I wore a uniform that I struggled with. I couldn’t draw to save myself, but I danced everywhere I went. I wanted with. I couldn’t draw to save myself, but I danced everywhere I went. I wanted to be a choreographer or a ballerina or in C+C Music Factory or a Fly Girl. I to be a choreographer or a ballerina or in C+C Music Factory or a Fly Girl. I thought Elaine from Seinfeld was the ultimate. I liked to swim after school and thought Elaine from Seinfeld was the ultimate. I liked to swim after school and eat fish and chips out of newspaper, and I was crazy about The Beatles way eat fish and chips out of newspaper, and I was crazy about The Beatles way more than the Stones. I guess all of this comes through now somehow. I don’t more than the Stones. I guess all of this comes through now somehow. I don’t know if much has changed, except now, I only get to go dancing in my spare know if much has changed, except now, I only get to go dancing in my spare time.” (NYC 30 under 30) time.” (NYC 30 under 30) Elliott Breece Elliott Breece Computer programmer and inventor of Computer programmer and inventor of Songza, as well as other social media Songza, as well as other social media Excerpt from NYC’s 30 under 30: Excerpt from NYC’s 30 under 30:

The Tune Techie The Tune Techie We’re all for inventions that make life We’re all for inventions that make life easier — walkable wedges, anyone? — easier — walkable wedges, anyone? — which is why Songza, the music-streaming which is why Songza, the music-streaming phenomenon cofounded by tech-whiz El- phenomenon cofounded by tech-whiz El- liott Breece, 28, has become our latest ob- liott Breece, 28, has become our latest ob- session. The budding music mogul got his session. The budding music mogul got his start with Amie Street, an independent start with Amie Street, an independent online music store he cofounded and later online music store he cofounded and later sold to Amazon (yep, Amazon!) and has sold to Amazon (yep, Amazon!) and has since received enough accolades to fill a since received enough accolades to fill a Boy Scout vest and beyond. Like the Boy Scout vest and beyond. Like the Opening Ceremony of streaming services, Opening Ceremony of streaming services, his latest venture, Songza, is a curated his latest venture, Songza, is a curated playlist machine set to soundtrack your life playlist machine set to soundtrack your life What’s the best professional lesson What’s the best professional lesson by way of very, very tightly curated by way of very, very tightly curated you ever learned? you ever learned? “Try your best to surround yourself playlists you may not have listened to “Try your best to surround yourself playlists you may not have listened to with people that are smarter than otherwise. “We built Songza to improve with people that are smarter than otherwise. “We built Songza to improve you. I’m not sure where I first the normal — and abnormal — stuff you. I’m not sure where I first the normal — and abnormal — stuff learned this lesson, but I have never people do on a daily basis by creating a learned this lesson, but I have never people do on a daily basis by creating a gone wrong by following it.” gone wrong by following it.” perfect soundtrack for any situation,” he perfect soundtrack for any situation,” he

What kind of kid were you? How said. And from getting you amped to What kind of kid were you? How said. And from getting you amped to does that affect who you are now? complete that spreadsheet you put off till does that affect who you are now? complete that spreadsheet you put off till “I was quiet, curious, geeky, and very the end of the day to calming music for “I was quiet, curious, geeky, and very the end of the day to calming music for into computers and sports. Now that quelling any pre-blind-date nerves, into computers and sports. Now that quelling any pre-blind-date nerves, I'm older, I'm quiet, curious, geeky, I'm older, I'm quiet, curious, geeky, Songza’s got it all. (NYC 30 under 30) Songza’s got it all. (NYC 30 under 30) and very into computers and sports. and very into computers and sports. Not much has changed. I’ve always Not much has changed. I’ve always wanted to build cool, complex wanted to build cool, complex

Which celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life? Which celebrity would play you in the movie version of your life? “The movie would have to be animated, and the voice actor would be H. Jon Ben- “The movie would have to be animated, and the voice actor would be H. Jon Ben- jamin. He is the main voice actor from Archer and Bob’s Burgers. I don’t sound like jamin. He is the main voice actor from Archer and Bob’s Burgers. I don’t sound like him at all, but I think he’d do a great job speaking for my animated self.” him at all, but I think he’d do a great job speaking for my animated self.”

When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing at this age? When you were a kid, what did you think you'd be doing at this age? “At some point, I wanted to be a professional chef and also an NBA player, proba- “At some point, I wanted to be a professional chef and also an NBA player, proba- bly at the same time. I think there was a phase where I wanted to be a firefighter bly at the same time. I think there was a phase where I wanted to be a firefighter as well. Alas, I was destined to be a nerd instead.” (NYC 30 under 30) as well. Alas, I was destined to be a nerd instead.” (NYC 30 under 30) Valeisha Butterfield-Jones Valeisha Butterfield-Jones National Youth Vote Director for National Youth Vote Director for Obama for America during the election Obama for America during the election Excerpt from Glamour: Excerpt from Glamour:

When Valeisha Butterfield-Jones first When Valeisha Butterfield-Jones first met Barack Obama in 2006, she spent just met Barack Obama in 2006, she spent just five minutes with him but was instantly five minutes with him but was instantly inspired. “He talked about passing the inspired. “He talked about passing the torch to young people,” she says. “He was torch to young people,” she says. “He was so genuine.” So while working her day job, so genuine.” So while working her day job, she volunteered for Obama’s 2008 cam- she volunteered for Obama’s 2008 cam- paign. He subsequently hired her, and this paign. He subsequently hired her, and this year she’s in charge of reaching the more year she’s in charge of reaching the more than 56 million Americans between the than 56 million Americans between the ages of 18 and 30. ages of 18 and 30.

“My deputy called at 1:00 A.M. the other “My deputy called at 1:00 A.M. the other night, and we brainstormed for over an night, and we brainstormed for over an Excerpt from TheGrio: Excerpt from TheGrio: hour,” she says. “Sometimes you get the hour,” she says. “Sometimes you get the

Valeisha Butterfield-Jones is a best ideas in those moments.” That kind of Valeisha Butterfield-Jones is a best ideas in those moments.” That kind of political/communications strategist excitement keeps Butterfield-Jones, who at political/communications strategist excitement keeps Butterfield-Jones, who at and the co-founder and chair of press time was about to give birth to her and the co-founder and chair of press time was about to give birth to her the Women in Entertainment Em- first child, energized. “I’m doing this for all the Women in Entertainment Em- first child, energized. “I’m doing this for all powerment Network (WEEN), a young people,” she says, “and I’m doing powerment Network (WEEN), a young people,” she says, “and I’m doing global non-profit dedicated to global non-profit dedicated to this for my son.” this for my son.” promoting positive images of promoting positive images of women in entertainment and women in entertainment and media, and providing mentoring, Secrets of Her Success media, and providing mentoring, Secrets of Her Success scholarships and support to women scholarships and support to women seeking careers in media. 1. “Have the guts to walk into the un- seeking careers in media. 1. “Have the guts to walk into the un- known. I cold-called Russell Simmons for a known. I cold-called Russell Simmons for a The daughter of North Carolina job. I said, ‘Give me this opportunity, and I The daughter of North Carolina job. I said, ‘Give me this opportunity, and I Congressman G.K. Butterfield and will make you proud.’ He did, and I did.” Congressman G.K. Butterfield and will make you proud.’ He did, and I did.” State Representative Jean Farmer State Representative Jean Farmer Butterfield, and a graduate of Clark 2. “Those first weeks on the job are crucial. Butterfield, and a graduate of Clark 2. “Those first weeks on the job are crucial. Atlanta University, Valeisha spent Lie low and be a sponge. Listen and ob- Atlanta University, Valeisha spent Lie low and be a sponge. Listen and ob- six years as Executive Director of serve.” six years as Executive Director of serve.” Russell Simmons’ voter education Russell Simmons’ voter education and youth empowerment 3. “Mistakes happen. Own up to them. Say, and youth empowerment 3. “Mistakes happen. Own up to them. Say, organization Hip-Hop Summit ‘I screwed up, here is how, and I’m never organization Hip-Hop Summit ‘I screwed up, here is how, and I’m never Action Network. Before that, she letting it happen again.’ Action Network. Before that, she letting it happen again.’ was the Director of Diversity and was the Director of Diversity and Inclusiveness for the Alzheimer’s (glamour.com) Inclusiveness for the Alzheimer’s (glamour.com) Association. Association.

(TheGrio.com) (TheGrio.com) Samantha Tubman Samantha Tubman Deputy Social Secretary who plans Deputy Social Secretary who plans all the events for the White House all the events for the White House Excerpt from the Excerpt from the Political Girl: Political Girl: After graduating from Uni- After graduating from Uni- versity of Pennsylvania, versity of Pennsylvania, this politico joined then this politico joined then Sen. Obama on the cam- Sen. Obama on the cam- paign trail as a press wran- paign trail as a press wran- Excerpt from the NY Times: Excerpt from the NY Times: gler. As Deputy Social Sec- gler. As Deputy Social Sec- Around the table on a late September retary now, she works with Around the table on a late September retary now, she works with night were the four housemates along night were the four housemates along with Samantha Tubman, the associate the Social Secretary with Samantha Tubman, the associate the Social Secretary director to the social director to the social secretary who helps plan nearly Jeremy Bernard to execute secretary who helps plan nearly Jeremy Bernard to execute every White House event. On the events at the White House every White House event. On the events at the White House campaign trail, Tubman was a press campaign trail, Tubman was a press wrangler, one of the most difficult including state dinners, bill wrangler, one of the most difficult including state dinners, bill and least glamorous jobs. She had to signings and other social and least glamorous jobs. She had to signings and other social make sure the press corps was fed make sure the press corps was fed and on time, all while dealing with events. (Political Girl) and on time, all while dealing with events. (Political Girl) lost luggage and hotel mishaps. Tub- lost luggage and hotel mishaps. Tub- man, who is petite and has a quick, man, who is petite and has a quick, engaging smile, was also an older- It was crazy, chaotic and sleepless — a bit engaging smile, was also an older- It was crazy, chaotic and sleepless — a bit sister figure to a lot of the young staff like life on the trail, she said. sister figure to a lot of the young staff like life on the trail, she said. members. “Do you remember when members. “Do you remember when Finally, they all finished saying what they Finally, they all finished saying what they we met at a coffee shop in Keene, we met at a coffee shop in Keene, were grateful for, and the group filed out were grateful for, and the group filed out N.H., when I was still a college stu- N.H., when I was still a college stu- of the house into the misty night. Tubman of the house into the misty night. Tubman dent?” Ziskend asked, turning to Tub- dent?” Ziskend asked, turning to Tub- was going home, but the five men hailed a was going home, but the five men hailed a man. man. cab to Columbia Heights, scrambling over cab to Columbia Heights, scrambling over At the end of every Friday dinner, the one another to squeeze into the back seat, At the end of every Friday dinner, the one another to squeeze into the back seat, tradition is that everyone goes tradition is that everyone goes shouting and pointing and laughing. shouting and pointing and laughing. around the table and says something around the table and says something from the past week for which they’re “They’re such boys,” Tubman said, turning from the past week for which they’re “They’re such boys,” Tubman said, turning grateful. Tubman started. She talked to walk to her Logan Circle apartment just grateful. Tubman started. She talked to walk to her Logan Circle apartment just about her past week in Pittsburgh at about her past week in Pittsburgh at around the corner. “I love them.” (NY around the corner. “I love them.” (NY the G-20. the G-20. Times) Times) Reggie Love Reggie Love Personal assistant to President Barack Personal assistant to President Barack Obama and former Duke player Obama and former Duke player Excerpt from ESPN: Excerpt from ESPN: AMC: It is hard to sort-of have a pickup game of AMC: It is hard to sort-of have a pickup game of golf. I’m sure you’ve gotten this question be- golf. I’m sure you’ve gotten this question be- fore, but I’m going to ask anyway. What about fore, but I’m going to ask anyway. What about your basketball career prepared you for this your basketball career prepared you for this particular job? particular job? RL: Well, I think especially playing basketball at RL: Well, I think especially playing basketball at Duke, you get a sense of being a part of some- Duke, you get a sense of being a part of some- thing that is a lot greater than you and it allows thing that is a lot greater than you and it allows you to take pride in doing that – though they you to take pride in doing that – though they may not be the most glamorous things – they all may not be the most glamorous things – they all play a part. play a part. AMC: But you were kind of a superstar at AMC: But you were kind of a superstar at Duke, weren’t you? Duke, weren’t you? RL: You know, I wasn’t a superstar, the thing RL: You know, I wasn’t a superstar, the thing about Duke is that the program – they have about Duke is that the program – they have about 28 to 30 nationally televised games a about 28 to 30 nationally televised games a AMC: When people are attacking the AMC: When people are attacking the senator, does that feel personal to you? year, so in that sense, you get seen a lot. But senator, does that feel personal to you? year, so in that sense, you get seen a lot. But RL: You’re definitely a part of this or- not because of me as an individual, but because RL: You’re definitely a part of this or- not because of me as an individual, but because ganization and a part of the team, and of Coach K and the program, and the fact that ganization and a part of the team, and of Coach K and the program, and the fact that the senator is always making a case of we play well together as a team. You know the senator is always making a case of we play well together as a team. You know why he’s the best candidate to lead our why he’s the best candidate to lead our we’re always in the top 10, year in and year out, we’re always in the top 10, year in and year out, country. Everyone on the makes the country. Everyone on the makes the case for him. I think we all believe him we’re one of the top teams in the ACC, so you case for him. I think we all believe him we’re one of the top teams in the ACC, so you and we all think he’s going to be the end up getting a lot of coverage. Not because I and we all think he’s going to be the end up getting a lot of coverage. Not because I next president of the United States, and was a superstar. next president of the United States, and was a superstar. anytime someone comes across and AMC: Right, there was a difference. So you anytime someone comes across and AMC: Right, there was a difference. So you article, or we hear something on TV, or think that sort of mindset is something you article, or we hear something on TV, or think that sort of mindset is something you the radio, and for some reason someone the radio, and for some reason someone think has been helpful to you coming into the think has been helpful to you coming into the is saying the opposite, you know, your is saying the opposite, you know, your first reaction is to try to beat it back. campaign? first reaction is to try to beat it back. campaign? AMC: That’s another one of the things RL: That and you know, it helps build adversity AMC: That’s another one of the things RL: That and you know, it helps build adversity when you feel the mental discipline of and it puts a lot in perspective, when you wake when you feel the mental discipline of and it puts a lot in perspective, when you wake playing sports yourself kind of helps? up and you’re really tired. But your feet and playing sports yourself kind of helps? up and you’re really tired. But your feet and RL: It definitely helps, with just trying to RL: It definitely helps, with just trying to knees and ankles aren’t hurting. knees and ankles aren’t hurting. be consistent and getting your message be consistent and getting your message out, and making sure you’re showing up AMC: If the McCain campaign was a basketball out, and making sure you’re showing up AMC: If the McCain campaign was a basketball everyday and ready to go. It’s very help- team, what basketball team would they be? everyday and ready to go. It’s very help- team, what basketball team would they be? ful when you can say: ‘Hey man, we’ve And I think maybe Pistons, you know, for the ful when you can say: ‘Hey man, we’ve And I think maybe Pistons, you know, for the got just 70 days of hard work and push- aggressive play and all the sharp elbows, but my got just 70 days of hard work and push- aggressive play and all the sharp elbows, but my ing through, when the smoke clears… ing through, when the smoke clears… husband has also suggested the Prince- husband has also suggested the Prince- AMC: When you play, does Obama win AMC: When you play, does Obama win a lot? What’s the percentage win so far? ton defense offense – do you have an opinion? a lot? What’s the percentage win so far? ton defense offense – do you have an opinion? RL: It’s about 50-50. RL: Well, I think you may be referring to the RL: It’s about 50-50. RL: Well, I think you may be referring to the AMC: Really, he’s that good? Pistons of the 80s and early 90s…. AMC: Really, he’s that good? Pistons of the 80s and early 90s…. RL: We don’t play one-on-one, but AMC: Which do you think is a rougher sport, RL: We don’t play one-on-one, but AMC: Which do you think is a rougher sport, sometimes we’ll play like… in Iowa, we sometimes we’ll play like… in Iowa, we basketball or politics. basketball or politics. had a 3-on-3 series going on of myself, had a 3-on-3 series going on of myself, [Robert Gibbs] and [David] Axlerod. RL: Oh, politics is definitely a rougher sport, a [Robert Gibbs] and [David] Axlerod. RL: Oh, politics is definitely a rougher sport, a rougher sport on the psyche. rougher sport on the psyche. Jon Favreau Jon Favreau President Obama’s speechwriting partner President Obama’s speechwriting partner and the one he calls a “mind-reader.” and the one he calls a “mind-reader.” It sent an unambiguous message to the It sent an unambiguous message to the world that the Democrat nominee had world that the Democrat nominee had hired a member of the Facebook genera- hired a member of the Facebook genera- tion to be his speech writer, rather than a tion to be his speech writer, rather than a seasoned political professional or freelanc- seasoned political professional or freelanc- ing academic. Favreau's method was that ing academic. Favreau's method was that of the student having an essay crisis. He of the student having an essay crisis. He would withdraw with his laptop to a near- would withdraw with his laptop to a near- by Starbucks, take off his Aviator sunglass- by Starbucks, take off his Aviator sunglass- es and pound away for hours - a process he es and pound away for hours - a process he called "crashing". Even now, more soberly called "crashing". Even now, more soberly dressed and with a formal White House dressed and with a formal White House title, at the helm of a team of six writers, title, at the helm of a team of six writers, he sometimes disappears to a Washington he sometimes disappears to a Washington coffee shop for peace, caffeine and concen- coffee shop for peace, caffeine and concen- tration. This, it is safe to say, is not how tration. This, it is safe to say, is not how Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton wrote speeches for George Washington - wrote speeches for George Washington - Excerpt from GQ: or, for that matter, Raymond Moley, FDR's Excerpt from GQ: or, for that matter, Raymond Moley, FDR's Meet Obama's 'mind reader', the legendary speech writer, or Peggy Noonan, Meet Obama's 'mind reader', the legendary speech writer, or Peggy Noonan, 29-year-old, hot-desking, Facebook- when she prepared Ronald Reagan's home- 29-year-old, hot-desking, Facebook- when she prepared Ronald Reagan's home- ing frat boy charged with turning spun addresses. ing frat boy charged with turning spun addresses. presidential policy into political presidential policy into political poetry. Now the speech writer fac- As such, Favreau has always been an un- poetry. Now the speech writer fac- As such, Favreau has always been an un- es his biggest task yet: finding the official mascot of the Obama phenomenon, es his biggest task yet: finding the official mascot of the Obama phenomenon, words that will get his boss re- an important anchor of the brand. It was words that will get his boss re- an important anchor of the brand. It was elected in 2012. no accident that a host of profiles of the elected in 2012. no accident that a host of profiles of the young prodigy appeared during Obama's young prodigy appeared during Obama's Obama rose to national prominence campaign. It did the nominee's chances no Obama rose to national prominence campaign. It did the nominee's chances no with a single speech - a tour de harm for it to be known that, on the night with a single speech - a tour de harm for it to be known that, on the night force delivered at the Democratic of victory in the Iowa caucuses, Favs had e- force delivered at the Democratic of victory in the Iowa caucuses, Favs had e- National Convention in 2004. The mailed his friend: "Dude, we won. Oh my National Convention in 2004. The mailed his friend: "Dude, we won. Oh my punctuation marks of the thrilling God." Such stories cemented the idea that punctuation marks of the thrilling God." Such stories cemented the idea that presidential primaries of 2007-8 Obama was the candidate for the digital presidential primaries of 2007-8 Obama was the candidate for the digital were a series of Obama speeches era, not just the first African-American with were a series of Obama speeches era, not just the first African-American with that frequently mesmerised and a serious chance of winning, but the first that frequently mesmerised and a serious chance of winning, but the first rarely disappointed. As David Axel- candidate since Bobby Kennedy truly to rarely disappointed. As David Axel- candidate since Bobby Kennedy truly to rod, chief strategist for his presi- understand the aspirations of the young. rod, chief strategist for his presi- understand the aspirations of the young. dential campaign has observed: dential campaign has observed: "Barack trusts [Favreau]. And "Barack trusts [Favreau]. And That scrutiny came at a cost. At a party That scrutiny came at a cost. At a party Barack doesn't trust too many folks Barack doesn't trust too many folks thrown for him by his parents at their thrown for him by his parents at their with that - the notion of surrender- with that - the notion of surrender- home, Favreau was photographed with a home, Favreau was photographed with a ing that much authority over his ing that much authority over his cardboard effigy of Hillary Clinton, Obama's cardboard effigy of Hillary Clinton, Obama's own words." own words." defeated rival for the Democratic nomina- defeated rival for the Democratic nomina- Second, Favreau - or "Favs", as the Second, Favreau - or "Favs", as the tion, apparently groping her breast. Inevi- tion, apparently groping her breast. Inevi- president calls him - personified the president calls him - personified the tably, the picture ended up on Facebook. tably, the picture ended up on Facebook. brazen youthfulness of the Obama brazen youthfulness of the Obama (GQ.com) (GQ.com) campaign. campaign. Alejandra Campoverdi Alejandra Campoverdi White House aid to President Obama White House aid to President Obama and model for Maxim magazine and model for Maxim magazine Excerpt from Gawker: Excerpt from Gawker: Enough about Obama speechwriter Jon Fa- Enough about Obama speechwriter Jon Fa- vreau, 27. Who is his hot young girlfriend, vreau, 27. Who is his hot young girlfriend, Alejandra Campoverdi, and how did she make Alejandra Campoverdi, and how did she make her way from a farmworker's family her way from a farmworker's family to Maxim magazine to the White House? to Maxim magazine to the White House? And does it say anything about the Millennial And does it say anything about the Millennial Generation's take on feminism that she's hap- Generation's take on feminism that she's hap- pily reconciled reality dating TV with an Ivy pily reconciled reality dating TV with an Ivy League education; lingerie photo spreads with League education; lingerie photo spreads with a high-powered political job? a high-powered political job? Current gig: Assistant for a deputy chief of Current gig: Assistant for a deputy chief of staff to the president. Pop-culture translation: staff to the president. Pop-culture translation: Donna from the West Wing. Donna from the West Wing. Hardscrabble family history: "My stepfather... Hardscrabble family history: "My stepfather... Excerpt from her Wordpress: went from a childhood picking grapes in Cali- Excerpt from her Wordpress: went from a childhood picking grapes in Cali- fornia fields to a degree from Stanford Law fornia fields to a degree from Stanford Law Alejandra Campoverdi holds a School." Alejandra Campoverdi holds a School." Master of Public Policy from the Master of Public Policy from the Leg up: Before graduating high school in 1998, Leg up: Before graduating high school in 1998, John F. Kennedy School of Govern- John F. Kennedy School of Govern- ment at Harvard University. Prior participated in a performing arts mentorship ment at Harvard University. Prior participated in a performing arts mentorship to assuming her role with Univision, program . She likely had designs on nearby to assuming her role with Univision, program . She likely had designs on nearby Alejandra Campoverdi served as a Hollywood, judging from her later work. Alejandra Campoverdi served as a Hollywood, judging from her later work. White House aide to President Reality television: After failing to make it on- White House aide to President Reality television: After failing to make it on- Obama from 2009-2012. In that Obama from 2009-2012. In that to The Apprentice, Campoverdi in 2004 took a to The Apprentice, Campoverdi in 2004 took a role, she briefed President Obama role, she briefed President Obama in preparation for interviews with consolation gig as a contestant on the third in preparation for interviews with consolation gig as a contestant on the third Hispanic media; implemented mes- season of NBC'sFor Love Or Money, a dating Hispanic media; implemented mes- season of NBC'sFor Love Or Money, a dating saging across Hispanic television, competition in which young women vie for a saging across Hispanic television, competition in which young women vie for a radio, print and online outlets; and bachelor's affection. radio, print and online outlets; and bachelor's affection. coordinated communications relat- coordinated communications relat- Maxim: Also in 2004, Campoverdi appeared Maxim: Also in 2004, Campoverdi appeared ed to policy issues including immi- ed to policy issues including immi- gration, healthcare, education, and in the Maxim magazine phone spread . She gration, healthcare, education, and in the Maxim magazine phone spread . She issues concerning Latin America. told the lad-mag what she was looking for in a issues concerning Latin America. told the lad-mag what she was looking for in a She was raised in Los Angeles by a mate: "You have to be passionate about She was raised in Los Angeles by a mate: "You have to be passionate about single working mother, who immi- something. I don't care if it's your job or your single working mother, who immi- something. I don't care if it's your job or your grated to the United States from hobby or your shoes. Something has to make grated to the United States from hobby or your shoes. Something has to make Mexico. This perspective, as well as Mexico. This perspective, as well as you tick; something has to make you move." you tick; something has to make you move." her own experience prevailing over her own experience prevailing over adversity, has driven her passion for Movie work: Campoverdi played bit parts adversity, has driven her passion for Movie work: Campoverdi played bit parts ensuring that Hispanic youth have in The Aviator as “military arm candy” and ensuring that Hispanic youth have in The Aviator as “military arm candy” and access to quality educational oppor- Constantine as a vampire hunted by Keanu access to quality educational oppor- Constantine as a vampire hunted by Keanu tunities. Reeves. tunities. Reeves.

(gawker.com) (gawker.com) (wordpress.com) (wordpress.com) Kellee Khalil Kellee Khalil CEO of Loverly, an internet start up that CEO of Loverly, an internet start up that allows brides to plan their weddings allows brides to plan their weddings Any creative endeavors on the horizon? Any creative endeavors on the horizon? “As a young girl, I always knew I wanted to ‘build “As a young girl, I always knew I wanted to ‘build an empire.’ My career and life goal is to build an empire.’ My career and life goal is to build something bigger than myself, which can impact something bigger than myself, which can impact millions of people. I love working in technology millions of people. I love working in technology and especially building a product for women! As and especially building a product for women! As Loverly grows, we hope to continue to bring inno- Loverly grows, we hope to continue to bring inno- vation, simplicity, and awesomeness to the world vation, simplicity, and awesomeness to the world of weddings. We always have something new in of weddings. We always have something new in development, which keeps my life and my job development, which keeps my life and my job very exciting!” very exciting!” What’s the best professional lesson you ever What’s the best professional lesson you ever learned? learned? “The best advice I ever received was from one of “The best advice I ever received was from one of my personal mentors, Alexandra Wilkis Wilson of my personal mentors, Alexandra Wilkis Wilson of Gilt Groupe. She taught me a lot about building a Gilt Groupe. She taught me a lot about building a team and the ever-changing roles within a start- team and the ever-changing roles within a start- Excerpt from NYC 30 Under 30: up organization. Specifically, that at most early- Excerpt from NYC 30 Under 30: up organization. Specifically, that at most early- stage start-ups, all team members must wear a stage start-ups, all team members must wear a The Wedding Whiz number of hats; roles are constantly evolving; The Wedding Whiz number of hats; roles are constantly evolving; Weddings are known for being an and, that there will be tons of ambiguity. When Weddings are known for being an and, that there will be tons of ambiguity. When expensive source of love-tinged you are creating something from scratch, these expensive source of love-tinged you are creating something from scratch, these stress — but, thanks to 28-year-old stress — but, thanks to 28-year-old changes are typically indications of progress and changes are typically indications of progress and entrepreneurial genius Kellee Khalil, entrepreneurial genius Kellee Khalil, success. She emphasized building a team of agile, success. She emphasized building a team of agile, that’s all about to change. As that’s all about to change. As creative self-starters who thrive in such environ- creative self-starters who thrive in such environ- founder and CEO of Loverly, the founder and CEO of Loverly, the world’s first bridal search engine, ments.” world’s first bridal search engine, ments.” she’s found a way to take the stress What kind of kid were you? How does that she’s found a way to take the stress What kind of kid were you? How does that out of planning an epic soirée. affect who you are now? out of planning an epic soirée. affect who you are now? Whether searching by color “Growing up in a close-knit family of five kids, I Whether searching by color “Growing up in a close-knit family of five kids, I scheme, theme, or even wedding learned to talk fast to get my points out — still scheme, theme, or even wedding learned to talk fast to get my points out — still location, brides-to-be can find any- do! — pick things up quickly to keep up with my location, brides-to-be can find any- do! — pick things up quickly to keep up with my thing and everything they need for older siblings, and be scrappy. My parents would thing and everything they need for older siblings, and be scrappy. My parents would their big day, all on one convenient, likely tell you about my limitless energy and my their big day, all on one convenient, likely tell you about my limitless energy and my photo-packed site. Want a Gatsby- willingness to talk to anybody, anywhere. I was photo-packed site. Want a Gatsby- willingness to talk to anybody, anywhere. I was esque wedding, complete with gild- also extremely competitive. I played soccer as a esque wedding, complete with gild- also extremely competitive. I played soccer as a ed cups and feathery fascinators? kid and would always get the ‘yellow’ card. I al- ed cups and feathery fascinators? kid and would always get the ‘yellow’ card. I al- Looking for the perfect DIY-inspired Looking for the perfect DIY-inspired ways wanted to win! Luckily, as I’ve grown up, ways wanted to win! Luckily, as I’ve grown up, place cards? Just one scroll through place cards? Just one scroll through these traits have come in handy in starting my these traits have come in handy in starting my Loverly’s meticulously organized Loverly’s meticulously organized company. Fierce competitiveness, a love for company. Fierce competitiveness, a love for collection of shopable photos will collection of shopable photos will get anyone with a ring around their learning and people, and a strong desire to build get anyone with a ring around their learning and people, and a strong desire to build finger (or not!) that much more a network have helped me tremendously in finger (or not!) that much more a network have helped me tremendously in stoked for her celebration (and ex- starting Loverly.” stoked for her celebration (and ex- starting Loverly.” travagant fondant cakes). travagant fondant cakes). (NYC 30 Under 30) (NYC 30 Under 30) Suzan-Lori Parks Suzan-Lori Parks Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Genius Grant winner Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Genius Grant winner ($500,000), and creator of 365 Plays / 365 Days, where she ($500,000), and creator of 365 Plays / 365 Days, where she wrote a short play each day and got them ALL performed wrote a short play each day and got them ALL performed JIGGETTS: What does moving around JIGGETTS: What does moving around mean, and did that influence your writing? mean, and did that influence your writing?

PARKS: My dad was an officer in the army, PARKS: My dad was an officer in the army, and we moved around everywhere -- well, I and we moved around everywhere -- well, I mean it seems like we lived everywhere. mean it seems like we lived everywhere. We lived in Germany for a while. We lived We lived in Germany for a while. We lived in Kentucky, we lived in Texas, we lived in in Kentucky, we lived in Texas, we lived in California and North Carolina, and Mary- California and North Carolina, and Mary- land and Vermont, and all over Germany land and Vermont, and all over Germany when we were there. And some other plac- when we were there. And some other plac- es that I can't remember. At one time we es that I can't remember. At one time we were moving every year. I think moving were moving every year. I think moving around had an influence on my writing. around had an influence on my writing.

JIGGETTS: You talk about people who en- JIGGETTS: You talk about people who en- couraged you: were there people who tried couraged you: were there people who tried Suzan-Lori Parks I usually don’t write to discourage you from play writing? Suzan-Lori Parks I usually don’t write to discourage you from play writing? sitting down. To me, language is a phys- sitting down. To me, language is a phys- ical act. I do this with my own writing PARKS: I was being discouraged from stud- ical act. I do this with my own writing PARKS: I was being discouraged from stud- and I try to get my students to do this and I try to get my students to do this ying English literature by my teacher in ying English literature by my teacher in when they write—to move around, so when they write—to move around, so that they are focusing on the breath of high school and discouraged from writing that they are focusing on the breath of high school and discouraged from writing the characters, on the physical life of plays by some of my teachers in college. the characters, on the physical life of plays by some of my teachers in college. the character, and are putting them- Those two things together, there's nothing the character, and are putting them- Those two things together, there's nothing selves in an approximation of that char- like it! There's nothing like rejection to selves in an approximation of that char- like it! There's nothing like rejection to acter’s physical experience. That’s make you strong! acter’s physical experience. That’s make you strong! where the words come from: move- where the words come from: move- ment. I dance around, dance around, ment. I dance around, dance around, JIGGETTS: In what ways were you discour- JIGGETTS: In what ways were you discour- dance around, and then I know what dance around, and then I know what the character’s saying. I act it out, then I aged? the character’s saying. I act it out, then I aged? get it in my body, and then I take it up get it in my body, and then I take it up and get it in my head…then I sit down PARKS: Well, my teacher in high school and get it in my head…then I sit down PARKS: Well, my teacher in high school and go, “Oh yeah, right…” said that I shouldn't write because I could- and go, “Oh yeah, right…” said that I shouldn't write because I could-

SLP I’ve said I write plays because I love n't spell. She told me that if I studied any- SLP I’ve said I write plays because I love n't spell. She told me that if I studied any- black people. I just figured it out fairly thing, don't study English. I was very good black people. I just figured it out fairly thing, don't study English. I was very good recently. Not that I had any other rea- at chemistry. Actually, I wanted to become recently. Not that I had any other rea- at chemistry. Actually, I wanted to become son before that, but I realized why I son before that, but I realized why I want black people on stage—because I a scientist, so I was very good in those two want black people on stage—because I a scientist, so I was very good in those two love them. And it probably sounds very subjects; I thought, oh, I'll be a rocket sci- love them. And it probably sounds very subjects; I thought, oh, I'll be a rocket sci- vague, but it’s true. entist. But then I read Virginia Woolf -- ah, vague, but it’s true. entist. But then I read Virginia Woolf -- ah,

Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse. That Virginia Woolf, To the Lighthouse. That SLP No, I get paid the big bucks because SLP No, I get paid the big bucks because I am vague and yet, everyone under- novel pulled me from the science lab into I am vague and yet, everyone under- novel pulled me from the science lab into stands. That’s poetry, see. I’m a poet. the literature lab. I said good-bye to phys- stands. That’s poetry, see. I’m a poet. the literature lab. I said good-bye to phys- I’m not a journalist. I’m vague but you I’m not a journalist. I’m vague but you ics. Then I wrote my first play in college. ics. Then I wrote my first play in college. know exactly what I mean. I write be- know exactly what I mean. I write be- cause I love black people. I don’t know, (Project Muse) cause I love black people. I don’t know, (Project Muse) that in itself will take me a long way. that in itself will take me a long way. (bombsite.com) (bombsite.com) Lynn Nottage Lynn Nottage Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Genius Grant winner Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Genius Grant winner ($500,000), Brooklyn Native, and creator of Ruined, the ($500,000), Brooklyn Native, and creator of Ruined, the most well received play in a decade most well received play in a decade TR: Did you travel to Eastern Congo for your TR: Did you travel to Eastern Congo for your research? LN: In 2004 I went to Uganda, to research? LN: In 2004 I went to Uganda, to the border, but the conflict I was looking at, in the border, but the conflict I was looking at, in the Iture rainforest area the war was very the Iture rainforest area the war was very much still going on and a lot of Congolese much still going on and a lot of Congolese refugees were flowing over the border. It was refugees were flowing over the border. It was fascinating. It’s fascinating in particular be- fascinating. It’s fascinating in particular be- cause Uganda is a place where there has been cause Uganda is a place where there has been relative calm … But right over the border, you relative calm … But right over the border, you have these unspeakable things that are hap- have these unspeakable things that are hap- pening. pening.

TR: How do you think Ruined will resonate TR: How do you think Ruined will resonate with African-American women? Is there a with African-American women? Is there a conversation to be had between Africa and conversation to be had between Africa and America? LN: I like to tell a story—when I was America? LN: I like to tell a story—when I was conducting the first round of interview with conducting the first round of interview with Excerpt from The Root: Congolese women I was wearing this very Excerpt from The Root: Congolese women I was wearing this very Sexual violence against tens of colorful bubu I had bought in Senegal because Sexual violence against tens of colorful bubu I had bought in Senegal because thousands of women has been a it was very comfortable, and I wanted the thousands of women has been a it was very comfortable, and I wanted the chilling constant during the decade woman to feel at ease with me. And a photo- chilling constant during the decade woman to feel at ease with me. And a photo- of chaos and conflict in Eastern graph was taken, and when I returned home of chaos and conflict in Eastern graph was taken, and when I returned home Congo—so much so that Secretary and I was going through my photographs, it Congo—so much so that Secretary and I was going through my photographs, it of State Hillary Clinton last July de- took a moment for me to pick myself out. I of State Hillary Clinton last July de- took a moment for me to pick myself out. I clared rape a weapon of mass de- realized that I am telling a story not just about clared rape a weapon of mass de- realized that I am telling a story not just about struction. The carnage inspired these women, I am telling a story about my- struction. The carnage inspired these women, I am telling a story about my- playwright Lynn Nottage to explore self but for the grace of God, which is the con- playwright Lynn Nottage to explore self but for the grace of God, which is the con- the fallout for women at war. text. And I also feel a tremendous sisterhood the fallout for women at war. text. And I also feel a tremendous sisterhood In Ruined, Nottage introduces us to with these women. In Ruined, Nottage introduces us to with these women. Selima, a simple girl raped and en- Selima, a simple girl raped and en- slaved for months, then treated as slaved for months, then treated as R: When you were casting these women, R: When you were casting these women, damaged goods by her husband; damaged goods by her husband; who inhabit the heart and soul of this play, who inhabit the heart and soul of this play, Josephine, a chatty sexpot forced Josephine, a chatty sexpot forced by circumstance into a life of sex what did you look for? What impact might by circumstance into a life of sex what did you look for? What impact might work, and Sofie, a quiet beauty your work have on blacks and the performing work, and Sofie, a quiet beauty your work have on blacks and the performing whose rape at the end of a bayonet arts? LN: I looked for women who were self- whose rape at the end of a bayonet arts? LN: I looked for women who were self- has left her internal organs, and possessed, who had a combination of vulner- has left her internal organs, and possessed, who had a combination of vulner- herself, “ruined.” ability and real strength. Some women would herself, “ruined.” ability and real strength. Some women would come in, and they could get the vulnerability come in, and they could get the vulnerability Nottage’s play, which won the Pu- side, but they couldn’t access their strength Nottage’s play, which won the Pu- side, but they couldn’t access their strength litzer Prize for drama in 2009, is a and couldn’t find a way to transcend the sad- litzer Prize for drama in 2009, is a and couldn’t find a way to transcend the sad- powerful political statement and ness to find the resilience and hope in the powerful political statement and ness to find the resilience and hope in the artistic achievement. On the stage: character. And then you had the reverse, artistic achievement. On the stage: character. And then you had the reverse, gunshots, war cries, abject poverty. there were these women who had all this gunshots, war cries, abject poverty. there were these women who had all this In the spotlight: the proud Mama strength and had this beautiful vibrato in their In the spotlight: the proud Mama strength and had this beautiful vibrato in their Nadi, played by actress Portia, a voice—but were not able to find the vulnera- Nadi, played by actress Portia, a voice—but were not able to find the vulnera- feminist who protects women. bility. (The Root) feminist who protects women. bility. (The Root) Audie Cornish Audie Cornish Journalist for NPR and co-host of its Journalist for NPR and co-host of its flagship show,All Things Considered. flagship show,All Things Considered. You’re young, too. Is this part of an appeal You’re young, too. Is this part of an appeal to a younger, wider demographic? to a younger, wider demographic? I think that’s always a part of what’s going I think that’s always a part of what’s going on there. The thing that people don’t realize on there. The thing that people don’t realize is that there are a lot of young people work- is that there are a lot of young people work- ing at NPR. Their influence is already working ing at NPR. Their influence is already working its way into the culture there. So it’s not so its way into the culture there. So it’s not so much of an anomaly as people might think. much of an anomaly as people might think. You look at our host Guy Raz at All Things You look at our host Guy Raz at All Things Considered. He’s interviewing Eminem and Considered. He’s interviewing Eminem and Will.i.am and doing fun things that maybe Will.i.am and doing fun things that maybe don’t quite fit in on the weekday shows don’t quite fit in on the weekday shows where there’s a lot of news, but speaks to where there’s a lot of news, but speaks to another generation of listener that is coming another generation of listener that is coming to us through the iPad and the Web. I mean, to us through the iPad and the Web. I mean, Excerpt from her NPR Bio: Excerpt from her NPR Bio: don’t expect rap on Sunday morning. A little, don’t expect rap on Sunday morning. A little, Audie Cornish is host of NPR’s but it’s not going to all of a sudden turn into Audie Cornish is host of NPR’s but it’s not going to all of a sudden turn into All Things Considered. Previ- some sort of VH1-light situation because I’m All Things Considered. Previ- some sort of VH1-light situation because I’m ously, she served as host ously, she served as host young and brown. young and brown. of Weekend Edition Sunday. of Weekend Edition Sunday. How will your show be different? How will your show be different? Prior to moving into that host Prior to moving into that host Change is hard for NPR. The model I am look- Change is hard for NPR. The model I am look- position in the fall of 2011, Cor- position in the fall of 2011, Cor- nish reported from Capitol Hill ing to, and I’m even hesitant to say this, is nish reported from Capitol Hill ing to, and I’m even hesitant to say this, is for NPR News. She was part of Jimmy Fallon—it’s still late night. It’s the for NPR News. She was part of Jimmy Fallon—it’s still late night. It’s the NPR's six-person reporting same late-night show you’re used to seeing, NPR's six-person reporting same late-night show you’re used to seeing, team during the 2008 presiden- team during the 2008 presiden- just a little bit more. They have a band, but just a little bit more. They have a band, but tial election, and had a featured tial election, and had a featured role in coverage of the Demo- it’s the Roots! role in coverage of the Demo- it’s the Roots! cratic National Convention in cratic National Convention in Denver. You should have a house band! Denver. You should have a house band! Thinking about it! [Laughs.] At least a DJ. A Thinking about it! [Laughs.] At least a DJ. A Cornish comes to Washington, Cornish comes to Washington, D.C., from Nashville, where she Sunday morning Bloody Mary DJ. D.C., from Nashville, where she Sunday morning Bloody Mary DJ. covered the South for NPR, in- covered the South for NPR, in- cluding many the Gulf states left So no more Saturday nights out. cluding many the Gulf states left So no more Saturday nights out. reeling by the 2005 hurricane sea- reeling by the 2005 hurricane sea- Here’s the deal: there’s only like six people in Here’s the deal: there’s only like six people in son. She has also covered the son. She has also covered the aftermath of other disasters, in- the world that are hosts for NPR. I’ll happily aftermath of other disasters, in- the world that are hosts for NPR. I’ll happily cluding the deaths of several min- relinquish Saturday nights. Basically if I got cluding the deaths of several min- relinquish Saturday nights. Basically if I got ers in West Virginia in 2006, as hit by a bus right now I can say I’ve been a ers in West Virginia in 2006, as hit by a bus right now I can say I’ve been a well as the tornadoes that struck well as the tornadoes that struck Tennessee in 2006 and Alabama host for National Public Radio. Tennessee in 2006 and Alabama host for National Public Radio. in 2007. (adweek.com) in 2007. (adweek.com)

(npr.org) (npr.org) Michel Martin Michel Martin Host for NPR’s Tell Me More, which comes Host for NPR’s Tell Me More, which comes on 90.1 at 8pm each night. on 90.1 at 8pm each night. Excerpt from an interview on education: Excerpt from an interview on education: Here we are with Michel Martin, who had a Here we are with Michel Martin, who had a great show this morning about education. great show this morning about education. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit Could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit more about your show? Sure, I’d be happy more about your show? Sure, I’d be happy to. I’m Michel Martin, I’m the host of Tell Me to. I’m Michel Martin, I’m the host of Tell Me More, it’s a daily, Monday – Friday program More, it’s a daily, Monday – Friday program broadcast out of Washington DC. It is national, broadcast out of Washington DC. It is national, we are in about 130 markets or so around the we are in about 130 markets or so around the country and the program has been on for country and the program has been on for about 5 years. Education has always been one about 5 years. Education has always been one of the pillars of the program. You know, a of the pillars of the program. You know, a show is like a pair of shoes or a jacket, you show is like a pair of shoes or a jacket, you have to have a reason to have it in your closet. have to have a reason to have it in your closet. One of the pillars of the program has always One of the pillars of the program has always been education, pushing education forward. been education, pushing education forward. We don’t have any axe to grind in terms of the We don’t have any axe to grind in terms of the Excerpt from her NPR Bio: way we want people to think about education. Excerpt from her NPR Bio: way we want people to think about education. We just know that the people we talk to, from We just know that the people we talk to, from Michel Martin is curious about many all different backgrounds, education is always Michel Martin is curious about many all different backgrounds, education is always things. "I wonder what it's like to one of their top priorities if not the top priori- things. "I wonder what it's like to one of their top priorities if not the top priori- leave everything and everyone you ty for them. And yet it’s very hard to have leave everything and everyone you ty for them. And yet it’s very hard to have know for the promise of a better life, national conversations about it, because edu- know for the promise of a better life, national conversations about it, because edu- to run for President, to be a profes- cation is so local, and a lot of people don’t see to run for President, to be a profes- cation is so local, and a lot of people don’t see sional athlete, to parent children of a the connections to other things happening in sional athlete, to parent children of a the connections to other things happening in different race," she notes. "I am fasci- other places. What we try to do is not only to different race," she notes. "I am fasci- other places. What we try to do is not only to nated by people who live lives differ- bring a national perspective to local stories, nated by people who live lives differ- bring a national perspective to local stories, ent from my own. And at the same but also to stay in touch with the local stories ent from my own. And at the same but also to stay in touch with the local stories time, I feel connected to all of these so that people can understand what’s happen- time, I feel connected to all of these so that people can understand what’s happen- lives being a journalist, a woman of ing. I think you can see by the types of guests lives being a journalist, a woman of ing. I think you can see by the types of guests color, a wife and mother." All these that we are able to get, that other people are color, a wife and mother." All these that we are able to get, that other people are topics are part of Tell Me More, the having those conversations too. You know I topics are part of Tell Me More, the having those conversations too. You know I one-hour daily NPR news and talk also think that we should have a 2 hour show, one-hour daily NPR news and talk also think that we should have a 2 hour show, show. not a 1 hour show so feel free to raise the show. not a 1 hour show so feel free to raise the question! I have to say, as I said before, edu- question! I have to say, as I said before, edu- Martin, who came to NPR in January cation has always been one of the pillars of Martin, who came to NPR in January cation has always been one of the pillars of 2006 to develop the program, has our stool. If you asked us, how do we see our 2006 to develop the program, has our stool. If you asked us, how do we see our been a journalist — first in print with mission as a program, covering education is been a journalist — first in print with mission as a program, covering education is major newspapers and then in televi- one of the pillars of that stool, because it’s major newspapers and then in televi- one of the pillars of that stool, because it’s sion. "What makes public radio something that affects everyone. It touches sion. "What makes public radio something that affects everyone. It touches special is that it's got both intimacy the future, it touches the past. You don’t have special is that it's got both intimacy the future, it touches the past. You don’t have and reach all at once. For the cost of to have kids in school for it to affect you. Let and reach all at once. For the cost of to have kids in school for it to affect you. Let a phone call, I can take you around me tell you, long before I came to NPR, I was a phone call, I can take you around me tell you, long before I came to NPR, I was the world. But I'm right there with working in this particular field — and I have the world. But I'm right there with working in this particular field — and I have you in your car, in your living room or been a journalist for a long, long time. Educa- you in your car, in your living room or been a journalist for a long, long time. Educa- kitchen or office, in your iPod.” tion and children’s future are things that we kitchen or office, in your iPod.” tion and children’s future are things that we (npr.org) all have to care about. (npr.org) all have to care about. ( alexcd.org) ( alexcd.org) Melissa Harris-Perry Melissa Harris-Perry College professor during the week and College professor during the week and MSNBC host of MHP on the weekend MSNBC host of MHP on the weekend Excerpt from My New Orleans: Excerpt from My New Orleans:

Why do you report on New Orleans? Why do you report on New Orleans? MHP: When I first got the show, one of my major MHP: When I first got the show, one of my major commitments was that we would not say all politics commitments was that we would not say all politics happen between D.C. and New York. There’s al- happen between D.C. and New York. There’s al- ways this assumption that something either hap- ways this assumption that something either hap- pens in D.C. or happens in New York. To me, South- pens in D.C. or happens in New York. To me, South- ern politics are the most interesting. ern politics are the most interesting.

So why do you say that? So why do you say that? Well part of it is because I’m a Southerner. The Well part of it is because I’m a Southerner. The South generates not only a different history, but a South generates not only a different history, but a different set of assumptions about government and different set of assumptions about government and about people. It’s also an incredibly racially diverse about people. It’s also an incredibly racially diverse part of the country. Even though, like people in the part of the country. Even though, like people in the North are always like “Oh those Southern racists,” North are always like “Oh those Southern racists,” but we’re the ones actually figuring race out. We’re but we’re the ones actually figuring race out. We’re the ones actually working on it. We’re the ones the ones actually working on it. We’re the ones Excerpt from The Root: actually dealing with all the complicated effects. Excerpt from The Root: actually dealing with all the complicated effects.

And the other thing is Southern poverty is so differ- And the other thing is Southern poverty is so differ- Melissa Harris-Perry, host of her ent than like... There’s like this 1990s version of Melissa Harris-Perry, host of her ent than like... There’s like this 1990s version of own MSNBC show, would not have “urban poverty” is Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, own MSNBC show, would not have “urban poverty” is Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, found success without the support Philadelphia. But our poverty is different. When we found success without the support Philadelphia. But our poverty is different. When we of her parents and mentors, she talk about poverty, and when we talk about South- of her parents and mentors, she talk about poverty, and when we talk about South- told us last fall at The Root 100 gala ern poverty, it’s really important. told us last fall at The Root 100 gala ern poverty, it’s really important. in New York City. Because of that, in New York City. Because of that, she likes to pay it forward and help You bought a house to restore, but it was de- she likes to pay it forward and help You bought a house to restore, but it was de- as many people as she can. Her best stroyed in Hurricane Isaac. I just heard you talking as many people as she can. Her best stroyed in Hurricane Isaac. I just heard you talking piece of advice? Be your authentic about turning it into a garden? piece of advice? Be your authentic about turning it into a garden? Yeah, that’s the plan. We just got the fence up. It’s Yeah, that’s the plan. We just got the fence up. It’s self. self. a huge lot. We bought this property in the first a huge lot. We bought this property in the first place because we were very worried about crime place because we were very worried about crime "I'm always excited to see, particu- and blight in our neighborhood. So for now, we’re "I'm always excited to see, particu- and blight in our neighborhood. So for now, we’re larly women of color, and young trying to figure out a way that it contributes to our larly women of color, and young trying to figure out a way that it contributes to our women of color, just being their full neighborhood. At the moment, our neighborhood women of color, just being their full neighborhood. At the moment, our neighborhood whole selves without feeling like needs green space. whole selves without feeling like needs green space. they have to fit into a very narrow they have to fit into a very narrow box," said Harris-Perry, who was box," said Harris-Perry, who was So why do you think it’s so important to restore So why do you think it’s so important to restore #1 on The Root 100 list for 2012, New Orleans? #1 on The Root 100 list for 2012, New Orleans? our annual list of the most influen- Part of it is I just love it. Some of it's irrational, but our annual list of the most influen- Part of it is I just love it. Some of it's irrational, but tial African Americans. you love it and you value it. People here have a tial African Americans. you love it and you value it. People here have a front porch that the people still sit out in front of front porch that the people still sit out in front of FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW IS and talk to their neighbors. There’s a way of life FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW IS and talk to their neighbors. There’s a way of life AVAILABLE AT THE WEBSITE! here that if we lost it, it would be a loss not just for AVAILABLE AT THE WEBSITE! here that if we lost it, it would be a loss not just for us, but it would be a loss for the country. us, but it would be a loss for the country.

(theroot.com) (myneworleans.com) (theroot.com) (myneworleans.com) Jason Moran Jason Moran Violinist, Composer, Genius Grant winner ($500,000), Violinist, Composer, Genius Grant winner ($500,000), and Director for the Kennedy Center in NYC and Director for the Kennedy Center in NYC Excerpt from PBS: Excerpt from PBS:

JEFFREY BROWN: One of the wonderful contra- JEFFREY BROWN: One of the wonderful contra- dictions of jazz-- or I don't know if it's a contra- dictions of jazz-- or I don't know if it's a contra- diction, but always strikes me is it is something diction, but always strikes me is it is something so brand-new. There's the improvisation. It's so brand-new. There's the improvisation. It's created in the moment, but it also comes from a created in the moment, but it also comes from a very long tradition. very long tradition.

JASON MORAN: Right. Right. And it's important, JASON MORAN: Right. Right. And it's important, I mean, also for the tradition of America really. I mean, also for the tradition of America really. The music speaks to its history here, you know, The music speaks to its history here, you know, born out of, you know, one of the more trying born out of, you know, one of the more trying times of America, born out of slavery. Blues and times of America, born out of slavery. Blues and gospel and jazz come out of these freedom gospel and jazz come out of these freedom musics, these musics that promote thought. musics, these musics that promote thought.

They promote consciousness. And they promote They promote consciousness. And they promote therapy also, not only for the musicians, but for therapy also, not only for the musicians, but for the audience that is listening. After hearing this the audience that is listening. After hearing this Excerpt from bio from The Root: music, I feel ready to address the world again. Excerpt from bio from The Root: music, I feel ready to address the world again.

Jason Moran creates original jazz JEFFREY BROWN: Do you listen to hip hop? Jason Moran creates original jazz JEFFREY BROWN: Do you listen to hip hop? compositions and reinterpretations compositions and reinterpretations of classics that stretch the genre's JASON MORAN: I listen to a lot of hip-hop, lis- of classics that stretch the genre's JASON MORAN: I listen to a lot of hip-hop, lis- boundaries by blending classical, ten a lot of R&B. I listen to a lot of current tech- boundaries by blending classical, ten a lot of R&B. I listen to a lot of current tech- no and electronica, because, you know, the no and electronica, because, you know, the blues, rock, hip-hop, funk and blues, rock, hip-hop, funk and music keeps changing. And I look at my 4-year- music keeps changing. And I look at my 4-year- the spoken word. old twins and I say I wonder what they'll listen the spoken word. old twins and I say I wonder what they'll listen to when they're 13 or 14, when music starts to to when they're 13 or 14, when music starts to In November of 2011, he was really matter. In November of 2011, he was really matter. tapped for a three-year appoint- tapped for a three-year appoint- ment as the Kennedy Center's artis- JEFFREY BROWN: Is that how you started, as a ment as the Kennedy Center's artis- JEFFREY BROWN: Is that how you started, as a tic adviser for jazz -- becoming only child, piano? tic adviser for jazz -- becoming only child, piano? the second person to hold the the second person to hold the JASON MORAN: Yes. Yes, fortunately. I say for- JASON MORAN: Yes. Yes, fortunately. I say for- position. position. tunately now. It was unfortunate when I was 7 tunately now. It was unfortunate when I was 7 years old, because who wants to practice pi- years old, because who wants to practice pi- Albums by the Houston native and ano? But my parents had me in Suzuki classes Albums by the Houston native and ano? But my parents had me in Suzuki classes Manhattan School of Music gradu- with a fantastic teacher, Yelena Kurinets, who Manhattan School of Music gradu- with a fantastic teacher, Yelena Kurinets, who ate include Modernistic: Some really taught me about the basics of the tech- ate include Modernistic: Some really taught me about the basics of the tech- Mother and Ten. Moran has per- nique of the piano, but also the love and the Mother and Ten. Moran has per- nique of the piano, but also the love and the formed with artists such as Cassan- passion that would then grow. I don't know how formed with artists such as Cassan- passion that would then grow. I don't know how dra Wilson, Wayne Shorter and she planted this seed. It was amazing how she dra Wilson, Wayne Shorter and she planted this seed. It was amazing how she did this, because now when I go back to Hou- did this, because now when I go back to Hou- Marian McPartland and won a 2010 Marian McPartland and won a 2010 ston to perform, she's there sitting in the audi- ston to perform, she's there sitting in the audi- MacArthur Foundation fellowship. ence still commenting on my technique. MacArthur Foundation fellowship. ence still commenting on my technique. He serves on the New England Con- He serves on the New England Con- servatory faculty. (pbs.org) servatory faculty. (pbs.org)

(theroot.com) (theroot.com) Britney Exline Britney Exline UPENN graduate and youngest profession- UPENN graduate and youngest profession- al engineer in history at 19 years old al engineer in history at 19 years old Excerpt from Ebony: Excerpt from Ebony: Being a standout is nothing new for Brittney Exline. Being a standout is nothing new for Brittney Exline. The Colorado Springs, Colo., native made history in The Colorado Springs, Colo., native made history in 2007 at the age of 15 when she became the young- 2007 at the age of 15 when she became the young- est African-American female accepted into an Ivy est African-American female accepted into an Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania League school, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn). (Penn).

Exline has made history once again as the school’s Exline has made history once again as the school’s youngest engineer and the nation’s youngest Afri- youngest engineer and the nation’s youngest Afri- can-American engineer. The 19-year-old recently can-American engineer. The 19-year-old recently graduated, and already, she’s landed a job with a graduated, and already, she’s landed a job with a software company outside of Boston. “I’m a little software company outside of Boston. “I’m a little bit nervous,” said Exline. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Being bit nervous,” said Exline. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Being 19 doesn’t bother me. It’s just being fresh out of 19 doesn’t bother me. It’s just being fresh out of college and having a new transition.” college and having a new transition.”

Exline, who speaks Spanish, French, Japanese, Rus- Exline, who speaks Spanish, French, Japanese, Rus- Excerpt from The Root: Excerpt from The Root: sian, Arabic and German, doubled her loads to sian, Arabic and German, doubled her loads to

graduate in four years with minors in math, psy- graduate in four years with minors in math, psy- Brittney likes to say that she is a product Brittney likes to say that she is a product chology and classical studies. “I’ve never had less chology and classical studies. “I’ve never had less of nature and nurture. She taught her- of nature and nurture. She taught her- than five classes,” she said. “But I’ve had as many than five classes,” she said. “But I’ve had as many self how to read at age 2. She did com- self how to read at age 2. She did com- as 6.5 classes. I just made sure I had time to study.” as 6.5 classes. I just made sure I had time to study.” plicated jigsaw puzzles. She used to plicated jigsaw puzzles. She used to solve problems out of workbooks for According to her mom, “We made sure they got solve problems out of workbooks for According to her mom, “We made sure they got fun. Her mom noticed her early accom- everything they needed to succeed. I made sure fun. Her mom noticed her early accom- everything they needed to succeed. I made sure plishments and tried to find the best they remained committed even when they wanted plishments and tried to find the best they remained committed even when they wanted educational fit, which is how she ended to quit. They learned you can’t quit an activity just educational fit, which is how she ended to quit. They learned you can’t quit an activity just up skipping three grades. because it’s hard. Sometimes you need to stick with up skipping three grades. because it’s hard. Sometimes you need to stick with something. That’s the only way to learn how to something. That’s the only way to learn how to She is a software engineer for Chikita, an persevere and overcome true obstacles. Eventually, She is a software engineer for Chikita, an persevere and overcome true obstacles. Eventually, online advertising network in it becomes a part of you. I believe this.” online advertising network in it becomes a part of you. I believe this.” Westborough, Mass. "My mom had to Exline, a dancer whose held many pageant titles Westborough, Mass. "My mom had to Exline, a dancer whose held many pageant titles fight to get me to a place that was chal- including 2004 Miss Colorado Pre-Teen and 2006 fight to get me to a place that was chal- including 2004 Miss Colorado Pre-Teen and 2006 lenging," she said. "I just happened to Miss Colorado Jr. National Teenager, was fortunate lenging," she said. "I just happened to Miss Colorado Jr. National Teenager, was fortunate rise to that challenge." Brittney tries to enough to find internships each summer. Volun- rise to that challenge." Brittney tries to enough to find internships each summer. Volun- encourage more African-American teerism is her passion, but for right now, Exline is encourage more African-American teerism is her passion, but for right now, Exline is youths to consider STEM (science, tech- concerned with figuring out a way to do something youths to consider STEM (science, tech- concerned with figuring out a way to do something nology, engineering and mathematics) that she’s avoided for a long time: learning how to nology, engineering and mathematics) that she’s avoided for a long time: learning how to careers. "We have an outdated way of drive. “I didn’t need to learn in Philly; I used public careers. "We have an outdated way of drive. “I didn’t need to learn in Philly; I used public teaching math and science," she said. transportation. Also, I didn’t really want to learn teaching math and science," she said. transportation. Also, I didn’t really want to learn "We need it be more interactive and that badly,” she said. “I was hoping to get a job in "We need it be more interactive and that badly,” she said. “I was hoping to get a job in more project-oriented." an area where I didn’t have to learn how to drive. I more project-oriented." an area where I didn’t have to learn how to drive. I have to learn now, being outside of Boston, be- have to learn now, being outside of Boston, be- (theroot.com) cause it isn’t as accessible with public transporta- (theroot.com) cause it isn’t as accessible with public transporta- tion.” (ebony.com) tion.” (ebony.com) Kadir Nelson Kadir Nelson Award winning artist and illustrator for Award winning artist and illustrator for children’s books children’s books Excerpt from Seven Impossible Things Excerpt from Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast: Before Breakfast:

What exactly is your process when you are What exactly is your process when you are illustrating a book, particularly when it’s one illustrating a book, particularly when it’s one you have written? you have written? Kadir: My process for creating the words Kadir: My process for creating the words and paintings for We Are the Ship was very and paintings for We Are the Ship was very organic. I started with a few paintings and organic. I started with a few paintings and then put them away and concentrated on then put them away and concentrated on the manuscript. Once it was in pretty good the manuscript. Once it was in pretty good shape, I picked up where I left off on the shape, I picked up where I left off on the artwork. I essentially painted all of the im- artwork. I essentially painted all of the im- ages I wanted and then left it to the art di- ages I wanted and then left it to the art di- rector to find a place to put them. So essen- rector to find a place to put them. So essen- tially the art and manuscript were created in tially the art and manuscript were created in two separate vacuums, though there was a two separate vacuums, though there was a bit of overlap at times. bit of overlap at times.

Can you briefly tell us what your school vis- Can you briefly tell us what your school vis- Excerpt from Scholastic its are like and how they affect your work as Excerpt from Scholastic its are like and how they affect your work as an artist, if at all? an artist, if at all? Kadir Nelson is a critically acclaimed Kadir: Through a PowerPoint demonstra- Kadir Nelson is a critically acclaimed Kadir: Through a PowerPoint demonstra- artist and illustrator. He has re- tion, I show school kids my evolution as an artist and illustrator. He has re- tion, I show school kids my evolution as an ceived many awards and honors for artist, including my drawings of Charlie ceived many awards and honors for artist, including my drawings of Charlie his children's books, including the Brown and Snoopy drawn with pencils and his children's books, including the Brown and Snoopy drawn with pencils and crayons at six years old. The intention is to crayons at six years old. The intention is to 2009 Sibert Medal for We Are the 2009 Sibert Medal for We Are the let them know that everyone has to start let them know that everyone has to start Ship, a Coretta Scott King Award somewhere. With hard work, determination, Ship, a Coretta Scott King Award somewhere. With hard work, determination, forEllington Was Not a and a desire to improve and have fun, any- forEllington Was Not a and a desire to improve and have fun, any- Street, written by Ntozake one can achieve their dreams. It’s an im- Street, written by Ntozake one can achieve their dreams. It’s an im- Shange, and the NAACP Image portant lesson for people of all ages. Shange, and the NAACP Image portant lesson for people of all ages. Award for Just the Two of Us, Award for Just the Two of Us, written by Will Smith. What is your favorite word? written by Will Smith. What is your favorite word? Visceral. Visceral. What is your least favorite word? What is your least favorite word? Nelson won a 2008 Caldecott Honor Sigh. Nelson won a 2008 Caldecott Honor Sigh. for Henry's Freedom Box, written by What turns you on creatively or spiritually for Henry's Freedom Box, written by What turns you on creatively or spiritually Ellen Levine. In this stirring, dra- Passion, quality, and truth. Ellen Levine. In this stirring, dra- Passion, quality, and truth. matic story of a slave who mails What turns you off? matic story of a slave who mails What turns you off? himself to freedom, Nelson com- People who are not motivated to improve their himself to freedom, Nelson com- People who are not motivated to improve their bined his own style of painting with selves or their environment. bined his own style of painting with selves or their environment. a cross-hatched style of illustration What sound or noise do you love? a cross-hatched style of illustration What sound or noise do you love? The wind in the trees, LOVE it! The wind in the trees, LOVE it! he found used in a historial litho- he found used in a historial litho- What sound or noise do you hate? What sound or noise do you hate? graph from 1850 that documented Sigh. graph from 1850 that documented Sigh. Henry's arrival to Philadelphia. What profession other than your own would you Henry's arrival to Philadelphia. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? like to attempt? "The challenge that comes with Musician or comedian. "The challenge that comes with Musician or comedian. illustrating historical picture books What profession would you not like to do? illustrating historical picture books What profession would you not like to do? is finding accurate references," Anything that is not creative. is finding accurate references," Anything that is not creative. states Nelson. "Deciphering be- If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God states Nelson. "Deciphering be- If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God tween what is accurate, and what is say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? tween what is accurate, and what is say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “Hey, there he is!” (blaine.org) “Hey, there he is!” (blaine.org) not." (scholastic.com) not." (scholastic.com) Thione Niang Thione Niang Political activist Political activist Excerpt from WKYC NBC NEWS: Excerpt from WKYC NBC NEWS:

Niang spent time in Chicago training to be Niang spent time in Chicago training to be a field organizer to spearhead fundraising a field organizer to spearhead fundraising efforts and field operations. He worked for efforts and field operations. He worked for the campaign in nine different cities over the campaign in nine different cities over the nearly 20- month campaign. the nearly 20- month campaign.

He is now the National Chairman of the He is now the National Chairman of the Young Democrats of America College Cau- Young Democrats of America College Cau- cus, a position requiring him to speak to cus, a position requiring him to speak to young people all over the world. His moti- young people all over the world. His moti- vational lectures have taken him to vational lectures have taken him to schools, conventions, and even detention schools, conventions, and even detention centers throughout the U.S. , Africa, and centers throughout the U.S. , Africa, and Excerpt from Complex: China. Excerpt from Complex: China. Coming from a family of 28 in the Coming from a family of 28 in the West African country, Senegal, It is often said that "knowledge is power" West African country, Senegal, It is often said that "knowledge is power" Thione Niang knows all about or- and "a mind is a terrible thing to waste." It Thione Niang knows all about or- and "a mind is a terrible thing to waste." It ganizing people for a common seems clear that Thione Niang has his mind ganizing people for a common seems clear that Thione Niang has his mind cause. made up and is not wasting any time em- cause. made up and is not wasting any time em- powering others --- and in the process, he powering others --- and in the process, he Seeing the potential of his peers to has empowered himself. Seeing the potential of his peers to has empowered himself. mold the socioeconomic and politi- mold the socioeconomic and politi- cal futures of their communities, cal futures of their communities, (WKYC NBC NEWS) (WKYC NBC NEWS) Niang founded The Give One Pro- Niang founded The Give One Pro- ject—a global non-profit organiza- ject—a global non-profit organiza- Excerpt from Complex: Excerpt from Complex: tion focused on empowering and tion focused on empowering and engaging youth to take social and In 2011, Niang was named one of America's engaging youth to take social and In 2011, Niang was named one of America's political action in their communi- Top Ten Most Daring Young Black Activists political action in their communi- Top Ten Most Daring Young Black Activists ties. Currently operating in France, and he continues to travel the world speak- ties. Currently operating in France, and he continues to travel the world speak- the USA, Canada, and throughout ing to young people about leadership and the USA, Canada, and throughout ing to young people about leadership and service. He also hosts an online social fo- service. He also hosts an online social fo- West Africa, The Give One Project West Africa, The Give One Project rum called "The Thione Niang rum called "The Thione Niang has encouraged many young activ- Show", which is dedicated to socially con- has encouraged many young activ- Show", which is dedicated to socially con- ists to become leaders and impact scious discourse about art, culture, busi- ists to become leaders and impact scious discourse about art, culture, busi- the environments in which they ness and politics. the environments in which they ness and politics. live. live. (Complex) (Complex) (Complex) (Complex) Sejal Hathi Sejal Hathi Medical and women’s rights activist who Medical and women’s rights activist who has already founded two philanthropies has already founded two philanthropies Any creative endeavors on the horizon? Any creative endeavors on the horizon? “I seek to nurture girls’ potential as social innova- “I seek to nurture girls’ potential as social innova- tors by also first enriching the soil in which it must tors by also first enriching the soil in which it must root — to build locally grounded health systems root — to build locally grounded health systems that deliver quality, cost-effective, gender-sensitive that deliver quality, cost-effective, gender-sensitive care to even the most marginalized women.” care to even the most marginalized women.”

What’s the best professional lesson you ever What’s the best professional lesson you ever learned? learned? “Failure always is possible, but it becomes certain “Failure always is possible, but it becomes certain only when you don’t try. Whenever I feel like giving only when you don’t try. Whenever I feel like giving up or giving in — whenever I fear accepting a new up or giving in — whenever I fear accepting a new responsibility, launching an audacious project, de- responsibility, launching an audacious project, de- manding my fair due — I hear the voice of my manding my fair due — I hear the voice of my mother, urging me to 'just go for it' and focus only mother, urging me to 'just go for it' and focus only on my dreams. on my dreams.

Excerpt from NYC 30 under 30: Excerpt from NYC 30 under 30: What kind of kid were you? How does that affect What kind of kid were you? How does that affect The Girl Empowerer The Girl Empowerer who you are now? who you are now? Incredible, brilliant, virtuous — there “Intense, singularly driven, vibrant, assertive, lively, Incredible, brilliant, virtuous — there “Intense, singularly driven, vibrant, assertive, lively, are not enough praiseworthy adjectives passionate and impassioned, ambitious, loving, are not enough praiseworthy adjectives passionate and impassioned, ambitious, loving, to throw Sejal Hathi’s way, partially tireless, fiercely loyal, assiduous, hardworking, and to throw Sejal Hathi’s way, partially tireless, fiercely loyal, assiduous, hardworking, and considering we’re still picking our jaws earnest. It is these qualities and values that define considering we’re still picking our jaws earnest. It is these qualities and values that define up off the floor. The recent Yale gradu- me to this day." up off the floor. The recent Yale gradu- me to this day." ate — as in, a few weeks ago — has ate — as in, a few weeks ago — has When you were a kid, what did you think you When you were a kid, what did you think you implemented a new medical system in implemented a new medical system in were going to be doing at this age? were going to be doing at this age? Cairo, helped girls around the world ”For the longest period of time, I was convinced I Cairo, helped girls around the world ”For the longest period of time, I was convinced I strive for change, and blazed her own would become a lawyer. It was only in my first two strive for change, and blazed her own would become a lawyer. It was only in my first two trail to make future service possible. years of high school that I became seriously inter- trail to make future service possible. years of high school that I became seriously inter- Two years ago, as a sophomore, Sejal ested in medicine as a foundation for assuring all Two years ago, as a sophomore, Sejal ested in medicine as a foundation for assuring all cofounded two organizations to fund people their basic human rights.” cofounded two organizations to fund people their basic human rights.” young, female game changers world- young, female game changers world- What's been your most humbling moment? What's been your most humbling moment? wide. (Amazed yet? Just wait.) While wide. (Amazed yet? Just wait.) While "Every time I meet a young woman bold enough to "Every time I meet a young woman bold enough to incredible in its own right, it’s even stand in her own power, to embrace her passions incredible in its own right, it’s even stand in her own power, to embrace her passions more impressive when you consider and pursue her dreams fiercely — no matter what more impressive when you consider and pursue her dreams fiercely — no matter what that this 21-year-old is en route to Stan- the critics say — I am humbled and inspired anew. that this 21-year-old is en route to Stan- the critics say — I am humbled and inspired anew. ford University’s School of Medicine, a From the 17-year-old in Florida who built a new ford University’s School of Medicine, a From the 17-year-old in Florida who built a new necessary part of her plan to enact app to diagnose breast cancer to the 24-year-old in necessary part of her plan to enact app to diagnose breast cancer to the 24-year-old in Mumbai who recast her own aborted education Mumbai who recast her own aborted education change through global health, medi- change through global health, medi- into a call to action to educate all slum girls, these into a call to action to educate all slum girls, these cine, and social entrepreneurship. And cine, and social entrepreneurship. And young women’s tenacity and unabashed ambition young women’s tenacity and unabashed ambition we can’t wait to see her do it. humble, overwhelm, and invigorate me all at once.” we can’t wait to see her do it. humble, overwhelm, and invigorate me all at once.” Ben LaMothe Ben LaMothe One of the programmers behind Amicus, a new One of the programmers behind Amicus, a new way for philanthropies to manage money way for philanthropies to manage money Amicus is a startup looking to use social con- Amicus is a startup looking to use social con- nections to make nonprofit fundraising and nections to make nonprofit fundraising and outreach easier, has raised a seed round of outreach easier, has raised a seed round of $580,000. $580,000.

You can see Amicus’ founders demonstrate You can see Amicus’ founders demonstrate the product in the video below, but the basic the product in the video below, but the basic idea is that fundraising phone calls and emails idea is that fundraising phone calls and emails are a lot more effective when they come from are a lot more effective when they come from someone you know. If you’ve ever been con- someone you know. If you’ve ever been con- tacted by some random person asking you to tacted by some random person asking you to donate to a good cause, you can probably re- donate to a good cause, you can probably re- late. Doubly so if you’vebeen the random per- late. Doubly so if you’vebeen the random per- son. son. Excerpt from Forbes Excerpt from Forbes 30 Under 30: Other companies like Causes and Fundly have 30 Under 30: Other companies like Causes and Fundly have been built around similar ideas, but they’re been built around similar ideas, but they’re Ben Lamothe co-created mostly limited to Facebook, while Amicus sup- Ben Lamothe co-created mostly limited to Facebook, while Amicus sup- Amicus, a program that has ports more old-school forms of communica- Amicus, a program that has ports more old-school forms of communica- changed the way that money tion. changed the way that money tion. is raised for good causes. is raised for good causes. The challenge: of the $300 So when a volunteer (or whoever) comes in to The challenge: of the $300 So when a volunteer (or whoever) comes in to help with fundraising or outreach, they don’t help with fundraising or outreach, they don’t billion nonprofits raised last billion nonprofits raised last just get a random list of numbers to call — just get a random list of numbers to call — year, $60 billion was spent year, $60 billion was spent instead, their social network connections are instead, their social network connections are on fundraising. Amicus turns on fundraising. Amicus turns checked against the group that the fundraiser checked against the group that the fundraiser volunteers into fundraisers-- volunteers into fundraisers-- is targeting (say, young women in San Francis- is targeting (say, young women in San Francis- its online tool overlays a vol- its online tool overlays a vol- co), and they’re given separate lists of their co), and they’re given separate lists of their unteer’s social graph from unteer’s social graph from friends, their friends of friends, and people friends, their friends of friends, and people Facebook with voter regis- with whom they have something in common, Facebook with voter regis- with whom they have something in common, tration and consumer data who are in the target group. That makes it tration and consumer data who are in the target group. That makes it so that nonprofits can use more likely that their calls, emails, or even old- so that nonprofits can use more likely that their calls, emails, or even old- their volunteers' connections fashioned letters will be successful — co- their volunteers' connections fashioned letters will be successful — co- to reach out to potential founder and CEO Seth Bannon says that dur- to reach out to potential founder and CEO Seth Bannon says that dur- new donors. The AFL-CIO, ing the beta test, having a friend contact a new donors. The AFL-CIO, ing the beta test, having a friend contact a National Education Associa- friend doubled the likelihood that the person National Education Associa- friend doubled the likelihood that the person tion, and this year's pro-gay being contacted would take action on behalf tion, and this year's pro-gay being contacted would take action on behalf marriage ballot efforts used of the cause. marriage ballot efforts used of the cause. Amicus. Amicus. (forbes.com) (techcrunch.com) (forbes.com) (techcrunch.com) Edward Song Edward Song Food truck cook and small business owner Food truck cook and small business owner What are you doing with your life and career right What are you doing with your life and career right now? now? “As an upstart in the food-truck industry, we sky- “As an upstart in the food-truck industry, we sky- rocketed quickly, coming from nowhere, armed rocketed quickly, coming from nowhere, armed only with a healthy dose of 'shoot first, ask ques- only with a healthy dose of 'shoot first, ask ques- tions later.' It worked. The money started coming in tions later.' It worked. The money started coming in and as the saying goes, so did more problems. and as the saying goes, so did more problems.

Tell us the true-life tale of the last completely Tell us the true-life tale of the last completely awesome thing you did. awesome thing you did. “One call, however, is all it took to turn a great day “One call, however, is all it took to turn a great day to an exceptional day. At first, I thought it was to an exceptional day. At first, I thought it was prank. The high-pitched voice and the anxious, prank. The high-pitched voice and the anxious, giggly outbursts did not leave me much faith. The giggly outbursts did not leave me much faith. The pieces I got were the person’s name was Elmo and pieces I got were the person’s name was Elmo and the person was having a block party on a block that the person was having a block party on a block that Excerpt from NYC 30 under 30: everyone knew, but no one knew where. Long story Excerpt from NYC 30 under 30: everyone knew, but no one knew where. Long story short, when Elmo calls you, you don’t ask ques- short, when Elmo calls you, you don’t ask ques- The Food-Truck King The Food-Truck King tions, and that is how the Korilla truck and I ended tions, and that is how the Korilla truck and I ended We know that whole “I’m not a up on Sesame Street, except it was in Brooklyn, We know that whole “I’m not a up on Sesame Street, except it was in Brooklyn, businessman, I’m a business, man” naturally. I felt like a billion bucks after that. I knew businessman, I’m a business, man” naturally. I felt like a billion bucks after that. I knew mantra is credited to Jay-Z, but we I made an impression on my great-grandkids.” mantra is credited to Jay-Z, but we I made an impression on my great-grandkids.” think there’s a bit of wiggle room in What’s the best professional lesson you ever think there’s a bit of wiggle room in What’s the best professional lesson you ever having it cater to this food-truck learned? having it cater to this food-truck learned? phenomenon, too. Queens native “‘Second mouse gets the cheese,’ from Tony Stark. phenomenon, too. Queens native “‘Second mouse gets the cheese,’ from Tony Stark. Edward Song, 27, dove into busi- This encapsulates our turning point. Normally, I Edward Song, 27, dove into busi- This encapsulates our turning point. Normally, I ness with Korilla BBQ back in 2010. would be quick on the draw and first to pull the ness with Korilla BBQ back in 2010. would be quick on the draw and first to pull the And with offerings like bulgogi bur- trigger, like I said, but fear has a hand in peeling And with offerings like bulgogi bur- trigger, like I said, but fear has a hand in peeling back ignorance which may simultaneously paralyze back ignorance which may simultaneously paralyze ritos and bacon-and-kimchee fried ritos and bacon-and-kimchee fried you. It drives me mad when, in my dueling mind, I you. It drives me mad when, in my dueling mind, I rice, his switched-up take on Kore- think about the money – the restaurant biz offers rice, his switched-up take on Kore- think about the money – the restaurant biz offers an food has since grown to be one sh—y odds and sh—ier margins — and the unchart- an food has since grown to be one sh—y odds and sh—ier margins — and the unchart- of the most recognizable brands in ed path of commercializing Korean cuisine. In the of the most recognizable brands in ed path of commercializing Korean cuisine. In the the city. At the forefront of the mo- case of Korilla, which is trying to trailblaze a whole the city. At the forefront of the mo- case of Korilla, which is trying to trailblaze a whole bile-meal game, he also runs an new cuisine for mainstream America, I’m curious bile-meal game, he also runs an new cuisine for mainstream America, I’m curious more on how others fail, because we know why we more on how others fail, because we know why we agency that assists budding-food- agency that assists budding-food- succeed." succeed." truck royalty and gathers trucks for truck royalty and gathers trucks for large-scale events, is in the process What's been your most humbling moment? large-scale events, is in the process What's been your most humbling moment? of giving Korilla BBQ a brick-and- “Being accused of cheating on national television. of giving Korilla BBQ a brick-and- “Being accused of cheating on national television. mortar home, and has a second Contracts are a bitch.” mortar home, and has a second Contracts are a bitch.” truck concept in the mix. Spoiler truck concept in the mix. Spoiler alert: It involves sausage! What’s your mantra? alert: It involves sausage! What’s your mantra? “Push it to the limit.” (NYC 30 under 30) “Push it to the limit.” (NYC 30 under 30) Jen Lamere Jen Lamere Award winning developer of an app that Award winning developer of an app that blocks TV spoilers on Twitter blocks TV spoilers on Twitter Excerpt from Teach Crunch: Excerpt from Teach Crunch: One developer took on 80 competitors at a One developer took on 80 competitors at a hackathon called “TVnext” and won with a hackathon called “TVnext” and won with a solution to save you from reading spoilers solution to save you from reading spoilers on Twitter with an app called Twivo. The on Twitter with an app called Twivo. The developer has nabbed an internship at the developer has nabbed an internship at the company she built the hack on top of — company she built the hack on top of — Twitter. Twitter.

This particular developer’s story took on a This particular developer’s story took on a life on its own, not just because the app life on its own, not just because the app was really cool (I often don’t pay attention was really cool (I often don’t pay attention to my feed during Saturday Night Live, be- to my feed during Saturday Night Live, be- cause all of the people on the other coast cause all of the people on the other coast ruin it for me), but because Jen Lamere is a ruin it for me), but because Jen Lamere is a female developer who was up against an female developer who was up against an all-male group of hackers. She was 17 at all-male group of hackers. She was 17 at the time. An attendee discussed the scene the time. An attendee discussed the scene Excerpt from Mother Jones: with Mother Jones, explaining: “the only Excerpt from Mother Jones: with Mother Jones, explaining: “the only Lamere is a high school senior from Lamere is a high school senior from other females in attendance, that I saw other females in attendance, that I saw Nashua, New Hampshire, who likes anyway, were an organizer, two cam- Nashua, New Hampshire, who likes anyway, were an organizer, two cam- building robots, hiking, and enter- erawomen, a caterer, three judges, and a building robots, hiking, and enter- erawomen, a caterer, three judges, and a ing "hackathon" competitions. At participant’s wife.” ing "hackathon" competitions. At participant’s wife.” her all-girls school, the Academy of her all-girls school, the Academy of Notre Dame in Massachusetts, she's Notre Dame in Massachusetts, she's The news of Lamere’s summer internship, The news of Lamere’s summer internship, the only student participating in the only student participating in which looks like it will be with the which looks like it will be with the these sorts of events. Hackathons these sorts of events. Hackathons Crashyltics team specifically, came via Crashyltics team specifically, came via (which have nothing to do with ille- (which have nothing to do with ille- Twitter, naturally. Twitter, naturally. gal hacking) bring together pro- gal hacking) bring together pro- grammers, developers, and design- grammers, developers, and design- There’s no word on what she’ll be doing, There’s no word on what she’ll be doing, ers, who compete to code an inno- ers, who compete to code an inno- but the experience that she’ll get will be but the experience that she’ll get will be vative new program in a limited vative new program in a limited incredibly useful. incredibly useful. amount of time. Lamere competed amount of time. Lamere competed against about 80 other competi- against about 80 other competi- tors—all of them male, according to Whether you want to take this news as a tors—all of them male, according to Whether you want to take this news as a Lamere and one of the judges. win for female developers, teenagers or Lamere and one of the judges. win for female developers, teenagers or technology as a whole, the story is a great technology as a whole, the story is a great Proulx, the event spokesman, one. At its very core, you have someone Proulx, the event spokesman, one. At its very core, you have someone tells Mother Jones. "We had a di- tells Mother Jones. "We had a di- who is fascinated enough with tech to take who is fascinated enough with tech to take verse demographic, but obviously verse demographic, but obviously the majority of the people were the step and build something without a the majority of the people were the step and build something without a male." In addition to being the only team, present it publicly at a hackathon male." In addition to being the only team, present it publicly at a hackathon woman, Lamere was the only solo and then take it to the next level by pursu- woman, Lamere was the only solo and then take it to the next level by pursu- competitor in the hackathon— ing an internship…and that’s inspiring. competitor in the hackathon— ing an internship…and that’s inspiring. every other project was created by every other project was created by a team, Proulx says. a team, Proulx says. (techcrunch.com) (techcrunch.com) (motherjones.com) (motherjones.com) Malala Yousafzai Malala Yousafzai After being shot in the head by the Taliban for the crime After being shot in the head by the Taliban for the crime of being a girl who went to school, she has become an of being a girl who went to school, she has become an international defender of women, kids, and education. international defender of women, kids, and education. Dear friends, on 9 October 2012, the Taliban shot Dear friends, on 9 October 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left side of my forehead. They shot my me on the left side of my forehead. They shot my friends, too. They thought that the bullets would friends, too. They thought that the bullets would silence us, but they failed. And out of that silence silence us, but they failed. And out of that silence came thousands of voices. The terrorists thought came thousands of voices. The terrorists thought they would change my aims and stop my ambi- they would change my aims and stop my ambi- tions. But nothing changed in my life except this: tions. But nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born. power and courage was born.

Dear sisters and brothers, I am not against any- Dear sisters and brothers, I am not against any- Excerpt from her speech to world one. Neither am I here to speak in terms of per- Excerpt from her speech to world one. Neither am I here to speak in terms of per- leaders at the United Nations, which sonal revenge against the Taliban or any other leaders at the United Nations, which sonal revenge against the Taliban or any other she read on her 16th birthday, or terrorist group. I am here to speak for the right of she read on her 16th birthday, or terrorist group. I am here to speak for the right of “Malala Day” as it has become known: education for every child. I want education for the “Malala Day” as it has become known: education for every child. I want education for the sons and daughters of the Taliban and all the ter- sons and daughters of the Taliban and all the ter-

rorists and extremists. I do not even hate the Talib rorists and extremists. I do not even hate the Talib Today is it an honor for me to be speak- Today is it an honor for me to be speak- who shot me. Even if there was a gun in my hand who shot me. Even if there was a gun in my hand ing again after a long time. It is an hon- and he was standing in front of me, I would not ing again after a long time. It is an hon- and he was standing in front of me, I would not or for me that today I am wearing a shoot him. This is the compassion I have learned or for me that today I am wearing a shoot him. This is the compassion I have learned shawl of the late Benazir Bhutto. from Mohammed, the prophet of mercy, Jesus shawl of the late Benazir Bhutto. from Mohammed, the prophet of mercy, Jesus Christ, and Lord Buddha. This the legacy of change Christ, and Lord Buddha. This the legacy of change First of all, thank you to God for whom I have inherited from Martin Luther King, Nelson First of all, thank you to God for whom I have inherited from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Mohammed Ali Jinnah. This is the Mandela and Mohammed Ali Jinnah. This is the we all are equal and thank you to every we all are equal and thank you to every philosophy of nonviolence that I have learned philosophy of nonviolence that I have learned person who has prayed for my fast re- person who has prayed for my fast re- from Gandhi, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa. And from Gandhi, Bacha Khan and Mother Teresa. And covery and new life. I cannot believe this is the forgiveness that I have learned from my covery and new life. I cannot believe this is the forgiveness that I have learned from my how much love people have shown me. father and from my mother. This is what my soul is how much love people have shown me. father and from my mother. This is what my soul is I have received thousands of good wish telling me: be peaceful and love everyone. I have received thousands of good wish telling me: be peaceful and love everyone. cards and gifts from all over the world. cards and gifts from all over the world. Thank you to all of them. Thank you to Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that Thank you to all of them. Thank you to Dear brothers and sisters, we must not forget that millions of people are suffering from poverty and millions of people are suffering from poverty and the children whose innocent words the children whose innocent words injustice and ignorance. We must not forget that injustice and ignorance. We must not forget that encouraged me. Thank you to my elders encouraged me. Thank you to my elders millions of children are out of their schools. We millions of children are out of their schools. We whose prayers strengthened me. I must not forget that our sisters and brothers are whose prayers strengthened me. I must not forget that our sisters and brothers are would like to thank my nurses, doctors waiting for a bright, peaceful future. So let us would like to thank my nurses, doctors waiting for a bright, peaceful future. So let us and the staff of the hospitals. wage, so let us wage a glorious struggle against and the staff of the hospitals. wage, so let us wage a glorious struggle against illiteracy, poverty and terrorism, let us pick up our illiteracy, poverty and terrorism, let us pick up our Malala Day is not my day. Today is the books and our pens, they are the most powerful Malala Day is not my day. Today is the books and our pens, they are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and day of every woman, every boy and day of every woman, every boy and one pen can change the world. Education is the one pen can change the world. Education is the every girl who have raised their voice every girl who have raised their voice only solution. Education first. Thank you. only solution. Education first. Thank you. for their rights. for their rights. (theguardian.com) (theguardian.com) Bobak Ferdowsi Bobak Ferdowsi NASA Flight Director for getting the rover NASA Flight Director for getting the rover Curiosity (a robot on wheels) on Mars Curiosity (a robot on wheels) on Mars FERDOWSI: Pretty much. FERDOWSI: Pretty much.

SAGAL: And you're famous because when SAGAL: And you're famous because when people tuned into the video on Sunday to people tuned into the video on Sunday to watch the landing, they saw you in charge in watch the landing, they saw you in charge in the room, wearing this rather remarkable the room, wearing this rather remarkable hairdo, the Mohawk. Do you have a new hairdo, the Mohawk. Do you have a new hairstyle for every mission? hairstyle for every mission?

FERDOWSI: That's exactly right. For all the FERDOWSI: That's exactly right. For all the big events on this project, like launch and big events on this project, like launch and everything else, I've had a completely differ- everything else, I've had a completely differ- ent hairstyle. The last one was voted on by ent hairstyle. The last one was voted on by the team, when somebody sent out an in- the team, when somebody sent out an in- ternet poll for the whole team to vote on. ternet poll for the whole team to vote on.

SAGAL: Wow. And they voted on a Mo- SAGAL: Wow. And they voted on a Mo- hawk. And these are your friends. Talk to hawk. And these are your friends. Talk to Excerpt from NPR’s “Wait Wait:” me about your internet fame. Bobak, in par- Excerpt from NPR’s “Wait Wait:” me about your internet fame. Bobak, in par- ticular you have become like, you've be- ticular you have become like, you've be- SAGAL: So, first of all, let's identify come a practical meme. We understand SAGAL: So, first of all, let's identify come a practical meme. We understand you guys. Bobak, you are known now, I you've been getting a lot of marriage pro- you guys. Bobak, you are known now, I you've been getting a lot of marriage pro- believe all of the world as the Mohawk posals via twitter, which shows real commit- believe all of the world as the Mohawk posals via twitter, which shows real commit- Guy. ment to you as a person. What is instant Guy. ment to you as a person. What is instant internet fame like? internet fame like? BOBAK FERDOWSI: That's me. BOBAK FERDOWSI: That's me.

SAGAL: And before you became the FERDOWSI: It's so crazy. I can't believe it. SAGAL: And before you became the FERDOWSI: It's so crazy. I can't believe it. Mohawk Guy, what was your title? I'm still kind of getting over the fact that we Mohawk Guy, what was your title? I'm still kind of getting over the fact that we just put something on Mars. But, it's a lot just put something on Mars. But, it's a lot FERDOWSI: I was a flight director, or I of... FERDOWSI: I was a flight director, or I of... still am, a flight director on the Mars still am, a flight director on the Mars Science Lab Mission. SAGAL: No, no, no, tell me about the girls. I Science Lab Mission. SAGAL: No, no, no, tell me about the girls. I want to hear about the groupies. want to hear about the groupies. SAGAL: No, now you're the Mohawk SAGAL: No, now you're the Mohawk Guy. So, Bobak, you were the flight Guy. So, Bobak, you were the flight director. What does that mean? FERDOWSI: They're super nice, you know. director. What does that mean? FERDOWSI: They're super nice, you know.

FERDOWSI: I'm sort of like that Ed SAGAL: Last weekend you landed a rover FERDOWSI: I'm sort of like that Ed SAGAL: Last weekend you landed a rover Harris character in "Apollo 13." But on Mars. This weekend, you were on this. Harris character in "Apollo 13." But on Mars. This weekend, you were on this. our job is decidedly less dramatic, What are you going to do next weekend? our job is decidedly less dramatic, What are you going to do next weekend? except for those last seven minutes. except for those last seven minutes. FERDOWSI: I'm going to try to get Carl to FERDOWSI: I'm going to try to get Carl to SAGAL: Really? So you're the guy SAGAL: Really? So you're the guy who's in charge of, like being in the record a message on a Mars rover. who's in charge of, like being in the record a message on a Mars rover. middle of the room and sort of middle of the room and sort of shouting out commands to people… SAGAL: There you go. shouting out commands to people… SAGAL: There you go.

FERDOWSI: That's right. CARLKASELL: I'll be glad to. FERDOWSI: That's right. CARLKASELL: I'll be glad to.

SAGAL: ...as they stare at monitors. FERDOWSI: I'm going to hold you to that. SAGAL: ...as they stare at monitors. FERDOWSI: I'm going to hold you to that.

Adam Steltzner Adam Steltzner NASA engineer in charge of the rover NASA engineer in charge of the rover Curiosity’s complicated landing on Mars Curiosity’s complicated landing on Mars SAGAL: Right. So basically the first time that you SAGAL: Right. So basically the first time that you ever actually tried this in the real world was on ever actually tried this in the real world was on Mars on Sunday? Mars on Sunday?

STELTZNER: Yes, that's correct. STELTZNER: Yes, that's correct.

SAGAL: Wow. So Adam, tell me about your back- SAGAL: Wow. So Adam, tell me about your back- ground. Because what we read, you were like a ground. Because what we read, you were like a rock and roll guy for a while, right? rock and roll guy for a while, right?

STELTZNER: Right. I was not the best student in STELTZNER: Right. I was not the best student in high school. So I stopped going to high school. high school. So I stopped going to high school.

SAGAL: Really? SAGAL: Really?

STELTZNER: And started playing music. And after STELTZNER: And started playing music. And after a few years of that, playing rock and roll in the a few years of that, playing rock and roll in the San Francisco Bay area, I became intrigued at the San Francisco Bay area, I became intrigued at the Excerpt from NPR’s “Wait Wait:” fact that there were a different set of stars in the Excerpt from NPR’s “Wait Wait:” fact that there were a different set of stars in the sky as I'd drive home from playing a show as sky as I'd drive home from playing a show as SAGAL: So, first of all, let's identify you there had been when I went to the show. And I SAGAL: So, first of all, let's identify you there had been when I went to the show. And I guys. Adam, you are known also colloqui- had some vague recollection about something guys. Adam, you are known also colloqui- had some vague recollection about something ally as the Elvis Hair Guy. moving with respect to something else. But I ally as the Elvis Hair Guy. moving with respect to something else. But I frankly didn't really know what it was. frankly didn't really know what it was. ADAM STELTZNER: Yes, it's a heavy re- ADAM STELTZNER: Yes, it's a heavy re- sponsibility. BODETT: But then you stopped taking drugs, sponsibility. BODETT: But then you stopped taking drugs, right? right? SAGAL: Right, to be the Elvis Hair Guy. SAGAL: Right, to be the Elvis Hair Guy. And Adam, what is your job at JPL? STELTZNER: That's right. And Adam, what is your job at JPL? STELTZNER: That's right.

STELTZNER: I'm in charge of the landing SAGAL: And so then you... STELTZNER: I'm in charge of the landing SAGAL: And so then you... of Curiosity. of Curiosity. STELTZNER: So then I went down to the local STELTZNER: So then I went down to the local SAGAL: Right. So let's talk about the un- community college to try and figure out why SAGAL: Right. So let's talk about the un- community college to try and figure out why important stuff and then we'll get to your those stars were moving. Then I started to make important stuff and then we'll get to your those stars were moving. Then I started to make hair. Adam, you were in charge of the up for my lack of high school education, so on and hair. Adam, you were in charge of the up for my lack of high school education, so on and landing. The landing was so insanely com- so forth, and then I'm here. landing. The landing was so insanely com- so forth, and then I'm here. plicated, where you had the heat shied plicated, where you had the heat shied and the parachute and the sky crane and and the parachute and the sky crane and SAGAL: Right. Congratulations. SAGAL: Right. Congratulations. all this cool stuff. How in the world did all this cool stuff. How in the world did you know it would work? you know it would work? SAGAL: And what had you done to sort of qualify SAGAL: And what had you done to sort of qualify yourself to be the guy in charge of landing this yourself to be the guy in charge of landing this STELTZNER: You know, the proof of the STELTZNER: You know, the proof of the rover? rover? pudding is in the tasting and we didn't pudding is in the tasting and we didn't really know it would work. I had the hard- really know it would work. I had the hard- STELTZNER: That's a really good question. I con- STELTZNER: That's a really good question. I con- est time believing it would work myself. est time believing it would work myself. You know, we made models of it in com- tinually ask myself that. You know, we made models of it in com- tinually ask myself that. puters and we tested pieces that we puters and we tested pieces that we thought we could test. But in the end, you (npr.org) thought we could test. But in the end, you (npr.org) never know if it's all going to come to- never know if it's all going to come to- gether. gether. Evan Spiegel & Bobby Murphy Evan Spiegel & Bobby Murphy Creators of Snapchat and founders of a 13 Creators of Snapchat and founders of a 13 person company that has $14 million person company that has $14 million What was the most important lesson you What was the most important lesson you learned? learned?

Spiegel: Stay focused. Saying no to new oppor- Spiegel: Stay focused. Saying no to new oppor- tunities and distractions can be hard to do, but tunities and distractions can be hard to do, but it’s extremely important. it’s extremely important.

Murphy: Embrace that region that lies just out- Murphy: Embrace that region that lies just out- side your comfort zone. This is one of those side your comfort zone. This is one of those circularly difficult things because if it’s ever easy circularly difficult things because if it’s ever easy you’re no longer outside your comfort zone. you’re no longer outside your comfort zone.

How many hours a day do you put in? How many hours a day do you put in?

Spiegel: A 12-hour day is pretty typical. Spiegel: A 12-hour day is pretty typical.

Murphy: Depends on the day; 12 to 14 hours is Murphy: Depends on the day; 12 to 14 hours is Excerpt from LA Business: typical. Excerpt from LA Business: typical. What led you to start your own com- What led you to start your own com- pany? Does your youth lead to awkward situations, pany? Does your youth lead to awkward situations, such as when you supervise older workers or such as when you supervise older workers or Spiegel: We started out building stuff meet with clients and investors? Spiegel: We started out building stuff meet with clients and investors? because we were curious – we’ve been because we were curious – we’ve been surprised and thrilled by the uptake. It’s Spiegel: No. We’re fortunate to work in an in- surprised and thrilled by the uptake. It’s Spiegel: No. We’re fortunate to work in an in- an awesome adventure. dustry where young entrepreneurs are respect- an awesome adventure. dustry where young entrepreneurs are respect- ed, and we have benefited tremendously from ed, and we have benefited tremendously from Murphy: I always liked working on my the generous support of our mentors and advis- Murphy: I always liked working on my the generous support of our mentors and advis- own projects and hated job interviews. ers. own projects and hated job interviews. ers.

Where did you get the startup money? Murphy: I don’t think so. What matters is what Where did you get the startup money? Murphy: I don’t think so. What matters is what Spiegel: Initially friends and family, then we’re doing and how well we’re doing it. Age is Spiegel: Initially friends and family, then we’re doing and how well we’re doing it. Age is institutional investors in Silicon Valley. a consequence of experience, not an indicator institutional investors in Silicon Valley. a consequence of experience, not an indicator of it. I know more now than I did two years ago, of it. I know more now than I did two years ago, Murphy: We went about a year paying but only because of what’s happened in the last Murphy: We went about a year paying but only because of what’s happened in the last costs out of pocket. two years, not because two years has passed. costs out of pocket. two years, not because two years has passed.

What was the biggest challenge? Will you start another company? What was the biggest challenge? Will you start another company?

Spiegel: At one point there were seven Spiegel: I’m really focused on Snapchat right Spiegel: At one point there were seven Spiegel: I’m really focused on Snapchat right of us working out of my dad’s house. now. It’s hard to imagine working on something of us working out of my dad’s house. now. It’s hard to imagine working on something That got a little intense – but some- else. That got a little intense – but some- else. times I miss those days. times I miss those days. Murphy: Haven’t thought about it. I spend too Murphy: Haven’t thought about it. I spend too Murphy: The whole experience has and much time thinking about this one. Murphy: The whole experience has and much time thinking about this one. will continue to be a series of new chal- will continue to be a series of new chal- lenges. (LA Business ‘s 20 Who Are 20) lenges. (LA Business ‘s 20 Who Are 20)