EOC Podcast

Mike Farid is the CEO of Nature USA, a zero-waste domestic apparel manufacturer, dedicated to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. He is also the founder and CEO of BGREEN, an organic luxury essential brand. He is an expert in apparel design and production and a pioneer in Sustainable Fashion movement. He has worked and consulted with major brands, retailers, educational institutions, and municipalities on variety of projects. Among his many accomplishments, he is most proud of “Being a cool dad to his 12-year-old son”.

Sam Ruben is an accomplished innovator, entrepreneur, executive, Chief Sustainability Officer and co-founder at Mighty Buildings, a construction tech company based out of Oakland, California which is using 3D-printing technology, advanced materials, and robotics automation to create beautiful, affordable, and sustainable homes. His passion and deep understanding of sustainability and compliance drew him to the vision of addressing the housing affordability crisis by 3D-printing sustainable homes.  As a part of Mighty Buildings’ founding team, Sam has leveraged his expertise working with organizations of all sizes across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to help them improve their sustainability in terms of people, planet, and profit to guide Mighty Buildings’ Certification & Sustainability roadmaps. This has resulted in Mighty Buildings producing the first UL-listed 3D-printed building component, being the first company certified under UL 3401 (new standard for 3DP in Construction), and the first housing unit utilizing 3D-printed components to be certified at the State level in California. Bringing his expertise to Mighty Buildings alongside his other team members, Sam is indeed working to make the world a better place.

Melanie Pullan is the Human Resources Manager at FutureInDesigns also known as FIND, located in Price Utah. Melanie has been working for FIND for two years and involved in the program since 2017. She is a full-time student Western Governors University studying Human Resources. In her spare time Melanie enjoys camping and traveling.

Mona has spent over two decades developing highly collaborative teams, focused on creating positive impact across the community. She possesses a deep experience in the cultivation and stewardship of public-private partnerships, cross-cultural communication, fundraising, recruitment, and capacity-building. Many assignments have required Mona to relocate to highly disadvantaged communities. She speaks fluent Portuguese and conversational Spanish. After graduating Missouri State University in 1994 with a degree in biology, Mona began her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer working in forestry on the Portuguese-speaking island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa. During two years of national service, she served as an integral member of a research team, producing scientific data, which eventually led to the establishment of Obo National Park. Upon returning from São Tomé, Mona was selected to serve as a team leader for the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps in Washington, DC, twice as a group leader for Operation Crossroads Africa (Tanzania and Brazil), and then once again as a Peace Corps (Response) Volunteer in Mozambique. In addition to living and working overseas, Mona spent the 2000s in California, serving five years as a Peace Corps Regional Recruiter (San Francisco) and then five years as a Development Director for California State University, Fresno, where she simultaneously earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in 2012. Mona possesses strong skills in cross-cultural communication, consistently seeking out shared values and goals with others, regardless of background. Her own family is reflective of her bicultural existence, blending values from Africa and the United States under one roof. In fact, in 2014, Mona moved her family to Zimbabwe, where her children attended local schools and she served as Africa Regional Director for Tererai Trent International, a non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on increasing educational opportunities for girls. In 2017, Mona returned to California with her family. She served nearly two years as a fundraiser with United Way before being selected as CEO of Tree Fresno in October 2019. In her latest role, Mona engages her background in forestry and team management to lead the charge in the transformation of the San Joaquin Valley with water-wise trees and increased green space. Mona has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Fresno since 2007. When she is not driving her teenagers from place to place, she enjoys a variety of hobbies related to eating well and staying fit.

Carlos Shanka is a Biology student at the University of Bristol in Tanzania, South African. He was recently elected as Chair of the Sustainability Network of the Bristol Students Union, a Consultant for sustainability research for the Bristol City Council and the Bristol Green Capital Partnership, the President of the Bristol University Sustainability Team, a Global Shaper, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, and the Coordinator for Spain at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Youth, also known as COY16. Carlos is from Spain and he is extremely passionate about sustainability. He is currently undergoing a journey of discovery while contributing to fixing global issues such as climate change, environmental sustainability, and social inequalities, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Carlos started volunteering on environmental projects in the Canary Islands, in Lanzarote, and enjoys transforming his ideas into a reality.

Tyler Maxwell was born and raised Fresno, Ca. in District 4 representing East and Central Fresno. He is part of four generations who have also called District 4 home. He has dedicated himself to fighting for the community by assisting victims of violent crimes, working directly with youth in rehabilitation programs, and served as a Big Brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization here in the Central Valley. During his short time in office as a Councilmember, Tyler Maxwell brought forward the Zero Fare Clean Air Act, making Fresno the largest city with a bus fare suspension through COVID-19, which went into effect on March 1, 2021. He is also projecting to plant 100 trees in his district within the next few weeks to beautify our community and help clean our air. Councilmember Tyler Maxwell serves as the youngest member on the Fresno City Council and is committed to making our city of Fresno more sustainable.

Jerri Thompson is an Administrator and Co-Owner with Recovery Resources in Tulare County. She is NCAC-I, CADC-II, ICADC, SAP certified. She has been a substance abuse specialist since 1994. Rick Thompson is also NCAC-I, CADC-II, ICADC and SAP certified. He has been a substance abuse specialist since 1987. In 1999, Rick and Jerri Thompson. founded Recovery Resources'. The staff increased from two founders to a team of qualified professionals. In 2003 Recovery Resources began providing prevention and counseling services to local school districts to reach our youth and work together with school districts to minimize the impact of substance use to prevent students from living a life of addiction and alcoholism. Additionally, Recovery Resources started with one school district and they are now present in five school districts in Tulare County. The website for Recovery Resources is www.recovery-resources.net.

Yesenia Silva-Aguilar is a Research Assistant at the Central Valley Health Policy Institute at the California State University Fresno. Yesenia has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration from the California State University Fresno. Yesenia was one of the Grassroots Representatives in California in the National Oral Health Progress and Equity Network also known as OPEN, and through this role she contributed to the national dialogue the inequities and social determinants of oral health that underserved communities in the San Joaquin experience. Yesenia has been involved in the qualitative research on the impact of policies on vulnerable communities in the san Joaquin Valley. She has experience collaborating with local organizations as the research arm, delivering information from academic research, technical support through the evaluation of community-based programs. Most recently, she has been part of the Fresno County COVID- 19 Equity Project developing and delivering training to all the community-based organizations partners involved in the project.

Peter Avram and Jack Kelbrick are the Owners of AVANI in the United Arab Emirates. The inspiration for the creation of the company was to make eco-friendly based products with sustainability in mind to fight against the large global consumption of plastic. To increase the awareness and expand the reach of the eco-friendly solutions, AVANI offered throughout more regions of the world, AVANI Eco Middle East was founded in 2017 in Dubai. There has been a significant increase in the awareness of the impact of the use of single-use plastic in the region following significant global campaigns. AVANI has been part of this movement here in the region in providing 100% sustainable disposable packaging solutions and compostable plastic alternatives that are a solution for businesses looking to reduce single-use plastics waste. As part of this, we have been committed to driving education towards making the UAE ready to be a nation where waste is treated correctly. Our aim is to continue to educate and drive an agenda for change through building awareness, in the market, that there are alternatives to replacing plastic and spreading the information across the industry and to the wider public, government, media, and educational institutions. Only through education and challenging the current solutions can we drive change.

Bridgette was born Nov. 18, 1968, in Los Angeles, CA to Pastor George & the late First Lady Gerdie Mae Salter, of New Hope COGIC Duarte, CA. She was raised in Monrovia, CA. along with her brother George Salter Jr. Her parents always emphasized the importance of education and spirituality, which became a priority in Bridgette’s life. Bridgette met the love of her life Elder Kevin Person in 1993, they married on May 14, 1994 and soon after relocated to Fresno, CA. They have been married for over 25 years. They have two adult children: Kevin Jr. (KP) who is a recently performed his senior recital compiled of original music written by him and will graduate from of CSU Fresno as a Music Major in the Spring of 2019; their daughter, Angelica is currently attending her third year at Howard University in Washington, DC where she is studying Finance. She is so proud of both her children. Bridgette is a powerful woman of God who with grace, commitment, dedication, and passion, serves alongside her husband as Pastors and Co-Founders of Praise Church of God in Christ, Clovis, CA. for over 18 years. She is an active member of both local and jurisdictional Church of God in Christ, Missions, Missionary Board Association & Fellowship, Pastors & Wives Ministry Association & Fellowship. Bridgette is also the Founder of Motherless Daughters Connect, currently in the development stage, a support group ministry for Motherless Women and Girls to effectively grieve and cope from loss of their mothers. This purpose was birthed as a result of the devastating pains after the sudden loss of her mother. One of the lowest valley experiences and challenge Bridgette faced was the lonely road to grief recovery. Her World change in January 1995 when her mother (her best friend), went to be with the Lord. She relied on God who sustained her in this unfamiliar season as a newlywed in a new city. The loss of her Mother caused devastating emotional pain and depression, not knowing how she’d survive; but God. It was only by God’s Grace and Mercy that carried her through this dark and challenging time. As God continues to heal and restore her, Bridgette desires to provide a support group to others that share similar losses. She is passionate about using her experience to help share and inform every motherless daughter that they are not alone. Bridgette attended the College of Pasadena; Pasadena, CA where she obtained her Registered Nursing Degree. She currently attends Fresno Pacific University; Fresno, CA, pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing and Masters Public Health Administration and a current member of the Central Valley Black Nurses Association. Bridgette has always had a passion for serving others which is why Nursing came natural. She has worked as a nurse for over 20 years and currently employed as a Travel Nurse, bringing medical assistance to those who have limited mobility and transportation. She has a huge heart, a big smile and a love for God, her family and friends that is undeniably unconditional.

AMANDA WORKS AS A POLICY COORDINATOR WITH THE LEADERSHIP COUNSEL FOR JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY. SHE HAS THE INTEGRAL FUNCTION OF OVERSEEING WATER PROGRAMS AND HELPS COMMUNITIES ORGANIZE AND FIGHT FOR THEIR RIGHTS TO EQUITABLE ACCESS TO DRINKING WATER AND WASTEWATER SERVICES AND SUSTAINABLE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT. AMANDA IS FROM GAINSVILLE FLORIDA AND ATTENDED THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, WHERE SHE RECEIVED HER BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE AND ALSO STUDIED LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES, SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES AND ATHROPOLOGY. SHE RECEIVED HER JURIS DOCTORATE FROM GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER IN WASHINGTON D.C. WHERE SHE STUDIED HUMAN RIGHTS, ENVIRONMENTAL, CORPORATE AND TRADE LAW. BEFORE WORKING WITH THE LEADERSHIP COUNSEL, SHE WAS AN ALLY FOR COMMUNITIES FIGHTING ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICES IN LATIN AMERICA WITH SEVERAL NONPROFITS BASED IN WASHINGTON D.C. AND MEXICO CITY.

Helena Donoso is the founder of Pushaoo, an online business working towards greater ecological integrity and social justice in the apparel world through hemp and sustainable fashion. Helena is originally from Brazil; she has lived in seven countries and she is extremely passionate about learning from different facets of the world. She graduated from Babson College; a university known for its entrepreneurial education. Helena previously worked at Endeavor United Arab Emirates; a non-profit organization focused on helping high impact entrepreneurs scale.

Freddie Charles Anderson shares that he never cared too much about education when he went through school, he couldn’t see the value in it. After high school he immediately joined the Navy with hopes of never having to open a textbook again. Freddie served in the Navy for 14 years as an electrician. He earned his Associates Degree in Electromagnetic Controls Technology and planned on having a long career in the technical field. Freddie's views on education changed as he prepared to separate from the military. He instantly realized that without an education, a comfortable life would be extremely hard to attain. However, a comfortable life for himself wasn’t the ultimate reason he had a greater appreciation for education. When his oldest daughter was diagnosed with a learning disorder, he couldn’t help but worry about her future life struggles. This is when he became really interested in education. Freddie was determined to figure out how to make learning feasible for his daughter. He tried many methods and strategies. Failed at most, but learned from all and developed a burning desire to help students learn and have a positive educational experience. Since changing careers, Freddie devoted his entire life to education. Freddie has held many positions that directly impact children such as an elementary P.E. assistant, independent tutor, homeschool teacher, long-term substitute teacher, special education aide, and afterschool program coordinator. No matter what the circumstance is, Freddie will continue to have a burning desire to educate and provide a positive educational experience for all students he has the opportunity to impact.

Cynthia Ann Sterling’s is the first African American Woman elected to the Fresno City Council in 2002. She is also the first African American woman in the nation to preside over a City Council with a population of over 500,000. There is no surprise that Cynthia would pursue such a great career trajectory since her mother the Honorable Elma P. Sterling was the first appointed African American Fresno City Council Woman, and her father the late Feltus L Sterling who directed the Sterling Funeral Home, was considered one of the great business leaders in the funeral industry in Fresno County. After college Cynthia returned to California working for Bechtel Corporation in San Francisco, before returning to Fresno in the 80’s, to work with the Family Business, Sterling Funeral Home, Inc. Cynthia has served on numerous boards and commissions. She was appointed to the Fresno City Planning Commission by then Mayor Karen Humphrey and served from 1989 to 2002. She was elected in 2002 as the first African American Woman to the Fresno City Council. Today she is President of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) Fresno-San Joaquin Valley Chapter, with a special note that Vice President Elect Kamala Harris is a life member of the State Chapter; Board Member of WestCare Fresno California Community Action Council; Secretary of Fresno County Democratic Women’s Club; Vice President of Clovis Democrats Club; member of Sanger and West Fresno Democratic Clubs; BAPAC; National Association for Advancement of Colored People; and the National Women’s Political Caucus, Fresno Chapters. Cynthia A. Sterling is owner of ‘Cynthia A Sterling (dba) InSight Consulting’ in Fresno, specializing in political and business consulting. In 2020 both of her candidates won with one being the 1st African American to be elected to the West Hills Community College Board of Trustees in Kings County; other projects include working with Menco Construction as their Developer Consultant in construction and land development. In 2020 Cynthia was recognized by the Better Business Bureau of Fresno for over 25 years of distinguished service; featured in the League of Women Voters Centennial Edition ‘100 Distinguished Women’ along with her mother the late Hon. Elma P. Sterling. Cynthia has been a licensed Funeral Director since 1982, presently with Yost & Webb Funeral Home in downtown Fresno. She is licensed with Freedom Equity Group Insurance Services in California and an Associate with Legal Shield. Cynthia attributes her success and passion as a community leader and a business woman to the upbringing and application of the early tools of life: love for God, family, education, and a strong work ethic. She considers her greatest blessings from God to be her parents, and her son Felix Marcus Sterling-Hawkins. She believes that by seeking God first to direct her path, has enabled her to be an activist and serve the needs of her family and the community.

Prince Anyanwu is a Nigerian American, a uniformed service veteran who has been serving for 7 years. He was activated to serve the great State of California for 7 months in response to COVID-19 and Fire missions. On the civilian side, Prince currently works for Valley Health Team, as a Patient-Centered Medical Home Coordinator. He is transforming the organization’s patient care model to patient- centered care. In 2018, Prince started a new organization known as New Haven Healthcare Solutions, where he is working on grass-root Healthcare access programs in rural communities and remote countries. His pursuit gained the interest of Clinton Global Initiative University (CGIU). Prince is now an alumni of CGIU 2020 mentorship program. Prince is a second-year doctoral student at Alliant International University- Fresno pursuing his doctorate degree in Organizational Psychology. Finally, Prince is married and blessed with two beautiful children.

Joe Vargas, Assistant Director City of Fresno – Transportation Department Joe Vargas has been with the City of Fresno Department of Transportation/Fresno Area Express (FAX) for over 14 years. Joe, over the course of his career with the department, has worked in the areas of budget, compliance, data analysis and operations. He currently serves as an assistant director responsible for overseeing the Operations, Planning, and Customer Experience divisions along with the Training staff who conduct operator training. Joe is responsible for the oversight of the delivery of bus service, short- and long-term planning and customer service. FAX delivers fixed route bus service to the Fresno community on 17 bus routes with a bus fleet of 114 buses and 279 bus operators. FAX delivers over 400,000 hours and 5 million miles of service to over 10 million riders annually. Joe currently serves as a member of the City’s Disability Advisory Commission–Transportation Subcommittee and the California Transit Associations Legislative Committee. Joe was born and raised in Fresno. He graduated with a Master’s in Accountancy from National University and a Bachelor’s in Finance from Fresno State University.

Destiny has worked on air quality, health, and environmental issues in the Central Valley for nearly fifteen years. Prior to working for The Climate Center, Destiny worked for organizations such as the Central California Asthma Collaborative, Central Valley Air Quality Coalition, Coalition for Clean Air, National Parks Conservation Association, and the San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. She is passionate about helping her community and the environment. Destiny is also a graduate of the Gamaliel National Leadership Training and Emerge California Political Candidate Training Program. Destiny has a B.S. in Mass Communications Journalism with emphasis on Public Relations, and Chicano Latin American Studies from California State University, Fresno. In her current role as Regional Community Relations, Destiny is responsible for building support for strategic policy objectives from volunteers, policymakers and allied organizations while designing and implementing local strategies to further community choice energy for the Fresno area. Destiny is a Thriving Earth Exchange recipient in collaboration with Shake Energy Collaborative to launch a project in Fresno, California that will advance community priorities that explore the opportunity for local decision making on community-scale energy projects including community choice energy. In her spare time, Destiny sits on the Measure C Citizen's Oversight Committee in which she has been a member for over four years serving the public and ensuring that Measure C funds are spent as promised to the public for Fresno County's transportation needs. She also volunteers her time serving as planning member for Earth Day Fresno, the Sanger Community Task Force, Fresno Latino Rotary Club and Young Fresnans for the Environment. Destiny continues to be an advocate for her community of the Central Valley.

Antoneya Banks-Graves is the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Organizational Consulting, specializing in individual, team and organizational effectiveness. She has 28 years’ experience in organizational behavior. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development. eliteorganizationalconsulting.com/

Antoneya Banks-Graves is the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Organizational Consulting, specializing in individual, team and organizational effectiveness. She has 28 years’ experience in organizational behavior. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development. eliteorganizationalconsulting.com/

Antoneya Banks-Graves is the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Organizational Consulting, specializing in individual, team and organizational effectiveness. She has 28 years’ experience in organizational behavior. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development. eliteorganizationalconsulting.com/

Antoneya Banks-Graves is the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Organizational Consulting, specializing in individual, team and organizational effectiveness. She has 28 years’ experience in organizational behavior. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development. eliteorganizationalconsulting.com/

Antoneya Banks-Graves is the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Organizational Consulting, specializing in individual, team and organizational effectiveness. She has 28 years’ experience in organizational behavior. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development. eliteorganizationalconsulting.com/

Antoneya Banks-Graves is the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Organizational Consulting, specializing in individual, team and organizational effectiveness. She has 28 years’ experience in organizational behavior. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development. eliteorganizationalconsulting.com/

Antoneya Banks-Graves is the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Organizational Consulting, specializing in individual, team and organizational effectiveness. She has 28 years’ experience in organizational behavior. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development. eliteorganizationalconsulting.com/

Antoneya Banks-Graves is the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Organizational Consulting, specializing in individual, team and organizational effectiveness. She has 28 years’ experience in organizational behavior. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development. eliteorganizationalconsulting.com/

Joshoua Frietas is farmer from Lemoore CA.

Antoneya Banks-Graves is the Chief Executive Officer of Elite Organizational Consulting, specializing in individual, team and organizational effectiveness. She has 28 years’ experience in organizational behavior. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Organizational Behavior and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development. Ms. Rhonda Graham, was born and raised in a multicultural household and was blessed to have the privilege of living and learning in foreign countries from her mother serving in the United States Navy for most of Ms. Graham’s infant to late adolescent years. In addition to living in foreign countries with her family during her mother’s twenty year military career, she has had the opportunity of independently traveling alone with organizations to over nine countries before the age of sixteen. Without realizing it, living and traveling to different countries at a young age had impacted Ms. Graham’s occupational interest, educational pursuits and sharpened her perspective towards organizational dynamics. Ms. Graham is a doctoral student at Alliant International University’s California School of Professional Psychology program in Fresno, California. She is currently pursing a Doctorate of Psychology PsyD. in Organizational Development with a specialization in Globalization and Sustainability. Although Ms. Graham is currently a doctoral student within the Organizational Development field, she is no stranger in understanding dysfunctional and functional organizational behavior within the workplace. Currently, Ms. Graham’s focus is continuing in her doctoral research to better serve misunderstood, career oriented women of color within the workplace and undergoing the process of becoming a licensed mental health clinical counselor within the state of California. http://eliteorganizationalconsulting.com/