Harvard graduate and multi-hyphenate creative, Samyra, has captured the internet with her powerful voice in more ways than one. With over 2.5 million followers across platforms, she’s not only a breakout talent but the leading voice in size inclusivity, steering conversations that challenge the industry and shape culture. A true superstar in the making, Samyra is defining a new era of influence: brilliance, authenticity, and undeniable star power.

Jessica Cruel is the editor in chief of Allure and SELF, where she leads the development of multiplatform editorial content for digital, social and video platforms. At Allure, she spearheaded the launch of The Melanin Edit, a new platform celebrating all things relating to Black beauty, and the annual Best of Beauty LIVE event.

In her decade-long career, Jessica previously served as deputy beauty director at Refinery29 and held editorial roles at SELF and Popsugar. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in multimedia journalism and sociology. Jessica currently resides in Newark, New Jersey. When she's not leading Allure and SELF, she can be found hoarding candles, slathering on serum, and lifting barbells at the gym.

Kendall Toole is a global fitness instructor, mental health advocate, and lifestyle entrepreneur on a mission to empower others through strength, resilience, and community. She rose to prominence as one of Peloton’s most beloved instructors, where she built a global following of nearly 2 million and inspired millions more through her “Never Knocked Out” mindset. 

Kendall has built a powerful, values-driven community that’s now evolving into something even bigger — and more personal. She has long been a force in the wellness world, known for blending physical strength with emotional vulnerability. Now, she’s channeling that same energy into Never Knocked Out (NKO) Club.

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Remi Bader is a content creator, model, entrepreneur, and advocate known for sparking a cultural shift toward greater inclusivity in fashion. She first rose to prominence with her viral “realistic clothing hauls,” where she brought her humor, honesty, and relatability to conversations around fashion while championing size inclusivity. Since then, her impact has earned widespread recognition, including an honor on the inaugural TIME100 Creators List. She was also named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2022, included in the Forbes Top Creators: Fashion 50 list in 2023, nominated for Best Community Engagement at the 2025 Webby Awards, and awarded Cross-Platform Entertainer of the Year at Adweek’s Creator Network Awards.

Remi is a mental health advocate, using her platform to share her experiences and advocate for greater understanding around body image and mental well-being. As an entrepreneur, Remi is the founder of FanGirl, an innovative two-in-one clip-on fan and ring light. In 2023, she launched the Edited by Remi collection for Sam’s Club, reinforcing her commitment to accessible and inclusive fashion. Previously, Remi was named designer and co-founder of Remi x REVOLVE, a first-of-its-kind collection ranging from XXS to 4X.

Remi has collaborated with leading brands across fashion, beauty and lifestyle, including VS Pink, Dove, Valentino, Christian Siriano, Tommy Hilfiger, Amazon, YSL Beauty, Estée Lauder, Maybelline, Neutrogena, Jo Malone, Bumble, and Mastercard, further cementing her role as a trusted and influential voice in the industry. With over 3 million followers across platforms, Remi is a cultural force who continues to drive conversations around inclusivity and authenticity.

Kelsey Wells is a globally recognized personal trainer and the creator of the transformative Redefine Fitness philosophy. With over a decade of experience, she advocates for mental health, self-empowerment, and using movement as a tool for both physical and mental wellbeing. Through her workout programs, retreats, and global online platform of over five million, Kelsey continues to help redefine what it means to be strong—in mind, body, and soul.

Brianna Joye Rubin is the founder of City Girls Who Walk, a community dedicated to empowering women to prioritize their health and self-care. As a passionate content creator and fitness enthusiast, Brianna promotes the transformative power of walking and movement as ways to build genuine connections and boost well-being. Through her inspiring content, she encourages women to embrace an active lifestyle, enjoy outdoor fitness, and foster meaningful relationships while having fun and moving their bodies. Brianna's mission is to uplift and motivate city girls everywhere to live vibrant, active, and connected lives.

Since 2014 Case Kenny has been writing, speaking, and teaching practical ways to cultivate self-awareness, build confidence, and quiet the overthinking mind. His podcast New Mindset, Who Dis? has resonated with millions of listeners, and his viral writing on Instagram reaches hundreds of millions more. His work has been featured on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Forbes, NBC, ABC, and on countless other media outlets.

Known for blending uplifting life truths with research-backed perspective, Case simplifies mindfulness in ways that feel relatable, refreshing, and most importantly… hopeful. Through his signature red pen writing on social media, his best-selling journals, and his books That’s Bold of You and The Opposite of Settling, he encourages people to challenge their self-doubt through actionable mindful practices. He regularly leads workshops around the world, reminding people that no matter where they are in life, they have the power to rewrite their story and trust that the best is yet to come.

At just 23 years old, Davis Burleson is redefining what it means to be a next-gen host, creator, and cultural tastemaker. Hailed by Cosmopolitan as “well on his way to becoming the next Ryan Seacrest” and recently named to Variety’s prestigious New Power of New York list, Davis has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic voices in media and fashion today.
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As the host of SiriusXM’s TikTok Radio, Davis has interviewed an impressive roster of global superstars including Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Joe Jonas, Gracie Abrams, Charlie Puth, Jared Leto, Suki Waterhouse, and many more. A pioneer in the space, he was one of the first to execute the “man on the street” style interviews, as the creator, executive producer, and host of original series, What’s Poppin! With Davis, which further cements his reputation for blending sharp wit with a disarming approach which makes guests feel comfortable and has garnered him conversations with today’s toughest names to book including Chappell Roan, Jason Derulo, Charli XCX and even Drew Barrymore.
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To add to his hosting resume, Davis has been tapped by fashion and media’s biggest verticals such as Elle to cover major award show carpets (VMA’s, Grammys, Golden Globes), Forbes for their Top Creators Events, by networks such as NBC for their Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and production conglomerates such as Dick Clark Productions for their New Year’s Rockin’ Eve telecasts. His major engagement and gift in improv have earned him spots on panels at Cannes Lions with AdWeek and Tubi, shooting short form content for Instyle Magazine viral “Intern” series, on daytime TV including Tamron Hall, and on magazine covers such as Galroe Magazine (PRIDE Cover) and PAPER for their “PAPER People” cover highlighting the industry’s top entertainers.
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On the fashion front, Davis is regularly invited to sit front row at Coach, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch, and partners frequently with luxury houses including Versace, Hermès, Omega, Armani, and David Yurman, while his charisma and work ethic have scored him major deals with Ugg, Google, Prime Video, and L’Oreal to name a few.
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Davis Burleson is not just reporting on culture - he’s shaping it. Whether behind the mic, in front of the camera, or sitting front row, he’s one of the most exciting voices to watch in media, fashion, and entertainment.

Timm is a former Fortune 100 creative executive who stumbled into TikTok fame in 2020. Over four years, he made nearly 2,000 pieces of content off the side of his desk, got profiled by Rolling Stone, and wrote and sold a book concept to three publishers that is set for global release in 2025. All while continuing his role of overseeing a 240-person production & creative services department, being a dad and husband, and completing his first two NYC Marathons with the help of his wife Kelly’s training. Last June, he walked away from his corporate life to start anew, focus on helpful content creation, finish his book (How To Get Addicted To Appreciation), and be a stay-at-home dad.

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Hellah Sidibe embodies positivity, athleticism, and community leadership. He grew up in Mali, West Africa, playing soccer barefoot on dirt fields - where the focus of sports was camaraderie. Today, his approach—using action, content, and events to build friendships and spark change—defines his career as a runner and leader in the global running community. His current run streak is 8 years and counting.

Hellah has run every single day since May 15, 2017. What began as a two-week challenge—just 10 minutes a day to overcome his dislike of running after years of intense soccer training—has become a his career. As the streak stretched from weeks into years, he attracted a large social following, with thousands inspired by his daily commitment and gear insights, joining him on his journey.

In 2021, that commitment turned historic when Hellah became the one of the first Black men to run solo across America. Over 84 days, he covered 3,061 miles through 14 states, raising more than $50,000 for Soles4Souls to provide shoes to those in need.

Now living in New Jersey, Hellah continues to use his platform to advocate for progress and connection through running. Asked why he trains the way he does, his answer is simple: “To be the best, man.” His goal is to push himself to his own highest standard—and to help others do the same. His story is unique, but his warmth and determination resonate widely.

Raymond Braun is an award-winning journalist, broadcast host, documentary filmmaker, and media entrepreneur.

He served as the first Mental Health Correspondent for the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games and has produced and hosted both broadcast and digital series for ViacomCBS, E!, ATTN:, and TLC. He’s been featured on every major U.S. broadcast network, including segments on Morning Joe, The Today Show, The Tamron Hall Show, Nightline, CBS This Morning, CNN International, BBC, and more. He served as the Political Correspondent for MTV News for two election cycles, during which he co-moderated the Creator Town Hall with Hillary Clinton. He’s worked as an entertainment correspondent on red carpets ranging from the Emmys to the GLAAD Media Awards; Toronto International Film Festival to the VMAs.

Raymond executive produced and hosted the GLAAD Award-winning feature documentary, State of Pride, with Academy Award-winning filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. State of Pride was honored as the Opening Night Documentary at SXSW Film Festival, where it was reviewed as a “landmark film for LGBTQ culture” (TIME). 

Raymond is also an accomplished endurance athlete and sports broadcaster. In 2023, he set a World Record as the first person to complete 7 triathlons on 7 continents in 7 consecutive days. He embarked on the World Triathlon Challenge to raise awareness and funds for mental health programs, commemorating his recovery journey from OCD. In 2024, he will complete all Abbott World Marathon Majors as a Guide Runner, collecting his sixth star in the NYC Marathon.

Raymond has also worked as a producer, consultant, and speaker for a variety of Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, nonprofits, and the Obama White House. He started his career on the news and entertainment team at Google, working as a spokesman, brand manager, and content creator for YouTube.

Raymond graduated from Stanford University for both his M.A. program in Journalism and Media Studies and his undergraduate B.A. in Science, Technology, and Society. He remains involved with his alma mater as a Visiting Lecturer and former Entrepreneur in Residence.

He has been honored on the Forbes “30 Under 30 list” twice, OUT 100, and was listed #1 on the Financial Times “Pride Power Rankings” for young LGBTQ business and media leaders.

Andrea Leigh Rogers is a wellness entrepreneur, motivational coach, best-selling author, and creator of groundbreaking fitness sensation XTEND, a creative combination of traditional Pilates methods, ballet and cardio. Featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, with live appearances on NBC, ABC, and CNN networks, she is a popular thought leader in health and movement communities, a youth skincare advocate, and her online workouts have been viewed millions of times.

Her lifelong love of movement started with a dedicated dance practice leading to a career as a professional dancer (most notably as principal dancer for Walt Disney World Co.), before mastering Pilates as a Comprehensive Classical trainer. Andrea then created her own innovative fusion of core, dance and Pilates fundamentals and encouraged by her clients’ response, in 2008 she launched XTEND with locations worldwide.

A super trainer on US fitness streaming platform BODi since 2022, Andrea is also a motivational coach and speaker, focused on empowering women and girls, building community, and creating movement in all areas of life. She lives in Dallas, TX, with her two daughters and dog, Chedi.

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Kayla Mattocks is a dancer turned fitness instructor born and raised in NYC. With a passion for movement and fitness, she brings a dynamic, form-focused approach to every class. Known for a nonstop teaching style powered by EDM she encourages clients to push their limits. Outside of fitness she is a reality tv enthusiast and can't go a day without a cup of matcha!

Hailing from Dallas,Texas is a former athlete from Texas turned movement specialist and professional motivator. His classes are intense and high energy, creating a space where you’ll always leave feeling better than you came.

Tammeca Rochester is CEO and Founder of Harlem Cycle, Harlem’s first and only indoor cycling studios. Tammeca’s mission is to provide welcoming wellness spaces dedicated to mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Tammeca founded Harlem Cycle in 2016 and became one of the only boutique fitness studios in the area. What started as a personal interest in cycling fitness has transformed into a thriving intergenerational community centered on the wellness and excellence of people of color. As a founder and CEO, Tammeca overseas all partnerships, programs, and growth plans. Tammeca believes that all companies have the power to promote well-being and foster a sense of belonging for overlooked people around the world. Harlem Cycle has garnered recognition in prominent media outlets, including The New York Times, Essence, Bustle, and Women’s Health Mag. And Tammeca further amplified her advocacy on the TedxHarlem stage, speaking on holistic wellness for underserved communities.

Chris Barbin is a serial entrepreneur and multi-time Founder | CEO who has built, scaled, advised and exited over a dozen businesses globally.   He’s been recognized as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer and his thought leadership has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and Fortune.  He continues to invest and advise entrepreneurs, investors and innovators shaping the future of technology and professional services.

Alongside his business career, Chris is deeply committed to mental health, addiction recovery and community impact. He supports and advises nonprofits including Project Healthy Minds as a founding Trailblazer and member of its technology advisory team, Providence Farm, which fosters recovery and resilience in young men, and his alma mater Bates College, where he Chairs the Advancement Committee, champions entrepreneurship, purposeful work, student well-being and leadership development.

At the heart of his work—whether in business or philanthropy—is a mission to create organizations that thrive at scale, have healthy and collaborative cultures, while advancing mental health, wellness, and purpose.

Tez Steinberg is a record-setting athlete and entrepreneur who explores the edges of human potential to drive social change. Tez is the only person to row solo from California to Hawaii as their first ocean row, and the only person to row solo and nonstop from Hawaii to Australia. During these two expeditions he crossed 8,500 miles of the Pacific over 197 days alone at sea and raised hundreds of thousands in donations for access to education and ocean plastic solutions. His journey to ocean rowing began as a way to recover from depression and the loss of his father to suicide, and later as a quest to rebound from a heart attack he suffered at age 34. These experiences taught Tez invaluable lessons in mindset, resilience, and compassion for navigating life’s storms. Named one of the 50 Best Young Minds in the World by the World Economic Forum, Tez shares these lessons as an executive coach and keynote speaker, supporting leaders to find their ocean and the courage to cross it.

Taquice Campbell, E-RYT 500 and YACEP, brings her NYC grit and diverse cultural background into bridging the physical and subtle bodies in her teachings. Her guidance focuses on thoughtful strength and stretch combinations with a bit of humor and grace. She also places emphasis on yoga as an accessible, evolving, and holistic practice for ALL bodies and needs.

Taquice began her yoga practice over 20 years ago motivated by a deep understanding to support the mind-body-spirit connection. She received her 200-hour teacher training in 2011 and immediately began teaching. Additionally, she holds certifications in Children’s Yoga, Advanced 300-hour, Yin Yoga, Fly Inversion, Wellness Coaching, and Meditation from revered teachers in Rishikesh, India. Her teaching experiences span over boutique studios, wellness retreats, inner city community centers, corporate gyms, educational collaborations and creative partnerships.

Follow Taquice on IG @taqyoga

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Jack Bauer is a certified Breathwork Facilitator, mindfulness coach, and fitness instructor passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves through the power of breath. Known for his dynamic and heart-centered approach, Jack guides individuals and groups through transformational sessions that create space for emotional release, clarity, and deep presence. He believes breathwork is a tool to unlock both personal healing and collective connection.

Fred Smith is a Harvard MBA, fitness instructor, mental health advocate, and business executive who has spent over 12 years transforming lives through movement and meaningful conversation. He rose to prominence as one of Flywheel Sports' top-ranked instructors nationally before bringing his magnetic energy to Equinox in New York City, where he continues to inspire riders and build community through authentic connection.

As a passionate advocate for men's mental health, Fred has spoken on panels nationwide breaking down stigmas around vulnerability and emotional wellness. He created and hosts "Join the Convo," a podcast platform addressing critical social issues from mental health to racial justice, creating safe spaces for difficult but necessary conversations. His motivational talks challenge audiences to live with courage and integrity, even when it's uncomfortable.

An entrepreneur and former Business Development Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Florida, Fred seamlessly bridges the boardroom with community impact. Currently mentoring young professionals while leading corporate transformation initiatives, his unique approach—combining physical fitness with mental resilience and business acumen—has made him a sought-after voice in the wellness space, proving that true strength comes from showing up authentically for yourself and others.

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Originating from Baltimore, Maryland, Nicholas Wagner moved to NYC after obtaining his BFA in Dance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Initially pursuing a professional dance career, he quickly transitioned into a fitness profession that has endured for over 15 years. As a NASM-certified personal trainer and a PRO coach at [solidcore], he actively trains New York’s best and loves it. His ability to assist individuals in comprehending their bodies and enhancing their strength and self-assurance in their daily lives is truly remarkable. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his husband, Eric, and their goldendoodle, Artemis.

Robert Cadiz Saldarriaga is a Senior Master Coach at [solidcore] in New York City, known for blending high-intensity training with the mindful strength of Pilates. Nearly a decade ago, Robert left behind a career in corporate fashion to fully embrace his passion for fitness, making the leap into coaching and never looking back. In training, Robert prioritizes Pilates-inspired movement to build strength, control, and longevity, while also layering in creative, challenging workouts to keep clients motivated and results-driven.

In training, Robert prioritizes Pilates-inspired movement to build strength, control, and longevity, while also layering in creative, challenging workouts to keep clients motivated and results-driven.

Beyond the studio, Robert dedicates his time to animal rescue, working hands-on with stray dogs and cats — a commitment that reflects his compassion and drive to make a positive impact both inside and outside the gym.

Nick Arrington is a model, television personality, men’s lifestyle expert, and two-time six-star world marathoner. He is known for his impeccable style and passion for health and fitness. His modeling portfolio includes campaigns for iconic brands like J.Crew, Brooks Brothers, Zara, Birkenstock, and Duchamp London. A proud lululemon run Ambassador, Nick lives and breathes the intersection of sport and style.

Nick is a main cast member of BRAVO’s hit show, Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard, where his charm, charisma, with and flair for style shine on screen. The show aired for two seasons and successfully put a spotlight on the island’s rich history. With Virginia roots, Nick ventured to Tuskegee University to pursue his degrees of higher education. Whilst on campus he played baseball and pledged Kappa Alpha Psi.

Nick also commands over 15 years of corporate experience in sports activations having worked at J.P. Morgan, Barclays and Deloitte. Nick seamlessly blends athleticism with sophistication providing a unique global perspective to the brands he partners with.

He has lived in Los Angeles, London, Chicago and currently Harlem, New York City. From the runway to the racecourse, Nick Arrington is redefining what it means to live with purpose, polish, and passion.

Greg Laraia is an Athletic Trainer and Running Specialist at Motiv NY. Greg graduated from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he was a student athlete on the Cross Country and Track teams. Greg is a RRCA Certified Coach and he remains a competitive runner in the New York City. 

Greg founded Streets 101, a team on a mission to bring runners of all abilities together. Greg sees untapped potential in every athlete and client. He works tirelessly, continuously tailoring individual training plans to help each athletes achieve their goals. Greg loves to run and enjoys the competition at any distance!

Amy Ortiz is passionate about building communities that center the connection between physical health and mental well-being. She is the co-founder of Bronx Femme Run and founder of Bronx Girl Bike Gang—both all-women movement groups rooted in the Bronx. Amy is a RCCA-certified run coach, lululemon run ambassador, and noname leader who uses movement as a tool for healing, connection, and joy. She holds a Master of Social Work and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), currently working in a hospital setting and transitioning into school-based social work to support and advocate for children and youth in the Bronx

Mallary Tenore Tarpley is an assistant professor of practice University of Texas at Austin, where she teaches journalism classes in the Moody College of Communication and writing classes at the McCombs School of Business.

Her debut nonfiction book, SLIP: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery, which was published by Simon & Schuster’s Simon Element imprint in August 2025, explores the under-discussed complexities of eating disorders and recovery from them. The book is equal parts memoir and journalism, and it weaves together Mallary's own narrative with perspectives from clinicians, researchers, and others with lived experience. In 2023, Mallary received a generous grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to support the science-related reporting in the book, specifically around the neurobiological and genetic aspects of eating disorders.

Previously, Mallary was the associate director of UT Austin’s Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, an international training and outreach center for journalists. Prior to UT Austin, Mallary was executive director the nonprofit Images & Voices of Hope (ivoh), where she developed a storytelling genre called Restorative Narrative — stories that show how people and communities are finding meaningful pathways forward in the aftermath of trauma. Mallary started her career at The Poynter Institute, a world-renowned journalism think tank. As managing editor of the Institute’s website, Poynter.org, she wrote and edited stories about the media industry and interviewed hundreds of journalists and authors.

Mallary’s articles and personal essays about eating disorders have been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, TIME Magazine, and Teen Vogue, among other publications. She maintains a weekly newsletter, Write at the Edge, featuring writing tips and best practices.

Mallary holds a bachelor’s degree from Providence College and a master’s of fine arts in nonfiction writing from Goucher College. She lives in the Austin area with her husband and two young children.

Ailen Arreaza is Executive Director of ParentsTogether, a national nonprofit parents organization that channels the love parents have for their children into a powerful force for advocacy and political change in order to help all families thrive. Previously, Ailen served as ParentsTogether’s Deputy Director, where she helped develop the organization’s content team into a media powerhouse that reaches 1 in 3 parents in the United States annually. Before joining the ParentsTogether team in 2014, Ailen worked for 10 years promoting fair housing and equal opportunity for the City of Charlotte. Ailen loves to write (in English and Spanish) and her work has been featured in several local and national publications, sometimes she even writes song lyrics for her husband’s Latin music band. She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, two sons, and her mother, and she is native of Havana, Cuba.

Jiore Craig is a globally recognized leader at the intersection of online harm and their impact on society and public opinon. In an increasingly lonely world, Jiore’s work aims to cut through the noise of information overwhelm and individualism to get to a place where all people can experience the joy of living well. She is the founder of her own consultancy working with public figures, politicians, policymakers, and civil rights leaders to navigate the impact of tech on society.   

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‍As Senior Advisor to The Archewell Foundation, she leads work to Build a Better Online World and Restore Trust in Information. As part of this work, The Archewell Foundation launched The Parents’ Network which supports families whose children have experienced online harm. In addition, Jiore leads the foundation’s partnerships with organizations like Screen Sanity to help tailor digital literacy for parents and supports the foundation’s work investing in youth and intergenerational projects through the Responsible Technology Youth Power Fund. Jiore also authors The Archewell Foundation’s Insight Session reports which feature insights from sessions with young people about growing up and raising young people in the digital age. In addition to advising The Archewell Foundation, Craig is a member of Issue One’s bi-partisan Council for Responsible Social Media and is a Resident Senior Fellow at The Institute for Strategic Dialogue. Her work has been cited in The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Time Magazine, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, NBC Nightly News, and more. She has been a guest on What Now? with Trevor Noah, Impolitic with John Heilemann, BBC Today Radio 4, ABC Australia, NPR Morning Edition, and more. 

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Dr. Essam Daod is a Child and Adult Psychiatrist, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, and human rights advocate, internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of mental health and humanitarian emergency response. He is the co-founder and Emergency Response Director of Humanity Crew, a global mental health aid organization committed to reducing the impact of trauma in communities affected by crises through rapid emergency response and sustained community support.

He grew up in Israel in a small Arab Palestinian village in the Galilee, an experience that shaped his commitment to justice, cross-cultural understanding, and care for marginalized communities. Dr. Daod has devoted his career to addressing the invisible psychological wounds of individuals and communities affected by conflict and forced migration. He has designed and implemented innovative emergency mental health responses in some of the world’s most challenging humanitarian contexts — including refugee camps in Greece, conflict zones across the Middle East, and disaster-struck regions in Africa and beyond.

Through his work with Humanity Crew, Dr. Daod has championed a model that integrates culturally sensitive care, psychological first aid, and long-term community-based healing practices. His approach redefines mental health as a core pillar of humanitarian aid, ensuring that emotional well-being is prioritized alongside physical safety, food, and shelter in every emergency response.

A TED Fellow since 2018, Dr. Daod’s widely viewed TED Talk explores the psychological toll of war on children and the healing power of storytelling in restoring dignity and resilience. His message — that timely mental health support can prevent long-term trauma — has reached millions and continues to shape global discourse. In 2021, his work and perspective were featured in the Apple TV+ docuseries The Me You Can’t See, produced by Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry, which spotlighted the mental health crisis among displaced populations.

Beyond his fieldwork, Dr. Daod is a leading voice in global health and humanitarian forums, advocating for the inclusion of mental health in all emergency response frameworks. His combination of clinical expertise, cultural insight, and passionate advocacy has earned him international recognition as a trailblazer in the effort to bring psychological healing, hope, and dignity to the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Sarah Gardner is the Founder and CEO of the Heat Initiative, where she leads a high-impact campaign to hold Big Tech accountable for enabling and profiting from child sexual abuse. Since launch, Heat has driven concrete changes, prompting Apple to expand its safety features and keeping the issue of online child sexual exploitation in the headlines. Sarah has mobilized allies to confront tech executives directly and ensured survivor voices are central, supporting legal action and amplifying their stories across 100+ media outlets including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Good Morning America. Prior to founding Heat, Sarah spent a decade at Thorn, where she was instrumental in scaling the organization from a small startup to a multi-million-dollar nonprofit and securing a $63M TED Audacious Prize to support a bold plan to eliminate child sexual abuse material from the internet. She began her career at Free the Slaves.

Camille leads the policy strategy at the Center for Humane Technology, ensuring that emerging technologies—particularly AI—are guided by the public interest, not just corporate agendas. With a background that bridges fintech, healthtech, and academic research, Camille brings a uniquely cross-disciplinary lens to some of the most urgent policy debates of our time. She has been recognized as one of Business Insider’s AI 100 and her work has been featured in The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Science. Camille holds a master’s degree from the London School of Economics, where she focused on the intersection of technology and development.

Annemarie Hou is the Executive Director of the United Nations Office for Partnerships where she is focused on the Sustainable Development Goals and building partnerships to advance the mission of the UN toward a world where everyone thrives in peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Most recently, she served as Chief of Staff and Director of the Executive Office for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Previously, she oversaw the communications and advocacy portfolio at UNAIDS where she was responsible for positioning HIV and development issues in the global landscape.

Prior to joining the UN, Ms Hou worked in the philanthropic field—dedicated to health and children’s issues. She served as the first Global Health Communications Manager at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and as the family’s spokesperson.

Ms Hou was also the Communications Director at Casey Family Programmes, an operating foundation dedicated to child welfare issues started by the founder of UPS.

An award-winning writer, she started her career as a television journalist.

Shelby Knox is the Director of Tech Accountability Campaigns at ParentsTogether, where she leads national efforts to protect children online and advocates for stronger regulation of tech platforms, including safeguards around AI and chatbots. A lifelong advocate for youth, she first gained national recognition at age 15 as the subject of the Sundance award-winning documentary The Education of Shelby Knox, which chronicled her fight for comprehensive sex education in her conservative Texas hometown. She went on to launch the Women’s Rights vertical at change.org, where she mobilized college sexual assault survivors and helped pressure the FBI to update its definition of rape, and later led Netflix’s first funded documentary outreach campaign for Audrie & Daisy, coordinating over 1,500 educational screenings nationwide.

Laura Marquez-Garrett is a 2002 Harvard Law School graduate and spent the first twenty-years of their career in Big Law, overseeing complex litigation matters and specializing in electronic evidence and forensic investigation. In January of 2022, Laura left a predominantly defense-oriented practice to join the Social Media Victims Law Center (SMVLC) to contribute to the Center’s mission of change and holding tech companies accountable for the harms they are causing to children and families.  They have since filed more than 1,300 complaints against tech companies in state and federal courts across the country.

In October 2024, Laura (along with co-counsel) filed the first complaint involving AI companion bot harms, Megan Garcia v. Character Technologies Inc., et al., pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida.  They have filed subsequent complaints against Character AI, its founders, and Google, and are working on several others, which involve extensive investigation and analysis into issues of AI harms on Character AI and elsewhere.

They have spoken out about social media and AI harms to multiple major news organizations, on live broadcasts such as DemocracyNow! (Part I and Part II), podcasts such as Your Undivided Attention, Scrolling 2 Death, and Legal4Tech, at events like The Mothers Against Media Addiction Expert Insight Series, panels including the 2024 Aspen Ideas Festival and The Washington Post Global Women’s Summit 2024, and in the documentary released in April 2025, Can’t Look Away: the Case Against Social Media.  Laura more recently spoke on a panel at the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, titled Raising Humans in an AI World. And, in July 2025, they were a recipient of the Parents 2025 Next Gen Awards, an award honoring individuals using their platforms to raise awareness about important issues affecting families today.

Laura has met with hundreds of children and families, tech industry experts, and law enforcement and analyzed social media and AI data across all major platforms; served in 2024 as a member of the Fairplay Board of Directors; currently serves on the Phone-Free Schools Movement’s Advisory Board and as a ReThink Citizen’s Youth Squad Advisor; and is actively involved in efforts across the globe to force change and hold tech companies accountable for the harms they are causing children as a matter of intentional platform design. 

Leora is the Managing Director for the Student & Staff Wellbeing area of focus at the Center for Applied Research Solutions. In that role, she serves as the lead facilitator for The Parents’ Network, Project Director for California's Behavioral Health Student Supports Act Statewide Technical Assistance Coordinator, and other roles. Previous work includes the founder and Project Director for the School Crisis Recovery & Renewal project, the School Mental Health field director for the Pacific Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center (MHTTC), and the field director of the technical assistance center for SAMHSA’s Resilience in Communities After Stress and Trauma. With years of training and facilitating learning and community building, Wolf-Prusan is dedicated to work focused on grief and trauma healing, concentric circles of care, and trauma-informed approaches to leadership. Her research examined the impact of student death on teachers, what factors contribute to teachers building resiliency, and what supports teachers need from the school system. Her work is dedicated to creating spaces where people can have conversations no one is having. She received a BA in international relations and a BA in Spanish with a minor in Social & Ethnic Relations from the University of California, Davis; a teaching credential from Mills College; and an EdD in educational leadership from the University of California, Los Angeles. She lives in the Bay Area (CA), with her daughter Halleli Nuriel. She loves apple crisp and really good cheese.

Throughout her career, Ratliff has been a champion for kids and the protection of childhood, leading efforts to connect diverse partners to unite and make change for communities and kids across the country, and around the world.

Since becoming CEO of KABOOM!, Lysa has emerged as a leading national advocate for equitable access to playspaces. Lysa has been invited to represent KABOOM! at several White House events and continues to engage with members of the Administration, Congressional leaders, and Mayors to ensure that creating more opportunities for kids to play remains a priority across the nation.

Prior to becoming CEO, she was the Vice President of Partnership Development at KABOOM!, has held senior leadership roles at Habitat for Humanity International, Save the Children, and has led both public and private fundraising teams, cause marketing, international marketing, and communications campaigns with large global corporations. When not spending time with her own kids and husband, Lysa enjoys all things home, with most of her playtime being spent in the garden growing organic fruits and vegetables.

Jayla Stokesberry is a research assistant at Hopelab, a non-profit whose mission is to advance the mental health and well-being of young people. Jayla supports the development and implementation of Hopelab’s various research projects, including surveys on young people’s perspectives on technology and mental health, LGBTQ+ young people’s experiences with parasocial relationships, and how LGBTQ+ young people find safety and support online. She is a 2023 graduate of UCLA and holds a BS in Cognitive Science with a Specialization in Computing. During her time in college, she advocated for Black LGBTQ+ students for three years as the president of the student organization BlaQue. Outside of her work, Jayla enjoys roller skating, fashion, and travel.

Isabel Sunderland leads state and federal policy for Design It For Us, a youth-led movement fighting for safer, more responsible social media platforms. She advocates for legislation at the intersection of kids’ online safety, platform design, Section 230, data privacy, and national security. In addition to her role at Design It For Us, Isabel serves as a technology reform policy associate at Issue One, a leading bipartisan nonprofit working to strengthen democracy and hold Big Tech accountable. Her work spans Capitol Hill, the White House, state governments, and the United Nations. Isabel holds a B.A. in International Relations and Justice and Law from American University in Washington, D.C.

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Julie Kaplow, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed clinical psychologist, board certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. She serves as Executive Vice President of Trauma and Grief Programs and Policy and Executive Director of the Trauma and Grief (TAG) Center at the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute in Houston. Dr. Kaplow is also Executive Director of the TAG Center at Manning Family Children’s Hospital in New Orleans and Professor of Psychiatry at Tulane University School of Medicine. She is also CEO of the Lucine Center for Trauma and Grief, a group practice that provides teletherapy to youth exposed to traumas and losses across the states of Texas and Louisina. In these roles, she oversees the development, evaluation, and dissemination of trauma- and bereavement-informed “best practices” nationwide. Following tragedies such as Hurricane Harvey and the Santa Fe school shooting in Texas, Dr. Kaplow and her team provided evidence-based risk screening and interventions to impacted children and families. More recently, they have conducted trainings and provided ongoing consultation to the Uvalde school district following the Robb Elementary School shooting as well as the Kerr County community following the Central Texas flooding.

Dr. Kaplow has published widely on the topics of childhood trauma and grief and has served as Principal Investigator on numerous grant-funded programs focused on enhancing resilience in youth exposed to adversity. She is lead author of Multidimensional Grief Therapy, co-author of Trauma and Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents, and co-author of Trauma Systems Therapy. Dr. Kaplow has served as a consultant to the DSM-5 Sub-Work Group on Prolonged Grief Disorder, the ICD-11 Work Group on Disorders Associated with Stress, the National Academy of Medicine (Scientific Advisory Council on Child Death), and the Mass Violence and Children Working Group of the FBI.

Prior to joining the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, Dr. Kaplow served as Chief of Psychology and Vice Chair for Behavioral Health at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine. She received her BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Duke University. She completed her internship at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School followed by postdoctoral training at the Center for Medical and Refugee Trauma at Boston Medical Center.

Katie is a youth advocate dedicated to creating a safer digital world for children and teens. Motivated by her own lived experience, she speaks out to raise awareness of the real harms young people face online and the urgent need for systemic change. She has worked with organizations including Fairplay, the Eating Disorders Coalition, and the Heat Initiative to support safety-by-design efforts and advocate for policies like the Kids Online Safety Act. Katie has shared her story with the Archewell Foundation and served as a youth speaker at Social Media Victims’ Remembrance Day. A graduate of Half the Story’s Digital Civics Academy, she serves on its Teen Advisory Board. She has also contributed to research with law enforcement agencies and is a member of Virginia’s Reclaiming Childhood Task Force.

Katie brings a powerful youth perspective to every conversation, championing meaningful change to better protect young people online.

Dr. Kristine Gloria is a recovering academic, social impact entrepreneur, and dedicated steward of technology for good. Kristine’s expertise sits at the intersection of the human condition and technology with specific interest in youth mental health and wellbeing.

Kristine is a Co-founder & Chief Operating Officer for Young Futures (YF). Kristine leads day to day operations ensuring efficiency across the organization's systems, processes, and teams. She also leads matchmaking efforts to connect the YF’s mission with like-minded organizations, forging alliances and meaningful collaboration that drive the ecosystem towards innovative solutions for young people to thrive in today’s fast-changing digital age.

Prior to Young Futures, Kristine served as the Head of Data at Blue Fever, where she led the development of Blue Fever's first chatbot, "Blue," whose big-sibling energy helped guide users to reflect on their mental and emotional needs. She also served as the Director of Artificial Intelligence for the Aspen Institute, leading multi-stakeholder initiatives on various issues from Trustworthy AI to Empathic Research and Innovation. She is the key architect for the Institute's portfolio on Wellbeing and Technology. Kristine holds a doctorate in Cognitive Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), specializing in semantics and knowledge engineering. She is also a former fellow with the Internet Policy Research Institute at MIT and currently serves as the board vice chair for the Foundation for Social Connection.

“What’s it like being you?”

I’ve been asking this question for over ten years and have received more than 100,000 hand-written, true, and anonymous answers.

Whether about love or loss, joy or fear, what they all have in common is an honest voice of the human experience. We’re living in a time where the differences between us are magnified.

I believe that what starts as a simple act of listening can be a profoundly transformative experience. Exploring the lives of the people we share space with every day shows us how wonderfully human we all are.

These stories engage strangers of all ages and backgrounds to reflect, rejoice, heal and connect through words.

 You can find the semi-permanent installation at the World Trade Center Oculus or learn more and connect with the project at https://strangersproject.com or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strangersproj

- Brandon Doman, Founder of the Strangers Project