Jacqui Banaszynski is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter who now works as an editor, teacher and coach with other journalists and writers around the world.

Jennifer Brandel is the CEO of award-winning company Hearken. She works in different industries to address the same problem: how to design systems that listen, respond and evolve with their stakeholders.

Chris Jones is an award-winning writer of non-fiction, known mainly for his work at Esquire magazine. He is currently at work on his fourth book, about the healing powers of soccer.

Amanda Ripley is a New York Times bestselling author, Washington Post contributor, and the co-founder of Good Conflict, a media and training company that helps people reimagine conflict.

Rachel Louise Snyder is an award-winning journalist, professor of creative writing and author. Her book No Visible Bruises exposes the hidden impact of domestic violence.

Shirish Kulkarni is a journalist, researcher and community organizer. He is currently leading the News for All project, which explores what those who are most badly served by journalism actually want and need.

Rhiannon White is the co-founder of Common Wealth, a site-specific political theatre company that speaks to the “here and now”, aiming to serve communities who don’t usually think theatre is for them.

Laura Pannack is a photographic artist renowned for her portraiture and social documentary work. She believes in a process built on shared experience and explores the complex relationship between sitter and photographer.

Alison MacAdam is an independent story editor specializing in audio documentaries, including Pulitzer finalist The 13th Step and Peabody winner Believed. Alison spent 15 years at NPR, including as an Audio Storytelling Specialist.

Piero Zagami is an award-winning information designer specializing in transforming complex data into clear visual narratives. Having worked with industry leaders, he now fosters innovation and collaboration in data visualization.

Jacopo Ottaviani is a data journalist and computer scientist working as a Senior Strategist at Code for Africa. His most recent work focuses on using satellite data, drone imagery, and forensic data to address issues such as urban inequality, immigration and land rights.

Lina Vdovîi is an award-winning Moldovan journalist based in Romania. Lina specializes in investigative journalism and filmmaking. TATA (TIFF 2024) marks her directorial debut, telling the story of her attempt to reconnect with her violent father, now a victim of labor exploitation.

Radu Ciorniciuc, a Romanian filmmaker and journalist, is a Sundance winner and European Film Award nominee for his feature documentary ACASA, MY HOME (2020). His work focuses on human rights, animal welfare, and environmental issues.

Arkady Martine is the award-winning author of A Memory Called Empire and A Desolation Called Peace, which explore interstellar political intrigue in stunning sci-fi worldbuilding. When not crafting gripping fiction, she works as a historian and climate policy advisor.

jesikah maria ross bridges journalism and community engagement, working with News Futures Care Collaboratory and America Amplified to help media professionals prioritize social connection and civic health through innovative storytelling.

Mara Zepeda is a social entrepreneur focused on community building, economic development, and systemic change. She co-founded a number of initiatives, including Zebras Unite, promoting ethical business practices, and Xcelerate, supporting over 200 women entrepreneurs.

Chris Wiggins is the Chief Data Scientist at The New York Times, leading a data science group that deploys machine learning solutions to businesses and newsrooms. He has also co-funded hackNY, a nonprofit that seeks to create and empower a community of student-technologists.

Ruxandra Gîdei is a content creator who has made it her mission to showcase the transformative power of literature, both in Romania and abroad. Her tools? Cultural initiatives and social media platforms, including a YouTube channel that connects over 40,000 book enthusiasts.

Raluca Anton is an internationally trained psychotherapist, author, and trainer. With over 17 years of experience, she focuses on fostering healthy professional communities and creating practical tools for emotional and relational well-being.

Kate Murphy is a US-based journalist and author of You’re Not Listening: What You’re Missing and Why It Matters, a compelling blend of cultural observations and science aimed at helping readers rediscover the lost art of listening.