Our community is chock-full of the most talented, creative, movers and shakers from around the world.
The Plenary, Co. is an ever-growing community of multidisciplinary leaders and changemakers committed to creativity, informed futures, and the constant re-imagination of what's possible. From our full-time staff, to our advisors, directors, creatives, contributors, partners, patrons, volunteers, community members, and more — our work is fueled by collaboration.
SEE WHO WE WORK WITH BELOW
The Plenary, Co. is run by a small, core team of staff, interns, and volunteers who work closely with the organization’s leadership to drive our programs forward.
Team
As a small-but-mighty organization, our incredible team of part-time staff, interns, and core contributors provide support, wear many hats, and play active roles in every project.
Digital Storytelling Director
Esther is the designer for all things digital. She brings her creativity and ingenuity to our online spaces and digital materials.
Design Engineer + Labs Director
Sam is an artist and designer. In addition to his original work as a collaborating artist, Sam co-develops artist initiatives and programs and guides all of our most complicated in-house design efforts.
Community Engagement Manager
Samar manages our community engagement and marketing strategy, and assists with our community conversations.
Director of Pawtnerships
As a particularly fluffy member of the team, Rosie is our go-to for facilitating intros, making people laugh, and making sure that any ball that gets dropped is quickly picked up.
Contributors
The following individuals (and in some cases, their teams) play critical roles as project-specific contributors, key partners or contractors, recurring creative collaborators, and/or ongoing organizational support.
Digital Assistant
Maria supports the I Am a Scientist initiative through technology, content, and web management.
People & Operations Associate
Rachael supports our team and operations through network and software management, HR, and administrative tasks.
Research Associate
Astrid works with the How We Change team to review and synthesize evidence and co-build usable frameworks, and contributes to our periodical team. As an anthropologist, she also advises on a number of projects related to human systems.
Content Creator
Christine is our in-house photographer, social media creator, and product partnership manager. She brings her creative lens to gathering and sharing the stories of The Plenary and members of our community.
Bookkeeper, Good Steward Financial, Co.
As our remote bookkeeper, Jasmine and her team help keep our operations and finances running smoothly.
Creative Collaborator, ECOS
Melissa brings her experience bridging the worlds of art and science to the Illuminations team through hands-on collaborations, concept workshopping, and facilitating an original installation with the ECOS team.
SEO & DIGITAL STRATEGY
The Intuitive Digital team have been an important extension of our team, offering ongoing probono assistance in our digital presence and reach.
Key Advisors
Our initiatives are informed by research, popular media, community conversations, and of course, the wisdom and insights of our advisors. While we work with subject matter experts on each initiative, our key advisors further inform our projects or guiding principles through shared knowledge and feedback.
Note: while valued advisors, these individuals do not have final say over – and cannot be held responsible for – the content produced by The Plenary.
Strategist
Michelle Paull is a creative and organizational specialist and with experience spanning nonprofit, social, environmental, and fashion industries. She advises our Leadership Team on all things strategy.
Game Designer
Jessica Creane is a game and immersive experience designer. She is the founder of IKantKoan, and has worked with our team on developing the “Food City” game.
Science & Technology
Nabiha is a biophysicist and biotech entrepreneur who partnered on the co-creation of I Am a Scientist.
Science & Technology
Dr. David Kelley is a leading computational biologist who develops machine learning methods to understand how cells regulate gene expression throughout their lifespans. He advises on theme related to artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
Human Systems
Daniel Aguirre is a community advocate, facilitator, and founder of Pueblo. His principles for community listening and responsive engagement continue to provide a critical foundation for The Plenary’s approach.
Advisor, Nature of Knowledge
Charles Fadel is a global education thought leader and futurist, author, and inventor. He is the founder of Center for Curriculum Redesign and has been a long time thought partner for The Plenary’s team.
Ecosystems Ecologist & Biogeochemist
Suzanne’s insights and expertise informed The Plenary’s approach to initiatives at the meeting point of ecological and human wellbeing. She advised our The Green Gap initiative.
Past Contributors
At The Plenary, Co., there are no small roles or expiration dates on meaningful contributions to our mission. We deeply appreciate the support, time, and energy provided by our volunteers, interns, and part-time contractors over the years and are proud to continue to celebrate their contributions to making our initiatives possible.
Shout-outs
From advising project directions to helping to run our events to providing feedback on new initiatives, our volunteers help keep us going strong.
Damien Fair, PhD
David Rose, EdD
Kathryn Mills, PhD
Mahsa Ershadi
Matthew Sample
Ralph Bouquet
Todd Rose, EdD
Alex Collins • Amanda Vera • Ana Ostrovsky • Andrew Graves • Athina Chartelain • Barbara Braams, PhD • Bo Bradrich • Brooke King • Chantei Alves • Connor Vance • David Kelley • Elizabeth Ricker • Garth Coombs • Hillari Fine Sasse • Jimmy Maley • Katie Insel • Kim Pedersen • Kim Tereco • Liza Bialik • Marques Jackson • Mauri Sanchez • Melissa Pappas • Michael Sasse • Natalie Koscal • Negin Hemati • Pamela Pedersen • Sandy Delgado • Spencer Kerber • Su Chon • Sukriti Dabral • Tracy Silver • Victoria Becker • Zoe Austin
Amy Williams
Anna Lorenz
Ashley Scherman, PhD
Breanna Draxler
Decatur Foster
Elisa Bonnin
Natalie Jones Slivinski
Samantha Jones
Sarah Shires
Sydney Weber Boutros
Tiffany Fox
Want to collaborate with us?
We’re always looking for new people to connect with.