CESAR ALMEIDA (He/Him)
Marketing Manager

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Cesar, the founder of Creative Capitol, the One Earth Film Festival’s official marketing partner, likes to spend time DJing in local green spaces across Chicago. He believes that the definition of environment is not only limited to the birds, trees, bees, and leaves but expands to the places where we eat, live, learn, and sleep. His company helps eliminate barriers to inclusive, just, and sustainable access to green spaces and economies across Illinois through transformative programs and services that promote environmental, cultural, and creative sustainability.

ERIN TURNEY (She/They)
Audio Visual Support Manager

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Erin is an environmentalist and artist, specializing in videography; she is also passionate about herbalism. They tell stories through film, illustrating the interconnectedness of all living beings worldwide. Since 2015, Erin has partnered with One Earth to strengthen their bridge between film and environmental activism. They also work closely with their community, sharing accessible herbal medicine and knowledge sourced from local plants.

GAREN HUDSON (He/They)
Audio Visual Tech Director

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Garen is a musician, rock climber, and drug policy reform activist. He believes that there is a major need for collective and individual healing to occur in order for the healing of the planet. He hopes through music and connection to the outdoors, people can find that healing. Garen and his partner are avid gardeners, and are consistently working to improve their techniques to be more sustainable and regenerative.

HELEN QUINN-PASIN (She/Her)
Public Relations Manager

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Helen graduated from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism in 2021 with a Master of Science in Journalism and a specialization in investigative journalism and social justice. Her master's project was a documentary that exposes food insecurity on Chicago’s West Side. The documentary, “Feed ‘Em All,” was accepted by three film festivals across the country and won the Virginia Dares Cinematic Arts Award for Decolonizing/Re-Indigenizing Media. Her past journalism includes pieces about Food Sovereignty and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women on Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin, social and political issues in Oak Park, and sexual assault on a college campus.

JOSHUA BYNUM (He/Him)
Digital Communications & Program Support Coordinator

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Josh is an environmentalist with a specific interest in racial justice and food. He firmly believes that we only have one Earth, and if we continue down the current path, we will simply have no place to go. Josh hopes to use digital advocacy to foster community, drive, and advocacy both within and beyond the Chicago region. In his spare time, Josh enjoys watching anime and is a frequent visitor to the nearest forest preserve.

LAURIE CASEY (She/Her)
One Earth Local Programs Director

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Along with three black and white chickens—April, Dolly and Cat—Laurie's family has also invited into their yard wild blue indigo, calico asters, a young oak tree (for the next generation) and flocks of goldfinches who come for the purple coneflower seeds. Laurie has supported the Festival as a volunteer or staffer since the 2013 season, doing programming, film selection and marketing. Currently she leads a group of Oak Park-based community groups in rallying residents around the Climate Ready Oak Park sustainability plan.

LISA BIEHLE FILES (She/Her)
Young Filmmakers Contest Program Director

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Lisa uses corn meal gluten and beneficial nematodes on her lawn instead of conventional pesticides. She also shares a compost bin with her neighbors and is beginning to experiment with native plants. Her raised-bed vegetable garden was filled with heirloom tomatoes this year, resulting in delightful omelettes, salads and ratatouille. In the spring, she had purchased heirloom seedlings from the esteemed Tomato Lady, who works at Sugar Beet Food Co-op.

LUCINDA ARMAS (She/Her)
Sponsor Relations Manager

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Lucinda is a self-described optimistic realist. She believes any significant, planet-changing headway requires solid strategies, collaboration among sectors, and . . .  money! She enthusiastically joined us because she sees One Earth Collective as proof of her trifecta theory. Lucinda’s excited to partner with One Earth Collective on the “money part" -- raising funds for the One Earth Film Festival. She has worked extensively in integrated marketing, development, and strategic research in multiple sectors.  One of her biggest thrills (at least professionally) is pairing credible data and standout creative to make the world a brighter, more beautiful place.

MAARI THIRUMURUGAN (He/Him)
AV Technical Assistant

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Maari Thirumurugan is a visionary filmmaker, passionate about telling impactful stories that blend art with social consciousness. Known for his innovative approach to filmmaking, Maari's work explores the intersection of culture, humanity, and the environment, with a particular focus on addressing global challenges such as climate change and sustainability. Maari will be supporting us through his vast knowledge in Audio Visual programming and equipment.

Michael Alexander (He/Him)
Development Manager

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Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Michael now calls Chicago, Illinois home. With extensive experience in sales, business development, and operations, he has built a versatile career marked by his ability to connect with people and adapt to various professional environments. A passionate plant collector and world traveler, Michael has explored cultures across the globe, enriching his perspective and deepening his love for meaningful conversation. He thrives on building relationships, sharing stories, and turning ideas into reality. Michael is driven by his natural curiosity and warm communication style, always seeking to make meaningful contributions wherever he goes.