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)
Creative Assets Lead & Operations Support

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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)
Technical Coordinator

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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.

JOANNA DREW (She/Her)
Grants Manager

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Joanna plays her part in restoring harmony in our ecosystem by using a bicycle as her primary mode of transportation (when weather permits!). When she is not out and about, she works for domestic and international NGOs, increasing their capacity to raise funds to bring community projects to life. One day, Joanna dreams to live in a zero-waste home amongst the trees, composting and growing her own fruits and vegetables.

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.

KYRA WOODS (She/Her)
Development Coordinator
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Kyra's love for nature began in childhood, helping her mom tend the backyard garden and admiring her great-grandmother's perennial tiger lilies. Today, she loves helping people (re)connect with nature and with one another. As Development Coordinator, she supports One Earth Collective's mission by growing community, strengthening fundraising efforts, and deepening member engagement.

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.

SANDY GEE (She/Her)
Young Filmmakers Contest Social Media and Communications Director

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With over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sector of education, Sandy has worked with learners of all ages, leading workshops, classes, and presentations focused on stress management, meditation, personal development and wellness. In her current role with One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest, she is dedicated to amplifying student voices and fostering meaningful connections between young filmmakers and professionals in both the film and environmental sectors.

SUE CROTHERS (She/Her)
One Earth Film Fest Founding Member
Young Filmmakers Contest Founding Director

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Sue is a dedicated environmental advocate and community leader. Beyond her work with the contest, she served as a Commissioner for the River Forest Sustainability Commission, where she played a pivotal role in implementing community-based sustainability inititiatives. She worked closely with the Village Board of Trustees to advance sustainable policies and ordinances that supported the well-being of the entire community.

Additionally, Sue was one of the original core team members for PlanItGreen. In this role, she helped foster a greener, more resilient Oak Park and River Forest through broad-based collaboration.