Meet the biologists and Earthwatch volunteers on the front lines of safeguarding sea turtles in Costa Rica. Scientists describe sea turtles as indicators of the health of marine ecosystems. Eastern Pacific Leatherbacks are on the brink of extinction, 98% in decline due to threats at every stage of their life cycle. Human threats such as development, fishing, poaching, plastics, and climate change can be curtailed. We are the cause and the solution. Join an Earthwatch expedition like this one and become a citizen scientist of the world. You will enjoy a memorable adventure while contributing to science. www.earthwatch.org

This is a long version of the video I submitted to the National Science Foundation Diversity Challenge in STEM. For years I have documented inspiring students who have attended RMSSN. The Rocky Mountain Sustainability and Science Network (RMSSN) brings underrepresented minority college students to national parks for ecological field experiences and research. A diverse new generation of globally minded leaders emerge prepared to address issues of environmental sustainability and preservation of cultural and natural resources. I produced, shot and edited this video. Not sure why we didn't win the contest ?! (insert emoji with a wink).

In 2010 I was asked to document a bike tour in Tanzania for an organization called The Foundation For Tomorrow. A group of cyclists were riding from Kilimanjaro to the coast for a cause - to raise funds for the education of orphans and vulnerable children. One orphan named Richard joined the group after winning a contest for the privilege of participation. I had been documenting Ice Road Truckers navigating the deadliest roads in India and flew to Africa after I wrapped equipped for the adventure. Unfortunately funding dried up and we only completed the rough cut. I believe in the cause and the video deserves to be seen.

The Rocky Mountain Sustainability and Science Network (RMSSN) brings underrepresented minority college students to national parks for ecological field experiences and research. A diverse new generation of globally minded leaders emerge prepared to address issues of environmental sustainability and preservation of cultural and natural resources.

ORT (Association for the Promotion of Skilled Trades) was founded in 1880 in Saint Petersburg to provide professional and vocational training for young Jews. Today ORT supporters head to Saint Petersburg and Moscow to see firsthand how ORT schools in the former Soviet Union are providing the most advanced STEM education while serving Jewish communities. It’s education that gives people the power to make challenges into opportunities. A World ORT education empowers people from the poorest backgrounds to become independent, contributing citizens. World ORT is the world’s largest Jewish education and vocational training NGO (Non-Governmental Organization). For more about ORT: https://www.ort.org

Meet Saveli, an ORT Russia student, and his mother Zinaida and see the ways that ORT has kept Jewish traditions alive for their family. In Jewish tradition, Shabbat happens each week from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. Shabbat is a festive day when Jews exercise their freedom from the regular labours of everyday life. One element of Shabbat that binds most Jews — even the non-observant — is Friday night dinner. It offers an opportunity to contemplate the spiritual aspects of life and to spend time with family. Here, Russians, Ukrainians and Georgians break bread together as one big happy family. I spent a week with ORT supporters in Russia in September 2017 documenting ORT schools, the students who attend and their families. To learn more about World ORT: www.ort.org

Rocky Mountain Sustainability and Science Network develops a diverse mix of future leaders who are prepared to address sustainability, uncertainty and change on a global scale. For more information: http://rmssn.wordpress.com

Meet Mariella, a student at ORT Tekhiya School in Moscow. In September 2017 I spent a week with ORT supporters in Russia documenting ORT schools, the students who attend and their families. To learn more about World ORT: ort.org

Every Day is Labor Day! In 2008 I produced this spot for Chicago Federation of Labor.

SoFi - A Different Kind of Loan The $1 trillion US student loan market is broken. SoFi was founded to offer an innovative approach to addressing this problem using the power of social communities to transform the industry. SoFi connects students and alumni through a dedicated lending pool and an original social community approach where students, alumni and schools all benefit. Alumni earn a compelling double bottom line return, students receive a lower loan rate than their private or federal options, and both sides benefit from the connections formed. Sofi hired me to create a promotional piece for them.

I produced this video in 2000 for UNDP HIV AIDS Program to promote and further support for the Alliance of Mayors' Initiative for Community Action on AIDS at the Local Level. The MISSION of AMICAALL is to develop and coordinate the political and technical capacity of local government in Africa to effectively lead the multi-sectoral response to HIV/AIDS at the local level, in accordance with the principles of the Abidjan Declaration. Their GOAL is to reduce the social and economic impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on communities in Africa. Their STRATEGY, as an African regional NGO, is to make the response to HIV/AIDS a concern and a mandate of local authorities. Indeed they firmly believe in decentralisation, as it is at the local level that relevant, sustainable and effective results will be achieved. They promote an expanded, multi-sectoral and local response to the epidemic; and work with governments, civil society organizations, the private sector and local communities.

Young Chicago Authors transforms the lives of young people by cultivating their voices through writing, publication, and performance education. Dr. Robert S. Boone, the founder, asked me to document and make a video in 1999. This was shot on Betacam and edited on AVID. YCA has grown and prospered since! Check out their website for more information: www.youngchicagoauthors.org