Kofi Annan
Secretary-General of the United Nations, 1997-2006; Nobel Peace Prize Recipient, 2001; Board of Directors, United Nations Foundation; Chairman of the Board of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa; Li Ka Shing Professor, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy
As the world’s most prominent diplomat, Kofi Annan has been a powerful voice on issues of human rights, international cooperation, and in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A skilled leader during a difficult era, Secretary-General Annan provides powerful insights into the challenges facing the international community, and the role of the United Nations in achieving global peace and security.
Ed Begley, Jr.
Emmy-Nominated Actor; Television Host; Environmental Activist
When it comes to taking personal responsibility for the environment, few individuals can match the record of actor and activist Ed Begley, Jr. Known for turning up at Hollywood events on his bicycle, Mr. Begley Jr. sits on the board of countless environmental groups and hosts his own TV show, espousing a true belief in the power of “green living.”
Bono
Lead Singer of U2; Co-Founder of DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa)
Bono uses his rock star status to raise awareness about the crises in Africa: unpayable debts, uncontrolled spread of AIDS, and the unfair trade rules which keep Africans poor. In 2002, Bono co-founded DATA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa) to raise public awareness of the issues in its name, and influence government policy on Africa. On behalf of DATA, Bono has lobbied U.S. Presidents and Congressional leaders, along with the heads of many other G8 nations. DATA is a founding member of the One Campaign to make poverty history, which is part of a global network of millions of people campaigning against extreme poverty.
Kenneth Cole
Chairman & CEO, Kenneth Cole Productions; Author, Awearness: Inspiring Stories about How to Make a Difference and Footnotes; Chairman, amfAR (The Foundation for Aids Research); Humanitarian, Activist and Philanthropist
In 25 years, Kenneth Cole has built a 150 store-strong retail empire, uniting his fashion instincts and business acumen with his philanthropic convictions. Mr. Cole’s influence reaches far beyond the world of fashion – he has been a dynamic advocate for many causes ranging from initiatives for the homeless to his work as Chairman of the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR).
Jane Goodall
World-Renowned Conservationist; Founder, Jane Goodall Institute; United Nations Messenger of Peace
In the more than 50 years since she began studying chimpanzees in Africa, Dr. Jane Goodall established her identity as a tireless advocate for environmental stewardship.
Al Gore
45th Vice President of the United States; Nobel Peace Laureate; Author, An Inconvenient Truth and Our Choice; Chairman, Alliance for Climate Protection
; Chairman, Generation Investment Management; Chairman, Current TV
The world’s most influential voice on climate change, an advisor to leaders in Congress, and heads of state throughout the world, Al Gore offers a unique perspective on national and international affairs. One of the most powerful champions of environmental awareness in America today, his multimedia presentation, which is a mesmerizing account of the consequences of climate change, was turned into the critically acclaimed documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, which won an Oscar Award. In addition to his impassioned efforts with the environment, he has also carved out a considerable business career as Chairman of Generation Investment Management, a firm that is focused on a new approach to sustainable investing; Senior Advisor to Google; one of the Board of Directors of Apple; and is Chairman of Current TV, an Emmy Award Winning network that can be described as a cross between MTV and CNN.
Bianca Jagger
International Human Rights Advocate
Ms. Jagger has spent much of her life visiting war zones and refugee camps and denouncing human rights violations. She has provided a voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless.
Mae Jemison
First African American Woman in Space; Founder and President of Two Medical Technology Companies
Dr. Mae C. Jemison broke more than the sound barrier in 1992 when she climbed aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour and became the first woman of color to travel into space - she made history! Now, Founder and President of two technology companies, the space flight was just one of a series of accomplishments for this dynamic woman.
Thomas Kean
Chairman, 9/11 Commission 2002-2004; President of Drew University, 1990-2005; Governor of New Jersey, 1982-1990
Only a true leader could step into a position as daunting as Chairman of the bi-partisan 9/11 Commission to successfully emerge as a unifier and consensus-builder.
Wangari Maathai
2004 Nobel Peace Laureate; Founder, The Green Belt Movement; Visiting Fellow at Yale University’s Global Institute for Sustainable Forestry
In 2004 Dr. Maathai was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for her “contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace,” stemming from her work on community empowerment and environmental conservation. She is the first African woman to receive this prestigious award.
Carol Moseley Braun
Founder and President, Good Food Organics; Presidential Candidate for the Democratic Nomination, 2004; United States Ambassador, 1999 – 2001; United States Senator, 1992 – 1998
A woman of extensive achievements and a pioneering entrepreneur, Carol Moseley Braun has established herself as an agent for change passionate about preserving the American Dream for the next generation. Carol Moseley Braun combines philosophy, history, and policy to provide a unique perspective on various topics.
Queen Noor
Queen of Jordan; Founder & Chair, King Hussein Foundation; Founding Member, Global Zero (international initiative working towards the elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide)
Her Majesty Queen Noor is an international humanitarian, activist and an outspoken voice on issues of global peace-building, nuclear non-proliferation, women's empowerment, and cross-cultural understanding. She is actively involved in a number of international organizations dealing with global peace-building and conflict recovery and currently serves as an expert advisor to the United Nations on these issues.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT! As a founding member of Global Zero, an international initiative working towards the elimination of all nuclear weapons worldwide, Queen Noor has made many media appearances in the past few months addressing the importance of nuclear non-proliferation, as well as addressing prospects for peace in the Middle East. Click on the following links to video clips. MSNBC Morning Joe / CNN Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer / CNN Campbell Brown / Huffington Post Column
Mark Plotkin, Ph.D.
The Shaman’s Apprentice ; Time Magazine “Hero for the Planet”; The Skoll Foundation's 2008 "Social Entrepreneur of the Year"
World-renowned explorer and spell binding story-teller, Mark Plotkin is a Time magazine “Hero for the Planet,” and star of the Academy Award nominated IMAX documentary, Amazon. Respected and revered for his work in the Amazon Rainforests, Plotkin’s fascinating adventures inspire audiences to dream big, take risks, overcome adversity, and look beyond the obvious or expected, pushing the limits of commonly accepted concepts. Over the course of his 20 year journey deep in the jungles, Plotkin has endured some of the most bizarre encounters with nature. Whether sleeping in a tiny thatched hut, suffering from vampire-bat bites, eating delicacies like boiled rat, or nearly being electrocuted by a giant eel, Plotkin continues to race against time in saving the rainforest, the ancient knowledge of its shamans and its enchanted and endangered existence.
Martin Sheen
Award-Winning Actor; Social Activist & Humanitarian
Endeared to audiences nation-wide for his seven-year run as President Bartlet on NBC’s award-winning series The West Wing, Martin Sheen uses his dynamic presence and celebrity status to lend an inspired voice to political and humanitarian causes around the globe.
Robert Ballard
President, Institute for Exploration Mystic; Professor of Oceanography, Graduate School of Oceanography, University of R.I.; Director, Institute for Archeological Oceanography, University of R.I.; Founding Chairman of the Board and Chief Scientist, JASON Foundation for Education Waltham, MA
The man who made some of the most startling undersea discoveries in recent years, Robert Ballard, describes what it was like to locate the Titanic and other significant shipwrecks. World-famous for his discovery of the Titanic and the German battleship Bismark, Ballard leads audiences on a journey to plumb some of history’s greatest mysteries.
Ballard’s adventurous spirit is matched by a practical and hugely successful approach to goal setting, team building and execution. The skills that led to his headline-grabbing accomplishments are the same skills that now lead people from all walks of life toward a realization of their dreams.
Philippe Cousteau
Founder, EarthEcho
International; Grandson of Captain
Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Philippe Cousteau is the twenty-eight year-old son of Jan and Philippe Cousteau Sr., and the grandson of Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau. As a member of the legendary Cousteau family, he is continuing the work of his father and grandfather to inspire individuals to restore and protect the ocean and freshwater systems that sustain life on Earth.
Bob Graham
Two-Time Governor of Florida; Three-Time U.S. Senator; 2004 Presidential Candidate; Co-Chair, Bipartisan Presidential Commission Investigating the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill
Senator Bob Graham is the former two–term governor of Florida and served for 18 years in the United States Senate. This is combined with 12 years in the Florida legislature for a total of 38 years of public service. As Governor and Senator, Bob Graham was a centrist, committed to bringing his colleagues together behind programs that served the broadest public interest. He was recognized by the people of Florida when he received an 83% approval ranking as he concluded eight years as Governor. Senator Graham retired from public service in January 2005, following his Presidential campaign in 2004. He is recognized for his leadership on issues ranging from healthcare, environmental preservation and education, to his ten years of service on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He continues his government service as President Obama’s choice to co-chair the Bi-Partisan Commission on the Mexican Oil Spill.
Jonathan Greenblatt
Thought Leader on Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethical Branding and Social Entrepreneurship; Co-Founder, Ethos Water; Founder and President, Our Good Works; Former CEO, Good Worldwide
; Former Vice President, Starbucks Coffee Company; Faculty Member, Anderson School of Management, UCLA
Jonathan Greenblatt is the co-founder of Ethos Water, a former vice president of Starbucks Coffee Company, and an acknowledged thought leader on ethical branding, global development and social entrepreneurship. He recently served as CEO of GOOD Worldwide and has served at the highest levels of government, including as an aide in the Clinton White House and, more recently, as a member of the Obama-Biden Presidential Transition Team. He teaches social entrepreneurship at the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA and advises corporations, foundations and non-governmental organizations on the intersection between business and sustainability.
Peter Gros
Wildlife Expert; Co-host, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom
In his popular live presentations, Peter will share his exciting animal world, travel experiences and timeless tales. He highlights his many adventures with a mix of video clips and bloopers while introducing friendly exotic animals to audience members, and telling inspirational stories dealing with issues of conservation, travel, and wildlife filming. Peter's fascinating stories have been thrilling and educating audiences across the country for years. Showcasing his dynamic stage presence, humor, and his undeniably infectious love for animals, Peter's presentation can be customized to meet your next event or meeting.
Annabelle Gurwitch
Actress; Author; Activist
Annabelle Gurwitch takes social issues and gives them her own brand of humor and perspective. At the podium, she speaks on sustainability issues around the country.
Dewitt Jones
Legendary National Geographic Photographer; Author, The Nature of Leadership
Where do we find the vision to take our lives to the next level? How do we summon the passion to keep “raising the bar”? How can we make our life less of a struggle and more of a joy? For photographer and creativity expert, Dewitt Jones, the answers to these questions lie in the images we hold about ourselves, our future and our individual growth.
Joseph MacInnis
Deep-Sea Explorer; Leader of Titanic
Expeditions
Dr. Joe MacInnis is a medical doctor who studies leadership and teamwork in life-threatening environments from the deep ocean to outer space. He’s led thirty expeditions under the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans including the first team of scientists to dive under the ice at the North Pole. His latest passion and project is working with fellow deep sea enthusiasts like “Titanic” director James Cameron to map out and execute new strategies for dealing with the Gulf Oil Spill and the spreading environmental disaster, and to put in place future plans and procedures so that we are never again faced with a crisis like this.
William McDonough
Award-Winning Architect and Designer; Time Hero of the Planet
William McDonough established himself as a leader in the sustainable development movement since its inception. Recognized by Time magazine as a Hero for the Planet, his vision of the hopeful, positive, and inspiring possibilities of an environmentally and economically intelligent future by design has made him a highly sought-after speaker for a wide range of audiences both internationally and in the U.S.
Gloria Reuben
Actress; Social Activist ; Singer
In addition to being know as a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominated actress, Gloria Reuben is dedicated to advocating for several causes. Gloria is successful on the speaking circuit, where her focus is on the environment, HIV/AIDS, human rights, women’s issues and the arts. She has also become a fixture in Washington, D.C. where she has been lobbying for these causes.
Jeremy Rifkin
Economist ; Principal Advisor to the European Union on Economic Development, Energy Security and Climate Change Policy
; President, Foundation on Economic Trends; Bestselling Author, The End of Work and The Age of Access; Fellow, Wharton School’s Executive Education Program
Jeremy Rifkin and his ideas are not without controversy. The author of seventeen books on the impact of scientific and technological changes on the economy, the workforce, society and the environment, Mr. Rifkin advocates a new type of economic thinking. He is a proponent of sustainable development, quality of life and the nurturing of community. His books have been translated into more than thirty languages and are used in hundreds of universities, corporations and government agencies around the world. Mr. Rifkin is one of the highest rated speakers on the international lecture circuit on the topics of globalization, sustainability and shifting to a new energy era and low-carbon economy. CNN-International is airing a documentary on his Third Industrial Revolution vision for their program Principal Voices. Click here to view the trailer.
Robert Rose
Founding Executive Director of the Breakthrough Technologies Institute; Environmental Activist
Robert Rose has dedicated his life to freeing the U.S. from its dangerous and expensive addiction to oil, advocating for a radical new America energy paradigm.
Andrew Savitz
Former head of PricewaterhouseCooper's Sustainability Business Services practice; Author, The Triple Bottom Line - How Today's Best-Run Companies are Achieving Economic, Social and Environmental Success
In a survey of 900 global corporations released by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 80 percent of CEOs said they believe "sustainability" is or soon will be vital to the profitability of their company, and 71 percent said they would consider sacrificing short-term profits to move their company towards sustainability-a sure sign that the world's leading CEOs see it as the corporate model of the future. Andrew Savitz has been called “the man who wrote the book on sustainability.” This former head of PricewaterhouseCooper’s Sustainability Practice and best-selling author of The Triple Bottom Line is an expert on how executives and companies can do well by doing good. His speeches are dynamic, living events, full of insights and humor, in which Savitz helps executives and companies create a blueprint to find their way to a sustainable, profitable future in today's daunting era of environmental and social accountability.
David Suzuki
Chair, David Suzuki Foundation; Award Winning Scientist; Environmentalist and Broadcaster
Dr. David Suzuki, environmentalist, scientist, and broadcaster, is known for his passion for science and his ability to explain complex scientific issues with clarity and simplicity in person and on the television.
Amy Vedder
Conservationist; Co-Founder of the Mountain Gorilla Project
One of the world’s foremost experts on wildlife and wilderness conservation, Dr. Amy Vedder is a passionate advocate for conservation and the importance it plays in our lives.
Andrew Winston
Founder of Winston Eco-Strategies; Author, Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage; Director of the Corporate Environmental Strategy Project at Yale’s Environment School
As director of the Corporate Environmental Strategy Project at Yale’s Environment School, Andrew Winston studies companies like BP, Toyota, IKEA, GE and Nike who are achieving both environmental and business success. In his speeches Winston puts this knowledge to work by showing companies how to create an “eco-advantage” in the marketplace as traditional elements of competitive differentiation fade in importance.
Ethan Zohn
Co-founder, Grassroot Soccer; Public Speaker; Television Host
The winner of Survivor: Africa and professional international athlete, Ethan Zohn established himself as a champion for social change in Africa through his involvement with Grassroot Soccer, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to mobilize the global soccer community in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
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