Bridging the Gap
Photo Credit: Cristina Mittermeier
At this time of polarizing beliefs, sometimes what we need most is a fresh perspective to help expand our understanding of difficult concepts and harsh realities. Through storytelling, the power of the spoken word, and the practice of empathy, these speakers shine a light into the darkness.
Photojournalist.
MacArthur Genius Grantee.
Pulitzer Prize Winner.
Why would anyone willingly plunge headfirst into the war-torn areas of Afghanistan, Darfur, or Libya? For this Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, the simple answer is also the title of her memoir: It’s What I Do.
Pioneer.
Bridge Builder.
Rule Breaker.
The answer “No” is merely a rejection of the status quo and an opportunity to reinvent your world. This is one of the many lessons that fleeing Iran as a young girl during the revolution taught Sheila.
Scientist.
Trillion Tree Campaign Advisor.
Problem Solver.
Our natural ecosystems are the best technology we have to help cool the planet. This British scientist, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, has a plan we can all get behind.
Documentary Filmmaker.
Writer.
Explorer.
Born in Zimbabwe, raised in Australia, and based in Istanbul and NY Michael brings a global perspective to documentary filmmaking. His work for Nat Geo has earned him some filmmaking's highest honors.
Nuclear Engineer.
Clean Energy Visionary.
Queen of Possibility.
What if we could solve the two biggest problems with nuclear energy: safety and waste? Well, this wunderkind nearly did both of those things...when she was just 32. Today, she works to advance nuclear science and technology to save the planet.
Hero for the Planet.
Oceanographer.
Marine biologist.
By showing how every breath of air we take and every drop of water we drink depends on the health of our Oceans, Dr. Sylvia Earle makes marine conservation everyone’s concern.
Travel Writer.
Digital Nomad.
Black Penguin.
This top travel writer invites us to move beyond the tourist selfie to open ourselves to the rich kaleidoscope of humanity, adventure, exploration, and experience the world offers, and—in doing so—become a more evolved version of ourselves.
Organic Architect.
Thought Leader.
Fixer.
His deep passion and commitment to making “every building a green building” inspires audiences of all types to change how they look at their buildings, their facilities and the world at large.
Photographer.
Global Women’s Champion.
Revolutionary.
One of the first women photographers to work for National Geographic, Annie Griffiths has traveled to more than one hundred countries during her long career. When navigating any culture, Annie’s goal has been to share the vibrant tapestry of human experience.
Environmental Hero.
Visual Artist.
Goodwill Ambassador.
Mattias Klum is one of the most eloquent defenders of global biodiversity. Whether addressing the World Economic Forum, the King of Sweden, or 2,500 students, Mattias brings his A-game and nobody leaves his show unchanged.
Photographer.
Community Builder.
Visual Storyteller.
Marvi turned her journey through depression into 1in20, an online mental health initiative aimed at destigmatizing mental illness through creative storytelling. Lately, she's been celebrated for interpreting the world through the eyes of her two boys.
Photographer/Filmmaker.
Thru-Hiker.
Naturekeeper.
To see the natural world through Pete’s eyes is to fling open your arms to the sky and dance in the rain. This gifted creator tells some of the most important stories of our time with passion, wit, and curiosity.
Aerospace Engineer.
USAF Veteran.
STEM Champion.
Whether managing AWACS for US, UK and NATO fleets, engineering solutions for Boeing, or developing comms systems for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter jet, Jill has always reached one hand back to light the path for young girls.
Conservation Photographer.
Ocean Advocate.
Enough.
Cristina’s commitment to conservation extends beyond the Ocean to what it means to be human...understanding that the history of every living thing that has ever existed on this planet also lives within us.
Photographer/Filmmaker.
Empath.
Survivor.
Ben’s breakout short film Denali--a love letter to the dog that explored the planet with him as he worked and played, then laid by his side through his battle with cancer--chronicles one perfect afternoon as the film’s namesake neared the end of his life.
Photographer.
Eyewitness.
Pulitzer Prize Winner.
Getty Images Special Correspondent John Moore brings us balanced, eyewitness reports from the most sweeping stories of this moment--from immigration reform to the frontlines of climate change, to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo Ark Founder.
Wildlife Photographer.
Man on a Mission.
Joel Sartore is a photographer, speaker, author, teacher, conservationist, National Geographic fellow, explorer, and longtime contributor to National Geographic magazine. His hallmarks are a sense of humor and a midwestern work ethic.
Underwater Photographer.
Whale Whisperer.
National Geographic Fellow.
Brian brings into sharp focus the pivotal moment at which we find ourselves in history—an opportune time when we understand the problems, know the solutions, and simply need to summon the will to act.
Nature Photographer.
Illuminator of the Invisible.
Mad Scientist.
In photographer Anand Varma’s hands, a camera is not just a tool to capture what he sees—it’s a way to illuminate the layers of beauty and complexity that are otherwise hidden from the naked eye.