Features

For those who don’t know you, tell us a little about your background.

I’m a Los Angeles native and graduate of UC Berkeley. I’ve worked in the entertainment industry, music, and startups. Currently, I’m Head of Content & Innovation at GOOD | Upworthy, a social impact and media company. I believe in the fundamental goodness of people, that human beings are capable of solving any problem, and the superiority of In-‘n-Out burger over Shake Shack.

What are you most looking forward to about reviewing Anthem Awards entries?

I’m looking forward to being personally inspired by the activists, leaders, creators and organizations putting their solutions out into the world. The next great idea that leads humanity to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future is out there—I’m honored to have these front row seats.

What does it take for a project or campaign to cause real-world change?

There are many ways a project or campaign can cause real-world change. Start with an idea that captures the imagination—something that responds to our uniquely human desire to visualize a better future, yet also provides an inspiring, concrete path forward. The value of “talk” can be easily discounted, but it’s an important first step towards action. You have to get people to “talk the talk” before they can “walk the walk”—providing the catalyst for people to do both is how a movement can begin.

How does your work at GOOD | Upworthy support your mission?

As the Head of Content & Innovation at GOOD | Upworthy, I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to share the best of humanity with the world every day—to interrupt our relentless doomscroll with shots of hope. It’s true: complex, systemic problems are constantly at work to thwart our human potential. At the same time, however, there are so many working tirelessly to remove roadblocks, engender solutions, and create new paths forwards. Our platform is for them, to help them reach 150 million people per month. Our platform is also for those 150 million people to, in turn, be inspired by individuals and organizations working for a kinder, better, more just future. I believe in giving people reasons to be optimistic about the future, and humanity in general, and that’s what GOOD | Upworthy is all about.

Bonus: What’s your favorite purpose-driven project or mission-driven campaign right now, and why?

Operation Flyaway – a crowd-funded humanitarian mission, spearheaded by Instagrammer @Quentin.Quarantino, Raven Advisory and Veterans in Media and Entertainment. Its primary mission is to facilitate safe passage out of Afghanistan for at-risk Afghans. GOOD | Upworthy helped raise the visibility of the fundraising portion of the operation, which led to an unprecedented 7.2 million dollars raised—the first million in just over an hour. It’s a great example of how the power of the internet can be harnessed for good. Since its launch, Operation Flyaway has facilitated the rescue of hundreds of people. Given the opportunity, people really do want to help.