Ronald Purser is Professor of Management in the College of Business and the Educational Doctorate in Leadership program in the College of Education at San Francisco State University. His scholarship currently focuses on mindfulness in organizations, and how Buddhist psychology and Buddhist social theory can inform social change and transformation. In addition, Prof. Purser writings have been exploring the challenges and issues of introducing mindfulness into secular contexts, particularly with regards to its encounter with modernity, Western consumer capitalism, and individualism. Dr. Purser is an ordained Zen Dharma Teacher in the Korean Zen Taego order of Buddhism.

Clifton Garmon is the Chief of Staff at VOCAL-NY, having previously served as the organization’s Senior Policy Analyst for over 3 years.

Before joining the VOCAL team, Clifton worked for the Ali Forney Center, where he focused on campaigns and policies advocating for LGBT homeless youth. Clifton has dedicated both his academic and professional careers to social justice advocacy. Clifton holds Bachelor degrees in Sociology and Political Science from Lenoir-Rhyne University, and a Masters in Social Work from Columbia University.

Christian is a senior member of Amazon Watch's team. Having coordinated the Brazil Program since 2009, Christian also led the organization's efforts to encourage a shift toward non-hydro energy alternatives in Brazil's electricity matrix. While managing Amazon Watch's Paris office, he partnered with European NGOs on Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns. He has over sixteen years experience in the fields of international development and advocacy focusing on environmental, agrarian, and social justice issues. Prior to joining Amazon Watch, Christian assisted Brazil's Landless Workers Movement and managed rural development and micro enterprise projects in West Africa. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish.

Matt Taibbi is a contributing editor for Rolling Stone and winner of the 2008 National Magazine Award for columns and commentary. His most recent book is ‘I Can’t Breathe: A Killing on Bay Street,’ about the infamous killing of Eric Garner by the New York City police. He’s also the author of the New York Times bestsellers 'Insane Clown President,' 'The Divide,' 'Griftopia,' and 'The Great Derangement.' His latest is “Hate Inc” at https://taibbi.substack.com/

Matt is also the co-host of the new podcast, Useful Idiots with Katie Halper