Kirsi Jansa
documentary filmmaker
I believe in the power of authentic human stories. Stories have the power to change the way we see the world, and can therefore change the world.
I am a journalist – an advocate for democracy and people’s right to know. I am a documentary filmmaker – an Agent of Change. As a representative of an independent media I work for the people and not for money interests. (More about me and my work at www.kirsijansa.com)
A major change in energy production is needed if humankind wants to preserve a livable planet. My first short documentary series, Gas Rush Stories (www.gasrushstories.com), explores the various ways that shale gas exploration is changing the state of Pennsylvania. Sustainability Pioneers, my second documentary series, will outline different paths to a sustainable energy future.
We, the people, are amazingly creative and resourceful when we work together. Stories can help us discover our power, both personal and universal.
Patricia M. DeMarco, Ph.D
SP sustainability advisor
I am a biologist by training, working in energy and environmental policy for over 30 years, and a Rachel Carson scholar with a Visiting Researcher appointment at Carnegie Mellon University currently writing a book titled “Pathways to Our Sustainable Future” funded by The Pittsburgh Foundation Clyde W. and Ida Mae Worthington Fund.
Kathy Knauer
SP journalistic advisor
I am the executive producer of The Allegheny Front, an award-winning independently-produced public radio program that covers the environment in Pennsylvania.
For many years, I was an environmental scientist with a wastewater agency and worked at Carnegie Mellon University managing a water quality survey of Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers and small watersheds. She has a Master of Science in Environmental Health from the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh.
Fritz Byers
SP legal advisor
Will Zavala
SP on-line editor, documentary advisor
I am a professor in the school at Pittsburgh Filmmakers, and director of the Documentary Salon. I want to learn more about sustainability. Is it a model for growth, or an alternative to growth? Is it cheaper or more expensive than our current systems? Do we need more than sustainability to save the planet?
Brittany Page
SP graphic designer
I’m a video production specialist with a passion for creativity. I include it in everything I do and love when I can collaborate with others to create something amazing! Creating a sustainable world is so important for the present and future. I hope to be part of the transition into a self-sustainable future.
Ricardo Iamuuri
SP composer, score
I am a multimedia sound collage artist. I shoot and direct. I write and compose. I perform live original scores for short films. Sustainability is a reality. It’s not a theory or something intangible. It is a term conscious of interconnection and interdependence. It states the obvious: consider the whole. My interest in Sustainable Pioneers is motivated by a commitment to becoming more informed about the issues explored in this series.
Andrew Twigg
SP web consultant
I’m an Assistant Teaching Professor at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Design, where I focus on web design, visual communication, and cross-media design systems, and am an independent designer practicing visual-verbal design strategy, branding and web design. I’ve been concerned with issues of sustainability since involvement in my undergrad’s community energy and sustainability program, and I believe that good sustainability can be good business.