Will Roger, an American artist deeply entwined with the enigmatic allure of the desert, is celebrated for his bold exploration of nature’s mysteries. Armed with a background in analytical chemistry and an MFA in photography, he has dedicated decades to capturing the essence of landscapes and the human form. As a Co-Founder of Burning Man, the Black Rock Arts Foundation, and Burning Man Project, he has expanded the horizons of his creativity. His stop-motion photography and captivating aerial views of the Black Rock Desert have earned him accolades, showcased in prestigious venues like The Smithsonian and Sotheby’s. Yet, beyond his artistic pursuits, Will is a passionate conservationist and author, delving into themes of environmentalism and human connection through his books, “Compass of the Ephemeral” and “Handbook for a Burning Age.” Through his lens and words, he beckons audiences to contemplate the intricate interplay between humanity and the natural world, fostering a profound appreciation for our interconnectedness with it.

Rosalie Fay Barnes (she/they) is an educator, artist, and Zen practitioner, with a focus on neurodiversity, art education, and inclusive learning. Holding two Master’s degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education alongside a Special Education teaching certification, she is a steadfast advocate for reimagining education through creativity and inclusivity. For nearly a decade, Barnes worked within the Burning Man Project’s legal department, where she fostered meaningful partnerships with local tribes, communities, and government agencies—deepening her commitment to collaborative, sustainable, and culturally aware practice.

Christopher Breedlove an American educator and creative director, explores what it means to be human in the digital age while designing frameworks for the future. A passionate advocate for community development, artistic innovation, and environmental activism, Breedlove leads the Burners Without Borders program and various initiatives as the Director of Global Activation at the Burning Man Project. His work leverages the arts as a catalyst for social change, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration. His efforts aim to inspire individuals and communities, driving forward initiatives that champion creativity, sustainability, and collective well-being.

Zac Cirivello has been himself for as long as he can remember. At times, this has meant being a classically trained chef, a festival producer, a marijuana farmer, a professional photographer, or a confused, wanderlust misanthrope. Zac studied environmental ethics at College of the Redwoods and focuses his work on community development and regenerative land use. He is currently the General Manager of Burning Man’s 3,800-acre Fly Ranch project. Zac is a husband and a father and considers himself a work in progress.

Laura Day is a community instigator, culture weaver, operational wizard, innovative business strategist, organizational architect, intentional experience producer, marketing maestro, team curator, and nurturing leader. She is passionate about creating transformative events that create lasting change. Currently serving as the Associate Director of Operations at Burning Man Project, she has led many multi-departmental initiatives and engineered systemic improvements to the organization. Her professional past lives include co-founding and operating the first recreationally licensed cannabis company in Oregon, which was ranked the 6th Greenest Workplace and listed among the best companies to work for in the state, setting standards for best practices industry-wide. Laura is also the founder/director of Firefly Gathering, a sustainability-focused music, art, performance, healing, and yoga festival in Northern Arizona. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from NAU with a degree in Environmental Science and a dual focus on sustainable communities and biodiversity. Laura has designed and implemented various business models around environmental stewardship, exemplary labor practices, fiscal sustainability, human potential empowerment, and operational efficiency, all through the lens of the conscious evolution of the human species.

Susan Szewczak Clark, Ph.D., While Susan Szewczak Clark, Ph.D. originated from the East coast, she has resided in Eastern California and Western Nevada for the last 30 plus years. In 1987, Susan received her Ph.D. in Biophysics from Brown University, researching how cells communicate to create functional syncytia. But after the birth of her two children, she left research to develop innovative, hands-on approaches to science education, including engagement of indigenous knowledge. In support of these programs, Susan raised and implemented over $5 million in grant funding, including the Eisenhower and National Science Foundations. Susan also developed a robust consulting business in high-stakes and high-conflict facilitation. Working with a wide range of stakeholders and management personnel, she integrates solutions into existing corporate structures to address critical problems, building sustainable change within organizations. Most recently she has been hosting a podcast, Art of Dynamic Competence, and co-hosting a series of experiential learning labs around the work of Jean Gebser, Jeremy Johnson, and other metamodern philosophers. She also has served on several non-profit Boards in support of science education, environmental issues, and affordable housing.

Laura Fallon (she/they) is a deep listener, dynamic facilitator, and transformational coach. Through her work, Laura helps people unlock the relationship between their fear and fulfillment. Laura has formal training as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) through the Co-Active Training Institute, a global organization accredited by the International Coaching Federation. She also has an MBA from Stanford University, and a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Laura loves their dog Dax and is in the process of converting her van, Shelbie. Laura is a queer, divergent thinker, committed to aliveness.

Rosie von Lila’s métier is human flourishing. A multi-disciplinary artist, Rosie’s theatre, video, audio, and visual artworks bring people in contact with academic research on flourishing. She is the co-author of The Practical Flourishing Assessment, utilized by law enforcement and military agencies. Rosie’s professional experience includes nearly a decade working in Wall Street finance, a long history of working with Burning Man globally, and engaging the US Army, Navy, and Marines with her framework on participatory culture. Rosie was featured in Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal’s Stealing Fire, and is a protégé of Riane Eisler.

Crimson Rose, a Co-Founder of Burning Man, the Black Rock Arts Foundation, and Burning Man Project, dedicates her life to the arts and artistic expression. Her journey with Burning Man began in 1991, where she cultivated the organization’s Art department, shaping the infrastructure and support systems for large-scale participatory art projects. Under her guidance, Burning Man has evolved into a boundless canvas, inspiring collaborative artworks showcased globally. Crimson’s personal artistry draws from the transformative nature of materials, honed through experiences such as fine art modeling, crafting textiles, and exploring color dynamics in watercolor. She co-created Earth Art labyrinths in Northern Nevada and embodies a passion for fire as a goddess of the flame. Through her visionary leadership and creative endeavors, Crimson Rose continues to ignite the spirit of artistic innovation and community collaboration worldwide.

Dr. David Shearer is a clean tech scientist and Co-Founder of bio365 and Full Circle Biochar, both clean technology companies developing biochar products for global agriculture and carbon sequestration. Prior to launching Full Circle Biochar, Dr. Shearer was Chief Scientist at California Environmental Associates and Principal Environmental Scientist at AeroVironment Inc. focused on next generation transportation, energy, carbon management, and information technology with Toyota’s Advanced Technology Group and Google.Org. Dr. Shearer has directed groundbreaking work in public policy and philanthropic investment for climate change mitigation for NGO’s. He is Co-Founder and Board Chair of Black Rock Solar, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Black Rock Labs, and Board Science Ambassador of SkyTruth. He is a frequent collaborator with Brian Goggin, a creator of large scale public art. Dr. Shearer has a Ph.D. in Environmental Epidemiology and a M.S. in Environmental Microbiology from the University of California, and B.S. in Biology from the University of Oregon.

SunRose IronShell is an award-winning artist who defies the stereotypes of Native Art in America. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she is also an independent curator, poet, and fashion entrepreneur. In 2012, she achieved dual Bachelor’s degrees in Studio Arts and Museum Studies from the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, NM. Hailing from the Sicangu and Oglala Lakota tribes of the Titowan Band of the Oceti Sakowin, known as the Sioux Nation of Indians, SunRose’s heritage deeply influences her work. As a ledger artist, SunRose revitalizes the traditional form of documentation, offering a narrative of contemporary Indigenous life. Her art breathes new life into old techniques, capturing the essence of Oceti Sakowin supernatural icons and stylized portraits. Through her use of intense colors and sunset ombre hues, she propels the Great Plains aesthetic into the modern age. Throughout her life, SunRose has been a tireless advocate for Indigenous Peoples and a passionate ambassador for the ReMatriation of her people as stewards of the Earth.

Fred Sigman, an art historian and photographer, delves into the essence of places through his scholarly and artistic pursuits. His work intertwines the art history of his travels with photography, leading to long-term projects spanning diverse locales such as Barbizon and the Fontainebleau Forest, 18th-century Missionary Churches of the Baja Peninsula, and the desert wetlands of Nevada. Ancient sites like Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu also captivate his lens. Driven by existential questions akin to travelers like Bruce Chatwin and Bashō, Fred has traversed the globe since youth, pondering the universal query: “What am I doing here?” Currently residing in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Fred maintains ties with the College of Southern Nevada, where he imparts his expertise as an Art History Professor. His enduring quest to unravel the layers of meaning within diverse landscapes continues to inspire both scholarly inquiry and artistic expression.

Matt Sundquist, a Harvard College philosophy honors graduate, Co-Founded Plotly and served as its COO for three years. Named in the 40 under 40 for data, he collaborated with The White House on the Obama Climate Data Initiative, deepening his understanding of climate change. Transitioning to roles emphasizing social impact, including product management at Change.org, he was inspired by “Rules for Radicals.” Consulting for Water.org, he developed an open-source microfinance platform, reshaping his perspective on water. Currently serving as the Director of Fly Ranch at Burning Man Project, he’s associated with collective action solutions, open-source software, and data science. Leading the transformation of a 5.9 square mile (3,800 acres) dumping ground into an art park, community center, and working ranch, Matt demonstrates his commitment to land stewardship, sustainability, and climate action by creating a vibrant, participant-led ecosystem.