Spending part of her early years growing up in the Birmingham area, Twiaina recalls acknowledging a vigilant activation to service. Over the years she has found ways to learn, work and advocate in a capacity inclusive of not only of her community but in humanity as a whole. Her focus began to sharpen toward community development, sustainability, equality, equanimity while earning a degree in Economics. Twiaina believes we are all ultimately stewards of the place in which we live – whether your neighborhood or the world as a whole- and each of us must do our part, no matter how small, to be activate participants in producing the same energy we care to receive. “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Desmond Tutu

Twiaina Tolliver

Mark Bateman is a professor with expertise in higher education leadership and college choice. He finds joy in assisting high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds get accepted and funded to attend America’s best colleges. "Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I must listen to my life telling me who I am." Parker J. Palmer​​​​​​​

Mark Bateman

Phil Vander Kamp is an educator, environmentalist, and back porch musician. Phil believes that clean water, clean air, and public lands to enjoy nature is a right, not a privilege. Just as importantly, to listen to nature without the impediment of human “progress.” "When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world."  John Muir

Phil Vander Kamp

Elizabeth works as a storyteller, calligrapher, certified Zentangle teacher, and movement artist in communities and with UAB Institute for Arts in Medicine.
She holds certifications in group fitness instruction and as a behavior change specialist through the American Council on Exercise. Elizabeth believes, as Muriel Rukeyser said, the world is made of stories, not atoms. She further believes the power of story exists in the connection of the teller and the listener.

Elizabeth Vander Kamp

Lori Bateman is a medical sociologist, registered dietitian, and bioethicist. She conducts studies that examine health disparities and the social determinants of health as well as communication in health care. She believes authentic listening is crucial to emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual, and physical well-being.  ​​​​​​​“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead​​​​​​​

Lori Bateman