Our Staff

Planet Forward engages young people and innovators in search of solutions to the biggest challenges facing our planet. Through media, teaching and convening we empower new voices and elevate compelling ideas. Here's the team that makes it happen on a daily basis.

Frank Sesno

Founder and Chief Executive, Planet Forward

Emmy Award-winning journalist Frank Sesno is the Director of The George Washington University School of Media and Public Affairs and the creator and host of Planet Forward. He was formerly CNN's DC bureau chief, as well as anchor, interview host...

Dan Reed

Director, Planet Forward

Evidence of expertise: B.A., Communication Studies, Bridgewater College; Master's in Legislative Affairs, George Washington University

What you do at Planet Forward: Keep the trains running on time. I...

Kim Ossi

Senior Managing Editor, Planet Forward

Evidence of expertise: B.A. in English; journalist for (mumblemumble) years for McClatchy-Tribune news wire, where I created a weekly Green news section and was the recruiter and supervisor of arguably the hardest working cogs in the wheel...

Imani Cheers

Educational Partnerships Coordinator, Planet Forward

Evidence of expertise: I have a Ph.D. in mass communication and media studies and am an Assistant Professor at GW's School of Media and Public Affairs. I've traveled to 36 countries on 6 continents and have been...

Hannah Dale

Program Coordinator, Planet Forward

Evidence of expertise: B.S. in Business Administration. I have experience in non-profit, corporate and university environments pertaining to sales, marketing and accounting. Quite the smorgasbord.

What you do at...

Laura Whaling

Digital Media Producer, Planet Forward

Hi! I am currently a senior at The George Washington University. I am majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication and minoring in Political Science. I have been working with Planet Forward as a Digital Media and Marketing Intern to help share...

Shandra Furtado

Assignment Editor, Planet Forward

I'm currently a senior at The George Washington University majoring in Environmental Studies, with a minor in Biology and Journalism and Mass Communication. I have experience in communication for non-profit environmental groups, and I am working...

Latest

Deadline May 25 — CARE and Planet Forward partner for student storytelling expedition

Apply now for this opportunity at care.org/expedition!

Frank Sesno

Founder and Chief Executive, Planet Forward

Students, apply now! As announced as the 2017 Planet Forward Summit, CARE and Planet Forward have partnered to send you around the world to tell stories about global challenges.

Calling all students: Be a Planet Forward Correspondent!

Frank Sesno

Founder and Chief Executive, Planet Forward

We are on the hunt for 10 of the most engaged students who are interested in environmental journalism.

Your Story Can Move the Planet Forward

Planet Forward Storyfest 2015 winners share their stories at a special delegation in Rome, Italy, at the UN-FAO. Pictured, from left: David Wilson and Jeremy Robison, Purdue University, and Anahi Ruiz, George Washington University.

Frank Sesno

Founder and Chief Executive, Planet Forward

Have you made a video, taken a picture, told a story or written a blog about something that can move the planet forward? It can win you a cash prize and a trip to U.N. headquarters in New York.

Compost Cab

Laura Whaling

Digital Media Producer, Planet Forward

My idea focuses on the company Compost Cab, which provides residents of the D.C. area with materials to put their food waste in bins, which Compost Cab picks up every week and takes the waste to a compost pile that is then turned into fertile soil.