All Topics 
Joy Reeves, Duke University, is presented with her Storyfest Award by Dr. Imani Cheers and Frank Sesno.
William Atkins
Planet Forward Staff
Staff | Planet Forward
April 23, 2024
Thanks for coming to the 2024 Planet Forward Summit!
This year we had more than 250 attendees with students representing more than 50 universities from across the country and internationally for an incredible two days of conversations around “Solutions for Survival: Storytelling and Creativity to Save the Planet”.
Our panel discussions brought together speakers, students, and creatives from Grist to National Geographic to discuss the power of harnessing creativity in storytelling and how to communicate complex data in compelling formats.
An exclusive screening of the CNN documentary film “Blue Carbon” told the inspiring story of how combining music and science is key in averting climate change, followed by an informative discussion with the director.
On Friday, attendees took part in workshops, followed by networking and lunch, generously sponsored by Chaia Tacos. The day was capped off with demonstrations from science and filmmaking students from Rutgers University as they presented their dynamic and impactful science stories, as well as a collaborative planning session for future Pillar and Consortium School programming.
The Summit brought together leading voices in environmental storytelling and provided two days of insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and innovative ideas to move the planet forward.
Katrina Nicole Green, of the Indigenous Youth Climate Resiliency Through Public Policy Program, gives a powerful Land Acknowledgement at the beginning of the Summit.
George Washington University President Ellen Granberg delivers a welcoming statement, celebrating the work of Planet Forward student contributors and correspondents.
Planet Forward Founding Director Frank Sesno and Director of Academic Adventures Dr. Imani Cheers recount the experiential learning trips that students have taken with Planet Forward over the past year.
(From left to right) Kaitlyn Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer, National Geographic Society; Farron Taijeron, University of Guam; Owen Volk, SUNY-ESF; and Libby Mohn, Middlebury Institute of International Studies; discuss storytelling from the field.
Dr. Imani Cheers onstage at the 2024 Planet Forward Summit.
(From left to right) Tyler Hickman, University of Colorado Boulder; Jessica Stahl, Editor for Creative Storytelling, Grist; Rachel Frazin, Energy & Environment Reporter, The Hill; and Jesse J. Holland, Associate Director SMPA; discuss the future of environmental journalism.
(From left to right) Matt Scott, Project Drawdown, Director of Storytelling and Engagement, Project Drawdown; Juan Declet-Barreto, Union of Concerned Scientists; Dr. Neelu Tummala, Co-Director, Climate Health Institute, George Washington University; and Anna Shah, George Washington University discuss the use of data in storytelling.
(From left to right) Frank Sesno; Jaime Perez-Bedmar Merello, New Venture Competition Semi-Finalist; and Liam Perry, New Venture Competition Semi-Finalist.
(From left to right) Frank Sesno and Cassandra Garber, VP, Corporate Sustainability & ESG, Dell Technologies; admire a Planet Forward Mug on stage and discuss the role of complexity and science in solving the world’s most pressing problems.
(From left to right) Joshua Panganiban, Renewables Lead Project Manager, NextEra Energy Resources; and Artealia Gilliard, Environmental Leadership & Sustainability Communications & Advocacy, Ford Motor Company; discuss corporate responsibility to sustainability.
Students and faculty from around the world gather together for a delicious vegetarian lunch provided by Relish DC.
Frank Sesno and Aparna Mukherjee, Executive Director, Society of Environmental Journalists, lead the lunchtime keynote discussion.
(From left to right) Ivey Camille Manybeads Tso, Mentor and Editor, Ilíiaitchik: Indigenous Correspondents Program; and Ilíiaitchik Indigenous Correspondents: Mickki Garrity, University of Minnesota; Nizhoni Tallas, University of Arizona; and Abby Burgess, Dartmouth College.
Andrea Bruce, National Geographic Photojournalist, Educator, Artist & Writer; delivers a keynote speech on using photography for impact.
(From left to right) Michelle McCauley, Provost, Middlebury College; Mykah Scott, Tuskegee University; Joy Reeves, Duke University; Chris Zatarain, University of Arizona.
(From left to right) Danielle Nierenberg, Food Tank; Nicholas Brown, Director Blue Carbon; Jennifer Howard, Vice President, Blue Carbon Program, Conservation Internations; Angela Fritz, Senior Climate and Weather Editor, CNN; discuss the CNN documentary, Blue Carbon.
(From left to right) Dr. Imani Cheers; Joy Reeves, Duke University; Micah Seidel, Rutgers University; Delan Li, University of Connecticut; Mickky Garrity, University of Minnesota; Amy Berquis, Lindblad Expeditions; Isabella Lindblad, Director of Brand Advocacy, Lindblad Expeditions; and Frank Sesno celebrate this year’s Storyfest Winners.
