Denters Spotlighted on PBS, Featured in NYTimes, WSJ, & More
In the news: Denters Barbara Rae-Venter, Heather Berlin, and David Risher (among many others)
Greetings! We recently discovered that while we have been proactive at updating our Passport program members about scheduled events and opportunities, tragically, we have not provided general updates since December, back when we notified the world at-large about our superb Dent:Explore Miami gathering.
Our apologies for the lack of updates. This hiatus has not been an indicator of inertia but rather a testament to the flurry of activity that has kept us thoroughly occupied. Our dedication has been channeled into the meticulous crafting of enriching experiences and memorable events for our esteemed community of Denters.
Dent subscribers will soon get emails to fill you in on all the events we have coming up, notably our September conference in Santa Fe (request an invitation here) and our San Diego Comic-Con panels, receptions, and dinners in July. In our next email, we will also review a few of the remarkable gatherings we've put together recently.
For now, please check out these updates about the diverse range of achievements and requests that our fellow Denters have made over the past few months. You'll discover what they are currently working on — groundbreaking ideas, innovative projects, and game-changing initiatives that are set to dent the future in truly significant ways. As we all know, progress isn't always a solo endeavor. Many of our Denters are also facing challenges and hurdles in their work or personal projects, and they're looking for resources, advice, or simply a helping hand.
If you have news that you feel we should include in a future update, please reach out to Steve or Jason directly.
Recent Denter Achievements of Note
Neuroscientist Heather Berlin Hosts "Your Brain" on PBS NOVA
Dr. Berlin will be joining us onstage in Santa Fe in September.
How does your brain create your reality? Are you in control, or is your brain controlling you? Discover the surprising answers based on the latest research in this eye-opening journey into the human brain with neuroscientist Heather Berlin. Your brain – for centuries a black box – is slowly giving up its secrets to modern neuroscience, shedding light on big questions that go to the very heart of who you are. This two-part PBS series premieres May 17, 2023 at 9 pm.
Barbara Rae-Venter Unveils Crime-Solving Potential of Genetic Genealogy in Wall Street Journal Feature
In a recent Wall Street Journal article, Dent speaker Barbara Rae-Venter, shared her extraordinary journey in leveraging genetic genealogy to solve cold cases, notably the apprehension of the infamous Golden State Killer. Her book, I Know Who You Are, chronicles her involvement in one of the most significant criminal investigations in recent history.
Three Sisters, 2022, Courtesy of Cara Romero — One of the contemporary Native American artists to be featured in the "Indigenous Futures" at The Autry Museum of the American West
In the New York Times: The Getty and the Autry Museums Supporting "Indigenous Futures, or How to Survive and Thrive after the Apocalypse"
In Santa Fe last year, we had the opportunity to meet Dr. Suzanne Fricke who made us aware of the remarkable “Indigenous Futurisms” exhibition she curated at the Institute of American Indian Arts which highlighted artworks that present the future from a Native perspective, and illustrated the use of cosmology and science as part of tribal oral history and ways of life. The artists she profiled inspired us to not only ask her to present on the Dent main stage in September, but also to help us collaborate with her and the Getty and Autry museums on a panel submission for San Diego Comic-Con 2023. Read the NYTimes piece here.
Revolutionizing Cancer Therapy: Dr. Brian Brown's Groundbreaking Immune Cell Research
Dr. Brian Brown is one of our regular Comic-Con panelists and a cancer immunotherapy pioneer. Dr. Brown's team at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has innovatively targeted tumor macrophages, a key obstacle in solid tumor treatments. This novel approach, an adaptation of CAR T cell therapy, has shown promising results in preclinical studies by shrinking ovarian, lung, and pancreatic tumors. This research opens new avenues for improving immunotherapy and treating various solid tumors.
Billboard Magazine profiles "History Making" Producer Lauren "Malibu Babie" Miller
"Malibu Babie," (also known as Denter Lauren Miller) was profiled recently on Billboard.com. Lauren made waves in the music industry this year, co-producing two Hot 100 hits, one of which topped the chart. She's also the first woman this century to debut at No.1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs as a producer. Conference attendees will get a chance to delve into her unique journey and insights as she speaks and performs at our Santa Fe conference.
David Risher Becomes CEO of Lyft
Lyft recently announced that Dent speaker David Risher has taken on the role of CEO for the rideshare firm. David is a seasoned technology executive who previously served as Amazon’s first head of product and head of U.S. retail — and a general manager at Microsoft — before co-founding Worldreader. You can catch David's Dent talk here.
Denters at Sea Aboard the USS Momsen
Multiple Denters along with other business leaders had the opportunity in May to spend the day aboard the USS Momsen, a Naval Destroyer based in Everett, Washington. The Leaders to Sea program is sponsored by Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) and is designed to provide influential community leaders, educators, and business and industry executives with insight into the daily operations of a Navy ship at sea. The goal is to increase awareness of the leadership development and career opportunities that the Navy provides, to provide a view into life in the Navy, and to build advocates for the Navy within the civilian world.
Ellen Petry Leanse Launches "The Brain and Beyond" Podcast
Dent board member and author, educator, and leadership guide Ellen Petry Leanse recently launched "The Brain and Beyond" podcast, which explores neuroscience, mindful practices, and ways to increase hope, positive impact, and life satisfaction.
Nardagani App in Development
For years, Narda Pitkethly's “Nardagani” reading system has been providing new readers, struggling readers, and ESL students with a powerful and simple program to learn how to read English. We are excited to hear that Narda is now developing a mobile app which promises to spread literacy to an even wider audience.
New Books by Dent Authors
Besides Barbara Rae-Venter’s I Know Who You Are (mentioned above,) there are a few other new books from Dent community members to check out:
Life Worth Living: A Guide to What Matters Most
If you liked what you saw when Matthew Croasmun & Ryan McAnnally-Linz presented on our conference stages in 2021 and 2022, you can now get an in-depth treatment via their new book.
In A Life Worth Living, named after its authors’ highly sought-after undergraduate course, Croasmun, McAnnally-Linz, and coauthor Miroslav Volf chart out this question, providing readers with jumping-off points, road maps, and habits of reflection for figuring out where their lives hold meaning and where things need to change.
Sage Smiles: An Illustrated Collection of Poetry
In this colorful and uplifting book, poet and Denter Jet Widick's words envelop us with a gentle reminder that we don't have to look far for things that warm our soul. We can find it in everyday things like nature, a hug, the stars, our favorite memento, or a steaming cup of coffee. Whether you're starting a new chapter of your life story or on a quest to seek out the good, the genuine, and the joyful, this book will inspire you to connect with the present and appreciate the sizable importance of small, simple things.
Help a Denter Out!
Please Help Tracey Milligan with her Struggle Against Neuromyelitis Optica
Tracey has announced she is suffering from Neuromyelitis Optica, and has posted a Gofundme here. (NMO) is a rare, but severe central nervous system disorder that causes inflammation in nerves of the eye and the spinal cord. While just a few years ago there were no treatments available, the good news is that there are multiple now in clinical trials.
Raise a Pint for Service Dogs with Jen Kolar in Seattle
Come grab a drink, a bite, and help people with disabilities obtain a life-changing service dog, while enjoying a fun afternoon at Stoup Brewing in Seattle on June 4th. The Atlas Assistance Dogs “Raise a Pint for Service Dogs fundraiser” will run from 1-5pm at Stoup Brewing.
Join Matt McKenna on The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride to Combat Prostate Cancer
On Sunday the 21st of May 2023, Matt will be participating in The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride with fellow men and women across the globe to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer and men's mental health on behalf of "Movember." Please join him in raising funds and awareness for these causes by donating what you can for this meaningful cause.
That’s all for now!