Neil Carlson
Co-founder of BCL, Neil moonlights as a writer, policy researcher, and communications consultant to foundations, nonprofits, and sustainable businesses. www.brooklyncreativeleague.com
Member since: January 1st, 2009
Members
Members of our Community
Benjamin Orbach
Benjamin Orbach is the Director of the America’s Unofficial Ambassadors project at Creative Learning and a Consultant to Creative Associates International. Orbach is the author of Live from Jordan, a chronicle of his experiences traveling through the Arab world in the run up to the Iraq War.
Member since: December 3rd, 2009
Steve Loff
Steve is a Brooklyn based filmmaker. He recently wrote, produced, and directed DESERT RAIN, a feature film presently in post. His 1st feature script, LESTER, placed top 10% at the 2008 Austin Film Fest. He’s currently writing a feature script entitled FEATHERWEIGHT, about former boxing great Willie Pep. Steve won a 2008 Silver Telly Award for his short doc, EVICTED IN HARLEM, produced for Current TV.
Member since: December 3rd, 2009
Michael Rothman
Michael Rothman is the principal owner of Eskolta LLC, a startup education services agency that helps urban high schools design systems to turn around the dropout problem. Michael has worked in public education for the last 10 years. He was the founding executive director of the Project for School Innovation, a nonprofit organization whose work to share effective practices among charter and district schools has been highlighted by the Progressive Policy Institute, the National Staff Development Council, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and others. He moved to New York in 2006, to work at the NYC Department of Education and then at New Visions for Public Schools, before realizing his heart was in entrepreneurship. Michael holds degrees from Brown and Harvard Universities, and served as a Jane Addams Fellow at the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy. Born and raised in Manhattan, he is happy to have escaped to the other side of the river where he lives with his wife and son.
Member since: May 21st, 2010
Ben Herzog Architect
Ben Herzog Architect, PC seeks to build successful collaborations between client and architect that result in gracious, efficient and comfortable spaces in which to live and work. With each client’s goals and budget as the top priority, we offer a full range of services–from pre-design through the completion of construction. We specialize in residential renovations, additions and new construction, as well as commercial and office build-outs. www.herzogarch.com
Member since: July 29th, 2010
Colin D. Young
Colin D. Young (www.lightandphoto.com) is a lighting designer for theatre, dance, TV and corporate events, a photographer, and the Artistic Director of the not-for-profit theatre company Reverie Productions (www.reverieproductions.org).
Member since: September 23rd, 2009
Matthew Willse
Matthew began theCoup in 2004 to bring creative strategy, branding, and web development to artists, nonprofits, and innovators. www.theCoup.org
Member since: May 1st, 2009
Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg is a reporter for The New York Times, based in New York.
In 2007, Charles was the author of the award-winning “Golden Opportunities” series, which examined how businesses and investors are seeking to profit from the soaring number of older Americans. In 2008, he was part of the team that produced “The Reckoning,” a series that explored the roots of the financial crisis. In 2009, Charles wrote “Toxic Waters,” a series exploring the worsening pollution in American waters and regulators’ response. Before joining the New York Times, Charles was a reporter with The Los Angeles Times. A native of New Mexico, he studied history at Yale and received an MBA from Harvard.
Member since: May 25th, 2010
Lucie Flather
Lucie Flather is the Design Principal of studioBOYCE, an architectural design collaborative. A LEED AP, she focuses on sustainable practices with work ranging from urban brownstone renovations to rural retreats.
Member since: March 16th, 2010
Stacey Reiss
Stacey Reiss is an Emmy-award winning television producer. Her company Prospect Productions specializes in non-fiction programming. Her first documentary I KNEW IT WAS YOU premiered at Sundance 2009 and will be broadcast on HBO this year.
Member since: June 16th, 2009
Jihan Jude
Jihan Jude is an AmeriCorp VISTA volunteer with Body Sculpt of New York, Inc., a health and fitness nonprofit. A resident of Flushing, Queens, Jihan graduated from Colgate University in May 2009. She likes writing poetry.
Member since: April 6th, 2010
Julie Z. Rosenberg
Julie Z. Rosenberg is a contributing writer for ParentDish.com, a leading parenting website owned by AOL. She is working on her first children’s book as well as a memoir.
Member since: October 16th, 2009
Ben Austin
Ben Austin assists organizations with their marketing and communications challenges. He typically focuses on science & technology projects in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Ben is a native New Yorker who has been living in the Slope for a decade. benaustin@stanfordalumni.org
Member since: May 21st, 2010
Erin Kelly
Erin Kelly is a writer, educator, and entrepreneur. A former editor at Fortune magazine, Erin applying her journalistic training to writing a memoir about her Italian Brooklyn neighborhood. She is also developing a business of kids’ educational activity kits called Teakettle Adventures. Her kits will provide parents and babysitters with ready-made fun and educational projects for their kids ages 3-8.
Member since: October 16th, 2009
Rory Bernstein
Rory Bernstein is a freelance, front-end Web Developer, able to provide a complete web site or work as part of your team on any type of web project. www.rorybernstein.com
Member since: June 30th, 2009
Robert Berkman
Robert M Berkman is the director of Better Living Through Mathematics, an educational consortium which provides distinctive professional development opportunities for teachers, creates unique and engaging educational materials for children, and organizes programs where children, teachers and parents experience mathematics in an environment that is relevant and joyful. www.bltm.com.
Member since: December 3rd, 2009
Eric Safyan | Architect
Eric Safyan | Architect is a general architecture practice based in Gowanus, Brooklyn, NY, specializing in brownstone renovations, landmarks work, new construction and commercial interiors. Current work includes projects in multifamily residential development, retail concept design for a tattoo parlor/clothing store, restaurant design for an artisanal pizzeria, office design for a web development company, and renovations and additions to homes in Brooklyn, NY, specifically in the brownstone community. www.es-architect.com.
Member since: December 3rd, 2009
Chet Clem
Chet Clem used to work at The Onion where he managed the editorial team. He left in 2009 to work for a non-profit, take freelance jobs, and seriously consider getting a dog. He is currently seeking new professional challenges, admission to business school, and a good mexican restaurant.Member since: December 3rd, 2009
Gowanus Canal Conservancy
The Gowanus Canal Conservancy’s mission is to be the steward for the preservation, restoration and green development of the Gowanus Canal and environs for the greater good of the community. www.gowanuscanalconservancy.org
Member since: June 16th, 2009
Michael Bierman
Michael Bierman is a print designer for nonprofits and a traveling photographer for NGOs.
www.michaelbierman.net/photography
Member since: May 20th, 2010
Sarah Ellison
Sarah Ellison is an award-winning journalist and author of War at the Wall Street Journal. She spent ten years at the WSJ in Paris, London and New York before leaving to write the book. She is currently writing for Vanity Fair and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and daughter.
Member since: June 16th, 2010
Deb Klein | Brooklyn Craft Central
Deb Klein is Brooklyn Craft Central. Having founded and grown its successful Craft Market series at the Brooklyn Lyceum, BKCC organizes and produces ongoing events and high-profile biannual markets, bringing together independent artists, crafters, food artisans, entrepreneurs & more. Deb also manages a separate PR and Marketing division, offering affordable options for promoting event(s) in the realms of theatre, music, film, and community projects.
Member since: June 29th, 2010
International Treatment Preparedness Coalition
A project of the Tides Center, ITCP is a nonprofit community-driven funding mechanism to support HIV treatment advocacy and education efforts in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Latin America, and NIS/CIS/Baltics. In each region, ITCP provides grants for community-based organizations for HIV treatment advocacy and education projects, and support for regional networks to share information, implement collaborative strategies, and provide technical assistance to grantees.
Member since: March 5th, 2010
Tilonia
Tilonia is a mission-driven, social enterprise developing the entrepreneurial skills and business capacity of artisan enterprises managed and owned by rural artisans. Through use of the internet, we create a virtual supply chain linking artisan affiliates with design and sales affiliates for product design and distribution to US markets. The Tilonia artisan collections feature home textiles, women’s accessories and gifts suitable for contemporary decorative styles while still reflective of Indian craft traditions. www.tilonia.com
Member since: January 20th, 2010
Jodi Kantor
Jodi Kantor is a reporter at the New York Times who has spent three years writing about Barack and Michelle Obama– their roots, friends, and marriage, among many other topics. She is now on hiatus, working on a book about the Obamas to be published next year.
Member since: April 7th, 2010
Hannah Tinti
Hannah Tinti is co-founder and editor-in-chief of One Story magazine, and the author of a short story collection, Animal Crackers, and a novel, The Good Thief. She’s working on her next book at BCL. www.hannahtinti.com.
Member since: May 30th, 2009
Emily Hall/EBH Apparel
Emily Hall / EBH Apparel is the US Sales Manager and distributor for the luxury British sleepwear and loungewear brand, Derek Rose. Derek Rose consists of the main collection, Naturally by Derek Rose and a Women’s collection. Products may be found at fine stores across the country, such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Barney’s and Paul Stuart.
www.derek-rose.com | www.naturallyclothing.com
Member since: June 17th, 2009
Ty Fujimura
Ty Fujimura is a “Creative/Professional” offering web design, graphic design, photography and marketing strategy. He showcases his work and writes on business and marketing at TyFujimura.com.
Member since: October 14th, 2009
Segarra & Fabiani, Esqs.
Segarra & Fabiani, Esqs. is a full service law firm with extensive experience representing businesses and individuals in family law, business law, commercial transactions, real estate matters, civil litigation as well as wills, trusts and estates. We practice law in the five boroughs of New York City and the surrounding counties.
Member since: December 3rd, 2009
Doreen Cronin
Doreen Cronin is the New York Times bestselling author of Diary of a Worm Diary of a Spider; as well as Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, a Caldecott Honor Book; and Giggle, Giggle, Quack. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and their daughters.
Member since: December 3rd, 2009
Sharon Sprenkel
Sharon is the founder and creative director of Bloom Design, a boutique graphic design firm specializing in print and online media since 2003. A&E Television, United Water, Jolt Clothing Co., Chamberlain PR and Massey Knakal Real Estate are just a few of Bloom Design’s clients. Sharon earned a BFA in Advertising Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology and also holds a certification in Art Education from Parsons School of Art and Design.
Member since: May 29th, 2009
Ripple Effect Films
Ripple Effect Films is a Brooklyn-based production company whose new feature FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. Among several main characters, FRESH features Will Allen, Joel Salatin, Michael Pollan. Forging healthier, sustainable alternatives, they offer a practical vision for a future of our food and our planet. www.freshthemovie.com.
Member since: December 3rd, 2009
John Emerson
John Emerson is a graphic designer and programmer working with human rights organizations. He has written and lectured on activism, mapping, and design. His website is http://backspace.com
Member since: May 21st, 2010
Rebecca Vilkomerson
Rebecca Vilkomerson is the Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace (www.jvp.org), a national grassroots organization working for a just peace in Israel and Palestine based on human rights and international law. Rebecca is holding down the fort in New York while the rest of the staff sits in California.
Member since: December 3rd, 2009
Erin Carney
Erin has over a decade of experience as a senior manager and consultant to nonprofits. Before founding BCL, Erin worked as a fundraiser and management consultant specializing in helping small, community-based nonprofits grow to achieve their full potential.
Member since: May 30th, 2009
Susan Herr
Susan Herr is the founder and president of PhilanthroMedia (Pm) which was established in 2007 to advance “ideas that matter.” Pm brings together expertise in new media, philanthropy, and fundraising to provide strategy and content for a wide range of foundations and nonprofit clients nationwide. PhilanthroMedia.com and PhilanthroMedia.org.
Member since: December 3rd, 2009
Joshua Wolf Shenk
Joshua Wolf Shenk is the author of Lincoln’s Melancholy, a New York Times Notable Book. He’s written for The Atlantic Monthly, Harper’s, The New Yorker and other publications, and the national bestseller Unholy Ghost: Writers on Depression. His work has been featured on PBS, C-Span, NPR, and the History Channel, and he’s consulted for the Library of Congress, HBO, and the Austen Riggs Center. Shenk has taught creative writing at NYU, The New School and Washington College, where he was the director of the Rose O’Neill Literary House. www.shenk.net
Member since: May 21st, 2010
John Fishback
John Fishback is the founder of 154 Consulting, a message development and presentation consulting firm built on the belief that making yourself understood is not optional. He is using the BCL space to launch the firm’s financial services project group.
Member since: February 5th, 2010
Generation Schools
Generation Schools is an nonprofit organization dedicated to whole-school and systemic innovation in urban public education. Their award-winning work fundamentally restructures a school’s existing resources, particularly human capital and time. The result: a successful public school model that cuts core class size in half for all students and offers a 200-day year without increasing the teacher work year or increasing school costs. www.generationschools.org
Member since: October 14th, 2009
Francesca Richer
Francesca Richer designs art and photoraphy books, magazines, logos, posters, brochures, packaging, and exhibitions. She has worked as art director at Interview magazine, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, powerHouse Books, and the Aperture Foundation, where her books have won many awards.
Member since: August 24th, 2009
Arwen Lowbridge
Arwen Lowbridge is a performing artist and a consultant who specializes in independent production, business development, fundraising, management, and special events. She works with individual artists and arts organizations internationally (www.arwenlowbridge.com).
Member since: September 23rd, 2009
Gigantic Mechanic
Gigantic Mechanic makes games. We connect people and places through play. The future of fun is in games that you take with you. Games that help you meet new people. Games that help you explore the real-world, as well as the virtual world. These are the sort of games we make. We build iPhone games that make your commute to work more fun. We make location-based games that introduce you to new people and new neighborhoods. We make alternate-reality games that send you scavenging across the Internet for clues. We make games that make the everyday world more fun. www.giganticmechanic.com
Member since: January 20th, 2010
Elana Haviv
Elana is the founder and Executive Director of the Children’s Movement for Creative Education, inc which guides youth to understand and overcome the effects of recent and current violent world events through academic, experiential and art-based projects. She has created curriculum projects for public schools and youth organizations in Philadelphia, New York City, and Bosnia-Herzegovina and has served as a consultant to the New York City Board of Education, Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education, Youth Visit the United Nations, and others. She is an oral history fellow at Columbia University and holds a Masters in Historiography of Education at Antioch University McGregor.
Member since: June 4th, 2010
Randi Korn & Associates, Inc. (RK&A)
Randi Korn & Associates, Inc. (RK&A), is a full-service museum planning, evaluation, and research firm based in Alexandria, Virginia with offices in New York and San Francisco. Services include audience research, educational research, exhibition evaluation, and program evaluation. Stephanie Downey is Managing Director of the New York office. www.randikorn.com.
Member since: July 17th, 2009
