Hi, I’m Chloe Berkowitz! I’m 17 and I’m a junior at Geffen Academy at UCLA. I became inspired to co-found our organization, “Teens at the Door,” when I was watching the news on the Taliban in Afghanistan forcing people out of their homes and country. When refugees began to travel to America, I thought about all of the teenagers just like me, who would have to suddenly adjust to such a different environment.

I’m excited to study environmental science next year in college, and to contribute to the solutions to Climate Change. Currently, I am the captain of my varsity volleyball team and I’m leading us to the semi-finals of the Regional Championship, and then to States! In my free time, I love to draw and paint.

Introducing Ryoji Inatsugi, a passionate solo musician hailing from Japan, currently residing in the vibrant city of Inglewood. Ryoji’s musical journey began at the tender age of 5, and since then, he has brought the joy of music to the young ones, performing for children aged 0-3 at various beautiful locations, including parks in Venice, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, and the waterfront restaurant in Venice. His weekends are filled with the laughter of birthday parties for toddlers aged 2-4 all around town.

Ryoji’s versatile talents shine as he plays the acoustic guitar, harmonica, cajon drum, and serenades with nursery rhymes, world music, and rock tunes. His experience is not limited to solo performances; he’s been a part of various bands, exploring traditional music from Japan, Okinawa, and Africa. In 2023, Ryoji made his mark on Spotify with a diverse range of songs, from the rock anthem “Construction Song” to the lively ska track “Garbage Truck,” designed to delight children. His upcoming release, “Cry Like a Baby,” combines Japanese and English lyrics to create dance music suitable for all ages.

Ryoji’s dedication to music extends to his professional life as well, working as a drum tech at the esteemed African drum store, “Motheland Music,” in Inglewood since 2005.

In his ongoing journey, Ryoji is forming a performance band called “Ryoji and Friends,” dedicated to creating memorable experiences for families and children through the power of music. His music is a vibrant celebration of diverse influences and a testament to the universal language that connects us all.

Linda is responsible for directing all financial and administration functions for XFI. She brings over 25 years of experience as a business strategist and financial executive primarily for emerging technology companies.

As a financial executive, Linda is experienced in building the infrastructure platform and obtaining the capital required to support high growth technology firms. She has a proven record of maximizing efficiencies and increasing productivity while operating with limited resources.

Linda has extensive experience with both public and emerging technology companies. Prior to joining XFI, Linda had been CFO of three high growth technology firms and two public firms. In obtaining the financing for these companies, she developed her expertise in public and private capital markets.

Linda has a BA from Swarthmore College and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University.

MaKenzie, the host of Raw Thoughts Podcast, possesses a remarkable ability to delve into sensitive topics by engaging with individuals who have firsthand experiences in various challenging areas. Her podcast specializes in offering a platform to first responders facing frontline struggles, women dealing with postpartum depression, individuals living with Bipolar disorder, Veterans who have survived suicide attempts, and others who have navigated life through daunting challenges.
 

With an exceptional level of compassion, MaKenzie creates a safe and nurturing space for each guest to openly share their life experiences. She encourages vulnerability, allowing these individuals to share their stories with the world, fostering a sense of commonality among all listeners. Throughout these heartfelt discussions, she skillfully intertwines her own life experiences, forging genuine connections with her guests.

My guest Shaman Durek is a 6th generation shaman, author of best seller "Spirit Hacking: Shamanic Keys to Reclaim Your Personal Power, Transform Yourself, and Light Up the World," and a visionary for the Now Age. His online Shaman School and Healing Temple are instrumental in helping people tap into their personal power and unblocking negative patterns that have prevented them from reaching optimal human performance. Durek’s teachings have impacted thousands of people from diverse public figures like Nina Dobrev and Gwyneth Paltrow to Bio Hacking giants like Dave Asprey. In his recurring role on the show, 'The Doctors' he aided guests in overcoming challenges between their emotional/physical well-being. Profiled in People Magazine, Durek’s work has been recognized globally by major mainstream publications like Elle, Marie Claire, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, You Magazine, The Times and featured on Netflix's Bling Empire. 

CEO Culkin Global Enterprises LLC - Experienced Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. Skilled in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Negotiation, Marketing Management, Business Planning, and Coaching. Strong business development professional graduated from University of San Bernardino. 

Anthony J. Mohr served for twenty-six years as a judge on the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. He also sat as a judge pro tem on the California Court of Appeal. In January 2021, he became a fellow at the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and is now a senior editor of the Harvard ALI Social Impact Review. His stories and essays have received five Pushcart Prize nominations. He has worked on the staffs of Evening Street Review, Fifth Wednesday Journal, Hippocampus Magazine, and Under the Sun.

Denny Meek reared her children mostly as a single mum.

Of the four children she brought into the world, three have predeceased her.

Her second son was lost as an infant to a rare heart disease.

Two of her teenagers ended their own lives, four years apart.

Denny’s two primary relationships subjected her to domestic violence.

She’s been confronted by many challenging situations, deep hurts, and tragic losses, but survives them all, and continues to learn to live again.

Denny’s single mothering was supplemented by a series of odd jobs – from unemployment project officer to photographer, bar staffer to video editor, professional Tarot reader to teacher’s special aide. As an author, she now helps raise awareness for the various personal and social challenges she and her children experienced.

Denny grew up in country town northern New South Wales, Australia. She earned a psychology degree from Macquarie University, Sydney NSW, and later a diploma of freelance journalism by correspondence. She’s lived in Tasmania, Melbourne Victoria, Gympie Queensland, Coffs Harbour NSW, and now on five hectares, on the southern Gold Coast with her adult son.

On her property lives the world’s second deadliest snake – the Eastern Brown – which was spotted and filmed in ritual combat by Denny and received over 200,000 views on YouTube.