Mellon Foundation | Icebreaker

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Mellon Foundation | Icebreaker

Mellon Foundation

Mellon Foundation

The Mellon Foundation makes grants to actively unlock the power in the arts and humanities that helps connect us all.

16 members

Contact info

Link

mellon.org

Members

Ali Maaxa, Ph.D.

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I witness people use new technologies, products and services in their native habitats~ I help startups nail product-market fit~ I remove the risk of your org adopting new tools and process~ I answer customer questions with strong scientific data~ As the Chief Behavioral Scientist at Maaxa Labs, I leverage my deep experience in global innovation and product discovery to provide strategic insights for product innovation, market fit, organizational change, AI/ML & Cloud Innovation, CX & UX. With over two decades in the field, I have worked with a host of organizations, from AT&T's global cloud transformation team to local recycling companies, to understand teams and customers, test solutions, and strategize & deploy change. I am also a Professor of Anthropology and Social Science at Pierce College, where I share my knowledge and passion for understanding human behavior and culture. Additionally, I serve as the Executive Board and Programming Chair for the Computer-Human Interaction Forum of Oregon at CHIFOO, where I contribute to the advancement of human-centered design and innovation. My skills include user research, writing, and data analysis, which I use to deliver impactful and effective solutions for my clients and students.

Jovonna Jones, PhD

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Assistant Professor of African American Literature and Culture

Christian T Nielsen Garcia

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PhD Student in Info. Sci. & Graduate Student Researcher @ UCLA || UCBerkeley RDI AI & Decentralization Innovation Awardee

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Patton Hindle is the Executive Director of Artadia, a nonprofit grantmaker that centers artists in their vital role in society through providing funding and professional development in 7 US cities. Most recently, Patton was the Head of Forward Funds, Kickstarter’s first social impact program that she built and ran. She also served as the Head of Arts at Kickstarter for 5 years, working closely with artists, collectives, arts organizations, and cultural institutions around the world to help them realize creative and ambitious ideas; she still maintains her deep engagement with these communities. Additionally, Patton advises artists, for profit, and nonprofit creative organizations on business and organizational strategies.

Natalie Todd-Weinstein

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As a fourth-year student at Oberlin College, I am a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual pursuing a double major in Politics and Comparative American Studies, with a minor in Law and Society. My passion for food systems and politics drives me to leverage my academic experience and extracurricular involvement to make a positive impact in the world. Through my studies, I have developed a strong foundation in international relations, identity, and security, with a particular focus on how food intersects with labor, environmental justice, and economic status. Beyond the classroom, I thrive in collaborative environments and am committed to community building. I am eager to apply my skills in research, communication, and strategic thinking to opportunities in food systems work, policy, or media. I am always open to connecting with like-minded individuals who share my commitment to equity and sustainable change. Let’s connect!

Michelle Knudsen

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Chief Investment Officer at New York University

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Ethnicity, Race, and Migration at Yale

Zerimar Ramirez

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As a Bowdoin College student with a double major in Sociology and Africana Studies, I am a highly motivated and curious individual with a strong passion for social justice and community engagement. I have extensive experience in diverse event planning, fundraising, and advocacy work and have developed a range of skills that make me well-suited for roles in community organizing and social services. I have gained valuable experience through my internships and co-curricular roles, including researching and budgeting for events, recruiting volunteers and voters, and facilitating discussions virtual and in-person events and discussions. Additionally, I have co-founded and co-led organizations that focused on supporting marginalized communities through book giveaways, social programming for students of color, and mutual aid initiatives. I am proficient in Microsoft Suite and various design tools such as Canva, Photoshop, Landing, and Squarespace, and am fluent in Spanish. In my free time, I enjoy exploring my interests in criminal justice, political theory, and creative writing, as well as cooking and fashion. I am excited to bring my skills, passion, and enthusiasm to a role where I can make a positive impact in my community as well as those outside of my immediate scope!

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Editorial Associate, Scribner

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Executive Recruiting Advisor