#plugintodevin - Your Mark on the World with Devin Thorpe

#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Tara Benally
Office Held: Non
Office Sought: Non
Issue: A number of things.
It's within my community and within my Nation.
Working together and Keeping an open mind and putting differeences aside.

Bio: I will do my own intro. ( If that's ok?) It's a native thing.

Website:
Twitter:
Facebook: Tara Benally
Linkedin:
Instagram:

Photo credit:

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#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Jeff Merchant
Office Held: Utah Democratic Party Chair

Bio: The son of a Pakistani immigrant, Jeff was born and raised in Utah and has been a life-long Democrat. He got his start in politics working on a congressional race that took him across the state. As an attorney, he has worked on environmental issues like wetlands preservation and promoted communities of color as part of the Minority Bar Association. As a small business owner, he runs a healthcare company that works with seniors throughout Utah to help them navigate the increasingly complicated web of social security, Medicaid, and Medicare. Jeff, his wife Emily, and their daughters Mia, Maggie, and Elsie live in Holladay along with their two dogs, Mikado and Major. In his spare time, Jeff likes to tell dad jokes, cook, and try to grow bonsai trees. Jeff ran for UDP Chair to strengthen our party, elect more Democrats, and make a better Utah. His priorities as Chair include rebuilding trust in the party, working with county leadership to develop and support strategies that get candidates elected, eliminating existing party debt, and building a stronger party staff.

Website: https://utahdemocrats.org
Twitter: @jeffreymerchant
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffrey.merchant.5
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-merchant-632269a/
Instagram: @jmmerchant

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#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Darren Parry
Office Sought: Congress - Utah District 1

Bio: Darren Parry serves as the Councilman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, a Utah Tribe with Headquarters in Brigham City, Utah. Councilman Parry has served on the council on 2 separate occasions and has been currently serving for the last 6 years. Darren also serves on the Board of Directors for the American West Heritage Center, in Wellsville, Utah, The Utah State Museum Board, the Community Advisory Board for the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Northern Regional Advisory Council for Utah Division of Wildlife and the American Indian Services Board which provides scholarships for Native American Students around the country. He attended the University of Utah and Weber State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, with an emphasis on History. Darren is the author of “The Bear River Massacre; A Shoshone History” and teaches Native American History at Utah State University. His passions in life are his family which includes his wife Melody, 9 children and 13 grandchildren. His other passion is his Tribal family. Darren was the first Utahn to receive the Esto Perpetua Award from the Idaho State Historical Society, recognizing his efforts in the preservation of Shoshone History. He wants to make sure that those who have gone before him are not forgotten. He has managed inspiring accomplishments within his tribal nation as well as leading social unity and education. It is important to him that all peoples perspectives are heard and respected.

Website: https://darrenforutah.com/
Twitter: @shoshoneelder
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarrenParryForCongress/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-parry-4725aa7/

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#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Christopher Wharton
Office Held: Salt Lake City Council

Bio: T. Christopher Wharton is an attorney and senior partner from Salt Lake City, Utah who focuses on family law, criminal defense, and LGBTQ advocacy. He is licensed to practice in federal and state courts in Utah and is certified to appear before the Supreme Court of the United States. Chris graduated from Westminster College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, where he served as president of the Student Bar Association and managing editor of the Journal of Law and Family Studies. Chris also completed a semester studying jurisprudence at University of Oxford, Magdalen College, and international criminal law at The Hague, Netherlands. Chris gained valuable experience interning at the Utah State Legislature, clerking with the Utah Attorney General’s Office, and practicing as a third-year law student at the at the Salt Lake City Prosecutor’s Office, where he tried and won his first jury trial. Chris went on to work as an associate attorney for two years before opening his own practice in 2012. Chris' extensive work in the areas of family law and LGBTQ advocacy has gained local and national attention. In 2013, Chris helped lead a team of attorneys that submitted an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court, arguing for equal treatment of LGBT families under the law. In 2015, he obtained the first same-sex common law marriage adjudication in Utah. As an active community volunteer, Chris has done pro bono work for the ACLU of Utah, Equality Utah, the Utah Pride Center, and the Rainbow Law Clinic. Chris has served as president of the Utah Young Lawyers Division, vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Utah Pride Center, and chair of the Salt Lake City Human Rights Commission. Chris also served on the board of the LGBT & Allied Bar Association of Utah and on the Utah State Bar Board of Bar Commissioners as the young lawyer representative to the American Bar Association House of Delegates. He currently represents the residents of District 3 on the Salt Lake City Council. Outside the office, Chris enjoys independent films, local politics, history, art, Netflix, and food trucks. Chris' pronouns are him/his.

Twitter: @chriswhartonslc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealchriswharton
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-wharton-b9b87026/

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#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Cheryl Butler
Office Sought: Utah House District 53
Issue: Today - that issue is responding to COVID19
I support the stabilization efforts underway in Summit County - staying home, wearing a mask when I'm out in public, and avoiding visiting my elderly parents. It can be difficult and frustrating. I am greatly saddened by the enormous loss of life we've seen all around the world, and right here at home. I am also worried about our unemployed workers and the more vulnerable members of our community who are finding it more difficult to access the resources they need - work, education, and healthcare. And in some cases, food and housing. When I see a problem, I ally myself with those people out there working to solve it. I'm very active in Rotary, which is an entire organization devoted to Service above Self. Right now, we Rotarians are laser focused on creatively working to provide our community with additional resources to help in the COVID19 response. We are sewing masks, building face shields, distributing food and other necessities, promoting social interaction through remote meetings, and calling vulnerable members of our community. We are not stepping back, we are ramping up our normal service projects.

Bio: Family- Cheryl grew up in a small, rural town where her parents were medical professionals, serving the community, and instilling the values of honesty, hard work, self-sufficiency and caring for others. These are the same values she has stressed with her own children and grandchildren. And these values lead her to appreciate the importance of serving the public. Cheryl retired in 2016 after working 34 years, as a successful engineer and senior manager for a major international energy company. She is a recognized expert in risk decision making and oil/gas process safety. She has been a featured speaker at industry conferences around the world and has published papers in multiple technical journals. For the last 15 years of her career, Cheryl lived and worked overseas in Nigeria, Venezuela, and Kazakhstan - learning the languages and cultures along the way. For 50 years, Cheryl has been putting her skills and experience to work in every community where she has lived. She has coached kids soccer teams, tutored and mentored students, started new 4H clubs, and served on the school board. Cheryl currently serves on the Board of Habitat for Humanity, teaches ESL to recent immigrants, volunteers with voter registration efforts, and in the public schools encouraging young people to pursue careers in STEM. Cheryl is the Community Services Director for the Sunrise Rotary Club in Park City. She is also the Director of the Talem Foundation which funds international sustainable development projects. She loves to hike with her dog Barney and sew quilts for the grandkids.

Website: www.votecherylbutler.com
Twitter: @votecherylbutl1
Facebook: facebook.com/votecheryl
Instagram: @votecherylbutler

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#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Jennifer Dailey-Provost
Office Held: Utah House of Representatives
Office Sought: Utah House of Representatives
Issue: The issue that is helping my community is the coronavirus pandemic. There is a lot of activity from state, government, and business leaders in trying to address the rising public health and economic catastrophes. I want to discuss the fine line between responsible yet nimble, while still being held accountable to effectuate progress.

Bio: Jen Dailey-Provost lives in Capitol Hill with her husband Scott and three daughters. She received her bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Utah David Eccles School of Business, and her MBA from Westminster College’s Gore School of Business. She began her career as the Director of Human Resources at Solitude Mountain Resort, but ultimately found professional fulfillment in the non-profit sector. Currently, Jen works to serve HD24 in the Utah House Representative, but is also pursuing her PhD in Public Health at the University of Utah. Her first priority, though is raising her three daughters with her husband. She is the former executive director of the Utah Academy of Family Physicians in Salt Lake City where she managed the business of the 501(c)(6), as well as the UAFP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that is focused on medical education in underserved areas. Additionally, she served primary care and public health functions as the director of governmental affairs and policy, prioritizing policies like patient access to health care, social determinants of health, air quality, education, and reproductive rights. It was her work in healthcare and public health advocacy that motivated her run to serve in elected office. Jen and her family love the quality of life that Utah offers and take advantage of the incredible access to the outdoors whenever possible. She is most passionate about skiing and running, but Jen also loves to hike, bike, and snowshoe as often as possible.

Website: http://jenforutah.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenforutah/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferdaileyprovost/

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#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Carol Spackman Moss
Office Held: State Representative
Office Sought: State Representative
Issue: Good public schools. I spent most of my life as an educator in the community I represent, my daughter teaches at Skyline, where many of my constituents’ children attend. My community expects me to be an advocate for our public schools and frequently contact me about issues affecting their children. That is a big part of my responsibility to my constituents, to be their advocate.

Bio: Before I was elected to the Utah House of Representatives, I had a wonderful, rewarding career for 33 years teaching English and student government at Olympus High School. My decision to run for office was prompted by the negative attitude my then representative had toward public education and teachers, whom he called “a bunch of whiners,” when we went on strike for higher salaries and smaller class sizes. I defeated him in 2000 and am now running for my 11th term. Besides education, I have focused in recent years on passing legislation addressing the opioid epidemic, mental health issues, prison and jail reform, clean air, refugees, and driving safety. I have served as a board member on many non-profits, all of which focus on children and social justice issues.For many years, I have served in leadership positions in my caucus. Currently, I am House Minority Whip. My husband Bob and I have five children and six grandchildren. We love to travel and have been to many fascinating countries, some we have visited as part of humanitarian missions. I love to read, walk, spend time with family, and yes, I love my job, and believe holding public office is a privilege, one I take very seriously. Representing my constituents in District 37, Holladay and Murray, two great cities, is a great pleasure and honor.

Website: www.carolmossforhouse.com
Twitter: @RepCarolMoss
Facebook: Carol Spackman Moss and Representative CarolSpackman Moss

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#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Sherwood (Woodie) Neiss
Issue: Access to capital. I have a vested interest in the success of the JOBS Act. We need more eyes, ears and dollars focused on small businesses.

Bio: Mr. Sherwood Neiss co-authored the “Crowdfunding Exemption Framework” which became the basis of Title III of the U.S. JOBS Act to legalize equity and lending-based crowdfunding. He is in the forefront of the crowdfunding industry, as the co-founder of Crowdfund Capital Advisors (“CCA”). CCA is a consulting firm serving certain governments and multi-lateral organizations including Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank, governments of Chile, Malaysia, Israel, and the UAE, professional investors, crowdfunding professionals and the entrepreneurial community. Mr. Neiss co-authored the World Bank’s research report “Crowdfunding’s Potential for the Developing World” and the MIF report “Creating a Crowdfunding Ecosystem in Chile.” He also co-authored “Crowdfund Investing for Dummies.” He is the creator of CCLEAR, a database of online investment offerings. Data and analysis from CCLEAR has been used in SEC reports and to drive proposed rules. Mr. Neiss serves on the advisory boards of several crowdfunding companies. He is a co-founder and former-board member of the Crowdfunding Professional Association and the Crowdfunding Intermediary Regulatory Advocates. Mr. Neiss was selected as a recipient of the Crowdfunding Visionary Award. VentureBeat listed Mr. Neiss as one of the most influential thought leaders in crowdfunding. Prior to CCA, Mr. Neiss co-founded FLAVORx, Inc., acted as its chief financial officer, won Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award, as well as the Inc. 500 award three years in a row.

Website: www.theccagroup.com
Twitter: @woodien
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherwoodneiss/

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#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Kiyan Banuri
Issue: The most issue that is most important to my community is the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic during Ramadan, as well as Islamaphobic rhetoric posited by public officials during the pandemic. As a Muslim, and an active member of the Muslim community, the cessation of congregations--praying at Mosque, reading the Quran, and other issues--have made Ramadan isolating and starkly different for many Muslims. And, tweets of political officials have spread anti-Muslim rhetoric as against the rule of law, social distancing, and gaining preferential treatment. These issues have deep impacts in the Muslim community, and I have felt the lack of knowledge and media coverage of the faith have lead to prejudice and Islamaphobia, especially during these trying times. I believe that exposure of Islam and its traditions, as well as emphasizing the commonality between Islamic and other value systems are important, especially in a time when households are on edge due to various issues such as job losses, the fear of infection or infection, etc.

Bio: Kiyan Banuri is a Pakistani-American Muslim who hails from Utah. He currently studies International Relations and Japanese at Tufts University. Prior to college, Kiyan was heavily involved in Policy Debate, ranking amongst the top 25 in the United States, presiding Utah State Champion for 3 years in a row, researching various issues such as immigration, foreign policy, education, and surveillance policy. Learning the power of his own voice, he now wants to promote communicative effectiveness by helping others with their voice and ideas through opportunities in political campaigns, consultancy, and volunteering. He volunteered with the Emerald Project as an Ambassador, helping the non-profit combat the misrepresentations of Islam. And, he currently serves as an Executive Board member of the Tufts Association of South Asians, where he coordinates cultural events and celebrations on campus; these events attract hundreds of attendants, from around the east coast. He also serves as a selected consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting, the world's largest university-based consultancy. He aided in social media marketing, financial, and proof-of-model projects for various non-profit clients.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009655756571
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiyan-banuri-440289196/
Instagram: @kbanuri

Photo credit: Kirt Thorne

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#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress

Guest: Philippe Cousteau
Issue: Environment. We are all suffering as our climate changes, our ocean health declines and the war on science continues to make us less healthy, less resilient and less sustainable. We need to recognize that the war on science must stop and that we must build a sustainable society. This pandemic is an opportunity to accelerate that trend.

Bio: Inspired by the legacy of his grandfather of Jacques Cousteau, Philippe is an multi Emmy-Nominated TV host and producer as well as an author, speaker, and social entrepreneur.
Philippe is the host and executive producer of the multi-Emmy nominated weekly syndicated series Awesome Planet, now in its sixth season. Philippe and Ashlan’s latest project is a Virtual Reality program called Drop in the Ocean which gives participants an immersive adventure exploring the ocean and premieres at Tribeca Film Festival Interactive in the spring of 2019. Recently Philippe and his wife Ashlan were the stars of The Travel Channel’s hit series Caribbean Pirate Treasure; winner of a Cynopsis Media Award for Best Adventure Reality Series. In 2016 Philippe teamed up with his wife Ashlan to co-host Nuclear Sharks, the #1 show for Discovery’s Shark Week. In 2015, they co-hosted a three-part series with Takepart.com, exploring tiger and rhino conservation in Nepal called Treasures of the Terai. As a special correspondent for CNN, he has hosted several award-winning shows, including his series Going Green which ran for four years and the 8-part special Expedition Sumatra. Philippe has also hosted and produced television programs for Animal Planet and the 8-part series Oceans for the BBC and Discovery Channel. His conservation efforts are focused on solving global social and environmental problems. In 2005 he founded EarthEcho International; a leading environmental education organization dedicated to inspiring youth to take action for a sustainable planet. To date, 2 million youth in 146 countries have participated in EarthEcho programs. Philippe has served as a consultant on a select group of international resort developments where he advises on best practices for social and environmental sustainability and his team designs immersive and meaningful 21st century experiences that leverage local environmental and cultural assets to redefine destinations.

Twitter: @pcousteau
Facebook: @pcousteau
Linkedin: *|LinkedIn Profile|*
Instagram: @pcousteau

Photo credit: Voyacy Ventures

Guest: Ashlan Cousteau

Bio: Journalist and explorer, Ashlan Gorse Cousteau, travels the world in search of stories that entertain and inspire. From diving with great white sharks off Mexico, searching for tigers in the jungles of Nepal and filming caribou migrations in the Arctic, Cousteau engages viewers through incredible storytelling and experiences. Most recently, Ashlan was the co-star of Travel Channel’s award winning series, Caribbean Pirate Treasure. She, along with her husband Philippe Cousteau dive into maritime mysteries, explore pirate history and investigate the lore of lost treasures. Ashlan’s documentary, Nuclear Sharks, for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week 2016 premiered as the #1 rated show across all cable programming. Traveling to the Marshall Islands, she led an expedition to film, tag and investigate the mystical grey reef sharks who survived against all odds in the fall out of one of the world’s largest nuclear testing grounds. Ashlan also joined the eccentric crew of the “Desiree” for season two of The Aquatic World of Philippe Cousteau, the highly successful adventure spoof, on CNN’s digital platform Great Big Story. For over a decade, Ashlan worked for top rated entertainment shows; at Entertainment Tonight as a special correspondent and for 7 years prior as a correspondent and fill-in anchor for E! News. She also was the lead anchor of E! News Now, reaching millions of digital viewers daily. As an entertainment journalist, she covered everything from breaking news and celebrity exclusives to award shows and premieres. Cousteau’s endeavors go beyond television. In January of 2017, she traveled to Antarctica to be a headlining speaker at TedxScottBase where her talk, Laugh, Cry, Connect…How Entertainment Can Save Our Planet, was received with great praise. At the request of the United Nations, Ashlan served as host for the UN’s Convention on Migratory Species in Quito, Ecuador. She has presented at the Society of Environmental Journalists, DreamForce and SXSW Eco. Ashlan was selected by former Vice-President Al Gore to be the opening anchor for his internationally live broadcast of 24 Hours of Reality and continues to be a leading voice for environmental issues on Capitol Hill.

Website: www.earthecho.org
Twitter: @ashlancousteau
Facebook: @ashlancousteau
Instagram: @ashlancousteau

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