Landmark Difference Makers

Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: Mythili Kowshik-Shetty – The Future of Cities
We’re honored to interview Mythili Kowshik-Shetty, an environmentalist, architect, urban strategist, writer and thought leader focused on the future of cities and the evolving relationship between people, technology, sustainability, and community.
As cities around the world face rapid growth, climate pressures, changing patterns of work, transportation, and human connection, the question becomes not just how cities function — but how they can truly support human flourishing.
In this conversation, we explore what the cities of the future might look like, the role of innovation and design in shaping urban life, and how creating better cities is ultimately about creating better possibilities for people.

Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: UNDUGU – Creating a Safe Space for Black Men to Come Together to Grow
We’re honored to interview the founders of Undugu Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating spaces where Black men can come together in authenticity, brotherhood, healing, and growth.
In a world where many men are taught to carry their struggles alone, Undugu is creating a different possibility — a space where people can be seen, heard, supported, and connected without judgment.
In this conversation co-hosted by special guest Landmark Forum Leader Larry Pearson, we explore the inspiration behind the foundation, the importance of community and vulnerability, the challenges many Black men face that often go unspoken, and what becomes possible when people have a place where they can truly show up as themselves.
Learn more about the Undugu Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/undugubrotherhood

Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: Tim Cross – Offering Second Chances – Transforming Lives
Tim Cross is the co-founder and CEO of Expedited Transport Agency — a company that’s built a remarkable reputation not only in the world of logistics, but also for giving people second chances and creating opportunities for transformation.
Tim’s story is one of resilience, recovery, leadership, and purpose. Under his leadership, ETA has grown into a major logistics company while also becoming known for its commitment to supporting people in recovery and helping individuals rebuild their lives through meaningful work and community.
In this conversation, we explore Tim’s personal journey, the culture he’s created at ETA, and what it means to build a business that’s about more than profit — one that’s genuinely committed to making a difference.

Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: Vanessa Stokes - Economic and Community Development That Lasts
We’re joined by Vanessa Stokes—writer, community builder, and founder of The West Side Review.
Through her work, Vanessa is telling the stories of Chicago’s West Side with honesty, depth, and pride—shifting the narrative from what’s often missing in mainstream coverage to what’s actually alive, creative, and possible.
Vanessa is also bringing that vision into the physical world with the upcoming Outwest Café and Art Gallery in Austin, a space designed to celebrate culture, creativity, and connection on the West Side.
Whether through writing or building community spaces, Vanessa is creating platforms where people can see themselves, their neighborhoods, and their futures differently.
Join us as we talk with Vanessa about storytelling, ownership of narrative, and what it means to invest in a community in a way that’s both real and lasting.
The Westside Reviewhttps://westsidereview.substack.com/

Landmark Difference Makers: Jay Carpenter - Innovating How We Belong in a Changing World
We're joined by Jay Carpenter, a visionary technologist and systems thinker whose work asks a bold and urgent question: What if we could completely reimagine identity, citizenship, and belonging—not as political entitlements, but as platforms for human potential?
Jay’s commitment is to a future where national borders don’t limit opportunity, and where people can move, contribute, and be recognized across sovereignties with dignity. Drawing from decades of experience in blockchain innovation and civic design, Jay is developing frameworks that use decentralized identity and market-based citizenship to create more just, responsive, and inclusive systems.
His goal: to help birth a world where your value isn’t determined by where you’re born—but by who you are and what you bring to the global community. Join us as we explore how Jay is turning abstract technology into practical tools for systemic change—and how the future of citizenship might hold the key to unlocking a more compassionate and connected planet.
Reference Links: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wBndikYB8UZ1q1R07PhuWHpNEh2jaTU7S3pp1_tN9VI/edit?usp=sharing

Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: Abdallah AlHadidi - Transformation in the Arabic-Speaking World
We’re joined by Abdallah Alhadidi, who has been instrumental in making Landmark’s programs available to the Arabic-speaking world.
Through steady leadership and deep care for the people he serves, Abdallah has helped open the door for thousands to participate in transformational conversations in their own language.
We’ll talk with Abdallah about what it takes to bring this work across cultures, the challenges and opportunities of offering Landmark in Arabic, and what he’s learned about leadership, service, and possibility along the way.

Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: Zully JF Alvarado - Turning Life’s Challenges into a Platform for Profound Change
We’re honored to interview Zully JF Alvarado—entrepreneur, humanitarian, and longtime advocate for people with disabilities. As the founder of Causes for Change International, Zully has spent years creating opportunities, resources, and a sense of dignity for individuals and families often overlooked. Recognized as a Chicagoan of the Year, her work has made a meaningful difference both locally and globally.
Now, through her new book and her platform The Z Life, Zully is sharing her story—one shaped by resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to living beyond limitations.
Join us as we explore her journey, the work she’s leading, and what becomes possible when you choose to be a stand for others.

Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: Reza Marvasti – The Power of Play
We welcome Reza Marvasti, a former extreme‑sports athlete turned social entrepreneur, who founded The Power of Play to bring sustainable, joy‑filled playgrounds to children in underserved communities around the world.
What began as a personal mission following a near‑death experience has grown into an NGO impacting tens of thousands of lives through play, inclusion, and empowerment.
With a bold vision to reach millions more, Reza combines advocacy, design, and community‑building to ensure every child—regardless of geography or circumstance—has access to the freedom, connection, and possibility of play.

Join us as we explore how playgrounds can be catalysts for deeper change and how Reza is creating a world where play becomes a human right, not a privilege.
The Power of Play:
https://thepowerofplay.ca/about-us/

Landmark Difference Makers: Laughlin Artz – 2030 or Bust: Rallying Global Climate Action

We’re honored to have Laughlin Artz, climate activist and founder of 2030 or Bust, whose latest international campaign, World on Wheels, is mobilizing communities around the globe to take bold, people-powered climate action.

From the streets of Kumasi to Manila, Laughlin is activating a movement on wheels — skaters, bikers, and everyday citizens — all united by one mission: closing the critical 2030 emissions gap.

Join us as we discover how this Landmark Forum graduate is turning climate action into a global grassroots revolution.

www.worldonwheels.org

Landmark Difference Makers Interview Series: Ng’ethe Githinji – Transforming East Africa
We’re joined by Ng’ethe Githinji, the Centre Manager and Source Person for Landmark Kenya. At the helm of Landmark’s operations in Nairobi, Ng’ethe is not just coordinating programs—he’s cultivating a movement.
With a deep commitment to possibility and empowerment, he’s supporting thousands of people in Kenya and across East Africa to create breakthroughs in their lives, relationships, and communities.
We’ll talk with Ng’ethe about what it means to lead a global organization in a uniquely local context, the challenges and victories of growing Landmark’s presence in Kenya, and how transformation is showing up in the lives of participants—no matter their background or circumstance.