José A. Zaglul
José A. Zaglul is the President of EARTH University, an international, private, not-for-profit institution in Costa Rica, dedicated to preparing leaders with ethical values to contribute to the sustainable development of the tropics and to construct a prosperous and just society. Dr. Zaglul has been President of EARTH University since its inception in 1989 and has provided the vision and leadership for this innovative institution and its unique educational environment that encourages the development of responsible leadership based on values, social commitment, environmental consciousness, academic excellence and an entrepreneurial and enterprising spirit. He holds a PhD in Animal Science from the University of Florida. In addition, he obtained two masters degrees: an M.S. in Food Science and Human Nutrition from the University of Florida and an M.S.in Animal Science from the American University of Beirut in Lebanon.
Tim Solso
Tim Solso, President of EARTH University’s Board of Directors, is the former Chairman and CEO of the Midwestern engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. Under his leadership, Cummins became a Fortune 250 company and earned a strong reputation for its corporate responsibility with the development of numerous projects focused on the environment, health care, education and economic development of the poor. Mr. Solso earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from DePauw University in 1969 and an MBA from Harvard University in 1971.
Tamba Abdulai Konah
Tamba Abdulai Konah, Mastercard Foundation Scholar, is a first year student at EARTH University. His family lives in Kono District Headquarters in the Eastern Province of Sierra Leone. In 2009, when the secondary school imposed school fees without telling the students, Tamba and a few friends created Koyandu Farm Development Association, an agricultural group in Koyindu Village 43 kilometers away from Kono District Headquarters. Over the years the group has grown from the initial 50 members to over 200 members. The cassava farm now also produces rice. The profit is used to cover school fees for students to attend secondary school. After he completes his studies at EARTH, Tamba plans to return to Kono District Headquarters to continue growing the organization and to create many job opportunities for those in his community.
Susy Pinos
Susy Pinos is from Ecuador and graduated from EARTH University in 2000, where she developed the strong commitment and passion for contributing to the sustainable development of rural communities that has guided her career. She is currently the program manager for Heifer International-Ecuador, where she oversees rural development projects throughout the country. Susy also holds a Master’s in Agricultural Science, Food Security and Natural Resources Management in the Tropics and Sub-Tropics from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany.
Mark Jamnik
Mark Jamnik will be hosting the Google Hangout from Mac6, a conscious capitalism incubation company in Tempe, AZ, USA. Mark first worked with EARTH University students in celebrating Peace Day. Mark is a business consultant and sits on the board of Conscious Capitalism Arizona. Mark helps business owners “connect to why” by aligning their purpose, passion and mission with vision, practice and service so they can enjoy life daily.
Russ Barker and Dog Tag Art
Russ Barker is the Operations Manager for Dog Tag Art and has more than 10 years of experience in the e-commerce field. Russ has an educational background in Multimedia Art and Design. He oversees day to day operations at Dog Tag Art and is a veritable jack-of-all-trades around the office. Launched in 2009 and based out of Asheville, NC, Dog Tag Art makes personalized dog tags for pets. Visit www.dogtagart.com for more information.