SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT
Cary Stuart, one of Coast 93.1's 20 Outstanding Women of 2022. Cary, a survivor of human trafficking, now dedicates her life to mentoring and advocating for others who have experienced similar trauma. Stuart participated in Survivor Speaks’ Survivor Advocacy and Leadership Training program. She is now the president of its board of directors.
Creative Team
DIRECTOR and WRITER
Matilde Simas is a visual storyteller, renowned for her commitment to social narratives and personal stories. Through her art, Matilde engages in collaborative projects that empower individuals to co-create their narratives, thereby shaping their representation. Her work, deeply rooted in empathy and a quest for justice, transcends conventional boundaries, making her an influential figure in the realm of documentary photography and filmmaking. Matilde's dedication to highlighting critical human rights issues, particularly those related to human trafficking and gender-based violence, has earned her international acclaim.
In her impactful short documentary film, “Forced to Marry,” Matilde played a pivotal role in advocating for the Keeping Girls in School Act—a bipartisan bill aimed at overcoming barriers to education for adolescent girls in developing countries. Her visual storytelling also took center stage at the UNICEF Global Local event, where she informed volunteers, citizens, and policymakers about the pressing issue of forced marriage.
In 2017, Matilde founded Capture Humanity, an organization founded on bringing awareness to human rights issues. Her efforts have led to collaborations with many community-based organizations including Freedom for All, Voice of the Free Philippines, ChildVoice Uganda and HAART Kenya. Matilde's evocative imagery has earned her a place in prestigious platforms such as the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report, serving as a powerful tool for education and advocacy.
In 2023, her exceptional contribution to public art was recognized through sponsorships from CENTER Advancing the Photographic ART and Finding Our Voices Breaking the Silence of Domestic Violence, affirming her role as a pivotal figure in the intersection of art and social change.
ADVISER and EDITOR
Keith Jodoin has written, produced and directed broadcast and digital media for a variety of clients. His creative leadership has garnered him more than 30 industry awards, including an Emmy.
After graduating from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications , he got his feet wet as a project manager at a video post-production facility. Then, he launched an independent producing career focusing on marketing and promotions for Discovery Channel, truTV, National Geographic, Animal Planet and TLC.
MUSIC
Jonn Savannah was selected to play with Tina Turner for the European leg of her mammoth fifteen month Break Every Rule tour in 1987 and in 1990 Jonn played with the John Lennon Tribute band in Liverpool, rejoining Squeeze in 1991 for their American and British tours. He then toured with Procol Harum in 1992 and later that year joined the Van Morrison band. Jonn joined Squeeze for the third time in 1995 and in 1998 worked yet again with Van Morrison.
Jonn began working on the American Idol series in 2002, tuning the vocals for the contestants. In 2005 he relocated to Medford, New Jersey, where he set up Jonn Savannah Music, an umbrella organization for music writing, recording and education.
Experts
Tim Farris
Detective, Yarmouth Police Department
Noelle Coyne
Safe Voices Director of Shelter and Housing Services
Mary Irace
The Salvation Army's Tools For Life Director
Tools for Life is a life and career skills series of classes. The Salvation Army Citadel Maine Corps program offers these year round classes, job seeking skills and placement for participants in the Greater Portland, Maine community. The class topics range from “Stress Management,” “Finding a Career,” “Dress for Success,” “Money Matters,” “Internet Safety,” cooking classes and much more.
Jessica Bedard
Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault Director of Program Planning and Performance
Jonathan Sahrbeck
Principal Owner of Sahrbeck, P.C. and Former District Attorney at Cumberland County