2025
From the Ground Up: Local Voices in Advocacy
In this insightful panel discussion, community leaders share their powerful stories and strategies for equitable wildfire recovery. Tawnya Somauroo, Co-Founder, Marshall Together, discusses how her organization supports fire survivors through advocacy, legislative reform, and community rebuilding. Ash Level, Strategic Partnerships, Engagement, & Storytelling, Altadena Rising, underscores the importance of centering Black and other vulnerable communities…
Read MoreAshes to Action: Startups Post-Disaster
Join Jennifer Gray Thompson as she moderates an insightful panel discussion with Christine Kwon, Jen Goodlin, and Nicole Huguenin on leadership and community-driven disaster recovery. Drawing from their experiences responding to wildfires in California and Hawaii, the panel explores the challenges of post-disaster leadership, bui lding trust, addressing gaps in recovery, and sustaining impact beyond…
Read MoreVideo Presentation: AC Disaster
In September 2020, historic windstorms sparked massive wildfires across Oregon, scorching over 1 million acres and forcing thousands to evacuate. Communities faced unprecedented fire behavior due to extreme winds, heat, and drought. This video highlights the heroic response of first responders, public officials, and community organizations, showing how Oregon’s communities have rebuilt and revitalized over…
Read MoreHubs of Hope: How Technology and Partnerships Power Preparedness
At the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, Sam Shockley of Amazon shares how strategic preparation, partnerships, and technology have transformed the company’s disaster response. From the 16-day response to Hurricane Dorian to delivering aid within 72 hours today, Sam highlights the development of global relief hubs, pre-positioned supplies, and technology kits for power,…
Read MoreMorning Welcome Day 3
In this welcome remark of the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit Day 3, participants reflect on resilience, recovery, and innovation in disaster preparedness. The session features remarks from summit organizers, a presentation by Sam Shockley, Senior Product Manager at Amazon, who leads disaster relief operations across the Americas. She shares how Amazon integrates…
Read MoreMandate for the Future: A Climate Resilient Rebuild
In this compelling session from the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, moderator Lisa Micheli leads a powerful discussion on building long-term climate resilience with Abby Ross, Founder, The Resiliency Company, and Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director, Climate Resolve. Abby shares her journey from leading Network for Good to founding The Resiliency Company — and…
Read MoreThrough the Federal Maze:Securing Resources in Uncertain Times
Former FEMA Administrator and Bright Harbor President Pete Gaynor delivers a powerful keynote at the After the Fire 2025 Wildfire Leadership Summit, sharing candid insights on the future of federal disaster recovery and the urgent need for reform. Drawing from 15 years in emergency management—including leading the national COVID-19 response—Gaynor explores how FEMA’s systems have…
Read MoreToxic Trails: What Fire Leaves Behind in Air, Soil, and Water
In Toxic Trails, moderator Lisa Micheli leads a powerful discussion with panelists Katie Simmons (Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Butte County), Sarah Ali (Managing Director – Philanthropy, R&S Kayne Foundation), and Kevin Goss (Supervisor District 2, County of Plumas). Together, they examine the lasting environmental and public health impacts of wildfire disasters—addressing toxic debris, soil and…
Read MoreBlock Captains: From Sonoma to Los Angeles
“The Block Captain System: Community-Led Recovery After Fire” This engaging session features Jeff Okrepkie, a survivor of the 2017 Tubbs Fire and co-founder of Coffey Strong, alongside fellow community leaders Brad Sherwood, Darragh Danton, Steve Rahmn, and Patty Ratermann. Together, they share how local residents organized through the Block Captain System—a grassroots network that connects…
Read MoreLeading and Healing After the Fire
Leading and Healing After Fire explores the personal and professional toll of leadership in post-disaster recovery and the importance of sustaining the well-being of those who step into these challenging roles. Moderated by Jolie Wills, a cognitive scientist and disaster recovery expert, the panel features Clara Bergen, Amy Bernstein, and Adrienne Heinz—each sharing deeply personal…
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