Speakers

Omoyele Sowore is a Nigerian who has spent the last 15 years working to promote human rights and democracy in Nigeria, and to stop the militarization and violence that multinational oil companies have brought to his country.
On March 27, 2003, Fernando lost his son Jesus when he stepped on a US cluster bomb while fighting in Iraq. Since then, Fernando has been traveling around the country speaking out against the invasion and occupation of Iraq. In December he traveled to Iraq with Global Exchange and a group of military families to listen to the needs and desires of the Iraqi people, and returned home to meet with congress people, UN officials and the media to call for the withdrawal of US troops. Fernando is also an active member of Military Families Speak Out www.mfso.org.
Unconditional Theatre explores contemporary issues and events through the actual words, stories, and participation of those involved. By conducting interviews, sharing stories, and facilitating dialogue, they involve communities directly in dramatic work that builds understanding and seeks to inspire social change. Their current performances, Swing State Stories and Voices of Activism: Crawford, trace the journeys of surprising activists who stepped out of their comfort zones to get involved.
Walter Turner brings a comprehensive knowledge of African history and current events to his talks on South Africa and U.S.-Africa foreign relations. Mr. Turner is a Professor of History and Ethnic Studies at the College of Marin and Chair of the Department.
Ariel Vegosen is a Fair Trade and media social justice activist. She currently works for Dr. Bronners Magic soaps and is well known for giving workshops at many conferences including four United Students for Fair Trade events. Most recently she was in Jenin, West Bank Palestine meeting with Canaan Fair Trade farmers and working on the coexistence olive oil program.
Iraq Veterans share their first-hand knowledge and a critical analysis of the occupation of Iraq. Their voices are unique, poignant and bridge divides across the political spectrum. The actions the Iraq Veterans are taking to end the occupation are inspiring and the leadership, strength and courage they offer to the peace movement invaluable.
Dr. Dahlia Wasfi was born in 1971 and spent her early childhood in Saddam Hussein's Iraq, until she returned with her family to the United States in 1977. Dr. Wasfi graduated from Swarthmore College in 1993 with a B.A. in Biology, and in 1997 graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. In February/March of 2004, after years of separation, Wasfi visited Iraq to see her family in Basrah and Baghdad. She journeyed to Iraq again for a 3-month visit in 2006. Based on her experiences, she is speaking out against the negative impact of the U.S.
Wondering what's going on in the rest of the world? Invite a speaker who recently returned from traveling with Global Exchange to tell you about the reality on the ground in a different country.
Mary Ann Wright has been a career military woman, a State Department diplomat, and for the past few years an influential spokesperson in the anti-war movement. Ann Wright grew up in Bentonville, Arkansas, and attended the University of Arkansas, where she holds a Master's and a Law Degree. She also has a Master's Degree in National Security Affairs from the US Naval War College. In her junior year at the University of Arkansas, she attended a three-week Army training program after meeting with a visiting Army recruiter. That experience helped inform her decision to join the service.
Ray Ybarra Maldonado is a human rights activist, writer, filmmaker, photographer, and public speaker. Born in Douglas, AZ, Ybarra Maldonado's mother was born just a few miles to the south in the town of Agua Prieta, Sonora.