Storytelling
Team
Dr. Arthur Sherwood - he/him
Social Scientist, Explorer, Storyteller, ESP Explorer Team Leader
Who am I? I am a storyteller, explorer, tinkerer and tender. These are my gifts and I share them with the world in many ways. Here I will describe a little of what this looks like at Western Washington University. Back in 2014, I was named the first Cole Professor of Entrepreneurship...a cool university title and set of resources that was in search of a purpose and design. Prior to this, I was a university professor at Indiana State University...a wonderful place and set of people. Yet, I felt I had reached a plateau and felt called to explore new paths. (And in there, was a lot of work with the the local food movement and food cooperatives).
I arrived at WWU full of energy and excitement to work with students and to help support them in their search for self and how they might find their part in this world through entrepreneurship, innovation, and changemaking. The primary way I shared my gifts in this position was through working for students. I focused on collaborative program design, super cool curriculum, and pressing the edges of what and how we learned at the university about ourselves, the world and the relationship between the two. I also was invited to become a WWU Community Engagement Fellow and Sustainability Fellow...both of which were critical to my own learning of self and the opportunities to identify and share my gifts with the world. I am so grateful for all the people that have been part of this journey.
Gwen Fluhr - they/them
Western ESP Explorer, Camera Storyteller
Gwen has been taking photos all their life...and as technology advanced, videos became a love as well. Just take a walk with them, and you will experience the capturing of so many stories happening around us.
From the interaction of coal-black raven couples in the PNW to the jungle crows on the Andaman Sea Coast; from a mallard ducks navigating an icy stream at Padden Creek in Bellingham to green sea turtles navigating the reefs of Mabul Island in Borneo; from local Salish Sea orcas to sloths in Costa Rica - don't forget those ninja squirrel shenanigans! And humans too...of all sorts and in all sorts of stories. With degrees in outdoor recreation and herbal medicine and extensive experience in creative arts, world travel and healing.
Gwen has a broad range of nature based interests including the interaction of humans and our more than human world. A perfect fit for the camerahuman that travels the world to capture the moments related to the Sustainable Development Goals. With multiple Global ESP expeditions already in their backpack, excitement continues to tell the stories of entrepreneurs, innovators and changemakers as they engage with the SDGs.
Carter Nelson - he/him
Western ESP Explorer
Hi! I'm Carter, a senior at Western Washington University’s Fairhaven College with a concentration in Entrepreneurship, International Business, Language, and Political Economy. I'm a deeply curious person and love learning about urban planning, clothing design, history, languages, craftsmanship, exercise science, traveling and much much more!
I’m drawn to storytelling and sustainability because I believe every person’s journey matters and that real change starts with understanding people. Sustainability gives me hope for a brighter future built by entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. I joined this project to learn from passionate people who are shaping our world and to discover how I can do the same. My curiosities include sustainable clothing, better recycling systems, more sustainable materials and how entrepreneurship, innovation and changemaking can shape the physical and political shape of our world.
EV Chase-Pelton - she/her
Western ESP Explorer
My name is EV Chase-Pelton and I am a sophomore at WWU hoping to enter a career in women’s sports. I have lived in Washington my entire life and don’t plan on moving. Being surrounded by such diverse natural beauty, from Mt. Rainier to the Salish Sea, I have always been passionate about sustainability in order to preserve the amazing Earth we have the privilege of living on. I am extremely excited to be an ESP Storyteller and continue doing my part to uplift my community, global changemakers, and the mission of the ESP!
I am also the proud owner of Another Pirate’s Treasure, where I sell art I create with treasure I collect beach combing in the Salish Sea basin and all secondhand and recycled materials. Keep an eye out for your local pirate at the next local art market!
Maverick Sunshine - he/him
Western ESP Explorer
Hi, my name is Maverick Sunshine! I joined the ESP to help share stories of change that will inspire more stories of change! If you ever see me, feel free to ask about creative writing and my favorite card games!
Emily Bones - she/her
Western ESP Explorer
Hi there! My name is Emily Bones, a sophomore at Western. I plan to study political science with a minor and emphasis on environmental justice. I'm incredibly passionate about the water, my siblings, and exploring the unknown. These passions help me put effort into other things I love doing, such as environmental activism, backpacking, water activities, and participating in sustainable practices.
Humans can't read each other's minds, so to understand each other, we rely on expression. Music, dance, and tangible art are all deeply important to me because they allow us to truly get to know one another. Storytelling is an art that's been with us since the moment we became humans. I'm so excited to utilize such an amazing tool, storytelling, to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, changemakers, and innovators.
Nima Sherpa Lama- she/her
Western ESP Explorer
Hi! My name is Nima and I am a graduate student at Western finishing up my MBA. Some things that I enjoy doing are exploring the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with my cats!
I’ve always been drawn to the power of multimedia storytelling, especially when it comes to capturing the human side of sustainable business. For me, this project is all about diving deep into the journeys of local founders, highlighting how they turned their eco-friendly ideas into real-world success, and creating connections that inspire the community. I’m so excited to collaborate with everyone and dive into the ESP team!
Satako Kimura - she/her
Western ESP Explorer
Hi! My names Satoko I’m a sophomore at Western Washington University. I plan on majoring in psychology or Art with a minor in film studies. I was born and raised in Washington and absolutely love all the nature and mountains here, but hope to travel around the world someday. In my free time I like to go out and take film photos of different scenery, my friends, and nature.
I find joy in being a helping hand to others and the environment whenever I’m able. I’m super excited to be able to learn and grow through ESP while spreading sustainability and knowledge to others!
Kae Lani Diamond - she/her
Western ESP Explorer
Greetings! I’m Kea Lani, a third-year in ENVS and Salish Sea Studies. In my spare time, I like to be by the ocean and send postcards to friends around the world. Storytelling can be a really powerful tool, it’s connected us for millions of years and can make you feel less alone. Everyone has a valuable story.
Art & Gwen
Flags flying at UPEACE in the Central Valley of Costa Rica