Storytelling
Alumni
Flynn Rodriquez
Western ESP Explorer
Flynn Rodriquez is an artist, photographer, and incredibly passionate about stories. He was a part of the ESP team since the spring of 2024 as a team tender and story weaver. In his free time he DJ's at the school's radio station, goes on hikes with friends, and chats with anyone with an interesting story to tell!
Riley Nachtrieb
Western ESP Explorer
Riley is an award winning filmmaker, ultra endurance athlete, and pursued Recreational Management and Tourism at Western Washington University.
Through her work, from Australia’s austere outback to India’s Himalayan peaks, she has advanced experience in video production, digital media/community management, and content creation. Through every endeavor she pursues, her aim is to showcase unique stories, from perspectives from around the world.
Joe Fitzgerald
Western ESP Explorer
Hey there! I'm Joe Fitzgerald, and I'm was absolutely thrilled to be a part of the ESP. I've always had an intense passion for storytelling, whether through film, writing, or any other creative medium you can think of.
My journey into storytelling took me to New Zealand for a year, where I was immersed in a sea of stories that ignited my passion even further. Working on a few independent projects during my time there, I encountered heaps of narratives that left a lasting impact on me.
I graduated from Western, where I studied Philosophy and Entrepreneurship. I'm loved bringing my love for storytelling into this exciting venture with ESP. I believe in the power of stories to inspire, educate, and connect people, and I committed to contribute my skills to this collective endeavor.
Noah Green
Western ESP Explorer
My name is Noah Green, I completed the Recreation Management and Leadership major Western has with an emphasis on outdoor recreation. As my major suggests I love spending time in natural spaces, be that a forest, beach, desert, or river!
Along with my appreciation of the outdoors I hold an innate love of people and their stories. We each have a path we are walking that has led us to where we are today and truly understanding someone for who they are takes hearing their journey as well as their dreams.
Hayden Wires
Western ESP Explorer
My name is Hayden and I've lived my whole life in Washington State. I was born in Seattle, raised in Bellevue, and now I live in the woods of Northern Washington State with my loving partner, two cats, a big yellow Labrador, and ten chickens. I graduated from Bellevue College with a Bachelor’s in Digital Marketing in 2020; I’m currently a grad student at Western Washington University working on a Master’s in Business Administration.
Kurtis Johnston - he/him
Western ESP Explorer
Kurtis graduated Western Washington University with a major in Recreation Management and Entrepreneurship. He is passionate about creating spaces that inspire happiness, connection, and longevity through dance, sailing, and a wide range of outdoor activities. An avid skier, backpacker, sailor, and photographer, Kurtis is always exploring new ways to bring people together through movement, adventure, and creativity. He’s been thrilled to be a part of the ESP’s impact. As one of the first members of the ESP team, he’s helped set the foundation for the future of storytelling and changemaking—cheers to discovery, curiosity, and collaboration!
Emily Budd - she/her
Western ESP Explorer
Hi! My name is Emily Budd and I graduated from Western with a major in English Literature and minor in Entrepreneurship. Some things that I enjoy doing are going on hikes, playing volleyball, and doing fun crafts!
I have always had a passion for finding ways to create sustainable alternatives for everyday needs. Through this project I hope I’ve helped find stories of individuals who have passions like mine and conveyed how these businesses emerged and what helped them become successful.
Syd Carver
Western ESP Explorer
My name is Syd and I started at Western in Fall 2023 after taking a gap year to travel and volunteer on sustainable farms through the Workaway program. Some of my passions are mycology, gardening, art, dance, and going on adventures. I am currently planning on majoring in Biology while also designing a Fairhaven Interdisciplinary Major and completing the Honors minor.
I hope to discover more about the science of the natural world and our place in it in order to build relationships of reciprocity and healing with the environment and people around me. I love hearing people's stories!