Team — IRIS - the International Resource for Impact and Storytelling

Throughout her career as a nonprofit executive, award-winning executive producer and producer/director, broadcast programmer, curator, teacher, and writer, Cara has championed the leadership role of artists in society, and worked to harness the power of cultural expression—with an emphasis on nonfiction storytelling—to amplify awareness and accelerate progressive change

Cara Mertes | Founder & Director

With long roots in international development and research, Mia has spent a career starting up innovative initiatives around the world. From a background in literature, public policy and data visualization has emerged her passion to leverage data storytelling for social good.

Mia Deschamps | Director of Operations & Learning

Brett, a narrative strategist with deep experience in health equity, is particularly interested in the role of storytelling, popular culture, and arts activism in bringing about social change.

Brett Davidson | Lead of Narrative Field Building

Miso builds elegant systems, strong relationships and generative work cultures to maximize organizational capacity for creating the liberatory futures we most need and desire.

Miso Jeong | Systems & Program Manager

As Operations Manager, Adeola propels IRIS forward from the ground up. Adeola has built a career creating impact using a well-rounded set of skills across the operations realm, including expertise in strategic communications, marketing, member recruitment, partnerships and database and project management.

Adeola Oyelabi | Operations Manager

Elsie has spent the last decade advancing participatory and human rights-based approaches in research, advocacy and program management across Africa and global platforms.

Elsie Anguzuzu | Senior Project Manager

For the past 25 years, Matt has lived and worked across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, collaborating closely with people and communities to respond to urgent needs and address long-term challenges through a range of initiatives.

Matt Lucas | Project Manager

Maya’s approach is shaped by years of engagement in Indigenous-led networks focused on ecological knowledge, cultural revitalization, and relational accountability. She is committed to strengthening how communities and organizations hold and move information and resources, and to co-creating liberated futures grounded in land, relationship, and responsibility.

Maya Soto | Communications Assistant

Di has been deeply committed to addressing the impact of technology on society throughout her career.

Di Luong | Project Manager

Steph Ortiz (she/her) is a facilitator, strategist, and community midwife who supports organizations and cross-sector networks in transforming community vision into collaborative action that advances equity, healing, and collective wellbeing.