Who We Are

Jess Phoenix is an internationally-known volcanologist, science communicator, and public policy advocate. Her work has taken her to six continents, where she has organized and led over 25 scientific research expeditions. She has been chased by narco-traffickers in Mexico, dodged armed thieves in Peru, raced horses across Mongolia, worked on the world’s largest volcano in Hawaii, piloted the Jason2 submersible on an undersea volcano, and rappelled into the 3^rd-largest sinkhole on Earth. Jess founded and ran the nonprofit scientific research and education organization Blueprint Earth to bring hands-on field research experience to traditionally underrepresented science students. She was a candidate for the United States Congress in 2018, and her campaign mobilized voters and activists around the country.

Jess is a Fellow in The Explorers Club and the Royal Geographical Society, as well as a frequent contributor for CNN and the BBC. Jess has hosted and served as a subject matter expert for numerous television programs on the Discovery Channel, Science Channel, ABC/Disney, the Travel Channel, the History Channel, and the Weather Channel. Jess is the author of Ms. Adventure: My Wild Explorations in Science, Lava, and Life, a finalist for the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books. She lives in southern California with her spouse Carlos and their horses, dogs, cats, birds, turtle, and frogs. Their son Kaz currently attends the University of Idaho, and Jess is extremely proud of his accomplishments.

Dave Rath is the founding partner, talent manager and producer at Independent Artists Media (IAM), where he represents stand-ups, actors, writers, directors, and performers. Prior to IAM, Dave was the founding partner of Imagine Artist Management, Generate and The Rath-Welker Company. Dave started his career at 3 Arts Entertainment, Messina Baker Entertainment and The Hollywood Improv. With a discerning eye for talent, Dave managed many of comedy’s most prolific creators, fostering careers that have come to shape modern comedy and influence the broader cultural landscape. Dave is an Emmy award-winning producer and his executive producing credits include an array of high-profile projects, among them numerous acclaimed stand-up comedy specials, HBO’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, and the network’s comedy series Crashing.

Ricardo Gutiérrez is a retired Navy veteran with 20 years of military service, who is now a professional problem-seeker and solver through organizing and mobilization. Ricardo has worked in electoral politics since 2016, first as Spanish Content Director for Bernie Sanders and then involved in multiple congressional, senatorial, state-, municipal-level and issue campaigns — helping the likes of AOC, Beto O’Rourke, Karen Bass, Greenpeace and several others mobilize millions of young and first-time voters. Ricardo believes fighting misinformation and disinformation, as well as speaking critically to the material conditions of our working families is the key to achieve an electorate that gets out the vote fully invested in solidarity and a future where we all thrive.

Breanna Chico is a seasoned organizer and relationship-builder with extensive experience in labor, electoral, and community organizing. She most recently served as a Senior Partnerships Associate at Contest Every Race, where she collaborated with Democratic state parties and over 45 partners in 30 states to recruit candidates for down-ballot races, and build capacity in rural county parties, emphasizing equity and local empowerment. Breanna brings a strong track record of managing remote teams, crafting strategy, and leveraging data to support grassroots campaigns. Her background spans impactful roles at NextGen America, Tom Steyer 2020, and Pueblo y Salud Inc., where she led initiatives focused on harm reduction, youth engagement, and public health education. Breanna is known for her ability to build trust across diverse communities, implement strategic outreach plans, and advocate through storytelling and coalition-building.