Founder, Spirit of Football e.v
Andrew Aris, a former professional footballer turned social development expert, is a passionate advocate for using
football as a tool for positive change. He founded the non-profit organization Spirit of Football to promote education,
fair play, and social change through football-related initiatives. With his extensive experience in the world of football
and education, Aris has developed innovative programs and organized global projects in over 50 countries. He is
particularly committed to empowering girls and women and addressing climate change through football. Andrew's
dedication to using football for social good is evident in his work with Spirit of Football, where he has helped to
implement projects in schools, clubs, and communities around the world. His passion and expertise have made him a
respected figure in the field of social development.
Chief, Public Advocacy and Communication Section at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Kenya
Atif Ikram Butt is a seasoned Social and Behaviour Change Specialist with nearly 20 years of leadership experience.
He has worked with leading international aid organizations such as DFID, GIZ, ILO, UNDP, Johns Hopkins
University, and UNICEF. Currently, he leads Public Advocacy and Communication at the United Nations Environment
Program (UNEP)’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, as Section Chief. Atif is an expert in strategy development,
organizational building, media usage, and advocacy. He holds a doctorate in International Development Studies from
Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, with research focused on ideation in policymaking.
American Playwright, Performer, Producer and Sex Activist
Cameryn is an award-winning playwright, performer, event producer, and host, originally from the US and now based
in Berlin. Her performances have been seen in over 80 cities worldwide. Her biggest project is overseeing the growth
of Smut Slam International, the global network of community dirty storytelling events that she created in 2011.
Cameryn currently hosts and produces 11 regular slams across Europe, from Copenhagen to Cardiff, with more slams
planned in Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Luxembourg, and the UK in the coming months. Under Cameryn's
mentorship, additional chapters are running in Amsterdam, Boston, Baltimore, Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Victoria
BC.
Dara Morgana
Artist, Public Speaker, Creative Facilitator
Dara Morgana is an interdisciplinary artist, speaker, and facilitator dedicated to creating environments where creativity
and playfulness foster resilience and regeneration. With a diverse background in the arts, sustainability, facilitation,
community building, and event production, Dara brings a unique approach to inspiring individuals and communities
to unlock their deepest creative potential. Dara’s work is grounded in the belief that playful exploration and artistic
expression are powerful tools for developing resilience and agency, enabling individuals to navigate personal
challenges and contribute to collective growth. She emphasizes the importance of learning to truly inhabit ourselves—
not only for personal transformation but also for fostering a more interconnected and sustainable world. In addition to
her work as a speaker, artist, and facilitator, Dara leads a vibrant Patreon community where she hosts storytelling and
writing circles.
Thuringian Minister Migration, Justice and Consumer Protection
Doreen Denstädt is the current Thuringian Minister for Migration, Justice, and Consumer Protection, and a deputy
member of the Bundesrat since February 7, 2023. An engineer by training, she holds a diploma in public administration
and has served in various roles within the police force, where she supported individuals who faced discrimination. A
member of BÜNDNIS 90/DIE GRÜNEN, Denstädt is the only person of color member of Thuringia's government
and is a prominent voice against racism and discrimination.
German Track Cyclist
Kristina Vogel is a celebrated German track cyclist, renowned for her achievements on the international stage. She is
a 2-time Olympic champion and has secured numerous World, European, and German championship titles. Miss
Vogel’s career, marked by resilience and triumph, includes overcoming a life-changing accident in 2018. Beyond her
sporting accolades, she is also an author and a motivational speaker, inspiring many with her story of perseverance
and determination. Kristina Vogel among other accolades is a 2-time Olympic gold medalist, 17-time world champion,
28-time World Cup winner, 5-time European champion, 23-time German champion, and 1-time world record holder.
Serhii Smahlo
Ukrainian New Testament Scholar
Serhii Smahlo is a Ukrainian New Testament scholar specializing in the Gospels. His research focuses on
understanding the Gospels within the framework of apocalyptic literature and ancient Jewish culture. He holds a PhD
from Jena University and is currently a Research Fellow at the Saxon Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Leipzig.
Smahlo's work combines academic rigor with a deep spiritual connection. As an Orthodox priest, he is passionate
about fostering a community of biblical scholars in Ukraine. His research extends beyond traditional academic spheres,
incorporating art, literature, and cinema to explore the Bible's relevance in contemporary society. His upcoming
monograph delves into the significance of Jesus' meals with sinners in the context of Jewish eschatological
expectations.