Jezrie Marcano-Courtney (Jez), (Human/Latinx/She), New Haven CT

Jezrie’s stories tackle the universal and timely, coming of age. Her stories take listening audiences on thoughtful adventures of lived experience while weaving in the triumphs and trials of being AfroLatinx.Jezrie writes and performs for Ubuntu (OO-BOON-TOO) Storytellers IDEAL, where true experience stories inspire audiences to think about the interconnectedness of being human.

Michael is a retired attorney, and current storyteller and ski instructor. Bobbie Klau, local storytelling legend directed Michael to take a course with Matthew Dicks, legendary Moth Storytellers, and he found storytelling. He tells with a wonderful group of people in the New Haven -Hartford area, and is proud to be allied with the New Haven Institute Library's Storytelling Group. He produces occasional , shows at the Buttonwood Tree Art Center in Middletown, CT. Michael serves in his community in a variety of ways, most recently he was chosen as the 2023 Big Brother/Big Sister of the Year by Connecticut Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Denise Keyes Page (she, her) is founder of Ubuntu Storytellers I.D.E.A.L. Their productions have been enthusiastically received and attended.  She and/or her team have performed at National Storytelling Network’s Annual Conference, the Women’s Storytelling Festival in VA, Artists Standing Strong Together, “Better Said Than Done,” International Festival of Arts and Ideas and more. Currently Ubuntu Storytellers has three performances airing on WPAA Studio W TV.

A Connecticut native, many of her stories stem from her experience as a multi -generational African American New Englander. Denise believes that sharing and listening to the stories of others has the capacity to deepen understanding. Ubuntu Storytellers brings together her passion for story and social justice.  Denise weaves her professional experience as former teacher, professional storyteller, community advocate and DEI coach and facilitator into a compelling workshop and story experience.

She tells to enlighten and inspire, to laugh and cry and most of all to build bridges of understanding; she can coach you to do the same. You can view her TEDx Talk at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVuU7j0q8YQ

She serves as president on the Boards of Connecticut Storytelling Center and the National Speakers Association; CT Chapter. In addition, she is chair of the Social Justice Committee of NorthEast Storytellers (NEST) and on the Board of Mercy by the Sea.

www.ubuntustorytellers.com

www.denisekeyestells.com

Elsa Zuniga collects stories the way most people collect lint – in strange and unexpected places, often without even realizing it. This magnetic pull toward storytelling has shaped both her personal growth and narrative voice. It has also shaped her professional path as both a program manager in the tech industry and a professional coach, where storytelling enriches everything from guiding complex technical initiatives to supporting individuals in their growth journeys.After two decades of being inspired by and transformed through Northeast Storytelling, Elsa is excited to serve as its vice president. She looks forward to combining her professional expertise with her deep love of storytelling to help the organization thrive - preserving the magic that has touched so many while building sustainable foundations that will allow more people to discover the transformative power of stories.