Katie Moran
CEO & Founder
Erica Richardson
Reverse Cultural Engineer
Richard O'Connor
Advisor
Kathleen Boyle Dalen
Advisor
Katie Moran
CEO & Founder
Katie Moran is an author, poet, advocate, creativity coach, and social entrepreneur. Katie Moran has a Masters of Social Work from Fordham University's Graduate School of Social Service, where she concentrated in research. In 2017, Katie interned with the Center for Education Research and Evaluation at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where she focused on data analysis. In 2016, she interned with AHRC in the Melissa Riggio Higher Education Program at the College of Staten Island, where she designed and instructed a seminar on employment and self-marketing skills, as well as counseled college students with intellectual (dis)abilities.
She graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor's degree in Sociology with minors in Creative Writing and African & African American Studies. Katie Moran developed a passion for neuroscience and psychology at the age of twelve, and she became determined to combine her love of social science and neuroscience through the framework of neurosociology and its application to social work, creativity, and narrative. Katie was a recipient of the Reverend Dr. Nicholas J. Langenfeld Award for her 2018 Thesis: "MSW Students' Attitudes on Mental Health Stigma." She published “Periwinkle Wishes” and “The Spirit Inside” in 2020. She published “Redeeming Endless Possibilities” in 2022.
As Reverse Cultural Engineer, Erica Richardson concentrates on holistic restoration of cultural communities and the debunking of System-based Programming. Erica holds her degree in Forensic Psychology from DeSales University, as well as certificates in Cultural Competency and Mental Health First Aid from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. As Activities Assistant at Sunrise Senior Living from 2015-2017, Erica learned the importance of providing community services to nurture trusting and respectful relationships with clients. Through her work as a Behavioral Health Worker with Assessment and Treatment Alternatives in Philadelphia, Erica employed clinical techniques for therapeutic interventions focused on de-escalating problem behaviors.
Erica Richardson
Reverse Cultural Engineer
Richard O'Connor
Advisor
Richard is a seasoned Finance Executive with 20+ years of experience in Digital and Traditional Media companies. Focused on driving growth and profitability as a strategic partner to Executive teams, his responsibilities have ranged from the financial management of a $1B subsidiary of a public company, to acquisitions of, investments in scaling and exits of digital media and technology firms. Most recently, as the CFO of PageScience, Richard managed the day-to-day operations and finances of the health focused programmatic network, including restructuring the senior debt, closing on a Series B round of financing and bringing the company to profitability, until its sale to Accent Health Media in 2016.
Prior to PageScience, Richard was part of the team that led the buyout of Prime Visibility Media Group in 2007, where he remained as CFO. During his tenure at PV Media Group, Richard was instrumental in establishing financial controls, managing the business to strict profitability standards, restructuring the senior debt and recapitalization efforts, as a result of which the Company remained profitable, even through 2009 downturn and its eventual sale to blinkx plc (LSE AIM: BLNX) in 2011. Prior to PV Media Group, Richard was a Principal at Nakita Venture Partners, a venture services company focused on the Media Industry, where he led the origination, due diligence and investments in digital media companies.
Earlier, Richard was with Universal Domestic Television, a Division of NBC Universal (NYSE: GE) for over 10 years as VP Finance and Operations, where he managed the day-to-day operations of the business unit, including employment contracts, budgeting, accounting, legal, development, production, distribution and sales and marketing. While at Universal, Richard helped lead the acquisition and integration of several multi-media TV assets for Universal Domestic Television, USAI, Vivendi and NBC. Richard earned a BS (Accounting) from University of Bridgeport and lives in New York, NY.
Kathleen Boyle Dalen
Advisor
Dr. Kathleen Boyle Dalen is a psychologist with 20+ years experience in organizational learning, building and leading teams, and developing strategic partnerships. Kathleen consults across philanthropy, nonprofits, and in the for-profit space to create conditions where individuals and teams thrive so they can build powerful partnerships that create meaningful results.
Boyle Dalen served as Chief Talent, Integration and Culture officer at the Kauffman Foundation for seven years. She is an adjunct faculty member at Rockhurst University and on the executive leadership team of TEDxKC where she is a champion for creating a space for dialogue led by a diverse set of voices and experiences.
Prior to joining the Kauffman Foundation, Boyle Dalen was the vice president and co-founder of PREP-KC, where her responsibilities included partnership development, talent development, and organizational learning. While at PREP-KC, Boyle Dalen led the development of effective strategies to prepare urban, low-income students for success in postsecondary education and the workforce.
Boyle Dalen holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from American University in Washington, D.C.; a master’s degree in psychology from Columbia University; and a doctorate in psychology from Rutgers University. She is an adjunct professor at Rockhurst University, where she teaches in the Helzberg School of Management. She is on the Board of the Kansas City Campus for Animal Care, on the Kansas City Chamber Executive Women’s Leadership Council, and on the Advisory Board for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). She has been invited to speak at national conferences including the Consumer Electronics Show, Social Innovation Summit, Grantmakers for Education, Kansas City Tomorrow, and has been honored by the Girl Scouts for her work to create new strategies to provide girls with access to STEM careers.
Katie Moran on Values
ALACRITY: What excites you?
Learning with Purpose in Mind
Engagement and excitement enhances the brain's capacity to learn and rewire itself; learning with purpose in mind expands the mind and begins to bridge the gap between who you are and who you can become.
RESILIENCE: What drives you?
Truth and Justice
There's a difference between honesty and truth, just as there's a difference between revenge and justice; the former treat symptoms of the ailment, while the latter can cure ailments. That difference means truth and justice have the power to heal.
HEART: What matters to you?
Depth and Meaning
When you truly listen to people, you find out what matters to them by the look in their eyes, the rhythm of their speech and the gravity of their breath. Heart transforms ordinary into extraordinary, and when you listen to someone you hear the extraordinary depth and meaning shine through from their heart to yours.
CONVICTION: What do stand you for?
Shining in Darkness
The Moran family motto is: "they shine in darkness;" I take that to heart. I want to stand for the opportunity in adversity, the truth which overcomes all obstacles, and the refinement of passion and purpose after enduring hardship.
Erica Richardson on Values
ALACRITY: What excites you?
Discovery
I look forward to the lessons and discovery that each day can bring, even in the smallest of ways. I am ever-excited by those moments where things seem to fall into place or finding gratitude in the darkest of times. This learning takes on an entirely new beauty when shared with others through deep, honest, and open conversation.
RESILIENCE: What drives you?
Exploration
I intend to utilize my time by exploring myself and the world around me, while releasing fear and doubt. Driven by the notion of exploration, and embracing this life, I have become grateful for the joy and hardship, which has shaped my character.
HEART: What matters to you?
Authenticity and Self-Reflection
I have developed an appreciation for those who do not try to fit into molds, those who allow for an authentic expression of the self. This sort of honest self-reflection coupled with the relinquish of fear from judgement, leads to the cultivation of more trusting, heartfelt relationships among genuine people.
CONVICTION: What do stand you for?
The Interconnection of Humanity
The insightful reflection gained from the interconnection of humanity belongs to all of us. My hope is for people to feel more comfortable expressing and sharing to free themselves and others from negative thoughts and emotions that entrap us in doubt, while embracing the joy and gentle kindness that uplifts our hearts. In doing so, we will not only be more connected, but we will come together to overcome stigma: individually and as a collective whole.
Rich O'Connor on Values
ALACRITY: What excites you?
Challenging Myself
Every challenge teaches you stamina: from the gym to the board room. Stamina plays a vital role in focus and endurance, which allows for continued personal and professional growth.
RESILIENCE: What drives you?
Work Ethic and Appreciation
I am driven by my work ethic and my ability to genuinely appreciate what I have and what I can give. I appreciate an enduring work ethic in myself and in others who are on my team. It's really about bringing value.
HEART: What matters to you?
Meaningful Relationships
Family comes first. My personal relationships hold significant meaning to me. Likewise, I invest in my professional relationships by valuing the capabilities of members on my team, while challenging their limiting self-beliefs to enable them to acquire and cultivate their skills.
CONVICTION: What do stand you for?
Integrity
I try to do the right thing, even when it isn't the easy thing. Because I value work ethic, I choose to not take shortcuts. By valuing integrity in business, the model becomes sustainable.