The People behind Beacon
Leadership
Jared Dubin: Executive Director, Head of PR
Jared’s passion for community and the environment has led him to participate in local groups and systems wherever he goes. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 2012, he went on to pursue a master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology at Sofia University through their global learning program. While learning remotely he traveled the country, and through a psychologist’s lens began to see the same patterns reproduced everywhere. Where there is community, there is life and resilience. Where community is lacking, there is oppression, pollution, and isolated struggle.
With a growing understanding of the relationship between environment and psychology, Jared participated in an 8 month permaculture design program which expanded his understanding of the interplay between individual, community, and environment. Solid, resilient communities build strong, actualized individuals, who in turn reinvest in their communities. Such understanding informs his commitment to direct action and mutual aid. We are all connected, and do better through cooperation and respectful relation.
Throughout his life Jared has participated in the sort of initiatives he would like to see supported through Beacon. In Philly in 2013, he helped start the Ahimsa House, a still thriving center for peace and mindfulness offering donation-based classes in yoga, meditation, community gardening, and more. He participated numerous times in the Move Mountains Project, a Colorado-based youth program fostering cultural connection and professional skills in students of the San Luis Valley (founded by fellow board member and longtime ally Miguel Huerta). He attended many critical teach-ins and discussions during the Occupy movement as a student in Philly, and helped lead successful worker organization as a maintenance worker at a luxury spa near Colorado Springs.
These days Jared lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina, surrounded by active community in the South Toe river valley. There he helps out with local farms and gardens, takes advantage of nature’s nearby abundance, and works on developing the Beacon Network.
Jake West: Executive Director, Head of Ops
As an analyst and community advocate, Jake West is a profound believer in the power of human connection to enact social change. After graduating from Binghamton University, where he studied Sociology and Statistics, Jake has worked with an array of organizations to give life and meaning to data. He currently works at Leadership Connect as a research analyst with a concentration on data modeling and project management within the state and municipal government-level database.
Growing up surrounded by the beauty of the Adirondacks, nature grounds and guides Jake in his life. Jake aspires to implement the teachings of the earth: reciprocity. Following the guidance of our humble planet, he sees life as an opportunity for mutual aid, spreading connection while empowering autonomy in one’s individualistic pursuits.
In addition to his 9-5, Jake contributes to several nonprofits and grassroots organizations. He served as a Fellow and currently co-leads the Vermont RESULTS advocacy group, a small team of activists that advocate against domestic and global poverty by supporting RESULTS-endorsed legislature and building policy awareness; he is also the author of two speculative fiction novels; and loves spending his time playing soccer and board games.
Lead Stewardship - The Beacon Board of Directors
Karen Kosch - Board Secretary
Karen Kosch is a retired high school Social Studies teacher from New Jersey. After teaching for 33 years, Karen continues to seek ways to teach, learn and serve. She is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Zack Latteri Foundation. The Foundation was created in memory of one of her former students and its mission is "paying it forward" - supporting kids fighting cancer and connecting to and giving back to the community. Karen earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Montclair State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Studies Education from Iona College in New Rochelle, NY. She is currently working as a Field Supervisor for the School of Education at Fairleigh Dickinson University and privately coaches high school seniors in writing college essays. Karen is always interested in and excited to be part of initiatives that can and will make a positive contribution to society.
Miguel Huerta Director
Miguel Huerta is a Chicano licensed social worker and community organizer who was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. After 6 years of studying, working and living in Philadelphia, he relocated to Colorado and now serves students from independent backgrounds at MSU Denver. Miguel is passionate about projects that synthesize art and social action. He attained a Masters of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and holds a certificate in Trauma Informed Practices from Bryn Mawr School of Social Work. In 2014, Miguel became a founding member of the Board of Directors for the Move Mountains Project in San Luis, Colorado. He is an alum of the New Leaders Council and was a Philadelphia Fellow of the League of Creative Interventionists. This poet aspires to catalyze self-empowerment and community action through art and an understanding of human heritage.
Keren Avnery Director
Keren Avnery is a Registered Nurse with nearly 10 years experience, and is passionate about keeping both people and the planet healthy. Originally from outside Boston, MA, she graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where she studied both nursing and business. Keren went on to work in various direct patient care roles including as an acute-care RN, school nurse, clinical educator, and vaccine clinic manager.
Keren is also very interested in technology and efficiency. She has served as the Director and Manager of Operations at two start-ups, specializing in team-building and process development. In addition to being a caregiver, Keren loves to spread joy through performing music. She is both co-producer and vocalist in a band called Wack Duo and The Man The Fool.
As a nurse and musician, Keren understands the importance of listening, exploring, and progressing. She loves to travel and has spent two years of her life in over a dozen countries from Peru to China in order to deeply understand the vast diversity of human culture. Experiencing Earth's different landscapes and the rich heritage that has developed from them has helped Keren expand her understanding of what is possible in sustainable agriculture, "traditional" medicine, and our relationship with one another and our planet. She believes that with the help of modern technology, local communities can have a massive impact on fostering a bright future for themselves and future generations.
Anna Straus - Director
Anna Straus (they/them) is a self-employed project manager, fundraiser, writer, and researcher for a better food system. After obtaining a Master’s of Arts in Social Work from University of Denver, focused specifically on food and environmental justice, they worked as a writer and researcher for a national food policy-focused non-profit, Farm Action.
Anna started Straus Communications & Connections, a consulting business in October of 2021, focusing specifically on project management and fundraising for efforts poised to make the food system more equitable and sustainable.
While Anna often manages projects that are regional and national in scope, they remain rooted in the Denver community by working directly with local farmers and ranchers, and community-focused organizations like Denver Food Rescue. Anna has a love for being outside, getting their hands dirty on the farm, and cooking creatively with locally grown vegetable varieties.
Lauri Ann Lumby - Director
Lauri Ann Lumby, OM, OPM, MATS is the founder and owner of Authentic Freedom Academy – providing self-actualization at the intersection of education, psychology, spirituality and creative expression. As a trained Spiritual Director and ordained interfaith minister, Lauri has supported hundreds in their journey toward self-actualization through her online courses, spiritual counseling, writing, art and books. Lauri is the published author of eight books including Authentic Freedom – claiming a life of contentment and joy and the creator of Icons for a New World. Lauri currently lives in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
We are looking for help as we develop and grow! Head over to our participation page to see how you can get involved with Beacon today!
