If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African proverb (Origin unknown) Meet the Team
FOUNDER & EDITOR
Leigh Fenly
Leigh was a staff writer and editor at The San Diego Union-Tribune for 30 years, where she edited the award-winning Quest science section. She is co-founder and past co-president of Women’s Empowerment International, a nonprofit that provides microfinance loans and other support to women across the world. She has volunteered as a tutor for refugee children and at her neighborhood food pantry. Currently, she is a volunteer docent at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
COPY EDITOR
Margaret King
Margaret has worked since 2009 as a writer and editor for Sally Ride Science, a nonprofit based at UC San Diego that seeks to inspire girls and boys of all backgrounds in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Previously, she was an editor at The San Diego Union-Tribune. She received her bachelor’s degree in English and history from UC Berkeley and her master’s degree in journalism from Columbia.
DESIGNER
Amy Stirnkorb
Amy is an award-winning art director and designer. After a decade at The San Diego Union-Tribune, she launched her own design studio and cookbook publishing company. She has been involved with a number of nonprofits including Women’s Empowerment International, Rescue House, American Sewing Guild, and in 2023 co-founded the nonprofit Educreate to inspire and empower young creators through art and technology.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Robert Schneider
Robert retired as professor emeritus at Southwestern College after teaching photography for 33 years. During his tenure, he co-created a film and video production curriculum. He served as a founding board member of the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park. He was also a founding member of the Binational Association of Schools of Communications, which comprised colleges and universities from both sides of the border. He continues his involvement with photography and video production.
STAFF WRITER
Scott LaFee
Scott is vice president of communications at San-ford Burnham Prebys. Previously, he was director of media relations for health sciences research at UC San Diego. Before that for 18 years, he was a science writer/editor for the The San Diego Union-Tribune, covering all scientific disciplines for the Quest science section. With Dilip Jeste, MD, he is co-author of “Wiser: The Scientific Roots of Wisdom, Compassion and What Makes Us Good” (2020).
STAFF WRITER
Robert Krier
Robert wrote and edited for The San Diego Union-Tribune for 32 years. He covered local weather for 20 years and also reported on climate-change issues. He retired in 2020. He now spends much of his time outdoors, marveling at weather, trees, wildlife and nature.
STAFF WRITER
Mary Curran-Downey
Mary has been interviewing people her whole life — and writing those stories for radio, magazines and newspapers for more decades than she cares to disclose. Her sons are now grown and flown, so she concentrates on reading, quilting, traveling, spending time with friends and family — and always, always asking questions and interviewing everyone she meets.
STAFF WRITER
Jeannette De Wyze
Jeannette worked as a staff writer at the San Diego Reader for 30 years. Today, in addition to raising puppies to be service dogs for Canine Companions, she’s a frequent contributor to the Friends of Bonobos blog. She and her husband also serve as the volunteer liaisons between Women’s Empowerment International and the Nyaka Grannies Project in Uganda. She travels often and maintains an active travel blog, At Home and Abroad.
ILLUSTRATOR
Cristina Byvik
Cristina is an award-winning illustrator and designer who has worked with clients such as The Washington Post, Starbucks and The Old Globe Theatre. Most recently she served as the graphics director at The San Diego Union-Tribune. She has received recognition for her illustrations, designs and information graphics from the Society of News Design. Cristina grew up in the Republic of Panama and has a B.F.A. in illustration from Ringling College of Art and Design. A lifelong futbol fan, she lives in Encinitas with her husband, son and golden retriever.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Jilian Buretz
Jilian is a San Diego–based portrait and event photographer known for authentic, story-driven imagery. Drawing from her background in social work, she approaches every assignment with a genuine love for people and community.