Thursday, March 26th
For all artists, people employed in the arts and art enthusiasts of all stripes: Come meet some of the artists whose work is featured at Bioneers this year and mingle and connect in this casual space. You are welcome to bring your lunch, pop in and out, or stay the whole time. This is an unstructured mixer, and not a facilitated networking event.
March 26th | 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm | The Marsh Cabaret
What will help you make the most of your time at Bioneers? Are you hoping to clarify and/or get support with your projects and dreams? Are you looking for collaborators / co-conspirators / companions in the journey? Join this lunchtime networking experience to engage with fellow travelers on shared roads. It will be lightly facilitated with ample time for organic connections. Bring your lunch to the Dharma College and make surprising connections with other conference attendees. Note: Food will not be provided, but, maybe like the school cafeteria, your buddies will share some of their treats with you. Facilitated by Shilpa Jain, Zi Terrence-Smith, and Marisa Villarreal.
March 26th | 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm | Lotus Cafe, Dharma College
Panelists
Shilpa Jain
Researcher, Writer and Workshop Leader
Shilpa Jain, a researcher, writer and workshop leader on topics including globalization, creativity, ecology, democratic living and innovative learning, has facilitated dozens of transformative leadership gatherings around the world and worked with hundreds of young leaders from 50+ countries. Her past positions include: Executive Director of YES! (for 11 years); Education and Outreach Coordinator of Other Worlds; and learning activist with Shikshantar: The Peoples’ Institute for Rethinking Education and Development in Udaipur, India.
Zi Terrence-Smith
Bio coming soon.
Marisa Villarreal
Director | GRID Alternatives
Marisa Villarreal, Director at GRID Alternatives (a national renewable energy nonprofit), has 15 years’ experience in developing intersectional climate and social justice programs in a wide range of contexts, as well as in seeking to create restorative spaces for transformation, healing, dreaming, and play.
Facilitated by Earth Island Institute, this session will offer activists and organizers, especially those working in the non-profit realm a congenial space. The intentions are to come together, meet each other, compare notes, and hopefully forge new connections. Facilitators: Bridget Hughes, Earth Island Institute Senior Program Advisor, and Jovida Ross, Food Culture Collective Co-Director.
March 26th | 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm | Ashby Room, Residence Inn
Panelists
Bridget Hughes
Senior Program Advisor | Earth Island Institute
Bridget Hughes, a Senior Program Advisor at the Earth Island Institute, has worked for 30+ years in social, environmental, economic and racial justice organizations and public agencies, including working on: mental health, housing, unlearning oppression, women's health/HIV, community/school gardening and labor. She is a deeply experienced facilitator and coach with a long track record in capacity-building and organizational development.
Jovida Ross
Co-Director of the Food Culture Collective | Earth Island Institute
Jovida Ross, Co-Director of the Food Culture Collective at Earth Island Institute, has 20+ years’ experience working with a wide range of groups to creatively develop proactive, visionary, whole-systems solutions to complex problems. She designs participatory, generative processes and experiential learning to support organizations and teams from small restorative justice circles to large multi-stakeholder strategic initiatives, community organizations and public entities to philanthropic institutions, to meet their goals. Her history spans efforts to generate community-based solutions to violence, queer liberation, reproductive justice, ecologically-responsive and just economies, and climate resilience.
Jeanne Merrill, Executive Director of The Berkeley Food Institute, will facilitate a conversation among a wide range of food professionals, farmers and those interested in transforming the food system who will have the opportunity to share their experiences and make new contacts.
March 26th | 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm | Ashby Room, Residence Inn
Panelists
Jeanne Merrill
Executive Director | Berkeley Food Institute
Jeanne Merrill, M.Sc., Executive Director of the Berkeley Food Institute (an interdisciplinary research, education and policy institute working to advance just and sustainable food systems), has 25+ years’ experience in food systems advocacy, policy analysis and development, and nonprofit leadership. A co-founder and former Policy Director with the California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN), she led policy initiatives that established the state’s Climate Smart Agriculture Programs, resulting in nearly $1 billion invested in financial incentives and technical assistance. Jeanne has also held several state and federal appointments, most recently to the U.S. EPA’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (2023).
Bioneers Afterglow is a happy hour open to all conference attendees at the end of each day of presentations, providing a casual atmosphere with snacks, drinks, music and revelry. Party in the Cabaret, hang out in the Main Stage, or visit our fabulous Tea Lounge upstairs!
Important Note: This event is well-attended in a not-enormous space and has a festive atmosphere with a fairly elevated ambient noise level, so it is best for those accustomed to somewhat crowded bars or music venues. We will be providing alternatives throughout the conference for those seeking quieter and/or more structured networking opportunities.
March 26th | 6:15 pm to 8:30 pm | The Marsh Arts Center
7:00 pm: Thursday Throwdown
Hosted by Shilpa Jain
Who is participating in Bioneers this year? What magic might materialize when we come together? Meet and mix with your fellow attendees in a spirit of welcome, curiosity, and connection. Set intentions, let go of expectations, share stories, and find supportive partners in this playful environment. All conference attendees are welcome! This event is especially for those who prefer spaces free of too much ambient noise, so that they can engage in conversation without having to shout to be heard. This will be lightly facilitated with ample time for organic engagement. Note: Food will not be provided, but the café at Freight and Salvage will be open.
March 26th | 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm | Freight & Salvage
Panelists
Shilpa Jain
Researcher, Writer and Workshop Leader
Shilpa Jain, a researcher, writer and workshop leader on topics including globalization, creativity, ecology, democratic living and innovative learning, has facilitated dozens of transformative leadership gatherings around the world and worked with hundreds of young leaders from 50+ countries. Her past positions include: Executive Director of YES! (for 11 years); Education and Outreach Coordinator of Other Worlds; and learning activist with Shikshantar: The Peoples’ Institute for Rethinking Education and Development in Udaipur, India.
Friday, March 27th
What will help you make the most of your time at Bioneers? Are you hoping to clarify and/or get support with your projects and dreams? Are you looking for collaborators / co-conspirators / companions in the journey? Join this lunchtime networking experience to engage with fellow travelers on shared roads. It will be lightly facilitated with ample time for organic connections. Bring your lunch to the Dharma College and make surprising connections with other conference attendees. Note: Food will not be provided, but, maybe like the school cafeteria, your buddies will share some of their treats with you. Facilitated by Shilpa Jain, Zi Terrence-Smith, and Marisa Villarreal.
March 27th | 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm | Lotus Cafe, Dharma College
Panelists
Shilpa Jain
Researcher, Writer and Workshop Leader
Shilpa Jain, a researcher, writer and workshop leader on topics including globalization, creativity, ecology, democratic living and innovative learning, has facilitated dozens of transformative leadership gatherings around the world and worked with hundreds of young leaders from 50+ countries. Her past positions include: Executive Director of YES! (for 11 years); Education and Outreach Coordinator of Other Worlds; and learning activist with Shikshantar: The Peoples’ Institute for Rethinking Education and Development in Udaipur, India.
Zi Terrence-Smith
Bio coming soon.
Marisa Villarreal
Director | GRID Alternatives
Marisa Villarreal, Director at GRID Alternatives (a national renewable energy nonprofit), has 15 years’ experience in developing intersectional climate and social justice programs in a wide range of contexts, as well as in seeking to create restorative spaces for transformation, healing, dreaming, and play.
Facilitated by Nandita Batheja and Austin Willacy, this session invites all artists and creatives, and people who want to bring more arts and creativity into their environmental/climate work! Come and share your projects and passions and lay the foundation for future partnerships. This will be lightly facilitated with ample time for organic connections as well. Austin Willacy is a staff member at Youth in Arts (based in San Rafael, CA) and Nandita Batheja is the co-executive director of the SOULL (School of Unusual Life Learning). Together, they facilitate the annual YES! Arts and Social Change Jam, a co-creative gathering of activists at the meeting point of inner, interpersonal, and systematic transformation.
March 27th | 3:00 pm to 4:15 pm | Ashby Room, Residence Inn
Panelists
Nandita Batheja
Co-Executive Director | SOULL (School of Unusual Life Learning)
Nandita Batheja, a facilitator, somatics practitioner, and multi-disciplinary artist, is Co-Director of the School of Unusual Life Learning and a facilitator of InterPlay, an improvisational creative arts practice designed to unlock the wisdom of the body.
Austin Willacy
Community Organizer and Singer/Songwriter | Youth in Arts
Austin Willacy, a community organizer, award-winning singer/songwriter and a longtime member of the renowned a cappella group, The House Jacks (https://www.housejacks.com/), seeks to use music to foster peacebuilding and social justice and bridge divides. He has toured globally, released numerous albums, and facilitated workshops internationally, including in Turkey, India, and Israel/Palestine. (austinwillacy.com)
Facilitated by Sharon Gamson Danks, MLA-MCP, founder of Green Schoolyards America, in this session, educators of all stripes will have the chance to meet others in this noble profession.
March 27th | 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm | Ashby Room, Residence Inn
Panelists
Sharon Gamson Danks
Founder and CEO | Green Schoolyards America
Sharon Gamson Danks, MLA-MCP, an environmental city planner, social entrepreneur, and author, founded Green Schoolyards America in 2013 and is its CEO. She has been a leading figure in the “green schoolyard” field for 25+ years, helping build a movement to transform school grounds at scale into vibrant, nature-rich public spaces that engage the community and nurture children as they learn and play. Sharon is the author of Asphalt to Ecosystems and also co-founded the International School Grounds Alliance.
Bioneers Afterglow is a happy hour open to all conference attendees at the end of each day of presentations, providing a casual atmosphere with snacks, drinks, music and revelry. Party in the Cabaret, hang out in the Main Stage, or visit our fabulous Tea Lounge upstairs!
Important Note: This event is well-attended in a not-enormous space and has a festive atmosphere with a fairly elevated ambient noise level, so it is best for those accustomed to somewhat crowded bars or music venues. We will be providing alternatives throughout the conference for those seeking quieter and/or more structured networking opportunities.
March 27th | 6:15 pm to 8:30 pm | The Marsh Arts Center
Saturday, March 28th
What will help you make the most of your time at Bioneers? Are you hoping to clarify and/or get support with your projects and dreams? Are you looking for collaborators / co-conspirators / companions in the journey? Join this lunchtime networking experience to engage with fellow travelers on shared roads. It will be lightly facilitated with ample time for organic connections. Bring your lunch to the Dharma College and make surprising connections with other conference attendees. Note: Food will not be provided, but, maybe like the school cafeteria, your buddies will share some of their treats with you. Facilitated by Shilpa Jain, Zi Terrence-Smith, and Marisa Villarreal.
March 28th | 1:30 pm to 2:45 pm | Lotus Cafe, Dharma College
Panelists
Shilpa Jain
Researcher, Writer and Workshop Leader
Shilpa Jain, a researcher, writer and workshop leader on topics including globalization, creativity, ecology, democratic living and innovative learning, has facilitated dozens of transformative leadership gatherings around the world and worked with hundreds of young leaders from 50+ countries. Her past positions include: Executive Director of YES! (for 11 years); Education and Outreach Coordinator of Other Worlds; and learning activist with Shikshantar: The Peoples’ Institute for Rethinking Education and Development in Udaipur, India.
Zi Terrence-Smith
Bio coming soon.
Marisa Villarreal
Director | GRID Alternatives
Marisa Villarreal, Director at GRID Alternatives (a national renewable energy nonprofit), has 15 years’ experience in developing intersectional climate and social justice programs in a wide range of contexts, as well as in seeking to create restorative spaces for transformation, healing, dreaming, and play.
3:00 pm: Networking for Health Care and Healing Arts Practitioners
Hosted by Integrative Health Studies at CIIS
Inviting all healers—therapists, counselors, doctors, herbalists, acupuncturists, facilitators, coaches, chaplains, and more! Come and share your stories and commitments and lay the foundation for future partnerships. This will be lightly facilitated with ample time for organic connections as well. Facilitated by: Christine Imfeld, on the faculty of the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; and Dr. Saleena Gupte, Senior Adjunct Faculty, CIIS.
March 28th | 3:00 pm to 4:45 pm | Ashby Room, Residence Inn
Panelists
Christine Imfeld
Graduate Academic Advisor | California Institute of Integral Studies
Christine Imfeld, on the faculties of the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), seeks to bridge the worlds of higher education, project management, health coaching, and biopsychosocial approaches to systemic wellness in her work.
Saleena Gupte
Senior Adjunct Faculty | California Institute of Integral Studies
Saleena Gupte, DrPH, MPH, Senior Adjunct Faculty, California Institute of Integral Studies, is an integrative well-being practitioner and public health leader specializing in trauma-informed care, resilience-based approaches, and relational health. She designs and facilitates systems-level and individualized programs that support care professionals in cultivating relational practices, mindfulness, emotional well-being, and compassionate leadership. She also provides traditional wisdom medicine and healing services for underserved communities at Life-Long Medical Care in Berkeley and Oakland.
This session will be facilitated by Brett KenCairn, founding Director of the Center for Regenerative Solutions and Senior Policy Advisor for Climate and Resilience in the City of Boulder’s Climate Initiatives Team. We will gather those working in a wide range of ways to design and implement Nature-based Solutions towards solving critical problems.
March 28th | 4:45 pm to 6:00 pm | Ashby Room, Residence Inn
Panelists
Brett KenCairn
Founding Director | Center for Regenerative Solutions
Brett KenCairn, founding Director of the Center for Regenerative Solutions and Senior Division Manager for Nature-based Climate Solutions for the City of Boulder’s Climate Initiatives Department, has throughout his career supported community-based initiatives across the western U.S., particularly in rural, Native American, and other marginalized communities. He also co-founded several organizations, including: the Rogue River Institute for Ecology and Economy; Indigenous Community Enterprises; Veterans Green Jobs; and Community Energy Systems.
Bioneers Afterglow is a happy hour open to all conference attendees at the end of each day of presentations, providing a casual atmosphere with snacks, drinks, music and revelry. Party in the Cabaret, hang out in the Main Stage, or visit our fabulous Tea Lounge upstairs!
Important Note: This event is well-attended in a not-enormous space and has a festive atmosphere with a fairly elevated ambient noise level, so it is best for those accustomed to somewhat crowded bars or music venues. We will be providing alternatives throughout the conference for those seeking quieter and/or more structured networking opportunities.
March 28th | 6:15 pm to 8:30 pm | The Marsh Arts Center
8:00 pm: Bioneers 2026 After Party
Hosted by Visit Berkeley
Join us for the ultimate Bioneers 2026 After Party to celebrate, connect, and keep the eco-friendly vibes going!
Welcome to the **Bioneers 2026 After Party**! Get ready to unwind and celebrate after an inspiring three days of learning and networking at the Bioneers conference.
Join us on Sat, Mar 28, 2026 at 8:00 PM at Gather, where we’ll have music, drinks, and good vibes all night long. This is your chance to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and dance the night away. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to keep the conversation going and make new friends.
✨✨ Pre-registration is highly encouraged as this event will sell out! ✨✨
All pre-registered attendees will receive one (1) free drink ticket. Register here!
Interested in dinner beforehand? Make a reservation at Gather; dinner will be served up until 9:30 PM.
Other Locations open late night:
March 28th | 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Gather
