Bob Knotts, Founder and President: Author of 27 books, five plays and many nonfiction articles, lyrics and poems. His recent book “Beyond Me: Dissecting Ego To Find The Innate Love At Humanity’s Core” explores the psychological roots of much needless human suffering — and finds a source of hope in each individual. He founded the Humanity Project in November 2005 to create programs and materials that help people based on ideas expressed in his writings. Mr. Knotts is among fewer than 50,000 Americans whose biographies appear in the prestigious Marquis “Who’s Who in America” and “Who’s Who in the World,” leading reference books. And he has been awarded the rare Marquis Lifetime Achievement designation. A lifelong musician, he also creates and performs much of the Humanity Project’s original music including the Humanity Project Podcast theme. http://www.rsknotts.com

Dr. Laura Finley, Vice President: With a Ph.D. in sociology, she is Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Barry University. Dr. Finley is also the author or co-author of 33 books as well as numerous journal articles and book chapters. These include her book, “School Violence.” Dr. Finley is actively involved in local, state and national efforts to promote peace, justice and human rights. In 2008, she started the Center for Living and Teaching Peace, which provides training and education related to the promotion of peace in all its forms.  https://www.barry.edu/sociology-criminology/faculty/finley.html

Mandi Hawke, Director: Ms. Hawke is a longtime activist and leader in the South Florida LGBTQ community. Starting in 2007 her experience includes 10 years in administration at SunServe, a nonprofit that assists lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals – with most of her tenure served as Director of Youth Service. She owns and operates Proud EmPOWERment Business Solutions, a social media management and virtual assisting agency. Ms. Hawke is the author of two books: “PROUD emPOWERment” for LGBTQ youth and “Cosmic Unicorns,” a children’s book. Her writings offer inclusive, trauma-informed content aimed at inspiring constructive change in both young people and adults. Before joining the Board of Directors Ms. Hawke served on the Humanity Project Leadership Council in charge of outreach on the topic of LGBTQ equality. www.MandiHawke.com

Shaikh Shafayat Mohamed, Director: Trinidadian Islamic scholar and Founder/Principal of Darul Uloom Islamic Institute in Pembroke Pines, Florida. He has more than 40 years of experience in interfaith activities, the first Muslim to become president of the Interfaith Council of Greater Hollywood, Florida. Shaikh Mohamed hosts an international television program called Al Hikmat, which reaches a large global audience. A recipient of the Peacemaker Award from St. Thomas University, he sits on the WPBT/PBS TV Community Advisory Board. Before joining the Board of Directors Shaikh Mohamed served on the Humanity Project Leadership Council in charge of outreach on the topic of religious equality. www.alhikmat.com

Madelin Marchant, Director: Ms. Marchant is an accomplished and active actress of stage, film and television in both English and Spanish. Cuban born and Miami raised, she served for nearly 21 years as Theatre Arts Director at South Miami Middle School, a Florida arts magnet school. Ms. Marchant sits on the South Florida Theatre League board and since 2010 has been Chairperson of the Junior Thespian District Festival, overseeing the middle school theatre competition for Miami-Dade County. In 2020, she was voted Arts Educator of the Decade by BroadwayWorld Regional Miami Awards. Before joining the Board of Directors Ms. Marchant served on the Humanity Project Leadership Council in charge of outreach on the topic of equality through education.

Matt Corey, Director: CEO and President of Insight for the Blind, a long-established nonprofit that records books and magazines for the Library of Congress’ Talking Books program. He also oversees technical aspects of Insight’s recording, holding both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Applied Music from the University of Miami. Mr. Corey remains very active in the South Florida arts as a composer, sound designer and performing musician and has won the region’s highest theatrical award multiple times for best sound design. A bassoonist with the Boca Raton Symphonia, he teaches bassoon and music production at Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University. http://www.insightfortheblind.org 

Piper Spencer, Director: A veteran teacher at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School, Ms. Spencer also has taught middle school space and earth science. She has coordinated the Science and Engineering Fair, coached the Science Olympiad Team and advised the Builders Club (Kiwanis-sponsored, student-led Community Service Club). She is a Team Member of BOLD Justice, an interfaith justice organization working to solve critical community problems. Ms. Spencer is a graduate with distinction of the U.S. Naval Academy and served seven years as a Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Officer. A double bass player for the Broward Symphony Orchestra and New River Orchestra, she also leads and performs with a variety of local ensembles on ukulele, percussion, handchimes and as a vocalist.

Bob LaMendola, Treasurer and Secretary: Retired Community Affairs Manager for the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, Florida. He helped create and maintain strong contacts with community organizations and the public as well as conducted writing and speaking projects to educate the community about health issues. Previously Mr. LaMendola was a staff manager for the Broward County HIV Planning Council, a panel that oversees HIV-related spending and services. Prior to entering the health field, he spent 35 years as a daily journalist, including 25 years on health and local government beats for the South Florida Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale. He is a longtime bass guitar player and currently leads his own jazz band called the Jazz Survivors. http://www.jazzsurvivors.com