our team

our team

Meet the people who power our growth. We all come from different backgrounds and disciplines, but connect on shared values.

antiracism

the work we do is rooted in antiracism and social justice

social change

impactful social change over individual or organizational benefit

education

we are lovers of learning & teaching!

Learn about the unique ways we are passionate about what we do.

My favorite TV show of all time is the Golden Girls

I am passionate about educating and learning about history of structural racism in the U.S. and how this history influences and affects present day lived experience.

I've been training capoeira for 13 years

I'm passionate about education, both in our communities (fund the schools), and on a more global level (reckon with our collective history and grow from it, not browbeat or sweep it under the rug).

I like to hike with my dog!

I am passionate about examining environmental issues through the lens of social justice and equity.

I love writing grants to grow 540

Christian is a PhD student in Visual and Cultural Studies at the University of Rochester. He researches modern and contemporary art and has worked at arts institutions in the UK, the Netherlands, and the US.

540Board

I have a school bus that I converted into a camper

Megan DeCausemaker is an Environmental Scientist, a Geographer, a Photographer and a lifelong learner

I've lived vegan for 5 years

Austin Retzlaff is a multimedia artist and communications producer. Austin creates and performs music as Peaces and serves as Board Chair for 540WMain.