Featuring:
Ambassador Kenneth Quinn, Former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia and President Emeritus of the World Food Prize Foundation (Introductory Remarks)
Dr. Kenneth M. Quinn has a distinguished 32-year career in the U.S. State Department with tenures throughout Southeast Asia and served for two decades as President of the World Food Prize Foundation. Shot at, blown up, wounded or under death threat in every foreign assignment during his Foreign Service career, he has received numerous national honors and awards for his actions including the Secretary of State’s Award for Heroism and Valor, the U.S. Army Air Medal, and the White House Meritorious Honor Award.
Cheryl Jennings, Founder of Cheryl Cam Media and former news anchor (Discussion Moderator)
After working in the broadcasting industry for 45 years with experience in radio, television and online as a news anchor, reporter, and producer, Cheryl founded her own media company—Cheryl Cam Media—to teach others how to use social media to communicate. She has hosted “in conversation” events with high-profile professionals including Congresswoman Jackie Speier and Deepak Chopra. Cheryl is a nine-time Emmy winner and a seven time Gracie winner. For more information, please check out @cherylcammedia.
Heidi Kuhn, Author and Founder and CEO, Roots of Peace
Heidi Kuhn founded Roots of Peace in September 1997 with a vision to transform MINES TO VINES–replacing the scourge of landmines with sustainable agricultural farmland. Her pioneering work empowers families living in war-torn regions with hope leading to the economics of peace through export and trade. In the years since the founding of Roots of Peace, Heidi and her team have removed over one hundred thousand landmines and unexploded ordnances and helped over a million farmers and their families in countries such as Afghanistan, Vietnam, Croatia, Israel, and the West Bank.
Brian Finlay, President and CEO, The Stimson Center
Brian Finlay is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Stimson Center. Under his tenure since 2016, Stimson has transformed its business model, launched pioneering new engagements across Asia, and industry-defining programming on environmental security, renewable energy, and technology. As a result, the Center has tripled in size and continues to dramatically outperform similarly-sized institutions in global rankings. Notably, Stimson today boasts the most diverse and inclusive workforce of any major Washington think tank.
About Breaking Ground
In her inspiring and deeply personal memoir, Breaking Ground: From Landmines to Grapevines, One Woman’s Mission to Heal the World (April 28, 2020; Earth Aware Editions,) Heidi Kuhn shares her extraordinary journey of creating a nongovernmental organization of groundbreaking global impact from the basement of her California home. It started with a clear vision: first, remove the landmines, then replace with bountiful vineyards and orchards and then help farmers improve crop yields on the land for food and export. Remarkably inspiring and at times, heart-pounding and heartbreaking, Breaking Ground tells the story of a passionate and dedicated mother turned pioneering social entrepreneur, whose faith and raw courage has built partnerships here and abroad, survived countless trips to the front lines, raised millions to underwrite the cause, and helped wounded survivors, all while championing the needs of families and children throughout the world.
In the years since the founding of Roots of Peace, Heidi and her team have removed over one hundred thousand landmines and unexploded ordnances and helped over a million farmers and their families in countries such as Afghanistan, Vietnam, Croatia, Israel, and the West Bank. The recipient of numerous awards recognizing her work on both the local and international stage, Heidi’s efforts have propelled her into a leading role globally, where she takes her place at the table with secretaries-general, the pope, prime ministers, and presidents.
Breaking Ground is her story.
