The Board
"Now I see the secret of making the best person: it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth."
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-Walt Whitman
Whitman Lindstrom​
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Whitman Lindstrom maintains a diverse art career, being both a digital artist in the VFX Industry as well as a fine artist showing his paintings at art galleries throughout Southern California & Colorado. His experience in art combined with his passion for the environment lead him to form the Make Art for a Change project. Whitman recognizes the ever-growing need for more groups focused on environmental conservation and he sees an opportunity to use art as a tool for change.
"Everybody needs beauty ...places to play in and pray in where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike.
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-John Muir
Samantha Roesler
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Samantha Roesler received a Bachelor’s Degree from Pepperdine University in Communication with an emphasis in Organizational Communication. Samantha worked in advertising and marketing but found her true calling in the fitness world where she is developing an innovative approach to women’s wellness. She loves being in nature and wants future generations to be able to enjoy the restorative power of the outdoors!
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
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-Margaret Mead
Matt Motia
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As the grandson of an art teacher, Matt Motia understands how inspirational and powerful art can be in shaping our worldview. Unfortunately, Grandma’s lessons didn’t help his own artistic abilities, so Matt will use his expertise in areas other than art to support Make Art for a Change’s mission of raising environmental awareness. Matt received his BA in Economics from UC Davis, is an inactive CPA, and is president of Preferred Business Credit.
“Do the earth a favour, don’t hide your magic.”
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-Yung Pueblo
Hanna Houglum
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Hanna Houglum is engaged in bringing people together and creating community. She earned her Bachelors in Journalism at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, knowing that there is much that needs to be said in the world in order to create change. Hanna is currently the Director of Brand Strategy at Art of Tea, a Los Angeles based tea company rooted in Ayurveda and she is also studying to become a Holistic Nutritionist. She is always seeking opportunities to learn, expand, and innovate.
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”
― John Muir
Simon Linsley
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Simon Linsley holds a BA in Political Science from The George Washington University and has dedicated his career to helping uplift underserved communities of Los Angeles via education. He grew up by the Pacific Ocean in Marin County and in the mountains of Utah, which cultivated his love of the outdoors and underscored the need to protect the environment for future generations.
"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, Nothing is going to get better. It's not."
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-Dr. Seuss
Katie Holst
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Katie Holst has a BA in Communication from the University of Southern California. Having over a decade of experience in event management for large financial and real estate firms in London, New York and Los Angeles, she now works in non-profit management for the Urban Land Institute, an educational non-profit for cross-disciplinary real estate and land use experts. With three young children, Katie is passionate about conservation and ensuring a healthy future for her children.
“Society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
― Anonymous Greek Proverb
Neil Mevellec
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Neil Mevellec holds a Bachelor's Degree from New York University in political science and history, as well as a Juris Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School with a certification in intellectual property, media, and entertainment law. Neil has been working as an entertainment attorney since being admitted to the California bar in 2012, and is currently working as legal counsel for Apple TV+ and other original content initiatives from Apple. Neil understands the importance of environmental conservation and is committed to Make Art For A Change's mission to bring about environmental awareness.
The environment is where we all meet; where all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share.
-Lady Bird Johnson
Kyra Buch
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Kyra’s grandmother and great-aunt were accomplished artists in painting and clay sculptures. Although Kyra loves painting, her strengths lie elsewhere. Kyra attended University of Southern California where she graduated with a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Psychology and Law. She then attended Loyola Law School of Los Angeles where she graduated cum laude. She is now a licensed attorney in California practicing management-side labor and employment defense. She is excited to lend her expertise to Make Art for Change and raise awareness for environmental issues.