Damien Kawalek-Navarro

My early journey as an entrepreneur of color has taught me that entrepreneurship is a powerful vehicle for change yet is fraught with numerous hurdles and barriers.  Therefore, I am dedicated to supporting the next generation of visionary leaders to overcome those challenges. 

• Guest lecturing at NYU, Chapman, UCI, and UCLA within their MBA and undergraduate courses.
• Sitting on the boards of Think LA and the OC Ad Club
• Mentoring queer and BIPOC business owners with StartOut, CES, and at SXSW.
• Helping Latino entrepreneurs turn their ideas into impactful ventures with the Tampa Bay Wave.

Over the years, I have witnessed close friends, family, formerly incarcerated artists, and colleagues find themselves unhoused due to lack of access to healthcare, mental health, addiction, or life events.  My work focuses on supporting programs that provide immediate relief as well as long-term solutions that address the root causes of systemic homelessness, especially for children. 

• Advising organizations like The Laundry Truck LA, Save the Children, and Keep A Child Alive.
• Funding and managing Street Med and Mobile Clinics in Liberia, Alaska, India, California, and Haiti.
• Developing programs to reduce recidivism in partnership with Neuehouse and LARentry.
• Advocating for policy changes endorsed by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

My dedication to the arts is fueled by my early struggles after graduating from a public film school and finding limited opportunities and resources. Tomorrow's storytellers must be given the freedom and resources to reflect and shape the world through their creativity, transparency, and bravery. 

• Producer and Visionary behind  Storytellers United, The Netflix Screenwriting Lab, and Noche Iconica.
• Engaged  in market research and co-programming with BAFTA, Sundance, The Golden Globes, and the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences. 
• Partnered with GLSEN, NALIP, Film Independent, Women in Film, and the WGA
• Spearheaded streaming platforms,  Videomart, The Out Museum, and Outfest+
• Established scholarships and film collaborations with Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros. Disney, and Concord Music.

As an urban farmer who has also lived in Alaska, Oregon, and California, I have witnessed the impact of climate change. I have a deep commitment to preserving the environment for future generations. 

• Volunteering and donating to conservation efforts like the Indigenous Environmental Network.
• Working with sustainable businesses and publishers like The Cool Down, Intel, Politico, Samsung, & Guardians of Nature to drive their missions.
• Promote initiatives and legislation that combat climate change and encourage responsible land stewardship like TreeHuggers.

Animals, wild and domestic, have always held a special place in my heart since I was a kid, bringing home every species I could find as a child. I was obsessed with becoming a marine biologist.  The bond recently from adopting dozens of pigs, chickens, goats, dogs, cats, and even a sulcata tortoise, has only fueled my passion for protecting animal welfare. 

• Developing strategic plans, consulting, and volunteering with rescue organizations like Best Friends Animal Society.
• Advocating for the humane treatment and protection of animals by supporting the World Wildlife Fund and the Marine Mammal Center.
• Investing in future technology and emerging products that can feed billions without animal sacrifice or suffering.

As a former competitive queer athlete with a disability, I have grown up in a culture that is not always welcoming or believe in the value of investing in those they deem unworthy.  I believe that supporting programs that empower underrepresented athletes will help them achieve their full potential. 

• Producing, coaching, and investing in local sporting events like OUTWOD and youth sports programs.
• Advocating for mental health resources, research, and education like the Williams Institute and Weingart Foundation.
• Developing school watch-and-learn programs that use female and trans-centric athletic films like Changing the Game and First Down