Experiential Social-Emotional Learning: Strategies for Empowered Educators and Thriving Students in K-8

Jen Fischer is a writer, film producer and teaching artist whose work focuses on highlighting shared human experiences to cultivate empathy and understanding. Her films have screened across the United States and abroad and have been featured by NBCLatino, ABC, Univision, Fusion, NBCBLK, Vice News, etc. with her film “THE wHOLE” premiering at Amnesty International’s 50th Anniversary Human Rights Conference. Her educational and/or film writing has been featured by Edutopia, Video Librarian, Ms. Magazine, Parents Magazine and others. She is the Director of Programs and Outreach for Journeys In Film. She has developed curriculum for LA’s BEST, the Metta Center for Nonviolence and in conjunction with the Outreach Center for the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard University, where she received her M.A. She holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and enjoys playing the piano and creating unique educational experiences for her two children

Hershawna Frison is the Director of Education and Strategic Partnerships for Journeys in Film. She previously worked as the Senior Program Associate for the Aspen Institute’s Weave: The Social Fabric Project. Her background in advocacy for community-based efforts remains at her core in her role with Journeys in Film. She also served as Co-Chair for the Aspen Institute’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council helping to create vital learning spaces for the Institute in support of its commitment to equitably value the contributions and perspectives of all people. In addition, Hershawna has supported various organizations in reimagining student learning experiences by designing systems that weave together student developmental skills, storytelling, identity negotiation, innovative learning strategies in diverse environments, and the infusion of racial, social, and cultural considerations into internal practices.