We share concern and hope for the future of life on earth

Pay it Forward

Ruth Ann Barret
Founder of EarthSayers
Board President

Hi, I'm Ruth Ann — founder of EarthSayers and President of our Board of Directors.

EarthSayers is a nonprofit organization with a special mission: to amplify the voices of sustainability through our unique search engine. I coined the term Earthsayer back in 2007 to describe anyone who speaks up for Mother Earth and her children — everyday people, activists, and changemakers from all walks of life.

My passion for the environment started early. I learned to sail on Lake Erie, which at the time was heavily polluted. My mother worked as a nurse in a steel mill along the Cuyahoga River and often spoke about the link between pollution and health. My father, a kind and generous Irish-Canadian who came to the U.S. in 1921, taught me to respect the water and land — values that still guide me today.

Throughout the 1970s, I worked in association management for nonprofits focused on community development, local self-governance, and empowering young women through volunteerism. In 1981, I made a leap into the tech world, holding leadership roles at companies like Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems, and Informix Software. I also founded an advertising agency, followed by a direct marketing firm that supported high-tech startups.

In 2007, inspired by the rise of platforms like YouTube, I launched EarthSayers.tv as my way of "paying it forward." It was one of the first online platforms to use a web-based content management system to spotlight sustainability leaders and ideas. Today, EarthSayers is growing as a nonprofit, and we’re working toward becoming fully supported by community donations by 2026.

I hold a B.A. in Psychology from San Francisco State University and an M.A. in Library and Information Services from the University of Toledo. Thanks for stopping by — I’m so glad you’re here.

Navigate Change

Dr. JoAnne O'Brien-Levin
Board

Hi, I’m JoAnne — communicator, collaborator, and proud creator of the EarthSayers sustainability taxonomy. I’ve spent my career helping people and organizations navigate change, tell their stories, and connect more deeply with each other and the world around them.

Early on, I made waves in interactive instructional design, co-creating a management simulation called Decision Point that was featured in Psychology Today and earned national recognition. I was also part of the founding team at the Society for Organizational Learning (SoL) at MIT, where we developed “learning history” methodology — work that was featured in The Dance of Change by Peter Senge and colleagues.

Over the years, I’ve worked with major companies like Oracle, Genentech, and PacBell, co-authored The Power of Collaborative Leadership, and brought fresh insight to how organizations grow and adapt from the inside out.

My heart, however, has always been drawn to indigenous wisdom and ways of knowing. I’ve studied with indigenous teachers, co-authored Business Revolution through Ancestral Wisdom, and served on the Board of the SEED Institute in New Mexico. There, I helped support meaningful dialogues between Native Elders and Western scientists — exploring the powerful intersections between ancient teachings and modern discoveries in quantum physics. I also helped launch Centro Sacha Warmi, a nonprofit preserving indigenous knowledge in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

These days, I focus on what I love most — storytelling. Through my work as a ghostwriter, coach, and editor (you can find me at writetowisdom.com), I support authors writing memoirs and thoughtful nonfiction. I’m honored that three of my collaborations have received Silver Nautilus Awards.

I hold a B.A. in Sociology from Anna Maria College, an M.Ed. from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in Communication from the Annenberg School at USC. I live in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Balance to sustainability

Blase Hents
Board, Treasurer

With years of experience serving nonprofits in the Bay Area and beyond, Blase Hents continues to use his financial and organizational skill set serving the community. Engaging in basic principles of transparency, accountability and collaboration, he is continually inspired working with leaders in the community. Blase Hents received his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University (BSBA) continuing his Masters in Business Administration at Boston University.

After arriving in the Bay Area in the 1980’s he continued his path traveling and serving the nonprofit community in a variety of settings and roles, from program director, finance director as well as executive director. His experience has engendered a multi-faceted career and calling as a Buddhist monk (ten years), an artist, and world traveler. He presently serves as Financial Officer for Women Organized to Make Abuse Nonexistent [W.O.M.A.N.] Inc.

Compassionate care and leadership

Gloria Carter
Board

Gloria Carter is a seasoned professional whose life’s work spans both corporate leadership and compassionate caregiving. Spending over 30 years with Pacific Bell Directory, she cultivated deep expertise in customer service, team collaboration, and client relationship management—skills that continue to inform her work today.

Following her corporate career, Gloria transiti oned into the field of home health and hospice care, where she has spent the past 15 years serving individuals and families throughout the Bay Area. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she provides dignified, heartfelt support to those navigating end-of-life transitions, bringing presence, empathy, and steadiness to each interaction.

Gloria’s unique path reflects a deep commitment to the sustainability of human connection and well-being. She is honored to serve on the board of EarthSayers, where her lived experience and compassionate lens contribute to the organization’s mission of elevating voices for a just and caring world.

Sweet home Earth sustainability

James A. Caldwell
Board

Since relocating to San Francisco in 1982, Jim has dedicated himself to serving the real estate needs of this vibrant community. With a deep passion for the industry and an unwavering commitment to his clients, Jim has become a trusted name in the local real estate market.

Jim's love for real estate stems from his belief in the transformative power of finding the perfect home for his clients. He takes pride in guiding them through the process, whether it's finding their dream property or securing the best deal. What truly sets Jim apart is his genuine appreciation for the unique charm of each neighborhood in San Francisco. From the bustling city center to the fiendly suburban streets, Jim understands the diverse appeal of the area and is adept at matching his clients with their ideal surroundings.

His expertise and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as Jim has consistently achieved remarkable results in the real estate industry. His keen market knowledge and strategic approach have led to numerous successful transactions, earning him a reputation as a top performer in the region.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jim finds joy in spending quality time with his wife.and friends. Whether it's exploring the local parks with his wife and fiends or embarking on outdoor adventures, community remains at the heart of his life. In his spare time, Jim also indulges in his passion for fishing, exploring the many hiking trails the area offers and reading.

As a devoted real estate professional and an integral member of the San Francisco community, Jim is committed to continuing his mission of helping individuals and families find their perfect place to call home. With his unwavering dedication and genuine care for his clients, Jim is poised to make a lasting impact in the real estate landscape of the Bay Area.