Bob Knotts, Founder and President: Author of 27 books, five plays and many nonfiction articles, lyrics and poems. His recent book “Beyond Me: Dissecting Ego To Find The Innate Love At Humanity’s Core” explores ego as the root of much needless human suffering — and finds a source of hope in each individual. He founded the Humanity Project in November 2005 to create programs and materials based on ideas expressed in his writings, with a goal of inspiring greater self-worth among individuals and deeper respect for humanity. Mr. Knotts is among fewer than 50,000 Americans whose biographies appear in the respected Marquis “Who’s Who in America” and “Who’s Who in the World,” leading reference books. And he has been awarded the rare Marquis Lifetime Achievement designation. A lifelong musician, he also creates and performs much of the Humanity Project’s original music including the Humanity Project Podcast theme. His other musical compositions include “A Symphony of Some Humanity: Symphony #1 for Strings and Choir.” https://www.rsknotts.com

Gwendolyn Lai, Program Specialist – Ms. Lai is an experienced actor who belongs to the prestigious SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity unions. She has appeared in numerous works for both stage and screen as an actor, dancer and singer. Formerly, she performed with Ballet San Jose. A skilled presenter, Ms. Lai served for many years as Brand Ambassador for the East Florida Region at a major housewares company where her cooking talents were on display. Before joining as Program Specialist, she had long been an active Humanity Project volunteer who helped to staff public events and deliver key programs. www.gwendolynlai.com

Board of Directors

Dr. Laura Finley, President: With a Ph.D. in sociology, she is Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Barry University. Dr. Finley is also the author, co-author or editor of 40 books as well as numerous journal articles and book chapters. These include her book, “School Violence.” Dr. Finley is actively involved in local, state and national efforts to promote peace, justice and human rights. In 2008, she started the Center for Living and Teaching Peace, which provides training and education related to the promotion of peace in all its forms. In 2025, Dr. Finley delivered a Ted talk at the University of Southern New Hampshire on teaching with vulnerability to build empathy and inspire action in students.  https://www.barry.edu/sociology-criminology/faculty/finley.html

Celia Negron Marino, Vice President: An educator for more than 30 years, Ms. Marino has taught students at many levels – from elementary school to high school to adult education. Her focus has been both on teaching ESOL classes (English as a second language) and training other ESOL educators. After developing and teaching adult education at a Long Island community school and at York College Queens in New York City, Ms. Marino began her long career in Broward County, Florida schools. She has served as Broward ESOL Council president, ESOL trainer for the district’s Cross Cultural Course and as New Teacher Mentor & Coordinator. A curriculum specialist, Ms. Marino has worked extensively in elementary schools coaching and training regular education and ESOL teachers.

Jerson Dulis, Director: Mr. Dulis is Executive Director of Florida Health Justice Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding healthcare access and promoting health equity for vulnerable populations across Florida. Florida Health Justice Project employs a multifaceted approach to address systemic barriers in the state’s healthcare system. Formerly Mr. Dulis was Director of Strategic Partnerships & Philanthropy at Broward Community & Family Health Centers. His varied responsibilities included outreach, fundraising, marketing, strategic partnerships, public relations, transportation and the implementation of new community health programs. With a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and a Masters of Public Administration, he has received many honors including the Community Partnership, Leadership Excellence, and Unsung Hero awards. https://floridahealthjustice.org

Mandi Hawke, Director: Ms. Hawke (she/they) is a longtime activist, author and community leader rooted in South Florida’s LGBTQ movement. Since 2007, she has worked at the intersection of equity, youth empowerment and digital storytelling — including 10 years with SunServe, where she worked as Director of Youth Services. They are the founder of Proud EmPOWERment Business Solutions, a values-driven digital marketing agency that helps mission-led brands shine online. Ms. Hawke is also the author of two inclusive and heart-centered books: PROUD emPOWERment for LGBTQ Youth and Cosmic Unicorns, a children’s book celebrating identity and wonder. Her writing and work are trauma-informed, inclusive and built to inspire real, lasting change — for both young people and the grown-ups who support them. Before joining the Board of Directors, Ms. Hawke led LGBTQ outreach on the Humanity Project Leadership Council. www.ProudEmpowerment.com

Piper Spencer, Director: A veteran teacher at Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School, Ms. Spencer also has taught middle school space and earth science. She has coordinated the Science and Engineering Fair, coached the Science Olympiad Team and advised the Builders Club (Kiwanis-sponsored, student-led Community Service Club). She is a Team Member of BOLD Justice, an interfaith justice organization working to solve critical community problems. Ms. Spencer is a graduate with distinction of the U.S. Naval Academy and served seven years as a Naval Meteorological and Oceanographic Officer. A double bass player for the Broward Symphony Orchestra and New River Orchestra, she also leads and performs with a variety of local ensembles on ukulele, percussion, handchimes and as a vocalist.

Bob LaMendola, Treasurer and Secretary: Retired Community Affairs Manager for the Florida Department of Health in Broward County, Florida. He helped create and maintain strong contacts with community organizations and the public as well as conducted writing and speaking projects to educate the community about health issues. Previously Mr. LaMendola was a staff manager for the Broward County HIV Planning Council, a panel that oversees HIV-related spending and services. Prior to entering the health field, he spent 35 years as a daily journalist, including 25 years on health and local government beats for the South Florida Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale. He is a longtime bass guitar player and currently leads his own jazz band called the Jazz Survivors. http://www.jazzsurvivors.com

Director Emeritus

Matt Corey, Advisor and Director Emeritus: CEO and President of Insight for the Blind, a long-established nonprofit that records books and magazines for the Library of Congress’ Talking Books program. He also oversees technical aspects of Insight’s recording, holding both a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Applied Music from the University of Miami. Mr. Corey remains very active in the South Florida arts as a composer, sound designer and performing musician and has won the region’s highest theatrical award multiple times for best sound design. A bassoonist with the Boca Raton Symphonia, he teaches bassoon and music production at Florida International University and Nova Southeastern University. http://www.insightfortheblind.org