Peers Partnership ​Marks ​25​ Years​ With Event At The Paramount

From Peers Partnership: Andrew Jenks is an award-winning filmmaker, TV producer, and writer. The New York Times has remarked that Jenks’ work “shines a light on populations that many of us would just as soon forget”. Most recently, Jenks’ critically-acclaimed documentary podcast, WHAT REALLY HAPPENED?, produced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dany Garcia, hit #1 on Apple Podcasts.

Jenks doesn’t just film those he documents but actually moves in and lives with them. From living on the streets with the homeless in San Francisco to flying private jets with captains of industry, Jenks has literally walked in dozens - if not hundreds - of other people’s shoes. His mission with every project is to cultivate empathy and develop compassion. Jenks’ films and shows have been distributed by HBO, ESPN, MTV, Netflix, CNN, and other international outlets.

Using his personal stories, clips from his films and shows, and anecdotes about the people he has met over the course of his prolific career, Jenks uses his incredible storytelling techniques to talk about a wide range of issues. These include his unique creative process, the importance of adaptability, varying styles of leadership, and how technology must be embraced and manipulated in today’s world.

Matt Bellace, Ph.D., has been a youth motivational speaker and stand-up comedian since 1995. Dr. Bellace has a Ph.D. in clinical neuropsychology (the study of the brain and behavior), is a member of the National Speakers Association and the author of the book, "A Better High" (Wyatt Mackenzie, 2012). He is also a contributing author for the National Geographic Kids book series, "This or That." His "How to Get High Naturally" program encourages over a hundred thousand students a year worldwide to pursue natural highs and make healthy choices. Matt was a recurring comedian on truTV's hit show, "World's Dumbest."

Sol Miranda is a Peekskill resident, actress and assistant director, known for Arthur Newman (2012), Jack, Jules, Esther & Me (2013) and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015).

Many recognize actress Sol Miranda from her role as "mole woman" and Happy Maids employee Donna Maria in the popular Netflix series, “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”

But the role she’s proudest of is co-founder of Embark Peekskill, a 501c3 registered nonprofit which supports local performing and literary artists in Peekskill.

Miranda was born and educated in Puerto Rico. She earned her MFA in drama from the University of California San Diego before moving to New York City. Much of her professional theatrical work focused on English-language Latino productions, including collaborations with many prize-winning playwrights and a stint with the New York City-based Puerto Rican Traveling Theater. Around 2000, Miranda and her husband started a family, and decided to leave their home in Brooklyn for Peekskill. They’d heard an arts community was emerging there, and it was close enough to the city for Miranda to continue auditioning.

Photos courtesy of Peers Partnership