Featuring Special Guest: Aja with Dr. Kurt Johnson and Karuna

In this discussion, you’ll discover…
- How to elevate the voices of underserved communities for a better world
- How to creating real world impacts through community storytelling
- Avatars as an artform, where art meets technology for empowered storytelling

HOSTED BY

Dr. Kurt Johnson

Dr. Kurt Johnson is Coordinator of the Synergy Circles of the Evolutionary Leaders and a founder of the Light on Light Press, publisher of recent books on emerging international movements and networks (see Links at end). Author and activist, he has worked in professional science and comparative religion over 40 years. A prominent figure on international committees, particularly at the United Nations, he is author or co-author of several influential and award-winning books: Our Moment of Choice (2020) (Gold Nautilus, COVR and Living Now Awards), The Coming Interspiritual Age (2013), Nabokov’s Blues (2000) and Fine Lines (2015) (Brian Boyd Prize, 2019).

Kurt served on the faculty of New York’s Interfaith Seminary for 15 years and, for 25 years, was associated there with the American Museum of Natural History. He is host for the Convergence series on VoiceAmerica, publisher of three magazines: The Convergence, Light on Light, and Conscious Business. A partner in UNITY EARTH, Kurt is ordained, or certified, in five religious traditions.

He has a PhD in Evolution and Ecology and is author of over 200 scientific articles and seven technical books. A former monastic, is he a member or founder of the Evolutionary Leaders, Association of Transformational Leaders, Contemplative Alliance, Gaiafield Subtle Activism Networks, Self Care to Earth Care network, UN NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns, NGO Forum 21 Institute, the UN Committee for International Yoga Day, and is President of the Friends of the Institute of Noetic Science and on the Council for Prosocial.world

Karuna

Karuna (Caroline Ashley) is co-founder of Light on Light Publications and Media, a host of Light on Light’s Convergence series on VoiceAmerica, and represents Light on Light at the ILLUMINATE conscious film festivals. A well-known interviewer of feminine leaders, and advocate of feminine voices, she is also a Host Editor for Light on Light’s free e-magazines, including the Special Issue for The International Day of Yoga in partnership with the United Nations. She is an ordained Wisdom Keeper in both Vedic and Native American traditions.

Based in Boulder, CO, Karuna brings her compassion, devotion, and discipline to every Kundalini Yoga experience. She offers private, one-on-one teachings designed for each individual or group, holding special intensives on rebirthings, relationships, women’s issues, practicing non-violence, understanding grief, and mastering challenges. She continues to be an Associate Level Trainer in the Aquarian Trainer Academy and facilitates Level One, Level Two, and Level Three teacher training programs and modules in conjunction with Lead Teachers from the Kundalini Research Institute. Additionally, Karuna practices in the healing arts, which includes a nutritional background in line with Ayurvedic diet.

PANELIST

Aja

Aja Duniven is an XR creator transforming the world through art and altruistic action. She is the founder of Global Peace Train, a nonprofit organization that uses the power of art and storytelling to inspire creativity and action towards global problems. Since 2009, Aja has led media production, research, and community empowerment teams across five continents, working with diverse groups such as women in Kenya, the Lakota of Pine Ridge, abuse survivors, the homeless, and youth transitioning out of gangs.

Aja is an innovator in the gamification of altruistic action using extended reality (XR) technology, including augmented, virtual, and mixed reality. She has presented her work at Stanford University, San Jose State University, and other prestigious institutions. She excels in managing large teams, organizing events, and training individuals and groups on AR/VR/MR systems. Aja has developed AR applications available on iTunes and Google Play, and has directed and produced 2D and 360 content for more than 15 years. Her passion lies in creating content for meditation, nonprofits, empathy building, and altruistic games.

With her innovative, down-to-earth approach, Aja is dedicated to creating a world free from injustice through storytelling, technology, and community empowerment.