HEATHER NEWGEN
Founder and CEO, reporter, writer, traveler, dog lover and do-gooder!
Heather graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) with a BA in Broadcast Journalism in 2003 and works as a reporter covering a variety of topics from entertainment to current events. She also travels the world volunteering doing everything from working with rescue donkeys in Greece to serving the homeless in Jerusalem. In addition, she gives back to her local community in Los Angeles and always makes time to volunteer in one of her favorite cities New Orleans.
DEBBIE APPEL
Story Supervisor
Debbie Appel is a freelance producer and writer who has been working in the entertainment business for more than two decades. She has recently been a producer/writer for the CW series “Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Hidden Heroes” and a story producer/writer on the Travel Channel series “Expedition Unknown.” In addition to many years in the print magazine world covering red carpets and interviewing celebrities (for publications including US Weekly, Redbook, Seventeen, Twist and BOP), she has previously field produced and written investigative true crime shows for the Investigation Discovery Network, Destination America, Reelz and Biography Channel. Her earlier work includes jobs at E! Entertainment and Style Network and she has published two books – “Just Say Yes: How Real-Life Romeos and Juliets Popped the Question” and “Skintervention: The Personalized Solution for Healthier, Younger, and Flawless-Looking Skin.” Debbie has a BA in Sociology from UCLA and a MA in Writing and Publishing from Emerson College.
MARIO RIVAS
Contributor
Originally from Mexico City, Mario Rivas is an award-winning screenwriter and editor with a lifelong passion for social and environmental causes. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his two cats and is always on the lookout for new and exciting volunteer opportunities.