Starting in 2021, SVP of Marketing & Communications at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Larry Olson, approached me with the idea of interviewing heroic first responders, military members, government officials, and survivors about their experiences on 9/11 and the aftermath of that fateful day. In the wake of many emotional journeys back to an extremely difficult time in American history, two sentiments echo across each story: Never Forget, and the longing for Americans to find their way back to a place of unity like the one that we felt as a nation after 9/11. We continue this work in the hopes of influencing unity in America.

A few years ago, I teamed up with Juanes and his Medellín-based foundation, Fundación Mi Sangre, to tell the story of the organization’s effectiveness in supporting local youth who emerged from a violent past. With Juanes and cinematographer Lucas Gath, we wanted to tell the story of a young man named Hector, who, thanks to the support of Mi Sangre, escaped the life of violence through street art, spoken word, and social work within his community.

 

Pour Les Femmes, an ethical sleepwear line founded by Robin Wright and Karen Fowler, approached me a few years ago to tell their company story, focusing on the design process and giving back. I worked with Robin and Karen to capture their LA design process from concept to order, and their give-back efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The experience was extraordinary and led to so much additional support for the brand and its philanthropic efforts, including this Mastercard collaboration. 
 

As an amfAR Trustee, I worked with my fellow board members and my wife, Katie, to guide the communications team on their first paid advertising campaign, leveraging their extensive roster of celebrity supporters. I was able to sit down with a number of very supportive actors and musicians and discuss with them the importance of amfAR's groundbreaking research. Especially during a time of such political division, I was so pleased to see that many celebrities, like Michelle, were so willing to open up on camera in support of amfAR's mission. 

AB InBev and VICE approached me to film EDM festivals around the world, including EDC Las Vegas and Tomorrowland Brazil, and to photograph around Brooklyn, NY, for their creators series. With director of photography Lucas Gath and photographer Benedict Evans, we brought a new youthful sensibility to Budweiser and some of AB InBev's global brands for the first time in decades. Between NYC, Las Vegas, LA, and São Paulo, we created over a dozen digital ads for the U.S. and China, a VR experience, and billboards that were showcased all throughout Brooklyn.

After a few years working with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, my cousin connected me with Rob Lowe's team to discuss supporting the foundation, and without hesitation, he agreed to do a PSA. Shortly after, I flew to LA with the foundation's Chairman and CEO, Frank Siller, and SVP of Marketing and Communications, Larry Olson. Rob met with us and sat with Frank in front of the cameras to discuss his passion for supporting first responders and military members. He was incredible to work with, and his support for T2T continues. 

A friend and colleague, Cristina Sarnoff, started expanding the Discovery GO programming a few years ago with a focus on the multicultural market. One of her first non-linear shows that she got approval for was "Sigue Sus Pasos", a show spotlighting inspiring Hispanic women in the U.S., including entrepreneur and chef, Laura Fuentes. The show was my first time working for Discovery Networks and now I'm working with Cristina on a few more linear and non-linear projects for streaming and broadcast. 

Citizen Femme teamed up with Discover Puerto Rico earlier this year to highlight the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico through the eyes and lives of diverse and influential Puerto Rican women. They asked me to come on board to direct their first set of four videos to be released on Citizen Femme and multiple other channels. We filmed for a week in Puerto Rico and the women that we spotlighted were so cool and collaborative. I can't wait to go back to film more. 

In 2024, Brietling wanted to show its support for veterans and first responders with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, so I helped bring to life this campaign for the launch of its special collection watch. I love seeing companies, especially international corporations such as Breitling, show their care for social causes and offer a portion of their sales to T2T. I focused the creative on the active lifestyle of the Endurance Pro since the foundation has 5K Run & Walks all over the U.S, and also selfishly loved filming in planes and on motorcycles. 

Since 2021, I've interviewed many widows of America's bravest for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Each interview was difficult to get through, but essential to show why Americans everywhere need to support the foundation, as it pays off the mortgages for the families of fallen first responders and military members. Hearing so many stories of bravery and resilience from these incredible women was and continues to be one of the most moving parts of my work.