Planning Committee

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Jane Caputi is Professor of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Caputi’s primary research is in contemporary American cultural studies, including popular culture, gender and violence, and ecofeminism and environmental justice. Dr. Caputi has written many articles and authored four books: "The Age of Sex Crime" (Bowling Green State University Press, 1987); "Gossips, Gorgons, and Crones: The Fates of the Earth" (Bear & Co, 1993); "Goddesses and Monsters: Women, Myth, Power and Popular Culture" (U Wisconsin Press, 2004); and "Call Your “Mutha’”: A Deliberately Dirty-Minded Manifesto for the Earth Mother in the Anthropocene" (Oxford University Press. 2020). She also collaborated with Mary Daly on Websters’ "First New Intergalactic Wickedary of the English Language" (Beacon Press, 1987).

 

 

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Stacey Balkan is an Associate Professor of Environmental Literature and Humanities and Program Coordinator for the Undergraduate Minor in Environment and Society and Graduate Certificate in Environmental Studies. Dr. Balkan’s teaching and research focus on Environmental Literature(s), Ecocriticism, Environmental/Energy Humanities, Postcolonial Studies, and Anglophone World Literatures; and she teaches several undergraduate and graduate seminars, including Literature and the Environment, Anglophone World Literatures, Postcolonial Environments, and Climate Fictions. Her work has appeared or is forthcoming in numerous collected volumes and journals including the "Routledge Companion to Literature and Environment," "ISLE: Interdisciplinary Studies in Literature and Environment," "Revue Études Anglaises," and "The Global South."

 

 

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Andrea Levine O'Rourke, originally from Boston MA, has been a Boca Raton resident since 1979. Andrea served as an elected official on the Boca Raton City Council from 2017-2023 and held the position as Deputy Mayor from 2020-2023. She is a graduate from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Andrea has been deeply dedicated to her community. She has worn many hats, and her commitment to making a difference has never wavered.  Andrea strong civic commitment has been realized through community leadership with an emphasis on mentorship, placemaking, public art, culture, education, and resident involvement. Andrea has served the community on Federation of Boca Raton Homeowners Association, the Downtown Advisory Committee, The Boca Raton Museum Community Outreach Advisory, Boca Raton Innovation Campus AHA Committee (BRIC - art, history & architecture), Rotary Club of Boca Raton and is a member of the Florida Atlantic University Alumni Association. Andrea has run her own Creative Services company with a focus on graphic, interior and commercial design. She was previously employed by The HARID Conservatory in Dormitory and Resident Management and the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce as Director of Communication. Andrea has been an avid supporter of the arts and among her many achievements is being the driving force in creating a Department of Public Art + Place for the City of Boca Raton. She claims her most rewarding accomplishments beside her family is being a role model for young people and a leader who is committed to making her community a better place for everyone.

 

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Kawtar Elbekhty is a first-generation undergraduate student at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Professional Studies with minors in Social Work and Peace, Justice, and Human Rights. She serves as President of the Online Student Advisory Board, as well as Health and Wellness Coordinator for the Students of Social Work Club. She is passionate about healing-centered, trauma-informed approaches with a focus on justice-impacted youth. Kawtar’s capstone initiative is centered on developing “The Pause Project,” a restorative justice program that integrates mindfulness and yoga practices to support youth in the court system. Beyond her academic work, Kawtar is actively involved in advocacy and community service. She is dedicated to advancing mental health awareness, restorative justice, and systemic change. Kawtar is guided by her belief in dignity, equity, and human rights, and hopes to build pathways for healing and empowerment that honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.