Training Network

Karlos Gauna Schmieder, Director of Research and Training

Karlos coordinates movement building strategic communications projects and products at the Center for Media Justice, and currently provides communications services to the Media Action Grassroots Network (MAGNet) and Communities Creating Healthy Environments (CCHE).  He has over 15 years experience as a community organizer, political strategist and communications specialist.

Karlos served as co-chair of communications for the 2007 and 2010 US Social Forums. He has been a featured presenter at national conferences such as the National Conference on Media Reform, True Spin, Netroots Nation, Bioneers, Progressive Communicators Network, and more. Karlos has appeared in most major media outlets around the world, has trained thousands of community organizers in communications, and is a leader in a re-emerging participatory “justice communications” movement.

Karlos has no time for authority and control, and uses his skills as a framer, storyteller and organic working class intellectual to disrupt dominant stories, and to work with others to imagine, strategize and organize for a better future. His mom, Jeanne Gauna, co-founder and longtime director of SouthWest Organizing Project, is his s/hero.

Karlos can be reached at karlos@mediajustice.org, on Facebook, Twitter:  @anotherpundit, and 510 698 3800 x402.

Alison Roh Park, Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator

Alison coordinates the CMJ communications training and technical assistance initiative, tailors communications curricula and tools and works with CMJ staff and the Associates Network to and provides communications services and special contracts to CMJ clients, members and partners.

Alison has over 6 years of experience in media relations, marketing, branding and strategic communications, working with non-profits and grassroots groups engaged in social movements to end domestic violence, the prison industrial complex, crimimmigration enforcement, policing and other neoliberal projects. Alison has appeared on Univision and Telemundo and has been quoted in national media venues talking about international human rights, gender (in)justice and institutional racism. Alison, a Pushcart-nominated poet, has used the arts in her organizing, activism and cultural work for over a decade.

When she’s off the clock, you might find Alison busy repping her native Queens, NY neighborhood, going on local adventures with her canine companion, eating, and cooking.

Alison can be reached at alison@mediajustice.org and on Twitter: @handsoffmymedia.