STAFF AND ADVISORS

Marcia’s vision while on a short vacation in Bali in 2003 generated the concept and production of two Quest for Global Healing conferences held in 2004 and 2006.  Luminaries included were Nobel peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the former president of Indonesia, two other Nobel Peace laureates, an astronaut and numerous other dignitaries.  A third gathering (2007) was created primarily for worldwide youth and designed by her son, Ryan Feinstein, named Awakening Global Action.  All three were held in Ubud, Bali.  After the tremendous success of these major global gatherings, she organized an international group of “thought leaders” to help rethink the possibilities beyond an annual conference.

Emerging was a way to integrate the indigenous intelligence of Bali with a variety of curriculum, transformative learning and leadership-building opportunities for people of all ages.  She helped develop a growing list of universities and high school summer programs from around the world, with students coming every spring and summer to be part of Bali Institute capacities to provide immersive cultural learning.

Sixteen years into her work in Bali, she was diagnosed with a massive brain tumor.  Typical of Marcia, she saw this not as a setback but as an opportunity to reflect on her work in Bali and to explore new gateways that link her continuing passion to connect Bali and its indigenous wisdom to the rest of the world.  Her yoga practice, taking long walks and writing/reading poetry continues to sustain her.  She is currently working on a book about the journey into Bali and what it can teach us through witnessing their culture and in meeting the remarkable Balinese people.  Most exciting has been her new ties with Bali, having a Balinese daughter-in-law and two “perfect” Balinese-American grandsons.  Bali will forever be in her bloodline.  Her family are based in Butuan, Bali. Her entrepreneurial daughter and son-in-law are currently based in San Diego

Marcia brings more than 30+ years’ experience in the business, nonprofit and entrepreneurial worlds. She ran her own mid-size event management company for 15 years, producing corporate and community conferences and events for up to 400,000 people. She created several of her own conferences including a series called FAMILY2000, events on multiculturalism in the 21st century, women’s health gatherings, and numerous others.  She has a degree in Psychology from the University of Southern California, and all her masters work (minus a thesis) in Leadership and Human Behavior at United States International University in San Diego, CA.

Click here to read “Why A Trip to Bali Should Be on Your Bucket List”

Ryan is the President of Bali Institute and has been with the company since it began operating educational programs in 2009. Since then he has designed and lead hundreds of student and adult programs with client groups from America, Australia, Europe and elsewhere. He has been instrumental in working with a variety of curriculum to bridge immersive Balinese experiences with academic topics.

Ryan has extensive experience designing and facilitating workshops, seminars and conferences focused on multi-generational collaboration for social change. He also developed training programs as a fellow of the World Café and served as Thrive Hub Coordinator at Generation Waking Up in the U.S.

He has recently created and launched an Indonesian foundation *Makadaya* as an outgrowth of Bali Institute’s impact work with university students and faculty, and experiential programs with high schoolers.  His dream is to make sustainable travel a reality by using funds from Bali Institute to serve local changemakers trying to solve social and environmental issues.

Ryan has lived in Bali for over 12 years. He and his Balinese wife have two beautiful and playful sons ages 5 and one.

Prita has been part of the Bali Institute team for over 10 years.  She has held several positions, most recently as operations manager for our Bali educational and immersive programs.  She carries a deep understanding of the Balinese culture as seen through the eyes of foreigners, a unique skill that helps in designing components of our experiences that are transformative.  She often leads cultural discussions and helps create seminars in collaboration with Balinese universities.  Among her more significant leadership programs, Prita led the first ever Australian aboriginal university student cross-cultural programming Bali.  Sponsored by the Australian government, she helped design an experience to strengthen and enhance Indonesian-Australian cultural exchange among young people.

Prita brings a special philosophical and knowledge-based understanding that adds to the unique character of Bali Institute programs.  Her cross-cultural insights have helped enrich our offerings, building meaningful relationships with both high school and university participants.

She graduated from Bali’s prestigious Udayana University with a B.A. in English Literature.

Evita graduated from Sriwijaya University in Sumatra, majoring in agrobusiness. After she graduated, she had a great experience working around eastern parts of Indonesia with underprivileged communities that changed her view of life. She spent 5 years working with World Vision Indonesia that helps children and their families to have a fulfilled life focusing on education, health, and economic development.

In 2015 Evita moved to Bali. The Balinese culture has inspired her and her husband and she loves living around its people. She started with the Bali Institute in May 2018 and felt very aligned with the vision of bringing cultures together through exploring their shared values. Exploring new places and new cultures is her biggest passion in her spare time.

I’m Sumara from Kintamani, Bali. Kintamani is very well known for the Arabica Coffee that is grown in the Western part of Kintamani. There are a lot of cool things that exist in Kintamani, like the Indigenous Village (Bali Mula), Kintamani Orange, the largest lake in Bali called Danau Batur, and of course the Sunrise Hike in Mount Batur which has always been a tourist favorite.

What is your favorite food?

Sate (Skewer) is still my favorite dish, especially Sate Kambing.

What is your favorite Balinese holiday?

Nyepi is my favorite Balinese holiday because on this day we as Balinese gather with our family and reflect on ourselves too

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

I would suggest to whoever wants to travel to Bali to be more present, open minded, respect the culture, travel with responsibility, and of course try the local cuisine 😀

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?

“Kenyemin gén” (this phrase in Balinese means “Just smile at it” – no matter if that is good or not).

Hi, my name is Beni Sanjaya but I’m often referred to as Gede, which means big, by people back home in Jembrana, Bali. I was born and raised in this beautiful region, which is located just 4 hours away from the Bali Airport. Jembrana is a unique place with its own set of rich traditions and cultural practices, such as buffalo racing competitions and Jegog bumbung, a bamboo musical instrument that is only found in my hometown.

What is your favorite food?

I love to try new things and explore different flavors. I have a saying that I live by: “I love to eat everything that doesn’t eat me.”

What is your favorite Balinese holiday?

One of my favorite holidays in Bali is Nyepi, also known as “the silent day.” This is a time for families to come together and reflect on the past year, and look ahead to the future with hope and optimism.

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, I have some advice for you. Firstly, it’s important to be respectful of the local customs, traditions, and culture. This means wearing appropriate clothing and being mindful of your actions and interactions with others. Secondly, try to observe and learn as much as you can about the local way of life. This is a great way to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the culture.

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?

One of my favorite Balinese words is “Tat Twam Asi,” which has no direct translation in English. The phrase conveys the idea of interconnectedness and unity, and it’s a reminder that we are all connected, regardless of our differences.

Hi I’m Fira, I’m from Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. It is the central location for the government, so there are a lot of government buildings. There are also a lot of malls, beautiful beaches, temples, and more malls. 😉

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is betutu. It’s a Balinese dish of chicken or duck marinated with Balinese spices and steamed for hours. We eat it with rice and a simple Balinese vegetable dish called urap.

What is your favorite balinese holiday?

Galungan is my favorite holiday. It’s a festival where you can find bamboo poles decorated with young coconut leaves line the streets all over Bali. We celebrate it with our big family and everyone takes a day off from their job/business to gather together in their family compound!

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

My advice for someone traveling to Bali is, respect the culture and the traditions we have. Follow the norms and always refer to your guide/coordinators!

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English.

Om shanti shanti shanti om, it means peace for each and everything in the world.

Greetings! I am Gita, originating from Buleleng Regency in the northern region of Bali. Buleleng used to be the capital of Bali and East Nusa Tenggara, before it was moved to the south. This has resulted in the preservation of unique architectural designs, a historic harbor, and a rich tapestry of different ethnic communities within the town.

What is your favorite food?

I have a fondness for all types of noodles and they are my preferred cuisine.

What is your favorite Balinese holiday?

In my opinion, Nyepi, which is the Balinese New Year, is my favorite celebration in Bali due to its serene and unparalleled nature. Isn’t it fascinating that Bali is the only place where the airport is closed for the entire day on Nyepi day?

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

If you are planning a trip to Bali, it would be beneficial if you are flexible and open-minded as the island is known to bring unexpected but delightful surprises. Being prepared for the unexpected will enhance your overall travel experience.

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?

“Om Swastyastu” means welcoming people in respect, it is a greeting that Balinese people use every time we meet someone or we are going to someone’s house/place, or even begin a meeting/gathering/prayer.

“You don’t choose Bali. Bali calls for you.”

That is the notion that I believe and have experienced myself. Having spent more than 2 decades building my career in Jakarta, I moved to Bali for good to focus on helming Makadaya – the impact foundation of Bali Institute.

I´m also assisting on business development side of Bali Institute along with other Directors.

I´m from North Sumatera. North Sumatera has the biggest lake in Indonesia – namely Lake Toba, with a very beautiful Samosir island in its middle. The landscape scenery is wonderful there, with an area resembling Alpen range of Switzerland during spring.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is a local Indonesian food called “Sayur Asem” and authentic Indonesian spicy sambal.

What is your favorite Balinese holiday?

My favorite Balinese Holiday is NYEPI – The Silence Day.

I like the philosophy of Nyepi as it is the day in Balinese when we believe we should give a break for nature to restore its harmony without much disruption by human activities I think we sometimes should also practice this in life, to be more mindful, slow down, then we are able to appreciate more.

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

Take some moments to just slow down, with no rushing itinerary.

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?

My favorite Balinese word is “Mekenyem”.  Tt’s the Balinese word for “smile”. As Indonesians, especially among Balinese people, hospitality has been a value we hold dear since a long time ago. And “smile” is more than just an act, it is a culture to portray our humility and sincerity.

Bodhi James Feinstein is the second youngest member of our team, joining in on May 31, 2018.  In his first five years on the job, he has shown himself to be an exuberant and loving team member, ready to go anywhere and be  the official greeter.  He shows great promise with his leadership skills including learning how to get his younger brother to walk faster and play ball.  Although his experience is limited, he does love to communicate with his ipad, explaining that its part of his connection to the spirits of Bali’s unseen technology.  Our team feels so lucky to have him as a daily reminder of the nature of our global work — transformative learning at any age…

Tedja Leon Feinstein arrived on February 7, 2022, joining Bali Institute as its youngest mighty member. His first year was mostly on the ground; however, five days before turning one, the Bali Institute staff cheered him on as he took his first steps into a whole different view of the world.  Now, he is ready to have his brother show him the ropes.  His language skills need some refinement as his screams, belly-laughs, and an occasional da-da are pretty limited in a meeting with our staff.  For the moment, Tedja serves as our company mascot, showing us the irresistible joys of life.

Hi, my name is Komang Dharma Yudha, but you can just call me Yudha! I’m from Gianyar, one of the eight regencies of Bali that stretches from the center of the island to the southeast coastline. It is the cultural and spiritual heartland of Bali with its abundance of beautiful temples, lush green rice paddies, and amazing communities with unique traditions.

I graduated from Warmadewa University majoring in English Literature. Traveling is my great passion in life, which is why it has been amazing and exciting to work with Bali Institute. Bali institute has expanded the opportunities for me to meet with new people from diverse backgrounds, impactful organizations, and influential leaders in Bali.

Working with Bali Institute on this year’s programs was a truly wonderful experience. I met many inspiring people and got to visit social organizations doing amazing work. It was also my first time doing activities like scuba diving, surfing, and rafting. I had so much fun during the programs and I am excited to continue working with Bali Institute.

Two fun facts about me are that I love spicy food and watching horror movies!

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is Babi Guling / Balinese Suckling Pig! The spicier the better! yummy!

What is your favorite Balinese holiday?

My favorite Balinese holiday would be Nyepi, because during the night we can see a sky full of stars that are free from light pollution.

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

If you want to travel to Bali, please respect the rules, culture, norms, and values that Balinese people believe in. Balinese are incredibly tolerant, welcoming, and appreciate any effort made by visitors to respect some of the customs they deeply value.

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?

My favorite Balinese word that has no direct translation to English is “Rwa bhineda” which means “two opposites”. The Balinese believe that everything exists as a duality. As an example, if there is a good thing, of course, there is also a bad thing to create harmony and balance in the universe.

Hi! I’m Yuli. I’m originally from Tabanan, the west-south part of Bali, a regency that is famous for its agriculture. One of the areas is called “Jati Luwih Rice Terrace”, part of UNESCO world heritage because of the water irrigation system called “Subak”. For your information, Subak is a Balinese unique water management system that combines customary law with socio-agricultural-religious characteristics in rice fields.

What is your favorite food?

Well, there are a lot of foods that I love, but I will say “Chicken Curry” because it is so comforting.

What is your favorite Balinese holiday?

One of my favorite Balinese holidays is called “Banyu Pinaruh.” It is because on this day we usually do water purification at the beach or in a special place like Tirta Empul water temple. Also during this holiday, my family will make a special dish called “Nasi Bira.” It is basically yellow rice with a lot of special Balinese condiments like fried shredded coconut, peanut, tempe with sweet soy sauce, and chicken in Balinese spices. Of course, it’s so yummy!

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

Be present and open, you will see and experience a lot of things that are different from your country. Maybe something unpredictable – in a good way, that you’ll never imagine! Enjoy every moment, don’t be in a rush.

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?

“Neh, Kan” means I told you, right?

Hi, my name is Ni Komang Ary Purnami, I go by Ary. I am from Badung Regency, especially Sibanggede Village. Compared to other areas in Badung that have tourist sites, Sibanggede is famous for its flowers, especially the champaka flower. Some people say “Sibang’s flowers are different.” It is also a very strategic location to go to many places, close to Ubud, Denpasar, and Canggu areas.

I first joined Bali Institute as a seasonal program assistant in 2022 while I was working on my own social enterprise. At the end of 2023, I started to join Bali Institute as a full-time staff member with responsibility for Impact Development and Program Leader. I am passionate about sustainability, social enterprise, and social psychology. Through my role here I can meet and support social entrepreneurs around Bali, learn new things by meeting new people, exploring new places and experiences.

What is your favorite food?

It’s really hard for me to choose one favorite food because I love food. I’d say pork satay would be my favorite. Grilled satay meat that has a smoky smell and taste dipped in a hot and spicy sauce with rice cake. Uhhh so yummy!

What is your favorite Balinese holiday?

The Balinese holiday that I love and am always excited for is Nyepi, often called “silent day”, the Balinese New Year. Balinese people will need to follow “Tapa Brata Penyepian” including not working, not lighting or fire, not entertaining one’s self, and not going out of one’s houses. On this day, the island will close down for a day, people will gather with their families, reflect on the past year, and look ahead to the future with hope and optimism. It is also the most beautiful evening of the year when I will be able to sleep under a million stars. Very beautiful.

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

Being respectful to local people and the culture is a must when traveling, not only in Bali. Being open-minded means being open to something new.

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?

I like the word “Astungkara”. The meaning is similar to Amen and Godspeed. For me personally, saying Astungkara makes things more hopeful. Another term I like is “Rwa Bhineda” similar to Chinese Yin&Yang. Balinese people believe in duality, good and bad, to balance the universe.

Hi there! My name is Komang Putra, though I am 100% Balinese, I have spent most of my life away from the island. Now, I am back in Bali, hoping to reconnect with my roots. It has been very exciting to see firsthand about the Balinese culture and traditions at a deeper level. I currently live in Denpasar, home to an abundance of coffee shops and malls. While it is pretty convenient to stay in the area, I prefer to explore places outside Denpasar with friends in my leisure time.

I got my bachelor’s from the University of California, San Diego, where I studied International Business. After years of studying abroad, Bali still holds a special place in my heart. I want to share this connection with others and be able to show them that this island is truly one of a kind.

What is your favorite food?

It’s hard for me to pick just one (I love food) but among them are Babi Guling, which is arguably Bali’s signature dish and also Rendang, a delicious caramelized beef dish cooked slowly over many hours in an aromatic mix of Indonesian spices.

What is your favorite Balinese holiday?

Tumpek Landep, it is a holiday where we show appreciation, give blessings and thanks to the tools that we use for our everyday living. Traditionally it is meant for sharp objects such as knives that help us on a daily basis but now it has extended to things like our cars and motorcycles that we rely on daily to get around. On this day, the roads of Bali are typically filled with vehicles that have offerings attached to it, which I think is quite special.

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

Bali has a very rich culture in addition to our beautiful beaches. I would advise to set aside some time to explore Bali beyond the touristy places, and engage with the locals!

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?

Om Awighnam astu namo sidham, which roughly translates to the hope for there to be no obstacles in the activity we are about to do and that we are accompanied with peace along the way.

Hi everyone, Rizky – called Ikik – is here, Hailing from Tabanan, a regency in Bali, Indonesia, I’ve had the privilege of growing up near the iconic Tanah Lot temple. This magnificent sea temple provides visitors with a truly unforgettable experience, especially during sunset, when the temple is silhouetted against the golden sky and the rhythmic crash of waves creates a serene ambiance.

What is your favorite food?

One of my favorite foods is Kue Klepon, a traditional Balinese snack made from rice flour filled with liquid palm sugar. The trick is to eat it in one bite to experience the burst of sweet, gooey filling in your mouth.

What is your favorite Balinese holiday?

Kuningan Day would be my favorite, cause on that day all people will make an offering with yellow rice and at the end of the ceremony they will eat together with yellow rice (Nasi Kuning).

The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?

Bali is steeped in Hindu traditions. To fully appreciate your visit, be mindful of local customs and regulations, particularly when visiting temples. Embrace the opportunity to learn about Balinese culture and adopt an open-minded approach.

What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?

Dumunan, means you go first. Simple right?

Ramia has worked as a consultant for the Bali Institute since the first Global Healing Conference in 2004. He continues to be instrumental in helping with media relations and with connecting Bali Institute to important Balinese civic, government and village leaders throughout the Island. He is currently general manager of the 5-Star Furama Villas and Spa Resort in Ubud, and has held several other key hotel management positions including Kamandalu and ARMA Resorts. He has a tourism degree from the Hotel & Tourism Training Institute in Bali, and also attended Cambridge University. He most recently served as president of the Ubud Hotel Association.

Tjok Agung is prince of Peliatan Palace, Peliatan Village, located directly next to Ubud. He studied for 4 years in Switzerland and received his college degree at the School of IMI Luzern (International Hotel Management Institute). While there he worked at several different hotels and restaurants. He has since opened up his own restaurant called Gula Bali in Padangtegal, Ubud. Cok Agung became interested in the vision and programs of the Bali Institute and encouraged his family to become early investors. He helped establish a separate Indonesian company called Bali Institute Productions PT that will provide event support in the future to the Bali Institute and other community-based programs in Indonesia. He and his family have been enormously generous with providing resources and access to his beautiful palace – and often provides private tours, special events and dialogues at his residence on behalf of Bali Institute.

Gede has served twice as the appointed Minister for Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia under two Presidential Cabinets, President Abdurraham Wahid and President Megawati Soekarnoputri. He started his carrier as lecturer in his former hotel school he attended in Bandung and then became Director, a project under the Swiss Government Technical Assistance. He also founded a government hotel school in Bali and held several positions at the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications of the Republic of Indonesia. Currently he is enjoying his retirement by speaking on his views of culture, sustainability, and community-based tourism in universities and other venues. He is a member of Eminent Persons’ Group of Republic of Indonesia – Republic of Korea, member of World Committee on Tourism Ethics of UNWTO, and member of Asia Pacific Creativity Forum on Culture and Tourism.

Dr. Illana Berger is an expert in the field of spiritual practices and personal transformation. She incorporates the study, experience, and integration of Shamanic, indigenous, Jewish, Buddhist and Vedic spiritual practices in her work as vehicles for the expansion of consciousness. Illana trained with healers and medicine people from around the world and is initiated as a Kriyaban in Kriya Yoga. She facilitates vision quests, initiation programs and ceremonies and is a practitioner of Zen, Koan Practice, Indigenous Ritual & Wisdom, Jewish Shamanic Healing, Women’s Wisdom, Healing, and Ceremony. She is an Adjunct Professor at JFK University in Campbell, Ca, a spiritual counselor and healer in private practice in Berkeley and San Francisco, California, a workshop facilitator and spiritual teacher. Specializing in relationships, she is a pioneering force in the arena of divorce. Recently she founded Mindful Partnership ~ Mindful Divorce and Living The Sacred programs, and has worked with individuals, couples and groups for more than 20 years. She holds a Ph.D. in transformative education with an emphasis in traditional knowledge and recovery of the indigenous mind from California Institute for Integral Studies. For more information about Illana’s work, visit www.mindfulpartnership.com and www.livingthesacred.com.

Hailing originally from northern Germany, Soenke Biermann has lived in the Northern Rivers region near Byron Bay, Australia, for the past thirteen years. He has a background in Critical Pedagogy, Indigenous and Cultural Studies, and is currently completing his dissertation on Unsettling Settler Universities at Southern Cross University’s (SCU) School of Arts and Social Sciences. His research explores decolonizing approaches to university teaching that critically unpack and de-center the dominance of Northern knowledge and engage with diverse knowledges and ways of knowing from the Global South.  Soenke has given more than twenty conference presentations, published his research in a range of academic journals and been invited to give talks at UC Berkeley, McGill University, Humboldt University and the University of Barcelona. He is also a passionate, multi-award winning university teacher who values and inspires curiosity, compassion and critical thinking. Apart from his teaching which takes students out of the classroom and into the field to explore questions of eco-cultural diversity, activism and social justice, Soenke has also worked on several student equity projects which seek to promote greater diversity, fairness and inclusion in higher education. He is currently the director of Long Island University’s (LIU Global) Australia Program, part of a unique four-year undergraduate degree in Global Studies that enables students to become empowered global citizens by requiring them to live, study and work in up to eight countries around the world.

Linda has been connected to the Bali Institute since its first Quest for Global Healing Conference in 2004, where she provided group facilitators from Interaction Associates (IA).  Linda served as President and CEO of IA for nine years and currently serves as Chair Emeritus.  She served for several years on the Board of the Bali Institute, and previously was CEO from 2014-2017. She also was Chair of the Board of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Betty Williams’ World Centers of Compassion for Children International and continues to work on social justice and promoting human dignity.  Linda was among 18 winners of the U.S. 2006 Best Bosses award, and Board Member of Interaction Institute for Social Change, the Dallas YMCA and University of Texas at Dallas’s Business Advisory Board.  She is a sought-after presenter at many national and global conferences.  She holds a B.S. in Education from University of Texas, Austin, and a M.A. International Business from University of Texas, Dallas.

Dr. Tony Dunkel is a seasoned executive with a life-long career in information technology, executive and project leadership, as well as change management. He earned his doctorate in 2023 from Baylor University, where he explored team collaboration maturity and measurement approaches to that maturity.

Previously he served as COO and Board Member at Bali Institute.  He also has held numerous senior level positions in start-up companies, large corporations and non-profit organizations, including at General Motors, Hewlett Packard, Haughton Mifflin, and more.

He was U.S. President and advisor to the Board of Nobel Peace Laureate Betty Williams’ World Centers of Compassion for Children International which helps refugee children worldwide in partnership with the Italian government.

Tony holds a B.S. in Accounting and Finance and an EMBA in Global Change from University of Texas, Dallas.

After a career of teaching, managing, and consulting (organizational development), Bill received his PhD from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (Palo Alto, CA), focusing his dissertation on the practice and dynamics of authenticity. As an adjunct faculty at John F. Kennedy University (Pleasant Hill, CA), Bill offers various programs on “Radical Authenticity,” a transpersonal approach to authenticity he developed in 1988. He recently brought his program to the Philippines, where it has since been adopted into a core curriculum on coaching. A specialist and coach on authenticity issues, he lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Website: www.radicalauthenticity.com

Renee is Co-Director and Director of Research for the Powers of Place Initiative, a network of people, organizations and places brought together by the Fetzer Institute to catalyze a field of study and practice based on the premise that right relationship between people and the places they gather and inhabit offers the potential for transformative action toward what is needed at this moment in history. www.powersofplace.com. She is also Principal of Resonance Consulting, an organizational development firm that consults with individuals and organizations seeking strategies to effectively plan for the future and address changes in their internal and external environments. In addition, she serves as Director of The Resonance Project, a not-for-profit organization created to encourage research into the phenomenon of Collective Resonance, the subject of her doctoral dissertation, Group Magic. www.resonanceproject.org.

Gary Malkin is an Emmy award-winning composer, producer and global arts activist, dedicated to making a difference in the world by creating music-infused resources and experiences that inspire the heart and catalyze societal and individual healing. He is also an articulate speaker and performer, passionate about the vital role the arts can play as an integration tool for greater humanity and wholeness, especially in health care.

Gary is the co-creator of the internationally acclaimed book and CD set, Graceful Passages, produced by his life-enhancing media company, Wisdom of the World, which is pioneering innovative ways to deliver meaning and wisdom through the power of music and film. He is the co-founderof a non-profit organization, Companion Arts, dedicated to integrating the values of a broad spirituality into our health care systems through a provider-focused educational program and CD series called Care for the Journey.

Gary is also proud to have served as the Artistic Director for international conferences, such as the Quest for Global Healing Conferences, featuring Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in Bali. He recently was featured as the only American performer at a nationally televised Cultural Festival on the stage of the Great Hall of China, demonstrating the healing power of music. Gary has devoted his life to using music and the arts as a universal tool to build bridges between cultures throughout the world. Through his performances, presentations and recordings, he is dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of the power of music and the arts as an essential component for a healthy integration of body, mind and spirit. His websites are www.wisdomoftheworld.com, www.musaic.biz and www.careforthejourney.net

Beratha assisted as the thoroughly enjoyable and enormously resourceful tour guide during the first BALI-UNTAMED! Tour offered by the Bali Institute in November 2009. He brings more than 30 years experience as a tour guide in Bali. He has a BA from Udayana State University majoring in Arts (English Literature). He worked as a tour guide at PACTO, one of Indonesian’s largest tour operators. During his time there, he was Kuoni Coordinator for Kuoni Zurich. He was also general manager for a smaller tour operator called Indonesian Island Holidays for 5 years until joining with Agung Prana at his Nagasari Tours and Travel Company. Beratha continues to work with Agung Prana on several of his projects in Permuteron helping to preserve the culture and creating opportunities for people to experience authentic Bali.

Principal of Lawrence High School in New Jersey until his retirement in 2006, Don Proffit’s priorities were promoting a caring, inclusive, safe school community for a student body from diverse backgrounds, and supporting academic rigor, diversity, and ethics. In the years leading up to his work in Lawrence, Proffit’s innovative education initiatives included directing a “Fame” magnet high school in dance and theater and acting.Proffit’s passion for finding and implementing tools for forming stronger, more inclusive communities has led him from Maine to Bali. He is an Ethical Literacy® coach with the Institute for Global Ethics in Camden, Maine, regional steward for The World Café, and a leadership coach with Asia Society’s International Studies Schools Network. He also serves on the executive committee of the Bali Institute for Global Renewal.Proffit holds a master’s degree in educational leadership with a visual arts focus from Bank Street College/Parsons School of Design, a master’s in creative arts education from Rutgers, and a bachelor’s degree in music from Westminster Choir College.He received the D. Bennett Mazur Award for Lifetime Achievement from the New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition for having made sustained and profound contributions to transforming society at great risk to himself, has twice received the New Jersey Governor’s Award in Arts Education, and is a John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Teacher Fellow.

Agung Rai has served as an extremely valuable Bali Institute advisor since almost the inception of the Quest for Global Healing conferences in 2004. He is the founder and visionary of the award-winning ARMA Museum and Resort, creating a living museum that honors the arts and culture of Bali, recognizing its ancient history and capturing the essence of its spiritual wisdom and beauty. He is considered a Balinese treasure, and one of the most eminent scholars on Balinese history and culture. His ARMA Museum is world renown, and a direct result of his love of the arts, and his deep appreciation of his culture and his people. His philosophy is integral tohis vision and has produced not only beautiful buildings at his museum, but incredible opportunities for artists, Balinese people of all ages, and people from around the world.

Karlin Sloan, is an author, speaker, and impassioned CEO.  As the founder of one of the first coaching focused consultancies in Silicon Valley in the mid-1990’s, Karlin Sloan was a pioneer in the use of executive coaching for leadership development.  She started Karlin Sloan & Company in June of 2000 with the objective of creating a consortium of top-tier leadership development talent who could adapt to the needs of global organizations with diverse populations of leaders. She is frequently asked to provide expert comment by the media—including television, radio, and print—and has published three breakthrough books that speak directly to the needs of modern leaders.

As the founder and CEO of Karlin Sloan & Company, Ms. Sloan provides organization development consulting, training and executive coaching to clients in the U.S., South America and Asia.  She is a frequent presenter on the topic of executive leadership development and has been featured on ABC News Network’s “Moneyscope”, and Fox Channel Five’s “Good Day New York”.   Her client list includes Allstate, PNC, Leo Burnett, Exelon, MTV Networks, Interbank, Yahoo!, Starcom MediaVest Group, NYU Stern School of Business, Procter & Gamble, and many more corporations, organizations and universities.  She holds a BA from Mills College, an MA in clinical psychology from the Professional School of Psychology in San Francisco, and executive coach certification through the William James Institute Center for Executive Coaching.

Dewa Subawa has worked closely with the Bali Institute for more than 4 years, providing guidance and direction to enhance our cultural immersion experiences and unique Balinese collaborations. He often serves as a private guide for our program activities, including visits to ancient temples, early morning market experiences and meetings with banjar villagers to sample real Bali life experiences. Dewa received his Tourism Diploma from Udayana University, and currently is on the Committee of Tourism Awareness Group for Peliatan. He is also the Secretary of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, Gianyar Chapter. He works at Kamandalu Resort and Spa as the Guest Activity Manager.

Kate is a Visiting Scholar at MIT, and The Times of London has designated her as an Emerging Guru for her writing and consulting on the topic of leadership. She recently co-authored The Leadership Code: Five Rules to Lead By (now in 10 languages), and writes a popular blog for Fast Company, an innovation and technology magazine. She is a former editor at Harvard Business Review where she helped top management thinkers in business and academia shape their ideas on issues of leadership, organizational change and collaboration. Kate is a graduate of Harvard Business School and Yale University. Her more than 20 years as a consultant has included such clients as Gulf Bank, Al Baraka Bank, Goldman Sachs, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Dubai Holding, Novartis, Verizon, Nokia, Ketchum Communications, International Distillers and Vintners, AstraZeneca, the Consulate General of Norway, Johnson & Johnson, DHL, Saudi Aramco. Her focus is always on the intersection between excellent leadership and outstanding business results. Kate has attended all three Bali Instiute Global Healing Conferences and has served on the Executive Term for over 4 years.

Kimberly Weichel is a social pioneer, educator, author and specialist in global communications, conflict resolution and cross-cultural projects. She has directed international projects over the past thirty years in east and southern Africa, Europe, the former Soviet Union, United States and with the United Nations, particularly with women.
Kim is CEO of Peace X Peace, an international women’s peacebuilding organization that bridges cultural divides, advocates for gender equity, facilitates peer leadership education, and cultivates a global network of peacebuilders. Kim is also co-founder of the Institute for PeaceBuilding, an NGO that provides courses, training, mentoring and consulting in peace leadership. She is co-author of Healing the Heart of the World. www.kimweichel.org. Kim has participated as part of the program development and design team for several Bali Institute conferences and workshops, and has been an active member of the Executive

Peter Wrycza, PhD is founder of Nirarta Living Awareness Retreat Center (one that Bali Institute often brings students and guests to), and of the International Academy for Transformational Coaching and Leadership. He has served as a trainer, consultant, and coach to organizations and individuals in many countries over the past thirty years. He is skilled at leading groups as well as one-to-one coaching and counseling. He has been a meditation guide for over thirty years and has trained extensively in NLP, Person Centred Expressive Therapy, and other forms of expressive work. He has been leading retreats at Nirarta since its inception in the 1990s.  He is the author/co-author of a number of books on personal development, including Living Awareness: Awakening to the Roots of Learning and Perception; Moksha: A New Way of Life, (with Prof. Luh Ketut Suryani); Living in the Spirit (with Prof. Luh Ketut Suryani); When Performance Meets Alignment: A Compass for Coaching and Mentoring (with Jan Ardui).  A gifted facilitator of deep transformation and awakening in individuals and groups, he is the developer of the unique transformational Re•Patterning coaching and counseling process.

Janur is a leadership development consultant based in the US and Bali where he works with corporations, small businesses, 5-star hotel management and other organizations. His professional background includes working with teams and groups in diverse settings in America and Asia, and he often works with young people with the Leadership Dojo™ program. As Global Program Advisor to the Bali Institute, he was on the design team and helped convene the 2007 Bali Institute conference Awakening Global Action. He is a Somatic Coach certified by the Strozzi Institute and a member of the International Coach Federation. yasa@theconfluence.com or www.theconfluence.com

ZANZAN brings a powerful spiritual energy to anything he touches. As a global social entrepreneur, he has just created the first community-based tourism operation in his own village of Sudaji, Bali, creating a meeting space, and several “om” stays which allows visiting guests to be part of the village, live in Balinese compounds and attend meetings and eat meals in an bamboo-designed circular meeting center. He has been deeply involved with the Bali Institute and the Quest for Global Healing conferences since early 2004. Zanzan has worked for ARMA Museum and Resort for more than seven years most recently as their General Manager. He is fondly known as the “organic king of Ubud” and has brought the organic concept to ARMA.

Issac is the former BIGR cultural immersions and operations director. He also was a speaker and facilitator at the global healing conferences and has helped facilitate workshops in Sumatra, Bali, Singapore and the U.S., primarily with Ryan Feinstein. He currently is a business consultant and global social entrepreneur working in Jakarta and Bali. Previously he served as a strategic and business consultant, and developed one of the student immersion programs at the Green School in Bali. He has traveled extensively studying first-hand the numerous indigenous cultures of Indonesia. Earlier Issac worked on a French documentary project, researched ethnic conflict in Borneo, and consulted with several NGOs. He is on the Global Youth in Action advisory team and the Asian Citizens Assemble advisory team. He recently was invited to visit Iran as part of Anugraha John’s work with the Asian Citizens Assembly.

Grant Revell, co-founder of the Ubud-Bali Community Master Class, has now joined the team of the Bali Institute. Grant has recently retired after 25 years at The University of Western Australia, where he was Associate Professor and Associate Dean of the Schools of Architecture, Landscape & Visual Arts; and Indigenous Studies, respectively. During that time Grant coordinated the Taman Kelod Community Design Studio and the Indigenous Ways of Knowing Programs with communities in Bali.

Grant is an Ellis Stones Scholar from Melbourne University’s School of Design, having graduated with a multi award-winning research project focussing on the impacts of cultural tourism in Ubud, Bali. This work originated from earlier meetings with Ubud’s most famous artist, architect and cultural leader I Gusti Nyoman Lempad (1862-1978). Grant was made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects in 2014 for his international and national services to Indigenous design education and practice.

As a practicing landscape architect and regional planner, Grant now brings over 40 years of professional experience to the Bali Institute. Grant looks forward to strengthening the Institute’s partnerships with its Balinese communities like never before.