Emcee and Speakers
Tim Russ
Actor, Director, Musician
Tim is an actor, director, musician, and writer best known to science fiction fans as Tuvok, the Vulcan security chief on Star Trek: Voyager. With a career spanning more than four decades, he has appeared in a wide range of films and television series, including Spaceballs, Roots: The Gift, iCarly, Samantha Who?, and Star Trek: Picard.
Beyond acting, Tim is an accomplished filmmaker who has directed numerous television episodes, films, and independent productions, including the award-winning comedy series Bloomers and the fantasy adventure series 12 Sided Die. He is also a musician, voice actor, and screenwriter whose creative work spans multiple genres and media.
A lifelong advocate for science and exploration, Tim is an avid amateur astronomer who has even contributed to citizen-science efforts supporting NASA missions. Combining curiosity, creativity, and a passion for discovery, he continues to inspire audiences both on screen and off. π Follow him on Instagram (Trvulcan) or Facebook (Tim Russ), or on his website (timrusswebpage.com) π He will be speaking in the early afternoon at the main event Sunday and attending as a special guest at our Fundraising Reception
Beyond acting, Tim is an accomplished filmmaker who has directed numerous television episodes, films, and independent productions, including the award-winning comedy series Bloomers and the fantasy adventure series 12 Sided Die. He is also a musician, voice actor, and screenwriter whose creative work spans multiple genres and media.
A lifelong advocate for science and exploration, Tim is an avid amateur astronomer who has even contributed to citizen-science efforts supporting NASA missions. Combining curiosity, creativity, and a passion for discovery, he continues to inspire audiences both on screen and off. π Follow him on Instagram (Trvulcan) or Facebook (Tim Russ), or on his website (timrusswebpage.com) π He will be speaking in the early afternoon at the main event Sunday and attending as a special guest at our Fundraising Reception
Alex Lee (ζ倩ζ)
California Assemblymember
Alex (ζ倩ζ) represents Californiaβs 24th Assembly District which includes the Alameda County communities of Fremont, Newark, and Sunol, and the Santa Clara County communities of Milpitas and San Jose.
Assemblymember Lee was elected in 2020, and became the youngest Asian American legislator ever elected and the first openly bisexual state legislator in California history. He currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Human Services, the Select Committee on Social Housing, and the Legislative Progressive Caucus. π Follow him on his Instagram (Alex_lee), Facebook (assembly.alex.lee), Bluesky (votealexlee.bsky.social), or on his website (lee.asmdc.org). π He will be speaking near the start of our main event Sunday.
Assemblymember Lee was elected in 2020, and became the youngest Asian American legislator ever elected and the first openly bisexual state legislator in California history. He currently serves as Chair of the Committee on Human Services, the Select Committee on Social Housing, and the Legislative Progressive Caucus. π Follow him on his Instagram (Alex_lee), Facebook (assembly.alex.lee), Bluesky (votealexlee.bsky.social), or on his website (lee.asmdc.org). π He will be speaking near the start of our main event Sunday.
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Rep. Jared Huffman
U.S. Representative (CA-2)
Jared has represented Californiaβs North Coast in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013, following service in the California State Assembly, where he championed environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and public interest causes. An attorney by training and former senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, he has built a reputation as a strong advocate for science-based policymaking, civil liberties, and the separation of church and state.
In 2018, he co-founded and now co-chairs the Congressional Freethought Caucus, which works to promote reason, science, religious freedom, and equal treatment for people of all faiths and none. Jared, who openly identifies as a secular humanist, was named Humanist of the Year by the American Humanist Association in 2020 and currently serves as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee.
His book, No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism, was just released and will be available for purchase at our event (while supplies last). π Follow him on Instagram (RepHuffman), Facebook ( Congressman Jared Huffman), YouTube ( Congressman Jared Huffman), Bluesky (rephuffman.bsky.social), or on his website (huffman.house.gov/) π Hear his talk at the main event in the early afternoon.
His book, No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism, was just released and will be available for purchase at our event (while supplies last). π Follow him on Instagram (RepHuffman), Facebook ( Congressman Jared Huffman), YouTube ( Congressman Jared Huffman), Bluesky (rephuffman.bsky.social), or on his website (huffman.house.gov/) π Hear his talk at the main event in the early afternoon.
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Hellen Heels
LGBTQ+ Center Representative, Professional Drag Queen
Hellen Heels (age unknown) is from Stockton, California. During the day he works at a local non-profit organization for the betterment of LGBT+ communities and activities.
Within the past few years she has performed in every major city in the central valley, bay area and beyond. She is a member of a burlesque troupe and comedy group, and dabbles in variety showcases, bingo nights, many brunches and dinners, charity shows, movie nights, and her favorite is Drag Queen Storytime!
She is a host at Badlands, Eves of Paradise, Roscoes and still travels on a very regular basis.
She only hopes that one day when she hangs up her heels that she made an impact on the drag scene, created opportunities and made everyone smile on the way. π Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (@Hellenheels) or Facebook (Hellen Heels), or at her website (hellenheels.threadless.com). π Hellen will be our emcee throughout the main event on Sunday and will be a guest at our Fundraising Reception.
Within the past few years she has performed in every major city in the central valley, bay area and beyond. She is a member of a burlesque troupe and comedy group, and dabbles in variety showcases, bingo nights, many brunches and dinners, charity shows, movie nights, and her favorite is Drag Queen Storytime!
She is a host at Badlands, Eves of Paradise, Roscoes and still travels on a very regular basis.
She only hopes that one day when she hangs up her heels that she made an impact on the drag scene, created opportunities and made everyone smile on the way. π Follow her on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube (@Hellenheels) or Facebook (Hellen Heels), or at her website (hellenheels.threadless.com). π Hellen will be our emcee throughout the main event on Sunday and will be a guest at our Fundraising Reception.
Forrest Valkai
Biologist and Science Communicator
Forrest is a biologist and science communicator known for his infectious enthusiasm and boundless love for life. He holds masterβs degrees in biomedical sciences and anthropology, four undergraduate degrees in biology and education, is currently a PhD student studying biochemistry and molecular biology, and teaches at the prestigious university of the internet.
Renowned for his engaging presence on social media, heartfelt advocacy for social progress, and hosting shows like SkepTalk and The Atheist Experience, Forrest champions science and reason, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, and teaches audiences of all ages to love science and each other.
π Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube (valkailabs), or at his website (valkailabs.com)
π Hear his talk at the main event in the late afternoon.
Renowned for his engaging presence on social media, heartfelt advocacy for social progress, and hosting shows like SkepTalk and The Atheist Experience, Forrest champions science and reason, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity, and teaches audiences of all ages to love science and each other.
π Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube (valkailabs), or at his website (valkailabs.com)
π Hear his talk at the main event in the late afternoon.
Bertha Vazquez
Education Director
Bertha is a retired middle school science teacher and the Education Director at The Center for Inquiry.
She leads a network of 100 teachers who have delivered over 475 professional development sessions across all 50 US States. Her innovative approach to teaching climate science has been featured in the New York Times and NPR. She is the editor and coauthor of On Teaching Evolution (2021), a co-author of What Teachers Want to Know About Teaching Climate Change (2025), and a recipient of the 2023 Friend of Darwin Award.
Bertha is a regular conference speaker and a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.
π Follow her on Instagram (lucretiaborgia1519), YouTube (tieseducationorg), Facebook (RDFRSTIES), and Bluesky (bvazquezcfi.bsky.social), and on her website (centerforinquiry.org/education-department/).
π Hear her talk at the main event in the early afternoon or see as a guest at the Fundraiser Reception.
She leads a network of 100 teachers who have delivered over 475 professional development sessions across all 50 US States. Her innovative approach to teaching climate science has been featured in the New York Times and NPR. She is the editor and coauthor of On Teaching Evolution (2021), a co-author of What Teachers Want to Know About Teaching Climate Change (2025), and a recipient of the 2023 Friend of Darwin Award.
Bertha is a regular conference speaker and a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.
π Follow her on Instagram (lucretiaborgia1519), YouTube (tieseducationorg), Facebook (RDFRSTIES), and Bluesky (bvazquezcfi.bsky.social), and on her website (centerforinquiry.org/education-department/).
π Hear her talk at the main event in the early afternoon or see as a guest at the Fundraiser Reception.
Jovan Bradley
Commentator and Content Creator
Jovan is a media creator, political commentator, and debate host focused on politics, social issues, religion, science, and philosophy. Through livestreams, debates, interviews, and educational content, he breaks down complicated subjects into accessible arguments grounded in research, evidence, and a healthy willingness to challenge conventional wisdom.
His work centers on working-class liberation, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, and broader questions of political and economic power. His content combines advocacy, research, and debate with the goal of giving people better tools to understand the arguments shaping the world around them. π Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube (jovan_bradley) and Facebook (jovanbradleydebates), and Bluesky (jovanbradely.bsky.social). π Jovan will speak late in the afternoon at the main event and will be a guest at our Fundraising Reception.
His work centers on working-class liberation, LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, and broader questions of political and economic power. His content combines advocacy, research, and debate with the goal of giving people better tools to understand the arguments shaping the world around them. π Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube (jovan_bradley) and Facebook (jovanbradleydebates), and Bluesky (jovanbradely.bsky.social). π Jovan will speak late in the afternoon at the main event and will be a guest at our Fundraising Reception.
JAke Via
Organizing Director, American Humanist Association
Jake is the Organizing Director for the American Humanist Association and brings nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, community-building, and youth development. His work has focused on creating meaningful connections and helping communities thrive.
Raised in a conservative Christian environment, Jake spent years studying religion and participating in ministry before embarking on a personal journey that led him to humanism. Through travel, learning, and engagement with people from diverse backgrounds, he found a worldview grounded in reason, compassion, and human dignity.
Today, Jake is passionate about building strong humanist communities and helping people find purpose through service, empathy, and civic engagement. He believes we all share a responsibility to leave the world a little better than we found it. π You can read more about Jake on the American Humanist website (americanhumanist.org/team/via/). π Jake will speak in the late afternoon at the main event and will be a guest at our Fundraising Reception.
Raised in a conservative Christian environment, Jake spent years studying religion and participating in ministry before embarking on a personal journey that led him to humanism. Through travel, learning, and engagement with people from diverse backgrounds, he found a worldview grounded in reason, compassion, and human dignity.
Today, Jake is passionate about building strong humanist communities and helping people find purpose through service, empathy, and civic engagement. He believes we all share a responsibility to leave the world a little better than we found it. π You can read more about Jake on the American Humanist website (americanhumanist.org/team/via/). π Jake will speak in the late afternoon at the main event and will be a guest at our Fundraising Reception.