2023 Ron Hering Award Winners
Hosted by the ManKind Project Germany Region
Kai Tesmer
Germany
Kai Tesmer
“I create a world in which every boy has healthy masculine role models by living my potential and being authentic,”
Member and Chairman of the German MKP board, I-Group founder and leader, Co-Leader, supporting Boys to Men, supporting Women Within, lives his mission, his private life is orientation to men from MKP.
Julien Perrot
Switzerland
Julien Perrot
1983, when Julien was a child (11), passionate about nature and sensitive to its respect, he created “La Salamandre”, a magazine that he published regularly, for distribution around his surroundings, and which has since become an independent, not-for-profit Franco-Swiss publishing house. The Revue is awaited every 2 months by over 32,000 subscribers in Switzerland, France and Belgium. “La Salamandre Junior” is sent to 57,000 children aged 4 to 12. According to Julien’s values, the company practices shared governance. For the past 40 years, Julien has been raising awareness through poetry, humor and sometimes even anger, in favor of a planet that is more respectful of life.
Phil Vivirito
USA • St. Louis
Phil Vivirito
“I help create a safe world by being an emotionally mature grown-ass man.”
Phil was a senior facilitator and trainer for Gender Equity & Reconciliation International (GRWorld.org) which is an international organization that works toward the healing between men and women.
He works with Barefoot Children Ministries as a volunteer and board member. BCM is a 501(C3) nonprofit organization that works to overcome poverty and promote human dignity for families living in remote villages in the Toledo district of Belize by providing education, health and community improvement resources. He has made eight trips with BCM to teach, assist with construction work, help the widows, deliver supplies and take part in the elderly enrichment program.
Titus Alexander
UK & Ireland
Titus Alexander
“To work with the wisdom of the world to inspire myself and others to create positive change with love, joy and laughter.”
Titus aims to empower people to make a difference through education and support for effective citizenship, community action and practical politics, prioritising people with least power.
At 72 Titus is active through the UK Democracy Network and the American Political Science Association (APSA), making the case for political literacy as a core skill for all citizens through a briefing on 12 reasons why universities should teach nonpartisan practical politics using a book “Practical Politics: Lessons in Power and Democracy.” His work has been endorsed by leading educators and senior politicians across the political spectrum.
Titus is a stealth campaigner, supporting many people make a difference at a local, national and international level. He has also worked on campaigns for an equitable approach to global climate change, influencing delegates at successive Conferences of the Parties since the first in 1975. He connects the grassroots with the corridors of power, so that his campaigns are rooted in a diversity of experience while influencing people in power.
Jaime Valdes
Central Mexico
Jaime Valdes
“I create a world of harmony by teaching, making connections and healing.”
Jaime was initiated in 2004 “by accident.” He went back to México and founded the first Mexico I-Group and then others. He kept going but was unable to send men to be initiated due to cost. Then, he met Carlos Legaspy in another MKP Chat “by accident”. He is a finance guy and he came out with a plan with scholarships for Mexican men to be initiated in San Diego. They had I-Groups in México and now, initiated men. The rest is history. Carlos and Jaime became compadres, Jaime even asked Carlos to be the spiritual godfather of his son.
Outside MKP, he created an information and support group for men with prostate issues and sexual health. Also, for a long time, he went to a public elementary school and read a fairy tale or short story for kids in the 5th grade to encourage reading habits.
Jordan Bowman
USA • Greater Carolinas
Jordan Bowman
Jordan Bowman moves through the world with grace and power, creating opportunities for group reflection and transformation. He is currently the Young Warrior Representative for the GCA and strives to create more opportunities for young men to get involved and grow in the work. Jordan is the Executive Director for Journeymen Triangle, a nonprofit centered around providing rites of passage experiences and ongoing group mentoring circles for teenage boys.
With a strong passion to provide a seat at the table to all who wish to grow, Jordan has engaged in a transfer of knowledge and experience between his work in Journeymen and MKP. He holds fast to the principle that boys need conscious men in their lives and uses this as a guiding value in his efforts in both organizations. He hosts the “Tending the Fire” podcast and is involved with the Braver Angels, a national group working together to depolarize America.
Michael Tomasello
USA • Southern California Area
Michael Tomasello
“I create a world of Empowerment by speaking
my gifts and taking action”
Mike dedicates his career to empowering people of all ages to get better jobs. His service is an outgrowth of his skill, knowledge, and contacts in the industry. Mike has delivered inspiring talks at UCLA, UC-Irvine, and to the national student leadership of AIESEC, sharing his insights and expertise on job search success, mindset, and building relationships. He maintains free Job Search communities on Facebook and Twitter, where he provides valuable advice, resources, and support to help thousands and thousands of job seekers find jobs and advance their careers.
Mike is a Chicagoland native who initiated at Camp Pollock in November 2012, less than 2 months after arriving in LA. A 1st-generation college graduate, Mike has dedicated his life to helping others prosper so that they don’t have to struggle like his family struggled while he was growing up.
Alan J. Jacobson
USA • New England Area
Alan J. Jacobson
“I co-create a world of increased love and harmony by attracting like-minded people, together, for the greater good.”
Alan is the founder and president of the Flo Creed-Jacobson Initiative. It is named in honor and memory of his wife, Flo Creed-Jacobson who passed in 2005. FCJI began with a board of 4 other people in 2007 and provided scholarships and supplemental services to underserved communities. For the past several years its certified teachers have taught mindfulness to elementary school children as well as adults who are in rehabilitation centers.
For the past 30 years he have also volunteered for five years each, with the following organizations: Horizons For Homeless Children; Boys To Men New England; Old Colony Hospice, and several elementary schools. Alan was also a volunteer teacher for the MA Literacy Program.
Steven R. Vedro
USA • Florida
Steven R. Vedro
“I create a world of light by seeing the light in others – and myself – no matter how dark the situation.”
From 2011 to 2018, Steven volunteered with the Wisconsin Truth Project to bring men’s work to two state prisons. After retiring full-time to Florida in 2019, he petitioned the Chaplain and Program Director of DeSoto Correctional Institution to offer a Houses of Healing program in that institution. After a year of negotiation, he was approved as Chapel Volunteer, and since January 2020 has commuted over an hour each way almost every Saturday except for the summer months to facilitate a circle devoted to trauma recovery, self-forgiveness and accountability, using the archetypes and parts work, deep check-ins, as well as teaching simple meditation and breathwork techniques. Participants come to see themselves as peacemakers and spiritual warriors inside an often-hostile environment. He truly “sees the light” in what most people consider a dark place.
Tyrone Marsh
USA • Metro Tristate
Tyrone Marsh
“I co-create a world of gratitude and introspection by holding space, being joyful, and celebrating diversity.”
Tyrone currently works at the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to building resilient, inclusive communities with and for those who’ve faced marginalization. His background includes directing a major NYC preschool, nurturing the full spectrum of children’s development from infancy through pre-adolescence. He spent over a decade directing English language centers, paving the way for international students to enter top U.S. colleges. Beyond his professional roles, he fosters community and connection through monthly events he organizes for men to share food and heartfelt conversation, strengthening social bonds. Committed to social justice, he organized a group to go to Washington DC for the 60th anniversary of the MLK Jr. March, highlighting “Black Lives Matter” and reinforcing his dedication to advocacy. His multifaceted work weaves together community development, education, and a commitment to equity.
Mattias Fyrörn
Nordic
Mattias Fyrörn
“I create a world of my full potential by celebrating my gold and my shadows.”
Mattias Fyrörn has developed several groups, networks and not least programs for men who want to find their truth, their strength and live their lives in balance with values and missions. “Mannens Väg (The Man’s Path)”, “Brödraskapet (The Brotherhood)” and programs like “Unbreakable” give men powerful and concrete tools to see their shadows, act on them and live even more to their potential. Mattias is active in lifting up other men and issues that concern men’s vulnerability and power – both on social media and on other platforms.
Michel van Bellinghen and René Beguin
Belgium
Michel top photo
Rene bottom photo
Michel van Bellinghen and René Beguin
I create a world of kindness and mutual respect by offering who I am, aware of impermanence and celebrating the beauties of Life. -Michel
I create a world of trust and respect, by consciously welcoming reality as it is, and taking care. -Rene
For 10 years, Michel and René have created and run a workshop addressing the many questions surrounding death. First organized for members of MKP Belgium, France and Switzerland, since the end of 2015 it has been open to all. The workshop is entitled: “Living intensely, having tamed death.”
- This two-day workshop offers a succession of exercises and processes allowing feelings, awareness, sharing of emotions. The themes covered include the prospect of our own death, the mourning of loved ones, the effects of aging, the meaning and values of our life journey, practical arrangements to facilitate our departure, etc. etc.
- The fifteenth session was in Waterloo (Belgium) last month.
- What do they do to make a difference: One of the intentions of the workshops is to change, in our societies, the denial regarding everything related to death.
- The impact of these workshops: A transformation, among the participants, of their relationship with the different aspects of the concept “Death”.
- Since its creation, the workshop has been attended by around 250 people, participants or couples aged 30 to 90 years old. The impact of the workshop also affects those close to the participants. An important impact is, ultimately, that of celebrating Life.
Cliff Bayuk
USA • Philadelphia
Cliff Bayuk
“I co-create a world of love and respect by being magnanimous and grateful.”
Cliff was initiated to MKP in Philadelphia in September 2019. His commitment to demonstrates a genuine desire to make a positive impact in his community. Cliff’s volunteer efforts include contributions to: Food Insecurity Relief, Animal Welfare, Support for Amateur Golf, Library Assistance, and Pro Bono Coaching for Veterans.
As a professional coach with “Stand Beside Them,” Cliff offers pro bono coaching to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. His dedication to helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life, obtain education and certifications, and secure employment underscores his commitment to supporting those who have served.
His actions make a profound difference in the lives of many individuals and contribute to building a stronger, more compassionate society.
Steve Ramm
USA • Central Plains
Steve Ramm
“I create a free and joyous world by giving, accepting and feeling love.”
Steve is a man who models living his mission with deep vulnerability and integrity. In his work as a general contractor, he brings the soul of an artist along with a fierce dedication to doing right by customers. The way he shows up across his life—whether at church, volunteering at the Open Door Mission, or in MKP—people are drawn to him because of his authenticity and compassion.
He has brought several men to MKP who would never have had the opportunity because of these qualities. He is an incredible model of the character and depth that men are capable of if given the safety and guidance to be true to themselves.
Stephen Booth-Nadav
USA • Colorado
Stephen Booth-Nadav
Committed to building relationships of understanding and support across all faith traditions, and to being a voice and resource for multi-faith engagement in the Denver area.”
Stephen facilitates the Multi-faith Leadership Forum, a network of faith leaders from the Metro Denver area, committed to building relationships of understanding and support across all faith traditions, and to being a voice and resource for multi-faith engagement. Stephen works to build relationships among over 35 clergy, supporting their work to provide resources for them, local agencies, and schools.
Other examples include:
- Recently brought together 10 rabbis and Imams to build relationships.
- Brings faith leaders to Chatfield High School for conversations with seniors.
- Brought 15-20 faith leaders to The Parliament of World Religions.
- Brought 21 faith leaders on a pilgrimage to Montgomery, AL in 2022.
- Supported “Women in Black” demonstrations against the occupation in Jerusalem.
- Traveled to the West Bank to support Palestinian olive farmers.
- Helped Israel Arab family in the Galil to get their oldest daughter to the US.
- Friend of Standing Together Israel, Jewish and Palestinian citizens in pursuit of peace.
- Joined “Rabbis for Ceasefire”, “Combatants for Peace,” and “The Bereaved Families Forum.” These groups bring Jews and Palestinians together.
- Director of Wisdom House Denver, a multi-faith Engagement and Spiritual Inquiry.
Warren William Bruhl
USA • Chicago
In Memoriam
Warren William Bruhl
“The real power in life is not what happens to us, but rather how we respond to the circumstances we face, a choice of love or fear.”
Dr. Warren Bruhl, DC, DICCP, CFI, CFII, MEI
(March 21, 1964 – November 22, 2023)
Warren was a chiropractic physician, author, philanthropist, and aviation educator. Founding director for Dreamweaver International, an international 501(c)(3) charity, that provides education, healthcare, and compassion services. Co-founder of The Fit Pilot, a company dedicated to improving the health and safety of pilots. Co-owner and instructor of Gambit Aviation based at Aurora Municipal Airport, Aurora, Illinois.
Wayne Wilson
USA • Southwest
Wayne Wilson
“To be of service to humanity, family, and friends.”
Since Wayne’s NWTA weekend, he has taken on a mission of service to his community. He is a Diné (Navajo) man who saw an immediate need for the distribution of essential supplies within the tribal communities of the four-corners region – primarily water, firewood, and food deliveries to remote areas and those in need. He partnered with organizations and other private parties to create his own donations program; K’eh Native Action.org. He has been delivering the supplies to those in the native community for the past several years.
Wayne is a loved and integral member of the Southwest MKP community. He is a man with depth of lived experience leading compassionately with his heart. He is a man who enjoys sharing from his lived experience and culture to create a more understanding and generative community.
Aaron Reichert
USA • Hawaii
Aaron Reichert
“My mission is to create a world of emotional sobriety by authentic connection with GOD and my fellows.”
We recognize Aaron’s journey of resilience and service. From his early days as a ninth-grade educated “street rat” from Baltimore, he battled addiction and incarceration, eventually finding healing in sobriety and spiritual growth. As founder of Krank Cycles, he’s dedicated himself for over 15 years, serving the community through volunteer endeavors and missions. Achievements include founding Krank Cycles and the Maui Mountain Bike Coalition, advocating for cycling and trail preservation. Collaborating with Jim Falk Automotive on the Annual Christmas Bike Giveaway which provides thousands of bicycles to underprivileged children. Despite facing personal challenges like a devastating Maui wildfire and colon cancer, his commitment to service remains unwavering. They still provided the children of Maui County with 1,400 bikes despite that disaster. Aaron is determined to establish a bicycle repair shop on Maui’s west side, continuing to spread the spirit of aloha through resilience and compassion.
Brian Sawyer
Canada • Alberta
Brian Sawyer
“I create a bountiful world by sharing myself freely.”
Brian has volunteered for the Greater Capital Region United Way in various capacities for more than a decade, from organizing the Government of Alberta’s workplace fundraising campaign (for 22 Ministries) in 2011, to serving for 8 years on the Community Action Council, eventually receiving United Way’s ‘George Letky Outstanding Volunteer’ Award in 2021. In the last few years Brian has focused on supporting senior men to stay engaged in community-oriented activities through an organization called Men’s Sheds, serving on the Edmonton Board of Directors since 2019, elected to the National Board of Directors in 2021, and now employed full time as Executive Director. Brian occasionally finds time to volunteer for the Edmonton Food Bank, and is Vice-president for the Edmonton Lifelong Learners Association.
Bernie Parody
USA • Mid-Atlantic
Bernie Parody
“I am creating a world filled with abundance of acceptance and appreciation by giving my unconditional acceptance and appreciation to everyone.”
For the last 16 years, Bernie has volunteered at a support group for men with serious legal issues. Many are first time offenders and totally bewildered by the court system. Bernie helps these men understand the nature of their offenses, accept responsibility, the long court processes, and possible outcomes. Working alongside a licensed therapist, Bernie draws on his MKP skills to challenge them, formulate SMART goals, hold them accountable, and if necessary, facilitate clearings in the group. He often shows up on their court date to assure they have a strong advocate in the room.
Conrad Cowherd
Canada • Ontario
Conrad Cowherd
“To create a safe space for men to open their heart.”
Conrad broadened Men’s Work by establishing a men’s retreat in Costa Rica. He personally financed and organized the Resiliency Project in November 2023, establishing weekly circles in English and Spanish.
In his community he guides breathwork, yoga and core fitness. He continues to explore the physical/emotional relationship in men’s bodies and the Mind/Body/Spirit relationship to emotional trauma and how it all connects. He continues Saturday morning Zoom calls with the Dawg’s, an eclectic group of men from across Ontario who keep in contact and fearlessly examine personal and worldly issues.
In his MKP relationships, Conrad shows up in a thoughtful and tangible way. He remains committed to the men lucky enough to be in relationship with him, providing ongoing support and nurturing deep and trusting conversations. He is an exemplar of a deeply committed and thoughtful Man who enriches the lives of those around him.
Ronald Garrow
USA • Upstate New York
Ronald Garrow
“I create a kind world through acts of kindness.”
Ron is the Executive of the The Indigenous Peoples Center in Rochester, New York. He works diligently to raise awareness of issues affecting Indigenous Americans and to promote cultural sensitivity to these issues. He has helped increase awareness of Native American culture and issues both within the MKP Upstate NY area community and the larger Rochester, NY community. When staffing Ron willing shares his native American culture and tradition for educational purposes to his MKP Upstate area brothers. Ronald went through his NWTA in October 2007 at Camp Whitman.
Gianfranco Pezzino
USA • Heartland
Gianfranco Pezzino
I create a world of peace and fairness by showing and distributing unconditional love and caring.”
Gianfranco’s work during COVID entailed monitoring the spread of the disease in the community in Shawnee County and taking appropriate actions to minimize the impact of the disease. In addition, he also had to keep the three county commissioners and the public informed about his work and how they could protect themselves.