The Faces of Vokle: Alicia Ontiveros
Most of my favorite people in the world are online. We’ve reached an age where it’s no longer taboo to admit such a thing; it’s expected that you are connected to the internet, expanding your horizons through knowledge and friendship with the rest of the world, no matter how near or far. We no longer have the obstacle of distance in the way of seeing the faces of our friends. It’s a simple click of a button to share a smile, an idea, a way of life. There are an uncountable number of voices reaching out, waiting for your voice to reach back to their own.
Having been a community member of Vokle for about 9 months now, I have had the opportunity to add many new faces to the group of people that I call friend. I have been granted access to marketing gurus, musicians, actors, music lovers, ecologists, educators, authors, philosphers, photographers. I have met many people, like myself, who hunger for a connection that builds insight and kinship through shared interest, and even perhaps through differences of opinions debated through mutual respect and a willingness to learn from even that. All of these things make us better, more well rounded members of humanity. How stale would it be if we were all the same, with the same ideas?
In that spirit, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to some of my favorite faces of Vokle. These may be people who have made me think on a whole new level, or may have made me laugh harder than I had in a long time. They may be people that are my favorite Vokle event hosts, or people that I may wish would be on Vokle more than they currently are. Whatever the case, they are people whom I feel have given me something that I think the world needs more of. They may even be a person that you could call friend, too.
Without further ado, I would like to introduce miss Alicia Ontiveros of #EcoChat!
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Em: Hi, Alicia; thank you for taking the time to talk with us today! I have really enjoyed getting to know you on Vokle and Facebook. I first met you on your #EcoChat event in April, [http://www.ecochatonline.com/2010/04/video-ecochat-wrap-up-walk-on-green.html] the Walk On The Green Side with Cafe Magazine episode. I was very impressed with the content the guest speakers provided, as well as the resources given. I have continued to enjoy your weekly broadcasts that have discussed sustainability with Jean Russell, toxic chemicals in cosmetics and body products with MojoSpa, the discussion on the BP oil spill with Kent Taylor and Bruce Becker, the organic farming discussion with Dorothee Royal of OrganicNation.TV, and of course, your Open Forum events.
What was the pivotal point in your life that compelled you to go green not only in your own life, but to speak publicly about the importance of caring for our planet and ourselves? Have you given any further thought to starting a program in your area to bring this important information to schools?
Alicia: I decided to “go green” after traveling to Mexico for Christmas in 2008. I had been reading the book A World Without Us by Alan Weisman and was horrified to learn about how modern, industrialized civilizations of the world are jeopardizing the health of the planet. After observing so many beautiful areas of Mexico, I made my new year’s resolution to start making a difference. I created a local blog (EcoChicago) to document the transformation of my own lifestyle and educate my community about green resources in Chicago.
After a year of blogging, I decided to expand my outreach to communities across the country, so I made another new year’s resolution (ha, ha) and founded EcoChat in January 2010. EcoChat is a live, interactive web show where people can ask questions and connect with green leaders in real time. I believe live web events are going to gain in popularity in the next five years, so I’m excited about forging a green space using this medium.
As far as bringing eco education to schools, I’m interested in exploring ways I can help people who are already fighting for this cause. I would love to travel around Chicago-area schools to educate young people about living consciously. Hopefully, I can get involved with an organization this fall. It’s on my to-do list!
Em: Tell us about Cinefile [http://www.cinefile.com/], another passion in your life. How long have you been interested in film, and what is it that you do at Cinefile? If there is one film out there that you could claim as your own creation, what would it be, and why; what would you change about it, if anything?
Alicia: I have a degree in broadcast journalism and I’ve helped produce documentaries airing on cable television networks including The History Channel and National Geographic, so my interest in film stems from my love of non-fiction storytelling.
Cinefile is a social networking website for movie lovers and movie industry professionals. At Cinefile I produce short web videos about the film industry. For example, I just finished a piece about how independent filmmakers are using social media to promote and distribute their films online. I also host a web series called “Movie Lover in Theatres” where I let our viewers know about the best new releases. Cinefile is a space where independent minds can thrive, and that’s what I appreciate about it the most.
If I were to claim one film out there as my own it would be Avatar so I could rake in all the profit and use it to clean up the BP oil spill. Ok, I jest. I really don’t have a film in mind that I’d like to claim as my own, but I do admire the people who take risks to tell meaningful stories, and I try to support them any way I can.
Em: What does your ideal utopian world look like, regarding things like politics, the economy, and society in general?
Alicia: In my utopian society money and politics wouldn’t exist (and no one would miss them), all power would be generated from renewable resources, and my boyfriend wouldn’t be allergic to eggs.
Em: How did you first hear of Vokle?
Alicia: I was perusing The Huffington Post one day when I noticed a Vokle event embedded on their website. I was just about to launch my first EcoChat, so I tweeted about how impressed I was with the Vokle platform. Shant invited to give me a tutorial about how to set up my own show and after that I was hooked! I’m a certified Vokle junkie.
Em: Thanks again for talking with us today, Alicia! I’m really glad that you’re a part of the Vokle community; #EcoChat is one of my favorite events every week. I always find it inspriring and informative, as well as having a fun host! Do you have any parting comments that you would like to share?
Alicia: Thank you, Em, for being an EcoChat fan. I love connecting with my viewers and using their input to improve the show. I appreciate the opportunity to share more of my story with you and the Vokle community. One day, Vokle will rule the world!
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Please be sure to tune in to #EcoChat Monday nights at 9pm Eastern / 6pm Pacific to catch Alicia, and take action in doing your part for our world!
Tags: community, em thomas, faces of vokle, interview