People with passion
can change the world

"Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." — Nelson Mandela

My intent, my goal, my overall vision is to provide the vehicle, the platform, the stage, for the world to come together to make a global difference. For future generations to come.

Music, space, sustainability, our planet, our children of tomorrow.

My passion. My WHY.

Leadership Team

Stars Align Leadership

A passionate and diverse team united by a shared belief in the power of education, creativity, and collaboration to change the world.

Sergey Stanovkin

BBC Advertising · Regional Reps

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Ben Newsome

Fizzics Education · Churchill Fellow

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Terry Lowry

Steinway Artist · Musical Overture

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Sean Sennett

Podcast & Media · Artist Engagement

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Anay Ashwin

Global Youth Ambassador

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Joaquin C. Macaya

Global Space & STEAM Ambassador

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Ian Ritter

Photographer · Creative Director

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Sandra Tricoli

PR & Social Media · Savvy Creations

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Publisher and CEO at SpaceWatch.Global | MBA, Space Management, Global Outreach

As the Publisher and CEO of SpaceWatch.Global, Torsten leads a team of experts and journalists who provide global outreach, open-source intelligence, and business intelligence in the area of space and new space.

With over 30 years of experience in space management, broadcast technology, information technology, and satellite communication, he deeply understands the trends, challenges, and opportunities in this dynamic and evolving sector.

His mission is to publish SpaceWatch.Global, a platform that analyses space activities of emerging markets in a geopolitical context, and to educate and inspire the next generation of space leaders and innovators. He holds an MBA in Space Management from the International Space University, as well as several certifications in leadership, critical thinking, and digital sound design.

Wayne Johnson brings a rare combination of commercial acumen and genuine conviction to everything he does. His career, built on strong foundations in programme and project management, has always been guided by a deeper question: how do we build systems that actually serve people and the planet?

That question is what drew him to Stars Align. Wayne is a passionate advocate for education as a lever for sustainable change, believing that giving young people the tools, the confidence, and the global connections to engage with real-world challenges is one of the most impactful investments any generation can make. He brings discipline, drive, and a quiet determination to ensure that the work we do today creates a world worth inheriting tomorrow.

Francis Ssekitto is an educationist, researcher, and digital innovation strategist with expertise in records management, library science, AI adoption, and organisational development.

He chairs the Board of Governors at St. Andrews Kaggwa Gombe High School, where he leads governance reforms and digital transformation in low-resource learning environments. As an academic supervisor and mentor, he champions ethical, context-relevant, and technology-driven research in Records and Information Science.

Francis is a strong advocate for inclusive AI, digital literacy, and community empowerment, contributing to the She Is AI Initiative Uganda and co-founding Ugandan Women in AI. He has been a member of Creative Commons since 2019.

His research focuses on digital evidence, information governance, and ethical AI in resource-limited settings.

Sergey Stanovkin brings a rich tapestry of international experience, creative communications, and knowledge as the BBC Studios Commercial Representative in Eurasia and Managing Partner of Dars Consulting.

With an extensive background spanning public relations, international economic relations, aerophysics, space research, and strategic communications, Sergey seamlessly blends his profound insights from diverse sectors to deliver compelling narratives and creative solutions.

His exceptional strategic communication skills and innovative approach to content production enable him to craft impactful campaigns that resonate across global audiences, driving engagement and fostering meaningful connections.

Ben Newsome founded Fizzics Education to deliver science education across Australia, having now reached 3 million kids since 2004. He is a qualified science teacher, 2013 Churchill Fellow, 2020 AMP Tomorrow Maker, and multiple Australian Small Business Winner for Children's Education Services.

Ben is a board member for Educating 4 Leadership, advisory board member of the Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration, and author of 'Be Amazing! How to teach science the way primary kids love'. He is also the host of the FizzicsEd Podcast.

At Stars Align, Ben leads the global curriculum development, consultation and implementation efforts.

Terry Lowry is the composer of over 200 works including piano concertos, oratorios, symphonies, chamber works and song cycles. A Steinway Artist, he has performed over 1,000 solo piano recitals throughout North America and Europe.

He is the Conductor and Music Director of the Carroll Symphony Orchestra, the Carrollton Wind Ensemble and the Carrollton Jazz Orchestra. He has released 17 albums, including a 2021 recording of Beethoven's Hammerklavier.

In 2012 he co-founded Musical Overture, a digital platform helping musicians connect and play together online. He is also the founder of GIGROOM, a digital music education platform connecting students and artists around the world to practice and perform music.

Sean Sennett's collection of over a thousand artist interviews reads like an enviable festival line-up with headliners like David Bowie, Iggy Pop and Bruce Springsteen.

He is an accomplished musician, radio broadcaster, podcast host and author, with work appearing in The Age, The Australian and Rolling Stone magazine, both at home and in the US.

For two decades, Sean owned and ran Queensland's highest-circulating street press, Time Off. He continues to live and work in Brisbane today.

At just 15, Anay studies space science through UniSQ's Head Start program, which gives high-achieving Australian students in Years 10–12 the opportunity to undertake university-level learning. He is working towards his dream of becoming a flight surgeon in space.

Anay recently became one of the youngest people in the world to serve as an analog astronaut, conducting original medical research during a high-fidelity space simulation mission in Poland.

In his role at Stars Align, Anay supports peer-to-peer engagement with students across different countries, contributes to learning activities related to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), space and health, and encourages open dialogue and curiosity.

Empowering you to see the change you can bring into this world.

FLANGR is a Chilean astro-pop artist who mixes astronomy with his music. He is the first artist in the world to make pop music with sounds from space, thanks to the ALMA Observatory.

"The universe in your headphones."

ARIA Nominee Ian Ritter shot his first photograph at age 5 in Singapore and never looked back. Combining a love and deep understanding of both music and the visual arts, Ian carved a career and worldwide reputation as a master of creating visuals in and around the music universe.

Ian has created visual content including album artwork, music videos, photographs and merch design for iconic names such as Suzi Quatro, Joe Satriani, Steve Lukather, Tommy Emmanuel, and many more. He continues to break the rules in creating visuals that not only complement, but elevate the artist.

Located in Perth, Savvy Creations is a PR consultancy, marketing, social media marketing, content marketing and event management agency. Sandra Tricoli, Director of Savvy Creations PR, established the Agency in 2015.

Sandra holds a degree in communications with a double major in Journalism and Public Relations, and has experience working with many national and international business sectors. She is known for her persistent work ethic and passion for innovation, communication, and creation.

Sandra partners with her clients to develop communication strategies which lead them towards the success of their business, blending years of experience with the dynamic creativity of the modern digital world.

Larry Klein is one of the most respected music producers and composers in the world, with a career spanning decades of Grammy-winning work. As Music Producer for the American Music Awards, he has shaped some of the most iconic moments in music television.

Larry brings his extraordinary creative intelligence and deep commitment to the power of music as a force for connection, education, and change to Stars Align. His partnership with us reflects a shared belief that music is not just entertainment — it is the language through which humanity finds its common ground.

Simon Phillips is one of the greatest drummers in rock history, best known as the drummer for Toto from 1992 to 2014. His career spans extraordinary collaborations with Jeff Beck, Pete Townshend, Mike Oldfield and Judas Priest, among many others.

Simon is a Stars Align Inspiration Partner, bringing his artistry and generous spirit directly into our student sessions — giving young people an intimate window into the world of a master musician and the profound role music plays in connecting people across cultures and continents.

FLANGR is the musical project of Joaquin C. Macaya, a visionary Chilean astro-pop artist who fuses astronomy with music. He is the first artist in the world to make pop music with sounds from space, in collaboration with the ALMA Observatory.

"The universe in your headphones." As Stars Align's Global Space & STEAM Education Ambassador, FLANGR proves to young people that art and science are the same impulse — expressed differently.

Dr. Gregory McPherson is a pioneering urban forestry scientist at the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Research Station. His research focuses on the ecological, economic, and social benefits of urban trees and green infrastructure.

His work directly informs the Stars Align curriculum around sustainability and the UN SDGs, helping students understand how science and nature-based solutions can address some of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time.

Michael Hawthorne is a founding member of KleanEnergyKulture, a movement that fuses music, culture and creative storytelling to inspire the next generation to embrace clean energy and sustainable living. At Stars Align, KleanEnergyKulture brings the power of culture to the conversation about our planet's future.

Brandon Rochon is a founding member of KleanEnergyKulture, channelling creativity, entrepreneurship and a deep commitment to the planet into a movement that makes sustainability culturally relevant and personally meaningful for young people worldwide.

Corey "Mr. Hanky" Dennard brings his creative energy and passion for cultural storytelling to KleanEnergyKulture. Together with his KleanEnergyKulture partners, he works to make clean energy and sustainable living not just a cause, but a culture — one that young people can see themselves in.

Ayush Garg is the Founder of the Delhi School of Artificial Intelligence and Chair of the Global Youth AI Advisory Body — a visionary young leader placing ethical AI and digital literacy at the heart of the next generation's education.

As a Stars Align Ambassador, Ayush bridges the worlds of artificial intelligence and global education, ensuring young people everywhere have the tools and understanding to shape an AI-driven future on their own terms.

Aaron Olivera is associated with Earth 300, a groundbreaking initiative that brings together the world's leading scientists, explorers, and thinkers aboard a state-of-the-art research vessel to address the climate crisis and ocean health.

As a Stars Align Ambassador, Aaron connects students directly to the frontlines of environmental science and ocean exploration, making the urgency and wonder of our planet's natural systems tangible and inspiring for the classroom.

Gregory M. Hunter is affiliated with the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAAA), working to promote understanding of and engagement with the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals.

At Stars Align, Gregory brings the full weight of the UN framework into our educational partnerships, helping students understand how the SDGs provide a shared global roadmap — and how their own classroom projects connect to humanity's most ambitious collective commitments.

Dr. Chris Boshuizen is the co-founder of Planet Labs, the company that democratised access to satellite imagery of Earth. He flew to space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard in 2021, becoming one of Australia's first astronauts.

Chris brings an extraordinary perspective to Stars Align — the view from space, and the conviction that understanding our planet from above is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting it from below. His presence in our students' world is a reminder that the future is truly within reach.

Ian Preston is a Stars Align Ambassador who brings his expertise and passion for education and innovation to our global mission. His commitment to the next generation of learners reflects the Stars Align belief that every young person deserves access to world-class knowledge, connections, and inspiration.

Niko DeCesare is a Stars Align Ambassador whose energy, creativity and dedication to making a difference align with everything Stars Align stands for. He is part of a growing global network of changemakers helping to bring the Stars Align mission to life in new and meaningful ways.

Valary Oleinik is a Stars Align Ambassador bringing her unique skills and international perspective to our global education community. Her commitment to cross-cultural connection and youth empowerment is a vital thread in the Stars Align tapestry.

Tami Moehring is a Stars Align Ambassador whose passion for education, creativity, and making a lasting difference for future generations reflects the very heart of our mission. She is a cherished member of the Stars Align community.

Allyson Mitchell is a Stars Align Ambassador committed to the power of education and creative collaboration as tools for positive global change. Her dedication to young people and their futures is a source of ongoing inspiration within the Stars Align network.

Karen Player is a Stars Align Ambassador whose warmth, expertise, and genuine commitment to making education more equitable and impactful make her an invaluable part of our global team. Karen embodies the Stars Align belief that people with passion can change the world.

Edward Filetti is the CEO of ClickView, a leading educational video platform used by schools across Australia, the UK and beyond. Under his leadership, ClickView has transformed how teachers and students engage with video-based learning in the classroom.

As a Stars Align Ambassador and partner, Edward brings ClickView's expertise in digital education content to our global curriculum, helping ensure that high-quality, engaging learning resources are accessible to students wherever they are in the world.

Edwina Baden-Powell is Head of Production at ClickView, where she leads the creation of high-quality educational video content that reaches students across multiple continents.

A descendant of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Scout Movement, Edwina carries forward a remarkable legacy of empowering young people. At Stars Align, she brings both creative excellence and a deep belief in education as the foundation of a better world.

Dinoj Mahendranathan is the Head of DreamSpace Records, a music label and educational platform that uses the power of music to inspire and develop the next generation of creative and entrepreneurial talent.

As a Stars Align Ambassador, Dinoj brings the transformative energy of music production, mentorship and creative education to our global student community, reminding young people that music is not just a career — it is a vehicle for change.

Kamini Velusamy is the Project Manager at DreamSpace Academy, where she oversees educational programmes that blend music, creativity and entrepreneurship for young people. Her meticulous dedication to delivering meaningful learning experiences makes her an invaluable partner in the Stars Align mission.

Angeline Lakshanya Muthulingam leads Partnerships at DreamSpace Academy, building the collaborative relationships that allow DreamSpace's music and creativity programmes to reach more young people in more places. At Stars Align, Angeline's expertise in building purposeful partnerships directly supports our vision of a globally connected education community.

Daria Chernova is a Film Director at Dars Films, bringing a powerful visual storytelling lens to the world of education, culture and social impact. Her work captures the human stories behind the missions and movements that matter.

As a Stars Align Ambassador, Daria contributes her extraordinary ability to make complex realities vivid, personal and emotionally resonant — helping young people see themselves as part of stories that are still being written.

Michael Daroven. is a Stars Align Ambassador whose creative talent, collaborative spirit and commitment to making a meaningful difference represent the best of what our global community stands for. We are proud to have him as part of the Stars Align family.