Rick Fernandes,

Executive Director

Rick is a creative and mission-driven media executive with over 10 years of experience in original production and development, content strategy, and international partnerships. He is a 3x Emmy award-winning director and a 15x Emmy nominee across three categories: production, directing, and editing. He has worked in both commercial and non-profit sectors, delivering high-quality and impactful content for diverse audiences and platforms. As the Vice President of Original Series at Paramount, Rick led the development and production of scripted and unscripted live-action and animated series for Noggin, the company's interactive learning service for kids. He also led the internal animation studio, overseeing a talented team of artists and storytellers. Rick is passionate about creating entertaining and educational content that reflects core brand values and beliefs. He travels between the New York and Los Angeles often, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

Val Thomas-Matson,

Founder, Executive Producer + Co-Host

Val is a community organizer/activist with deep experience in media.  In addition to early work at KING TV, she created, produced, and hosted the daily community affairs talk show Communities in Action for King County Government TV for three years.  She has also worked extensively with the multi-award-winning production company North by Northwest, serving as co-host on Washington Grown, and managing video production elements for educational, nonprofit and government video campaigns.  Hattie McDaniel and Fred Rogers serve as primary sources of inspiration. Val is an Emmy Winner, and 2x Emmy nominee, with 9 International Telly Awards. In 2025, oon behalf of LL+L TV, she received the Governors Arts & Heritage Award. Val enjoys watching curling and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Seattle Graduate Chapter.

Amari Cash,

Communications Lead

Amari is a young professional with an educational background in English Literature and Film and Visual Culture Studies. An Atlanta native, she has worked as a program manager, social media coordinator, and script supervisor. Amari has a passion for utilizing media to elevate social justice issues and educate the next generation. She is excited for both the professional and personal growth that working with LL+L TV will bring. Amari holds a bachelor's degree summa cum laude from Spelman College and is a graduate of Spelman's Ethel Waddell Githii Honors Program.

Victoria Mendez,

Associate Producer

Victoria grew up in Florida, where she developed an early passion for storytelling from the shows that filled her school mornings. She brings that same curiosity and enthusiasm to Look, Listen and Learn TV. Victoria holds bachelor’s degrees in Creative Writing and Mass Communications from the University of South Florida. Her experience includes interning with Antiques Roadshow and working as a production assistant. Victoria is passionate about bringing BIPOC experiences to the surface in her work. She is excited to empower children of color by grounding Look, Listen, and Learn in racial equity and radical joy.

Jessica McCarthy,

Sponsorships Manager

Jessica is excited to bring her extensive nonprofit fundraising experience to the LL+L TV development team. Jessica’s background includes 20+ years in the nonprofit and private sectors including roles in marketing, copywriting, and event planning. She values her time spent volunteering in roles as a youth mentor and board member with local organizations focusing on youth empowerment, environmental conservation, and food insecurity. Jessica has called the Seattle area home for most of her life, and has a B.A. from Western Washington University and an M.P.A. from the University of Washington. She enjoys spending her free time in the mountains, at the beach, or enjoying a meal or arts event with friends.

Gennette Cordova,

Grant Manager

Gennette Cordova is a strategist, award-winning writer and advocate for causes that advance racial and social justice. In addition to publishing editorial pieces on issues ranging from housing to policing, she is currently focused on securing funding for initiatives and projects related to early childhood learning, special education, arts programming and reparations for Black communities in Washington. 

Gene Yoon

President

Look Listen and Learn TV matters to me because children of color are still having to experience and learn about age-appropriate racial and cultural conversations. LL+L’s intentional representation, culturally relevant content and the promotion of healthy eating, exercise, and storytelling is an act of healing for young learners even before the pandemic, and now for the new generation starting off even more isolated.

Kevin Carroll

Vice President

I am drawn to anything creative. Outside of work I have taught myself how to read music and play multiple instruments. I believe in uplifting the community so I spend as much time as I can teaching the youth about financial literacy and helping those that don’t currently qualify for accounts. I have been donating time to help the homeless and those affected by drug addiction and depression. In this role I hope to be someone that can drive our goals of youth education across all socio-economic audiences. I enjoy being a resource to assist anyone with reaching their goals.

Mercedes Luna

Secretary

I'm excited to give back to my community and help bridge the education gap of BIPOC children and provide them with fundamental tools to build success

Cynthia Chavez

Treasurer

As the Chief Financial Officer of Northwest Harvest, Cynthia leads the organization in growing food justice through collective action.  She has over 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit and governmental accounting industries and a deep and personal commitment to supporting underserved individuals and communities facing obstacles to economic and social mobility.  

Cynthia has supported food justice at Northwest Harvest for the past eleven years.  Her prior work includes serving agriculture community outreach at Oregon State University's extension. After completing her MBA, Cynthia worked for the City of Corvallis Finance Department supporting community development, community organizations, public works and local City services. Taking a turn into philanthropy, Cynthia developed the Finance Department from the ground up for the Schultz Family Foundation and served to accelerate the Foundation’s work to address inequality by unlocking greater educational and employment opportunities for individuals in need. 

Cynthia is a licensed CPA and the mother of two boys, ages 6 and 8.  She enjoys food, music, running, yoga, cycling, snowboarding and living life to its fullest with joy, intention, and purpose.

Kiotta Reynolds

It brings me so much joy to know that BIPOC kids in our community have an educational source to call their own. LL+L was made for our kids, with them in mind, rather than a revision to include them. At a young age, it can be easy to spark the joy of learning, but can we keep it going? I believe that having this representation in educational material, and from such an early age, is a powerful tool to ensure that spark is nurtured as they grow.

Sarah Walczyk

LL+L mission and vision are working toward greater social change. I believe that diverse media representation as a key part of addressing systemic racism. I am also passionate about LL+L's specific investment in centering curiosity and joy to build self-esteem in youth.

Ann Rogers-Williams

I believe LL& L's vision nurtures the spark of life, joy, curiosity, and sense of community that helps make it possible for children to dream big and pursue big dreams later in life. I want to help make that happen!

Nolan Phelps

A well-rounded pragmatic engineer experienced in software development, system verification, continuous improvement, and cross-functional team leadership. Organized thinker and innovative problem solver with a broad background in computer science. Interacts and communicates very well with team members providing leadership and mentoring.

Brenda Fincher

I’m passionate about engaging youth from different cultures, countries and backgrounds so that early learning and higher education is achievable for everyone.