Speakers

We Are Blood and we've been providing and protecting the blood supply of Central Texas since 1951.

Nick Canedo is the vice president of community engagement at We Are Blood, where he is responsible for overseeing communications, marketing, and donor outreach for the Central Texas nonprofit. A native Texan and St. Edward’s University graduate, Nick has spent the past 13 years serving in various community relations roles at nonprofit organizations in New York City and Austin. Before joining We Are Blood, Nick earned a law degree and worked for St. Francis College and the Rainforest Alliance in New York City. Nick returned to Texas in 2016 to work for the state legislation focused Center for Public Policy Priorities. When not sharing the importance of blood donation with others, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and nine-month-old daughter, visiting family in San Antonio, and making cooking barbecue in his backyard. 

At no cost to the family or facility, Swan Songs® organizes private concerts for those with a terminal illness or nearing the end of life. 

Community Education Program Assistant for Austin Wildlife Rescue and Community Outreach Coordinator Mariya Prytula

"Growing up in Ukraine, Mariya dreamed of one day seeing a raccoon. Now she gets to see over 400 of them a year working for Austin Wildlife Rescue! Mariya blends her medical, early educational and artistic background to create educational programs for AWR as well as children's illustrations for other projects. She has lent her art to over 15 publications, and her award-winning picture book Little Moss, Big Tree has been translated into Chinese."