Executive Producer and Host
Mary Newsome is a cognitive neuropsychologist who researches the effects of traumatic brain injury on memory. Her bachelor's degree is in English and Psychology from Kent State University, her PhD is in Cognitive Psychology from Princeton University, and her postdoctoral training is in cognitive neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine, respectively. Her human rights interests are broad, but include human trafficking, slavery, immigration, and fair trade. Mary is one of the founding members of the Human Rights Show.
Programming Director
In addition to his contribution to The Human Rights Show, Michael Skadden practices international law in Houston, Texas. Michael holds a Master of Arts in Spanish from Rice University, a Doctorate of Philosophy in Spanish from the University of Texas, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas. Michael speaks three languages and is one of the founding members of The Human Rights Show.
Co-Host
Amanda Austin holds a Masters of Public Policy from Duke University and a Bachelors degree in Political Science from Emory University. Amanda has worked for UNAIDS and the Carter Center in the past. She has also provided direct social services to victims of human trafficking in Houston. Amanda joined The Human Rights Show in 2006.
Co-Host
Deborah Lowery-Adams was born in Columbia and grew up in Kentucky. She attended Texas A&M where she received her degree in biology and health education. She is a trained Cardiovascular Perfusionist and has worked in the Texas Medical Center. Deborah has been an active member of Amnesty International for more than 30 years. She is an expert in human rights education and conflict resolution. Deborah joined The Human Rights Show in 2003.
Senior Sound Engineer
Phil Burton has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas, a Masters in Experimental Psychology also from the University of Arkansas, and a Doctorate in Cognitive Psychology from the University of Alabama. Phil became involved in The Human Rights Show to help expose human rights violations in order to obtain justice and prevent future violations. Phil joined the show in 2007.
Web Master
Rob Rau is a software engineer, design consultant, and programmer. He has an Associates Degree from Johnson County Community College. He became involved in the show after his brother, Richard, passed away in 2006. Richard had served as the sound engineer for The Human Rights Show. Rob dedicates his work to the memory of his brother.
Contributor
Hana Michelle Pinard is a financial planner for Pinard Financial Group and has worked in the past as an engineer for NASA. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Madison-Wisconsin. Hana’s areas of expertise in the field of human rights include LGBT rights and violence against women. Hana joined The Human Rights Show in 2008.
Contributor
Irina Shandikova was born in the Ukraine and holds her degree in Russian Studies from Kharkiv University. She has previously worked for the Bolivian government as a translator, as she speaks five languages. Irina is an expert in the field of workers’ rights and human rights in Eastern Europe.
Intern
Priscila Cevallos has lived in Germany, Brazil, and the United States and speaks four languages. She is a junior at Westchester Academy for International Studies, and she is involved in the Med-Club, Bioneers Club, Model United Nations, German National Honor Society, National Honor Society, Odyssey of the Mind, and the Houston Ballet Academy. Priscilla is interested in leaning about social justice, particularly in the field of human trafficking.