World Opt Institute

The Team

Michael Bailey

Secretary and Board Member

Michael Bailey is a noted conservationist, adventure television program contributor, and international policy advocate who places a high degree of emphasis on action. As a key aspect of this, he directs projects and expeditions to research and act upon wildlife preservation, environmental issues, and efforts that benefit humankind as a whole.

Michael’s ability to serve pivotal roles in ocean conservation was exemplified in WorldOpt’s high seas video documentation and legal enforcement efforts that successfully encouraged the release of scores of beluga and orca whales from what National Geographic Television and other news media proclaimed as the ‘Notorious Russian Whale Jail’.

Michael Bailey’s true calling was found young in life, when scuba diving, conservation, and international travel adventures began at age 17. Using his body as a human shield to protect whales from explosive harpoon cannons and baby white seals from being clubbed to death, at age 21 he was the youngest person to have been voted onto Greenpeace’s founding Board of Directors.

Michael’s actions include directing high-seas expeditions to save whales, seals, and dolphins. Michael has provided key film images for acclaimed feature television documentaries for National Geographic, Animal Planet, and other broadcast channels.

Michael’s expertise in domestic and international policy experience includes serving a central role in the successful passage of the United Nations ban on high seas driftnets, That U.N. General Assembly resolution saves the lives of over 1 million dolphins, and 4 million seabirds every year. Driftnets were a serious financial threat to the world’s salmon, tuna, and billfish fisheries.

During his on-site actions during Gulf War 1 in Kuwait and Iraq, Michael led successful efforts to extinguish more than 740 oil well fires that created a global environmental and financial crisis.

Michael Bailey is a noted conservationist, adventure television program contributor, and international policy advocate who places a high degree of emphasis on action. As a key aspect of this, he directs projects and expeditions to research and act upon wildlife preservation, environmental issues, and efforts that benefit humankind as a whole.

Michael’s ability to serve pivotal roles in ocean conservation was exemplified in WorldOpt’s high seas video documentation and legal enforcement efforts that successfully encouraged the release of scores of beluga and orca whales from what National Geographic Television and other news media proclaimed as the ‘Notorious Russian Whale Jail’.

Michael Bailey’s true calling was found young in life, when scuba diving, conservation, and international travel adventures began at age 17. Using his body as a human shield to protect whales from explosive harpoon cannons and baby white seals from being clubbed to death, at age 21 he was the youngest person to have been voted onto Greenpeace’s founding Board of Directors.

Michael’s actions include directing high-seas expeditions to save whales, seals, and dolphins. Michael has provided key film images for acclaimed feature television documentaries for National Geographic, Animal Planet, and other broadcast channels.

Michael’s expertise in domestic and international policy experience includes serving a central role in the successful passage of the United Nations ban on high seas driftnets, That U.N. General Assembly resolution saves the lives of over 1 million dolphins, and 4 million seabirds every year. Driftnets were a serious financial threat to the world’s salmon, tuna, and billfish fisheries.

During his on-site actions during Gulf War 1 in Kuwait and Iraq, Michael led successful efforts to extinguish more than 740 oil well fires that created a global environmental and financial crisis.

Grant Barbeito

Media Master and Film Producer

Grant Barbeito is an environmental filmmaker on a mission to raise awareness and inspire action for the planet. As the visionary founder of Earth Protect, he has dedicated his life to making a positive impact on our world by using the power of film to tell compelling stories about the environment, conservation, and sustainability.

A lifelong nature enthusiast, Grant’s journey into environmental filmmaking was driven by his deep-seated passion for the natural world. With a background in filmmaking and a burning desire to make a difference, he founded Earth Protect, a platform that harnesses the visual and emotional power of film to educate, engage, and mobilize people to protect our planet.

Grant’s work transcends boundaries and speaks to audiences of all backgrounds. His documentaries and films capture the beauty of the Earth, as well as the challenges it faces in the modern world. Through his lens, he shines a spotlight on critical environmental issues, from climate change and deforestation to endangered species and ocean conservation.

What sets Grant apart is his ability to blend artistry with activism. He understands that environmental issues cannot be addressed without engaging people on a personal level. His films not only inform but also inspire change. By presenting solutions and stories of individuals and organizations making a positive impact, Grant motivates viewers to take action in their own lives.

Grant Barbeito’s work has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, but his true measure of success is the positive impact he has on the world. He believes that everyone has a role to play in protecting our planet, and he works tirelessly to empower individuals and communities to make a difference.

In addition to his filmmaking pursuits, Grant is a passionate advocate for environmental education and sustainability. He frequently speaks at conferences and events, sharing his experiences and insights on the power of film as a tool for change.

Grant Barbeito’s dedication to the environment, coupled with his talent for storytelling, has made him a prominent figure in the world of environmental filmmaking. His legacy continues to grow as he encourages us all to protect the Earth for future generations.

Grant Barbeito is an environmental filmmaker on a mission to raise awareness and inspire action for the planet. As the visionary founder of Earth Protect, he has dedicated his life to making a positive impact on our world by using the power of film to tell compelling stories about the environment, conservation, and sustainability.

A lifelong nature enthusiast, Grant’s journey into environmental filmmaking was driven by his deep-seated passion for the natural world. With a background in filmmaking and a burning desire to make a difference, he founded Earth Protect, a platform that harnesses the visual and emotional power of film to educate, engage, and mobilize people to protect our planet.

Grant’s work transcends boundaries and speaks to audiences of all backgrounds. His documentaries and films capture the beauty of the Earth, as well as the challenges it faces in the modern world. Through his lens, he shines a spotlight on critical environmental issues, from climate change and deforestation to endangered species and ocean conservation.

What sets Grant apart is his ability to blend artistry with activism. He understands that environmental issues cannot be addressed without engaging people on a personal level. His films not only inform but also inspire change. By presenting solutions and stories of individuals and organizations making a positive impact, Grant motivates viewers to take action in their own lives.

Grant Barbeito’s work has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, but his true measure of success is the positive impact he has on the world. He believes that everyone has a role to play in protecting our planet, and he works tirelessly to empower individuals and communities to make a difference.

In addition to his filmmaking pursuits, Grant is a passionate advocate for environmental education and sustainability. He frequently speaks at conferences and events, sharing his experiences and insights on the power of film as a tool for change.

Grant Barbeito’s dedication to the environment, coupled with his talent for storytelling, has made him a prominent figure in the world of environmental filmmaking. His legacy continues to grow as he encourages us all to protect the Earth for future generations.

Richard Stancliff

Board President and Board Member

Richard Stancliff initiated efforts leading up to the concept of WorldOpt during the late
1970’s. Richard co-founded an organization called The Institute for Quality Living, which
provided housing and job training for the under-housed or homeless in Berkeley, California.

This work inspired him to consider how to cooperatively address social and planetary issues while encouraging sustainability within the global community.
The World Optimization concept involves creatively improving and managing the models that are used extensively within our human lives and thought processes. Richard advocates that the best use of such models can guide all of us to be responsible stewards of our only home planet.
Richard, who holds a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of California in Berkeley, helps to guide WorldOpt’s efforts to examine best practices and predictive modeling. These can be expected to assist in optimizing the multitude of factors comprising both human society and the earth’s biosphere. Foremost within Richard’s thoughts are how we can all best protect species and habitats in an ever more complex, more populated, and environmentally challenged world.

Phillip Willcher

Phillip Willcher M.H.,C.H.T.,is a professional facilitator, mediator and interpersonal
communications specialist who carries a longstanding interest and passion
pertaining to the natural environmental.

Phil is skilled Facilitator and Mediator. He carries counseling experience among
corporate leaders, businesses, individuals, couples and groups.

He combines techniques of Awareness Training and Compassionate
Communication, Hypnosis, and Self-Empowerment..He was one of the first Silva
Mind Method instructors in self discovery.

As a global citizen, Phil has seen and experienced the ravages of war, poverty,
fear and social instability. He carries deep passions for the wellbeing of societies,
and recognizes the pressing needs for ecological balance within all communities.

By drawing upon a variety of skills and years of experience, Phil; applies a holistic
approach to his life coaching so all may overcome fears and doubts and achieve
one’s greatness.

Katie Cartwright

Board Member

Maintains a longstanding career in events development on topics that include
environmental conservation, health impacts of pollution, climate change and social
responsibility.

Katie is experienced with attracting audiences for presentations, publicmeetings,
and group think-tanks.
She is an interpersonal communication professional who provides expert
counseling in areas of fitness of mind, body and well being.

Katie Cartwright enjoys a background in hypnotherapy and physical wellbeing.

She appreciates quality humor, personal wit, and cultural philosophies that serve
to inspire all individuals to reach full potential and wellness.

Katie continues to examine information and public media messaging that present
impacts of plastics, toxic chemicals and environmental hazards upon the minds,
thoughts and ophsyciuall wellbeing of every individual.

Evern Williams

Board Member

Evern Williams enjoys a longstanding career in the area of public media, broadcast
television , youth education and public outreach.

Evern advises that one of her primary joys is helping people discover what they are
capable of and embracing their higher potential.
Evern Williams is a community connector and systems thinker who builds bridges
between people, purpose, and place.

With a deep understanding of Hawai‘i’s diverse
communities, she brings experience in uniting the nonprofit, education, business, and
government sectors to foster partnerships that uplift public well-being.

Within her Native Hawaiian cultural background, Evern supports indigenous peoples
efforts to insure environmentally balanced lifestyles and community actions.

In her position as ʻŌlelo Community Media community outreach manager , Evern
supports media access, civic engagement, and workforce development initiatives that
empower individuals and strengthen community voice.

Youth and young peoples education and empowerment is one of her primary life themes.
Guided by the values of aloha and collective responsibility, Evern sees collaboration not
just as a strategy—but as a powerful force for personal transformation.

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