About Us
“An international experience should reflect the entire system of enslaving and trading in African peoples, as well as the cultural legacy of this.”
The idea for FullCircle arose from a conversation between Julia Michaels and the founder of the Instituto de Pesquisa e Memória Pretos Novos in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Merced Guimarães’ unusual museum is dedicated to the mortal remains of enslaved Africans who died on arrival in Rio. That 2019 interaction resulted in Julia adopting Merced’s idea that an international experience should reflect the entire system of enslaving and trading in African peoples, as well as the cultural legacy of this.
Julia subsequently partnered with Mike Wittenstein, a friend she met when studying Portuguese in Rio, in 1978. Because of Covid, he suggested a virtual multidimensional (Web3) approach. FullCircle is the first to bring this geography and history together virtually, expanding our understanding of the past, its legacy and where we go from here.
A Quilt Can Hug a Lot of People
Back in 2021 (early days) we commissioned a quilt from Ed Johnetta Miller, whose gorgeous art hangs in three Smithsonian museums. Quilt storytelling and hugging have everything to do with FullCircle.
Photos by Christine Breslin and Alex Kent
Meet the team
The FullCircle team includes diverse thinkers and doers—each with unique skills and a positive worldview—and all with a passion for intergenerational storytelling.
Governing Board
Julia Michaels, MA, MFA
Author, journalist, playwright with a focus on Rio de Janeiro, social entrepreneur. 5 languages. 40-year Brazil resident.
Mike Wittenstein, MBA
An American consultant and creative based in Atlanta. He has learned to create experiences that connect people across cultures and geographies using stories and technology.
Geraldine Moriba
An award-winning media executive, filmmaker and journalist has worked as a senior leader at theGrio, PBS, CNN, and NBC News. Moriba is adept at developing innovative media and digital initiatives sparking audience engagement.
Eric Williams, PhD.
Transatlantic commuter, a collector of words, and an emergent jazz-man in the world of ideas. Williams’ research examines the meaning of religion within American history and culture, and the role and influences of African religions within the Atlantic world.
Julia Michaels, MA, MFA
Author, journalist, playwright with a focus on Rio de Janeiro, social entrepreneur. 5 languages. 40-year Brazil resident.
Mike Wittenstein, MBA
An American consultant and creative based in Atlanta. He has learned to create experiences that connect people across cultures and geographies using stories and technology.
Geraldine Moriba
An award-winning media executive, filmmaker and journalist has worked as a senior leader at theGrio, PBS, CNN, and NBC News. Moriba is adept at developing innovative media and digital initiatives sparking audience engagement.
Eric Williams, PhD.
Transatlantic commuter, a collector of words, and an emergent jazz-man in the world of ideas. Williams’ research examines the meaning of religion within American history and culture, and the role and influences of African religions within the Atlantic world.
Wisdom Circle
Pedro Berto, BA
Luisa Calixto, BA
Washington Fajardo, BA
Shamichael Hallman, MS
Chantal James, BA
Tonia East Phanor, PhD
Claudia Porto, MBA
Jasmine Reid BA, MA, PhD
Maria Moraes Robinson, MBA
Simon Robinson, MA
Kathryn R. Smith, MBA
Partners
Michael Henley, CFRE
Caron Johnson
Andrea Pratt-Smith, PMP, PMI-ACP, CSM
Karen Routt, MBA
Emmanuel Umoh, PhD, PMP
Randi Yoder, MBA
Interns
Mica Key
Tori Scruggs
Make FullCircle Real
Now that you’ve imagined along with us, help us make FullCircle real.
