Brandon Jent resides in Whitesburg, Kentucky on the unceded lands of the ᎠᏂᏴᏫᏯ, S’atsoyaha and Shawanwaki nations. He holds a masters in Linguistic Theory and Typology from the University of Kentucky; his thesis work focused on Central Appalachian oral personal narrative storytelling. Brandon has taught introductory courses at University of Kentucky and Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College in Spanish, Appalachian Studies, and First Year Experience. Brandon has also worked with various nonprofits and community-focused initiatives in the region over the last eight years in multiple capacities spanning documentary filmmaking, community radio, community theatre, storytelling, traditional Appalachian music, youth engagement, popular education, Spanish translation, and community development. Brandon is excited to work with LiKEN and further his commitment to the region and to all living beings — both human and other-than-human — who call the mountains their home. He currently serves as Development Associate and plays a lead role in LiKEN’s fundraising and grant management.