Some people wait for permission. Mark Sanders isn’t one of them. At just 23 years old, Mark is already rewriting the rules—not just for himself, but for anyone who has ever been told to stay in their lane. Raised in Chicago, now building a life in Paris, Mark is proving that where you start doesn’t define where you end up. His mission? To show young people—especially young Black men—that they are NOT limited by their circumstances. "I want to lead by example and show people that they can take their life into their own hands," Mark says. "That they don’t have to live in fear. That they are free." That idea—freedom—is what drives him. Freedom to learn, to create, to live life on his own terms. And in doing so, he’s opening doors for others to walk through. Passion: Breaking the Chains of Fear Mark’s story begins with a mother who understood the power of words. An English teacher and single mom, she raised him on literature and poetry, teaching him to read before most kids could tie their shoes. What seemed like a small advantage turned into a lifelong superpower. "My mom told me, ‘I blame myself for making you read so much because now you think you can do whatever you want,’" Mark recalls with a laugh. "And she’s right. Reading showed me that the world was bigger than my neighborhood. It gave me the courage to explore." And explore he did. But books weren’t the only thing shaping him. Growing up in Chicago during a time of intense racial tension, Mark saw firsthand what it meant to be told who you are before you even have a chance to decide. He was writing about Trayvon Martin when he was nine. He was the only Black student in his class when he learned about a friends death at 16. That’s when he made a choice: He would NOT live in fear. He would NOT see himself as a victim. He would NOT accept limits on his potential. Instead, he would carve his own path—and make sure others knew they could do the same. Some people talk. Mark moves. By high school, he had already rewritten his own future. He fought for a scholarship to a top private school, setting himself up for college and a career that many around him had never even imagined. But for Mark, success was never just about getting ahead—it was about pulling others up with him. He began mentoring younger kids, showing them that their potential wasn’t defined by their circumstances. He spoke at after-school programs, teaching students how to navigate life, education, and the possibilities beyond their neighborhoods. And when the pandemic hit, he saw an opportunity to do even more. "Mid-pandemic, I wanted to give kids the same tools I had," Mark says. "So I started a program to teach music production—giving eighth graders a DAW (digital audio workstation) and showing them how to create beats." One of his students is now studying piano in college, using the very skills Mark introduced him to. That’s the real impact. It’s not just about music—it’s about creating new paths, new opportunities, and a new mindset for the next generation. Let’s be real—this journey hasn’t been smooth. Moving to Paris to chase his music career wasn’t easy. Navigating the visa system has been a nightmare. And there have been moments—more than a few—where he wondered if he was making the right call. "You don’t create change by waiting for permission—you push forward, even when the path is unclear," Mark says. So he does what he knows best. When things get tough, he starts by taking care of himself—hydrating, resting, resetting. Then, he shifts into action, tackling small tasks that create momentum. Whether it’s cleaning up, responding to emails, or making a quick call, every step moves him forward. It’s not just a routine—it’s a system. A survival mechanism. A mindset. And it works. Because no matter how hard things get, one thing is certain: Mark isn’t stopping. Mark doesn’t believe in luck—but he does believe in responsibility. Mark often reflects on the path that led him here, knowing how easily things could have turned out differently. Why him? Why was he the one Black boy born to an educator? Why was he the one who got out when so many others didn’t? "It could have gone so differently," he admits. His grandmother’s words have stayed with him: To whom much is given, much is required. That belief fuels everything he does. He refuses to waste the opportunities he’s had, refuses to be someone who made it out and never looked back. That’s why he mentors, gives back, and stays connected to the communities that shaped him. Because he doesn’t just owe it to himself—he owes it to the next Mark Sanders. Mark isn’t done. Not even close. He’s mastering French and settling into life in Paris. He’s building his music career, taking bold steps toward his biggest goals yet. He’s giving back—supporting the Chicago music school that shaped him, working toward becoming one of its biggest donors. And he’s still mentoring, reminding young people that they are not trapped, that their future is theirs to shape. "Operate fearlessly and with integrity," he says. "Don’t wait for permission to live your life." For Mark, the goal isn’t just success—it’s impact. His dream is to build a legacy bigger than music, one that empowers others to believe in their own limitless potential. And with that, he moves forward—leading by example. This is what Pathfinders is about. Real people. Real stories. Real change. 🔗 LinkedIn:  Mark Sanders 📩 Email:  markv3rd@icloud.com

How our brand ambassador brings the brand promise to life. Act in Harmony with Values:  Sloths live in perfect harmony with their ecosystems, balancing energy with purpose. Similarly, Pathfinders balance action with reflection, ambition with humility, and speed with intention. Their way of life reminds us to move sustainably and in tune with the world around us. Slow Down to See the Bigger Picture:  In a world obsessed with speed, sloths teach us the power of slowing down. Pausing allows us to see the details, appreciate the journey, and make informed decisions. Pathfinders embrace this mindfulness to ensure every step is meaningful and impactful. Be Deliberate and Purposeful: Sloths are masters of intentionality, focusing only on what matters. Pathfinders mirror this mindset, choosing thoughtful paths in business, growth, and leadership. Purposeful actions lead to lasting success. Be Determined and Persistent: Despite their slow pace, sloths are strong, adaptable, and resilient. They embody Tenacity, proving that persistence and determination can achieve great heights. Pathfinders draw strength from this steady resolve. Smile Through the Journey: With their serene expressions, sloths remind us to stay calm and positive. Their grace in the face of challenges inspires Pathfinders to navigate obstacles with poise and optimism.

Jeff Lamb is the founder of Pathfinder Exploration Community, a platform dedicated to amplifying the stories of everyday heroes who inspire change and drive meaningful impact. With over 25 years of experience in GIS, data strategy, and leadership, Jeff has made it his mission to highlight individuals and organizations using data and technology for good. His work celebrates the principles of passion, action, tenacity, and humility—the core values of the Pathfinders community. Jeff’s journey began at an early age when he discovered a deep connection to the land while mapping river systems near his home. This early fascination with geography and the environment evolved into a career where he championed geospatial innovation and ethical data use. Throughout his professional life, Jeff has held pivotal roles in business development and sales, including as Manager of Partnerships a Canadian municipality, where he gained firsthand knowledge of how governments think and operate. This experience shaped his understanding of the critical role data plays in solving societal challenges. In 2021, Jeff launched Pathfinders as a way to spotlight individuals whose work often goes unnoticed but has a profound impact on their communities and industries. Through podcasts, blogs, videos, and events, Pathfinders has become a hub for ethical storytelling and purposeful leadership. The platform is symbolized by Samson the Sloth, a reminder to approach challenges with passion, humility, and perseverance. Jeff’s vision for Pathfinders extends far beyond storytelling. He aims to build a global network of changemakers, creating spaces where individuals and organizations can collaborate, share their stories, and inspire others to take action. His initiatives include events like 'Data for Good,' which brings together professionals from diverse sectors to explore how data can be leveraged to address environmental, societal, and technological challenges. Jeff’s work is deeply personal, rooted in his belief that everyone has the potential to make a difference. His own experiences with adversity, including living with psoriatic arthritis and anxiety, have instilled in him a profound empathy and resilience that he brings to his work. These values underpin his dedication to creating a platform where authenticity and integrity are celebrated. As the host of the Pathfinders podcast, Jeff leads conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and everyday heroes, delving into their passions, actions, challenges, and lessons in humility. His ability to foster meaningful dialogue and extract compelling stories has positioned Pathfinders as a trusted voice in the 'for good' movement.

With Matt Pietryszyn as our guide, we've ventured into a realm where innovation and open data intertwine, revealing a future where technology bridges gaps, empowers communities, and enhances our understanding of the world around us. Matt is proof that each of us has the potential to be a Pathfinder, charting new territories and leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of technology and human connection. "Moving into a leadership role was important to my journey, balancing challenges with the creative outlet I craved." - Matt Pietryszyn Describing GIS Picture a map infused with the power of technology – that's Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This industry has matured to enhance how we experience location-based data. But what's the connection between GIS and open data? Let's uncover the magic that brings them together and how they're transforming our world. Career Journey Meet Matt Pietryszyn, a force of innovation hailing from Burlington, Ontario. Matt's story unfolds at the intersection of GIS, open data, and cutting-edge technology. His brainchild, Query, embodies a unique fusion of smart home tech, open data, and community engagement. But how did he arrive at this groundbreaking idea? Let's delve into his journey and discover the sparks that ignited his passion. What is Qwhery? Passion Passion is the secret ingredient behind every great endeavor. For Matt, his journey began in an unexpected way. From a background in media production, he stumbled upon the world of GIS and web design, leading him to the GIS program at Fleming College. A pivotal realization struck him – combining graphic design with GIS analytics could create web-based GIS systems that are not only powerful but user-friendly. This marked the birth of a passion that would drive his future endeavors. Action Innovation thrives when passion meets action. Matt's brainchild, Qwhery, emerged from a desire to harness the potential of municipal open data. With unwavering determination, he crafted a platform that connects smart speakers to local government services. By seamlessly integrating technology and open data, Qwhery has revolutionized how citizens interact with their communities. Tenacity Every journey comes with challenges and setbacks. Matt's path was no exception. Despite initial rejection, he persisted, seeking out connections and mentors who shared his vision. The road to entrepreneurship demands resilience, and Matt's tenacity led him to craft the Qwhery Cloud – a game-changing engine linking data to voice applications. His unyielding spirit transformed obstacles into stepping stones. Humility Success is sweeter when it's shared. Matt's humility allowed him to recognize his strengths and weaknesses. He partnered with like-minded individuals, fostering a collaborative environment that accelerated Query's growth. By embracing humility, he built a foundation of trust and collaboration that underpins his journey. Final Thoughts As we reflect on Matt's journey, one thing becomes clear: innovation flourishes when passion is combined with action, tenacity, and humility. His story illustrates the power of bridging technology and open data to create solutions that resonate with people's daily lives. Matt's tale serves as an inspiration, a beacon guiding us to embrace challenges, foster collaboration, and transform passion into reality. Contact Are you intrigued by the world of open data and technology? Connect with Matt and explore the possibilities that Qwhery offers. To embark on a journey of smart technology, community engagement, and GIS innovation, simply visit Qwhery's website at qwhery.com . Get in touch with Matt on LinkedIn and become a part of the movement that's shaping the future of our connected world. Your ideas and enthusiasm could be the catalyst for the next innovative breakthrough.

“Everything happens somewhere.” But for #police organizations, the difference between here and there has life-changing consequences. That’s why, at #Pathfinders, we caught up with Edmonton Police Service #GIS guru Joann Fox to talk about the #technology they’re building and using and how it gives the officers on the ground the #intelligence they need to save lives and prevent #crime. #security #data

From #Canada and the #US, all the way to our friends down-under in #Australia, @LindaWilson is #connecting people in the #GIS and #OpenData community through benchmarking surveys. The #OpenCitiesIndex and #GeoSpatialMaturityIndex are free and easy to use. Hear her story and how #womenintech play a supporting role in Episode 4 of #Pathfinders. #oci#gmi#gis#data#opendata#womenintechnology#womeninleadership#benchmarking

A love of maps, orienteering and geography led Adam Carnow down a different career path. A path of his choosing! Adam is a keynote speaker, thought leader and technology evangelist helping customers get the most out of their GIS investment and make a difference in their communities. He joins us from his home in Charlotte North Carolina to talk about the path of a GIS Manager to a GIS Leader.

In this episode of Pathfinders, we talk about Geospatial Strategy. What it is and why you need one. The world has woken up to the power of location. Geospatial is coming out of the backroom and into the boardroom. The ability to look at business data from different perspectives, through different lenses (where and when) has made many business leaders realize that location enablement is an enterprise priority. Getting data into the hands of decision makers, through all means possible is priority number 1 in our digital world. Maps, GIS, location intelligence, Geospatial. This capability (regardless of what you choose to call it) is really an untapped resource to those who don’t have specialized skills or understanding of it. Thankfully Digital strategies, data strategies, IT strategies are all highlighting the need to include GIS. In fact, a dedicated GIS strategy is now as important as all other strategies. The path from a GIS Manager to a GIS Leader is guided by strategy. And that's what todays Pathfinder, early in his career, realized and he has dedicated his time to helping organizations get the most out of their investment in this capability Matt Lewin is a management consultant, technology strategist and business director. His ebook Geospatial Strategy Essentials for Managers is an effective guide to making the case, building the strategy and governing for success. Matt posts his articles and insights online and is a sought-after speaker in the GIS community.

In this episode of Pathfinders, we talk about what it takes to launch an Open Data program within Government. Working in Government is a rewarding, and at times challenging, endeavor. Staff come to work everyday seeking ways to be more efficient, enable greater transparency with their colleagues and the public and to work smarter so that they can focus on improving your quality of life. You expect the bus to show up on time, the water to be clean and the garbage to be picked up. And, you expect that staff are doing this cost effectively. But did you know that much of the data that drives these programs can be made available to you? Open Data is a means by which governments can achieve these outcomes and share your data with you. By putting your data online for you to interact with, analyze and download they are becoming more efficient by removing barriers and costs, increasing self service and by allowing you as a resident, businesses, and media outlets a window into the operations and key decisions. Open Data programs are now a main feature of Municipal government. In fact, in Canada there are now more than 50 open data programs online and more coming every year. So what does it take to launch an open data program? Andrew Burton joins us from the City of Winnipeg to share why he and his colleagues have launched data.winnipeg.ca as a means to share capital projects, city budgets and planning related data to help form a tighter bond between the City and the residents.

In this episode of Pathfinders, we talk about what it takes to build a strong, successful and resilient team. A team that is productive, understands each others strengths and has empathy towards one another. Yes, that is possible to achieve but only when the leader of the team puts aside their technical affinity, their personal ambitions and their need for the spotlight and makes taking care of YOU their number one priority.