Max Kelemen
President
Max is a non-profit professional/advocate with a background in outdoor education, mentorship, education policy, and hunger relief. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from Pepperdine University and a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Colorado - emphasizing in non-profit development and social enterprise. His values center around building a more inclusive and peaceful world by addressing issues such as: freedom of consciousness, mental health, ending the war on drugs, environmental conservation, access to outdoor recreation, education reform, economic inequality, health care and food for all. Most notably, Max has worked with youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds to explore leadership and character development through wilderness experiences.
A self-described “psychonaut,” (explorer of consciousness), Max first encountered psychedelics while in college, which inspired his journey of self-study into the complex history, scientific research, public policy, and ultimate prohibition concerning these compounds. He continues to closely follow the emerging renaissance in psychedelic research, drug policy reform, and the cultural movement around psychedelics. Like many, these early experiences have led him to explore many other related areas of interest such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, philosophy, psychotherapy, and nature immersion. When not talking about psychedelics, you can find Max adventuring among the many wonders of the Pacific Northwest and enjoying all the tasty food and drink Portland has to offer.