Dr. Robert Kurzban is an evolutionary psychologist, author, and science communicator with a passion for understanding how human nature shapes the way we think, relate, and make decisions. A graduate of Cornell and UC Santa Barbara, he spent over 15 years as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, where he researched cooperation, morality, bias, and belief through the lens of evolutionary psychology. His bestselling book, Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite, brought the idea of the modular mind to a wider audience, sparking conversations around self-deception and decision-making. In addition to serving as Editor-in-Chief of Evolution and Human Behavior and president of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society, Dr. Kurzban is the founder of RE:Writers, a collective of expert communicators. He now brings his expertise to Hidden Talent, where he’s committed to making science accessible and empowering young minds to think critically, question deeply, and explore boldly.
Jessa Zarubica is an award-winning filmmaker, marketing executive, and founder of Somethin’ Extra Entertainment—a company blending bold storytelling with strategic branding. A dyslexic kid who never thought she’d become a writer, she sold her first script at 17, launched her production company at 19, and directed her debut feature during a global pandemic. She’s since sold dozens of scripts, Showrun TV series on Hulu and Roku, directed for studios like Disney and ABC, and worked with NBC and Pocket. Watch. A tireless advocate for equity in entertainment, Jessa launched the Bow Revolution (featured in HuffPost), mentors rising female creatives, and now brings her passion for change to Hidden Talent—using story and mentorship to unlock untapped potential worldwide.
Avid Chabok is the Director of Strategic Growth at Hidden Talent, where she leads community partnerships and fundraising to expand access for underserved youth. Originally from Tehran, Iran, she has long been passionate about supporting children engaged in child labor—a cause reflected in her award-winning photography and her work with ARFAK, an NGO focused on education for children of labor. With an MBA and a background in growth management, she’s committed to building a world where talent—not circumstance—defines the future.