You could think of Field Notes as my “blog” of observations. Periodically peek into my sketchbook, eavesdrop on my conversations, get a glimpse of my projects — and lens on life in Silicon Valley. 

Camilla Olson: Odds Defier
Interviews Lisa Van Dusen Interviews Lisa Van Dusen

Camilla Olson: Odds Defier

Founder & CEO of Savitude

Camilla Olson defies the norms. She relishes taking on big challenges and has a proven record of overcoming them as a successful serial entrepreneur. Olson talks with Lisa Van Dusen about what motivates her: solving big, consequential problems, creating companies, building teams and championing women —- ideally all in combination.

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Shilpa Yarlagadda: Peer Presenter
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Shilpa Yarlagadda: Peer Presenter

Founder of Club Academia

In this "First Person" interview, Lisa Van Dusen talks with Shilpa Yarlagadda, a 2014 graduate of Gunn High School in Palo Alto and founder of Club Academia, a video tutorial website that promotes "education of the students, by the students and for the students.

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David Winsberg: Spicy Farmer
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David Winsberg: Spicy Farmer

East Palo Alto Farmer

While he specializes in peppers -- especially the Padrone -- he also raises chickens and grows fraises des bois, watercress and some rhubarb, all sought after by select Bay Area restaurants and farmers market goers

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Mary Lynn Fitton: Girl Guider
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Mary Lynn Fitton: Girl Guider

Founder of The Art of Yoga Project

Mary Lynn Fitton lives near Heritage Park in downtown Palo Alto where she spends much of her time helping teen girls in the criminal justice system develop self-control and self-esteem through yoga and the creative arts in The Art of Yoga Project.

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Matt Severson: Scholarship Angel
Interviews Lisa Van Dusen Interviews Lisa Van Dusen

Matt Severson: Scholarship Angel

Founder of The School Fund Nonprofit

Matt Severson, a 2007 Palo Alto High School graduate, started The School Fund, a nonprofit that connects donors with students in developing countries who need help with their annual school fees of about $150 per year.

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Michael Kieschnick: Progressive Powerhouse
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Michael Kieschnick: Progressive Powerhouse

Co-founder and President of Credo Mobile

Michael Kieschnick, Palo Alto resident and co-founder and president of CREDO Mobile, a San Francisco-based wireless company that donates a portion of its revenues to progressive groups world-wide, talks to Palo Alto Online about his work and life.

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