Meet the team
The small group behind Random Opportunities for Kindness — the people tending the network, building the platform, and keeping it honest.
Founders
Peter Samuelson
Author, film producer, and serial pro-social entrepreneur. Co-founded the Starlight Children's Foundation (1982), Starbright World with Steven Spielberg (1990), First Star (1999), EDAR – Everyone Deserves a Roof (2005), and ASPIRE (2013). Producer of 26 films. Educated at Cambridge and UCLA Anderson; lives in Los Angeles with his wife Saryl.
Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith has been recognized by Barron's, Forbes, and the Financial Times as among the world's premier wealth advisors. His conviction that “the meaning of life is to live it in a way to make a meaningful difference” has guided his life and career choices. A wish to thank a Good Samaritan in a more meaningful way and pay her kindness forward inspired him to form the global nonprofit Kindness Worldwide with a vision “to create a culture of kindness in communities throughout the world.” The origin story of Kindness Worldwide and the global movement it became is the subject of the powerful award-winning film For Such a Time as This. In October 2024, Kevin delivered the keynote address at the 11th General Assembly of The World Kindness Movement in Palermo, Italy, calling on leaders at all levels — including every member of the United Nations — to elevate kindness to the global shared value that represents all of humanity. ROK is the platform to support the Kindness Worldwide global movement that a single act of kindness inspired. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Gettysburg College, Kevin and his wife Anne of 32 years live in York, PA and are the proud pet parents of their 12-year-old Bichon Frise Bella, an adorable lapful of charm in puffy white clouds of cotton-ball hair.
Michael Binko
Michael Binko — aka ⟨ b|nko ⟩ — sees innovation and entrepreneurship as the launchfuel for healthy ecosystems and is passionate about celebrating those with the courage to STRT1UP®. binko is a serial entrepreneur, Innovation Ecosystem Builder, venture funder (angel+seed+VC), data scientist and brand-hound ideator having raised more than $2 billion in equity funding via global capital markets. binko's sweet-spot venture life cycle stages are late Bootstrap to Rampup/Scaleup when founders+teams are evaluated under the scrutiny lens of “Prove It at Scale.” binko has been a Venture Mentor | Sherpa to thousands of entrepreneurs and founding teams — keeping a warm spot for first-time founders.
Team
Danny Margolin
Danny Margolin is a software developer, builder, and lifelong believer in the power of community. Having worked with nonprofits, startups, and mission-driven organizations, he has seen how technology can connect people and amplify positive impact. As part of the Random Opportunities for Kindness team, Danny focuses on creating simple, accessible ways for people to spread kindness in their everyday lives. When he's not coding, you'll likely find him traveling, exploring new ideas, or sharing a cup of tea with friends and family.
Mekenna Arent
Mekenna Arent is a multidisciplinary designer and MFA candidate at ArtCenter College of Design. With a foundation in Product Design and a professional background ranging from interior design to visual identity, Mekenna’s work focuses on the intersection of branding and spatial experience. Driven by a passion for tactile storytelling and functional aesthetics, she creates design systems that help mission-driven organizations connect more deeply with their communities.
Winston Pillsbury
Winston Pillsbury is an entrepreneur, student, athlete, and host of The Search for Success podcast. Known for his leadership, communication skills, and drive to create meaningful impact, he has built and operated multiple entrepreneurial ventures — including AstroSoft, a digital marketing agency that has helped local businesses grow their online presence and customer engagement. A varsity team captain and active member of his community, Winston is passionate about connecting with people, building relationships, and learning from accomplished leaders; through his podcast he has interviewed entrepreneurs, investors, educators, and philanthropists to better understand what defines a successful and purposeful life. Recognized within the Vail Valley for his entrepreneurial initiative and community involvement, he strives to lead with integrity, curiosity, and service while inspiring others to pursue their own version of success.
Annie Vann
Annie Vann is a creative strategist, storyteller, and marketing professional with a passion for helping nonprofits, mission-driven organizations, and startups bring their visions to life. With expertise in copywriting, strategic planning, and brand storytelling, she has built a diverse career spanning marketing agency leadership, law firm communications, and nonprofit grant writing. Annie combines creativity, strategy, and purpose to craft meaningful stories and impactful campaigns. Outside of work, she enjoys writing mystery novels, traveling, and exploring the outdoors with her husband and two dogs. Originally from Durham, NC, Annie now embraces life in snowy Buffalo, NY.