changemakers
Our Team
Sarah Talabi
Founder and Film Director
Sarah Talabi is a filmmaker and model. Sarah has channeled her passion for social activism into making a series of documentary films. She has been involved in every aspect of filmmaking - having held the roles of director, producer, and screenwriter. In 2017, Sarah founded Changemakers Studios: a multimedia storytelling studio for environmental and social justice that is dedicated to telling stories to inspire action on society's most pressing issues. Sarah made her runway debut for Palm Angels in 2016. Since her debut, she has worked with designers including Dior, YSL, Fendi and Mugler.
Sarah was born on December 26, 1999 in Los Angeles, California to Klem Talabi and Russ Levi. Sarah has a twin sister, Leah Talabi and younger sister, Olivia Talabi. Sarah was homeschooled and began ballet training at age two. She continues to train professionally in ballet and has earned lead roles in The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Coppelia,
Klem Talabi
Founder and Executive Producer
Klem Talabi is a model and philanthropist. Klem was born on September 7, 1970 in Paris, France to Nigerian lawyers Obi Talabi and Abidemi Talabi. Klem’s family moved to London, England when she was three. Klem attended Queen Margaret’s School for Girls in York, England then Cambridge University. After graduating, Klem went to work at Palais de la Femme, a women’s charity in Paris, France. She led the charity as women’s director and taught French to refugees seeking aid in France. Klem has had an extensive modeling career and has worked with designers in Paris, London and Milan.
Klem has three daughters: Klem, Leah, and Olivia Talabi. Klem leads Changemakers as executive producer on documentary films and head of digital content.
Russ Levi Verazzano
Founder and Executive Producer
Russ Levi Verazzano is a real estate developer and philanthropist. Russ Levi was born on March 27, 1970 to Italian immigrant parents. The Verazzano family immigrated to the United States from Calabria, Italy. Russ began developing affordable housing throughout the United States at twenty-one years old. His development company focuses on providing infrastructure and equity in primarily underfunded communities of color.
Russ Levi Verazzano has two daughters: Sarah and Leah Talabi. Russ leads Changemakers as executive producer on documentary films and head of development.
Leah Talabi
Founder and Director of Film
Leah Talabi is a filmmaker and model. Leah has channeled her passion for social activism into making a series of documentary films. Leah has been involved in every aspect of filmmaking - having held the roles of director, producer, and screenwriter. Leah founded Changemakers Studios: a multimedia storytelling studio for environmental and social justice that is dedicated to telling stories to inspire action on society's most pressing issues. Lerah made her runway debut for Palm Angels in 2016. Since her debut, she has worked with designers including Dior, YSL Beauty, Fendi and Mugler.
Leah was born on December 26, 1999 in Los Angeles, California to Klem Talabi and Russ Levi. Leah has a twin sister, Sarah Talabi and younger sister, Olivia Talabi. Leah was homeschooled and spent her childhood living between the United States, England, France, Italy and Nigeria.