Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Filmmaker Ilay Ron Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Martita Mestey
Never give up! Even when things seem like they’re not going your way, keep going. Eventually, things will work out.
As a part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”,I had the pleasure of interviewing llay Ron.
Entrepreneur and filmmaker, llay Ron has made his home in NYC and LA for the past 20 years where he created his international trans-Atlantic production company Renaissance Eye Productions, based in NYC and Paris. With the passing of Kenny Davis, llay has been the driving force for POLLINATE NYC and is working to fulfill his late husband’s legacy by carrying out the work he had started. The years with Kenny and working on the early stages of this project gave llay the ability to bring together amazing talent from all parts of the world to orchestrate and bring POLLINATE to the public.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in Israel but moved to New York City in 2002, just six months after 9/11. I went to Brooklyn College and graduated with a degree in Film and Psychology. I was always interested in the arts, but I also had a passion for keeping our planet safe, knowing that humanity can lose so much if we don’t do our best to protect the earth, our resources, and the environment. A fun fact about me is that I was in a rock band in my 20s, and I often wrote about environmental issues…that as well as sad love songs.
You are currently leading a social impact organization that is making a difference for our planet. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
POLLINATE is a vibrant multi-platform art installation with images captured by world established photographer Reka Nyari. Our goal is to raise awareness about how fragile our planet’s resources are. Additionally, we aim to educate people on the importance of saving the bees and preserving various types of flowers.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
POLLINATE is a project that my late husband Kenny Davis founded, but I was always behind the scenes helping to amplify the message and connect with various people and organizations that might wish to get involved. When Kenny passed away unexpectedly 8 years ago, I couldn’t let this project die with him. I was determined to carry out his legacy and bring his vision to life.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
POLLINATE was Kenny’s passion, so when he passed away, I was dermined to keep the project moving. During the pandemic, we were invited by Westfield to host POLLINATE inside the Oculus in New York City. While we were looking for sponsors to produce the art installation, The World Trade Center and the New York City Port Authority proposed that we present our prototype for Earth Day (in 2022). This was the driving moment in making POLLINATE a reality, and within 3 weeks, the installation was live outside the Oculus. It was supposed to be there for only a month, but we ended up staying for 4 months! And the public loved it.
Many people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
The most important step in this journey was bringing together the right talent to execute Kenny’s vision. Some of the people who worked with him before he passed away had a difficult time proceeding with the project, which I understand, but I couldn’t just sit back and see the project die with him. So, I kept pushing forward and surrounded myself with the right people, many of whom are still by my side to this day.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
We had the idea to bring POLLINATE to the Newark Airport — and we did it! This is by far the most amazing thing that has happened to us since we started. People from all over the world are now able to experience POLLINATE as they travel in and out of New York City, and this is just the beginning of what’s to come!
It has been said, that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made when you were first starting and the lesson you learned from that?
I tried teaming up with “big name” people who wanted to take the project in a completely different direction. I wasn’t aligned with their vision, so I held my ground, and although this decision may have slowed our growth a bit, I know in my heart that I stayed true to my (and Kenny’s) vision — and that’s what’s important.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
My husband, Kenny Davis, put his spirit into this project. It was his vision that made this possible, I just had to carry out the legacy. His sense of passion and direction (and determination to stay true to the mission, even if it meant a long road ahead) is what keeps me going.
Are there three things the community, society, or politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
I believe if community leaders put more effort into educating the general public about environmental issues, people would be more inspired to take action. There is so much work to be done, and these are pressing matters — the clock is ticking. Additionally, those with platforms should advocate for policies that advance sustainability, and of course, support organizations like POLLINATE that are making an effort to inspire action.
How would you articulate how a business can become more profitable by being more sustainable and more environmentally conscious? Can you share a story or example?
Businesses should prioritize giving back to the community and donating to charities that are doing work to advance environmental causes. Customers are more willing to buy into brands that have charitable tie-ins or are environmentally conscious. Just take Patagonia for example — they were recently named the most beloved brand in America by CNBC. At POLLINATE, we created a shop where 10% of each purchase will be donated to a charity that supports the bee population.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
First, it often takes longer than you think to achieve your goals, but you should always keep going. It took about 7 years after Kenny passed away for POLLINATE to display outside the Oculus. At times, it seemed almost to be an impossible task since challenges kept popping up (the pandemic, the War in Ukraine, etc.) Second, use discernment when deciding whether to trust people, companies, or organizations with seemingly shared goals. Sometimes, they might have a different agenda. At one point, I almost let POLLINATE veer away from its mission by chasing shiny objects…and trusting the wrong people. Third, do thorough research before making major decisions. It will save you a lot of headaches. We’ve worked with the wrong partners in the past because we didn’t do enough research beforehand. That’s a lesson I wish I had learned sooner. Fourth, follow your heart. Kenny’s passion still lives on in this project, and I believe that’s what makes it so impactful. Finally, never give up! Even when things seem like they’re not going your way, keep going. Eventually, things will work out.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
Environmental issues impact everybody — including you! Practicing sustainable living makes our world a better place. If we don’t protect our resources, we won’t have a future to look forward to.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Always follow your dreams and never give up.” Many people come so close to achieving their goals, but they give up right before it happens. If you believe in what you’re doing, keep going. When I was making my films and various other creative projects, I came very close to giving up at times, but I kept pushing on. If I didn’t, I would never have met Kenny and I wouldn’t be leading POLLINATE today.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Shawn Mendes. He’s a beautiful soul who cares about the world and its surroundings. He also seems very spiritual and grounded. I admire how he brings beauty through his music and sense of fashion (especially his collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger). Also, seeing him take a break from his tour has made me realize how fragile we are as people and how easily we can break, just like our planet and its precious resources. If we don’t take care of it, it will break. It would be great to sit down with him and discuss how we can perhaps team up and carry this message to a wider audience.
How can our readers follow you online?
Through our Instagram page @pollinatenyc.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes Helping Our Planet: Why & How Filmmaker Ilay Ron Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.