Uprooted Origin Story 

Our Vision is for a world where multiculturalism is encouraged, accepted, and represented in the recorded history and public media for all cultures across generations.

UpRooted Media was founded in 2023 by Slovak descendants Deah Partak and Sam Latza, along with their supportive non-Slovak husbands, James Mayer and Alexander Parmley. The idea for the organization began with a simple desire to learn more about the hometown of Deah’s dear friend and “adopted” grandfather, Al Bednar—Slovaktown, Arkansas. Located just 40 miles from James Mayer’s hometown, it was surprisingly a place he had never heard of before.

Deah Partak & Al Bednar

After a meaningful meeting with Al’s family, Joe and Virginia Lisko, the idea for a documentary about Slovaktown was born. Despite challenges securing funding through other organizations, the two couples decided to take matters into their own hands. This led to the creation of UpRooted Media, dedicated not only to telling the story of Slovaktown, but also to amplifying multicultural voices and bringing historically overlooked communities to the forefront of both past and present narratives.

Joe and Virgina Lisko with Deah Partak

Joe & Virgina Lisko with Deah Partak

Our values that guide our work are diversity-equity-inclusion, preservation, education, & community engagement.

  • Deah Partak

    Deah Partak, LCSW

    Board President, is a dual citizen of the USA and Slovakia.  In addition to UpRooted, Deah is a private psychotherapist specializing in the effects of intergenerational resiliency, using a holistic approach that integrates ancestral connection and cultural heritage to help people find deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. Deah believes that reconnecting with our roots and understanding the legacies of our ancestors can provide powerful pathways for healing and transformation.

    Contact: deah@uprooted-media.com

  • Amanda Villamil Saranie

    Amanda Villamil Saranie

    Board Secretary a 4th-generation Slovak-Costa Rican and descendant of one of the Slovaktown original settlers and the famous Slovak Oyster Supper founder. Amanda has an impressive track record in project management and a genuine appreciation for heritage preservation. Her commitment to her Slovak Heritage is deepened as she works to provide her son with a basis for his multicultural heritage.

    Contact: amanda@uprooted-media.com

  • Jen Hopkins

    Jennifer Hopkins

    Community Board Trustee, is a dual USA and Slovakia citizen. Jen’s expertise is tied to the public school system training teachers on instructional technology integration. She holds a master of science degree, undergraduate degree in Secondary Education and History. Jen’s Slovak culture is strong in the kitchen as she actively cooks authentic Slovak dishes for her teenage children to help keep the heritage alive in her family.

    Contact: jen@uprooted-media.com

  • Eileen Partak

    Eileen Partak

    Advisory Board, is a 3rd-generation Slovak-American who has a keen eye and passion for the preservation of vital historical stories, memories, and documentation. Eileen serves as archivist for the Slovaktown Documentary and Database project.

    Eileen also archives for the Manhattan Township Historical Society where she also serves as the treasure and editor-in-chief of its newsletter.  In addition she is the treasurer and public presenter of interpretations of a Civil War Army Laundress of the 45th Infantry of American Civil War Reenactment in Illinois.

  • Andy Partak

    Andrew Partak, Jr.

    Advisory Board, is a 2nd-generation Slovak-American and a dedicated historian with interests spanning settlement formation to the American Civil War. Andy serves as archivist for the Slovaktown Documentary and Database project.

    He is also the Board Director for the Manhattan Township Historical Society in Illinois, Architectural Board Member of the Will County Historic Preservation Commission, Co-founder of South Will County Historians, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of the 100th Illinois  Infantry of Reenactors, and Board Secretary & Corporal for the 45th Illinois Infantry of Civil War Reenactors.  In addition to the Slovaktown archiving he is also  currently archiving an American Civil War Veteran database for free public use.

  • James Ashley Mayer

    James Ashley Mayer

    Advisory Board, was born and raised just forty miles from SLovaktown in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, USA. James is a multi-instrumentalist known for playing the pedal steel, flamenco guitar, cümbüș and other instruments from around the worlds. James studied flamenco guitar in Sevilla, Spain and later worked as a dance accompanist in both Wellington, New Zealand and Portland, Oregon, USA.

    James’ knowledge and skills in music selection, arrangement, composition, and performance brings an immersive depth to storytelling. James has music recording and album development skills that are critical to both the Return of the Descendants Podcast and the Slovaktown Documentary. James serves as both the Music Supervisor and Co-director of the Slovaktown Documentary.

  • Andie Solar

    Andie Solar

    Marketing Advisor, was born and raised in Slovakia and immigrated to the US at the age of 21. With first person knowledge and experiences from Slovakia, Andie is trying to preserve the Slovak culture in the USA especially when it comes to her son who was born here.

    She is very passionate about Slovakia, especially the creative aspects including customs and traditions. She loves fiber arts, especially knitting and embroidery, but she will try anything creative. She loves creating with her hands!