Our values that guide our work are diversity-equity-inclusion, preservation, education, & community engagement.
Uprooted Origin Story
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 & Virgina Lisko with Deah Partak
MEET OUR TEAM
DEAH PARTAK - BOARD PRESIDENT
Deah, LCSW is a 3rd-generation Slovak-American who dreamt up the idea for the Slovaktown, documentary after befriending the now 90 year old grandson of one of the founding fathers of Slovaktown. As a social worker, Deah has always recognized the importance of stories and especially histories in finding purpose in life.
Deah has experience as an editor and host of UpRooted Media’s “Return of the Descendants Podcast” and volunteer video editor for non-profit social media. Deah has written and been interviewed for articles and chapters about both her own Slovak Heritage and Slovaktown in both the USA and Slovakia. Deah also serves as the co-director of the Slovaktown Documentary.
AMANDA VILLAMIL SARANIE - Board Secretary
Amanda is a 4th-generation Slovak-Costa Rican. Amanda is the 2nd Great-granddaughter of the Slovaktown founder George Sandulak and great-granddaughter of Stanley Saranie Sr, one of the founders of Slovaktown’s famous Oyster Supper.
Amanda comes to us with an impressive track record in project management and a genuine appreciation for heritage preservation. She is also the project manager for all UpRooted Media’s projects and assistant director of the Slovaktown Documentary. Her interest in personal vlogging has given a personal touch to the Slovaktown Documentary especially given her connection to Slovaktown.
JEN HOPKINS - COMMUNITY BOARD TRUSTEE
Jen is a 3rd generation Slovak descendant from families originating in the Malacky district of present day Slovakia. She enjoys cooking new Slovak recipes as well as family recipes.
Jen also works in the public school system training teachers on instructional technology integration. She holds a master of science degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University as well as an undergraduate degree in Secondary Education and History from Northern Arizona University. Jen enjoys snowboarding, backpacking and going to the beach with her husband and two daughters.
EILEEN PARTAK - ADVISORY BOARD
Eileen is a 3rd-generation Slovak-American who has a keen eye and passion for the preservation of vital historical stories, memories, and documentations. 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 - ADVISORY BOARD
Andrew, a 2nd-generation Slovak-American, is 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 - ADVISORY BOARD
James 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, cümbüş and other instruments from around the world. 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 - MARKETING ADVISOR
Andie 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!