Christian D. Bruun is an award-winning producer, director, and creative entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. Through his work in documentaries, television, film, and podcasts, he creates stories that connect people, cultures, and ideas.
As Denmark’s Honorary Consul in Los Angeles, Christian works to strengthen the relationship between Denmark and the United States. Through initiatives such as Northern Lights Studios, Danish Originals, the Nordic Concepts Institute, and DKLA, he promotes creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange across the Atlantic.
Drawing on his international experience and passion for community building, Christian offers valuable perspectives on Danish-American cooperation and the opportunities that emerge when people connect across borders.
Mark Draper is Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Denmark (AmCham Denmark) and an experienced transatlantic leader whose career spans diplomacy, business, and Danish-American relations.
A dual American and Danish citizen, Mark has lived in Denmark for more than 20 years. He previously served twice at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen with the U.S. Department of State and has also held senior public affairs positions with Coloplast, Danfoss, and Scandinavian Tobacco Group.
With extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, Mark provides unique insights into the strong commercial partnership between Denmark and the United States, as well as the role that business, diplomacy, and people-to-people connections play in strengthening transatlantic ties.
Brooke Taylor Fossey, known to many as The Nearly Danish Dame, is a passionate communicator of the Danish language and life between cultures. Originally from New York State, she has lived in Copenhagen with her husband and their two children for nearly four years.
Through her social media platforms, Brooke shares the humor, quirks, and unique characteristics of the Danish language while building bridges between Danes and international residents. She is the creator of Speak Danish With Me, a series of conversations with people from diverse backgrounds about their experiences learning, speaking, and rediscovering Danish.
Brooke is dedicated to creating opportunities for linguistic and cultural integration. She believes that language is one of the strongest bridges between people and that a shared language fosters understanding without diminishing differences.
Lisa Steen Riggs has devoted much of her life to preserving and celebrating Danish-American heritage through history, tradition, and community. Following a 45-year career as manager of the Danish Windmill in Elk Horn, Iowa, she continues to play a leading role in strengthening the cultural ties between Denmark and the United States.
Lisa currently serves as U.S. Vice President of the Rebild National Park Society and was honored as Aalborg’s Mayor for a Day in 2024. Through decades of leadership, partnership-building, and cultural exchange, she has helped connect generations of Danish Americans with their heritage.
In her remarks, Lisa reflects on the enduring significance of Rebildfesten and the values of freedom, democracy, friendship, and kinship that have united Denmark and the United States for more than a century.
Pricilla de la Torro is a recipient of the 2025 Rebild Scholarship, and her story reflects the many cultural connections that define modern transatlantic society. Raised in Houston, Texas, in a Mexican-American family, she now lives in Denmark, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in Biotechnology at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
Having grown up between cultures and now studying abroad, Pricilla brings a unique perspective on identity, belonging, and international exchange. Her experiences span the American South, the U.S.-Mexico border region, and her current life in Denmark.
As this year’s Youth Speaker, Pricilla shares her journey across cultures and continents, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and personal growth that come from building bridges between people and nations. Her story reflects the spirit of international understanding and connection that has always been at the heart of Rebildfesten.