Barry Silverberg has over 45 years of nonprofit professional and volunteer leadership, management, resource development, and communications experience focusing on nonprofit governance, strategic thinking, board engagement, professional and organizational development, and public policy awareness and advocacy.

Barry founded the Center for Nonprofit Studies at Austin Community College in 2000. He created the Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management in 2007, and with Lisa Bussett, Center Coordinator, has created other Certificates in Volunteer Management, Grant Writing, Effective Fundraising, Marketing and Promotion, and Cultural Leadership.  He also created and taught Nonprofit Management and Leadership for St. Edward’s University’s Nonprofit Management Certificate for 15 years.

Currently co-Executive Producer of CNS’ Civil Society television and web podcast, Barry is also Secretary/ Treasurer of School of Thought, an international nonprofit that epitomizes his personal and professional focus.  It is an online education platform that will provide courses, content, and other resources that teach creative and critical thinking skills to anyone and everyone, for free.  By using the power of creativity to entertain, it aims to make learning how to think a fun and engaging experience, and fulfill a lifelong thirst for understanding and self-awareness.

Anh Pham is a seasoned professional dedicated to optimizing the performance of individuals and organizations. With a distinguished career that spans roles such as Creative Director at The Main Office, and experience in legal, medical, and business sectors, she has consistently demonstrated a knack for streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency. Anh is unwaveringly committed to delivering exceptional customer service and is deeply passionate about making a meaningful impact.

At the core of Anh's philosophy is a commitment to finding innovative solutions that benefit others. A versatile team player, equally comfortable in leadership or collaborative roles, Anh approaches challenges with enthusiasm, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. Her ability to tailor her skills to the unique needs of diverse clients reflects a strong sense of responsibility.

Known for her continuous pursuit of knowledge, Anh thrives on mastering new software applications and leveraging resources to their fullest potential. As an early adopter of emerging tools, she remains at the forefront of industry advancements.

These attributes, among others, position Anh as a cornerstone for the Center's multifaceted initiatives, embodying experience, professionalism, and a proactive approach that allows her to seamlessly navigate various responsibilities.

Marissa Wahkuna Ponder is an educator and performing artist.

At her core lives the motto of her alma mater: Expression Necessary to Evolution.

Marissa’s background is designing education using the Arts (drama, music, dance/movement,
and visual art) as the vehicle for teaching academic and social-emotional subjects. With a BFA
in Theatre Education and an M.Ed in Interdisciplinary Studies, she spent 2 decades teaching
performance arts and various academics to children and adults. Marissa has heavily explored
the cognitive and emotional links between trauma and artistic expression. She has designed
educational projects as a music director, composer, improviser, and team-building trainer with
various non-profit organizations.

Marissa loves to laugh with her students at Merlin Works School of Improvisation, where she
teaches talking and musical improv, and also trains team building for the business community.

Marissa’s super power is her ability to quickly build joyfully connected communities through
hilarious playtime, maintaining safe spaces for silly and honest moments, while lifting individual
confidence and expanding the awareness of social empathy.
Marissa performed her first song 27 years ago, and today writes songs and orchestral
compositions as her deepest expression.