Mariano Silva, President
Mariano Silva has his Masters in Brazilian Martial Arts, Dance and Drumming. Mr. Silva founded the Brazilian Cultural Arts Center of Santa Barbara in 2001. Born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, he brings authentic Brazilian arts and culture from the source. Mr. Silva is a Capoeria Master, singer, song writer, drummer, dancer, composer, choreographer, dance company director, master chef and motivational speaker who is world renowned for his talent and leadership . As an academic teacher at the University of California Santa Barbara, Mr. Silva travels less and is now focusing on building an international destination for Brazilian cultural arts in Santa Barbara CA.
Elizabeth Stephens, Vice President
Elizabeth Stephens is a graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara with a bachelor's degree in Women's Studies. Ms, Stephens has had many creative opportunities working with children's programs over the past 15 years and has brought a distinctive insight into cultural arts education for kids and adults alike. Ms. Stephens has over a decade of experience in sales, marketing and tourism which has given her a broad range of expertise in local as well as international markets.
Zoe Carlson, Treasurer
Zoe Carlson brings over a decade of fiscal management experience to the executive leadership team. Ms. Carlson has a Masters Degree and certificate in Technology Management Practices from University of California Santa Barbara. Ms. Carlson specializes in grant writing, grant management, bookkeeping and business planning. Ms. Carlson has served as the treasurer for multiple organizations including local and international non-profits.