Meet the Kwaray Leadership Team

With over 30 years of visionary leadership in higher education, Byron has consistently transformed organizations to reach their highest potential. As Executive Director, he is driven by a deep passion for empowering individuals to discover their purpose and harness their potential to change the world. Kwaray embodies this mission, reflecting his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education and self-discovery. Byron’s journey includes over a decade as President of the Art Institute of California, San Francisco, and most recently, as Vice President of Operations for the Art Institute system in Texas. He holds a B.A. from California State University, Fullerton, and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management.

Cindy is a seasoned strategist, entrepreneur, and education leader with a passion for articulating vision, creating execution plans, and building innovative ventures. With over 12 years of strategy work, 8 years in K-12 and higher education, and 5 years as an ontological coach, she oversees product design and strategy for Kwaray. Cindy holds a B.A. from UC Berkeley, an MBA from The Wharton School, and a B.S. from the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, she is an amateur photojournalist, dedicated to capturing the visual stories of disappearing tribes around the world.

Dena brings 20 years of leadership in higher education and the arts, with extensive experience in production, creative direction, operations management, admissions, and community engagement. She is passionate about expanding platforms for creatives and spiritually inclined leaders, developing meaningful partnerships, and driving projects forward by transforming ideas into action. As the Director of Operations, Dena supports day-to-day operations and directs production to develop and deliver innovative educational content that reinforces Kwaray's vision. Dena holds a BA in Marketing from Columbia College Chicago.

Jonathon Murillo has served startups, universities, non-profits, and faith communities as a strategist, facilitator, and creator. He is passionate about leadership formation and innovation, leveraging theological imagination for the flourishing of all. Jonathon holds a Master of Divinity from Azusa Pacific Seminary and a B.A. in Communication from Vanguard University. At Kwaray, he guides and supports partners in creating meaningful courses and experiences for faith leaders.

Meredith brings a wealth of experience from her work across non-profits, faith-based organizations, entrepreneurial ventures, and startups. As a key member of the Kwaray team, she enhances the community experience and strengthens vital connection points for users. Meredith plays a pivotal role in organizing and supporting Kwaray's vibrant forums and events while collaborating closely with partners to ensure their success. She earned her B.A. from Hope International University in Fullerton, California, and resides in Southern California with her spouse, two children, and their beloved dog.

A dedicated leader in education and learning, Alicia has spent her career supporting the growth of individuals and organizations. With an Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts, a B.S. in Biology, an M.A. in Education, and ongoing work towards a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, she embodies a commitment to lifelong learning. Her 15 years of experience in higher education as faculty, administrator, and executive, along with a decade in the medical field and 30+ years in hospitality, fuel her passion for digital learning management, instructional design, and curriculum development. Alicia resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her significant other and their two Bichon Frises, Luna and TeenaMarie.

Maurice “Mo” King is an advocate for education and community. His professional journey includes roles in commerce and production with companies such as Gap, Inc., The Limited, The Walt Disney Company, and Nike. An alumnus of the Pacific School of Religion with a Master of Arts in Social Transformation, Mo's advocacy spans schools, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.

With over a decade of experience in faith-based organizations, institutions, and marketing agencies, Jai brings a wealth of expertise in crafting compelling messages, stories, and strategies to expand Kwaray's reach. As the lead for Kwaray's external communications, Jai manages multiple digital channels, creates engaging content, and develops communication systems that enhance our organization’s impact and serve our community. He holds a B.A. from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an MBA from LSU Shreveport. Jai currently resides in Texas with his family.

A solutions-oriented professional with over 30 years of management experience, Robert is known for his innovative approach to leadership, team building, and client relations. As a motivational project manager, he excels in delivering high-quality results in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments. With a strong track record of surpassing goals, staying on schedule and budget, and implementing leading-edge IT solutions, he is an out-of-the-box thinker who thrives in collaborative settings. Robert works closely with business and technical teams to increase profits, reduce costs, and drive continuous improvement through strategic IT infrastructure planning.

With a rich background in e-commerce and e-learning, Lei Wang has contributed to strategy, operations, design, and community engagement across various platforms. She is a dedicated life coach with a passion for guiding individuals toward meaningful and fulfilling lives. Her commitment to holistic human development and promoting diversity aligns seamlessly with Kwaray's mission. Lei is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the team, driving forward the vision of creating transformative learning experiences.

Josue is originally from Costa Rica, moved here to the US in 2015 with his family and now married to his wife Shelby. They now have two cats and live in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Josue is the owner of Oakview Design Studio where he is able to merge entrepreneurship, design, and creativity. Josue feels beyond blessed to be part of projects like Kwaray that breaks ground for innovation and further education amongst upcoming leaders.