Board of Directors

Revlynn Lawson
Chairperson
Revlynn Lawson is a consultant who draws out the strengths of the people she leads. She is an excellent communicator and relationship builder. Her areas of expertise include the development of vision, organizational management, strategic planning, fundraising and grant writing. With over a decade of experience in business, government and the non-profit industry, Revlynn Lawson has proven to be an effective leader. Ms. Lawson obtained BA degrees in psychology and sociology and an MSW from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA and a JD from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

Carla Birnberg
Carla Birnberg is a writer for numerous publications including the Austin American Statesman and Good Life Magazine. She is the creator of AdoptProud.org which works to spread the word about adoption and MizFitOnline a fitness website for women. In addition, Carla's writing for the Statesman's Newspapers in Education has won an award from Cox Newspapers for creativity. Carla uses her networking and project management skills to inspire others to connect with each other and share ownership in bringing complex project to fruition. Carla Birnberg graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in Literature and the University of Pittsburgh with her MEd.

SaulPaul Hip Hop Artist, Musician, Filmmaker, Motivational Speaker
Born into poverty, SaulPaul grew up without parents and was surrounded by drugs and murder, but against all odds, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin; He encountered serious trouble as a teen, and is very familiar with both adversity and success; SaulPaul has performed alongside multi-platinum recording artists, been featured on ABC NEWS, and participated in MTV's Emcee Battle; he manages own presentations at schools and conferences all over the country, telling his life story to inspire the youth.

Advisory Board

Aaron Berkowitz
Aaron Berkowitz is the youngest member of the Hip Hop Congress National Board. His expertise lies in organizing and marketing large hip hop events and public relations. Aaron is also the Director of Marketing for F5 Records.

Tim Eubanks
Austin Voices for Education and Youth's Lead Community Organizer, Tim coordinates opportunities for the Cipher-Austin's Hip Hop Project students to be involved in community affairs.

Jeff "Da'Shade" Johnson
Jeff "Da'Shade" Johnson is an award-winning spoken word and hip hop artist. Jeff also participates in Capoeira, a Brazilian fight-dance, game, and martial art created by enslaved Africans during the 19th century and in storytelling to keep African American traditions alive.

Zell Miller, III
an award-winning playwright, poet, community activist, teacher and youth counselor, Zell works with youth affected by violence by leading yearlong support groups through SafePlace. Zell has extensive experience working with youth through working in hip hop theatre, teaching spoken word and mentoring.

Ananda Mayi Moss, LCSW, LCCA
Ananda Mayi Moss is Southwest Key's Director of Quality Assurance and ensures overall coordination of programs, grants and quality management. She is deeply involved in the arts scene in Austin and was instrumental in bringing spoken word programs to Southwest Key's Alternative school for youth expelled from their home schools.

Sean Tate
Sean Tate is on staff at the Texas Council on Family Violence and develops programs that foster crucial discussions on race, gender and oppression. Sean presents on issues such as misogyny, violence and homophobia and is an advisor on this project.

Wally Williams
Wally Williams is Chief Executive Officer of Tequila Mockingbird Music and Sound Design in Austin, Texas, a successful commercial production facility. Wally helps develop the program and donates studio time and services.

Youth Advisory Board

Drailand Bell, Quincy Ockletree, Damien Williams, Yolanda Zapata