About Us

Veronica "V" Robertson serves the DAWA Board with extensive experience as a single mother of creative artists and entrepreneurs, a state employee, and a community curator of safe spaces for BIPOC individuals in Travis County for over two decades.

Through her "Love Life In Music" platform, she continues this work as a speaker and spoken word artist. Additionally, she co-curates "My Spirit is Rooted Collective - The Rooted Experience," a bi-monthly Black sacred worship experience designed by and for Black folx of all faiths. 

Sharad Kohli is a family physician who has dedicated his career to advancing health justice. He has over two decades of experience developing programs that promote well-being and allow people to take ownership of their own health. He integrates wisdom from diverse healing traditions and draws upon the power of community to foster wellness.

Krista Bergeron is the owner and head coach of Austin Simply Fit, an inclusive strength training studio known for high-integrity coaching and efficient 30-minute private sessions. With a background in social work and a lifelong connection to sports, she’s passionate about helping people feel strong, seen, and supported. Since joining ASF in its first month, she has grown it into a mission-driven business that prioritizes diversity, education, and community impact—proving that strength truly is for everyone.

Alec Brownridge is passionate about weaving together well-being and analytics to help communities thrive. He brings a unique blend of movement and mindfulness practices with a talent for turning data into stories that spark understanding and healing. As a board member of DAWA, Alec is committed to holding space, building connections, and supporting initiatives that nurture both individual and collective resilience.

Drew Dunavan, Co-Founder of The Werd Company, brings 15 years of extensive experience in technical production and project management to his role on the board of DAWA. His background includes overseeing major AV installations for various sectors, including venues, hospitality, and government projects. Drew's expertise has allowed him to collaborate with Fortune 100 companies, major brands, and A-list artists, consistently bringing complex events and installations to life with exceptional results.

Elsa Morales is a PR professional with over 12 years of experience leading strategic communications across the tourism, nonprofit, hospitality, and multicultural sectors. She currently works at Giant Noise, where she oversees nonprofit accounts including Austin Parks Foundation, Austin Ed Fund, and the Greater Austin YMCA. Morales is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and has led numerous Hispanic and Latino-focused initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Austin’s newest restaurants, traveling, and spending time with her dog, Hugo.

Jenny, principal at Spytek Bookkeeping, LLC, a virtual bookkeeping firm for makers and creators, knows the crucial importance of working behind the scenes of each specific brand, designing an organized finance environment tailored specifically to individual needs. From an early age, her mother instilled in her a deep respect for life, an appreciation for different cultures, and the importance of accepting and embracing people from all walks of life. Jenny is honoured to carry on that volunteer work for these important community causes as a board member at DAWA.

Max McKamy is an experience architect who believes in the power of live experiences, and the importance of music and community as catalysts for social connection, cultural change, economic opportunity, healing, and collective dialogue.

Nhi Nguyen is a Vietnamese American holistic creative. Her work is rooted in curiosity, care, and a belief that creativity can be a powerful tool for connection and healing. As someone deeply inspired by community, culture, and storytelling, Nhi brings her creative perspective to spaces that center belonging and collective well-being. She is grateful to support DAWA’s mission as a board member and to contribute to a community that nurtures healing, creativity, and care.

Elisa Cuellar is the Talent Experience and Culture leader at Favor, where she focuses on enabling people within the three-sided marketplace through performance, engagement, culture, retention, and development. She brings deep expertise from leading DEI strategy at H-E-B and over a decade in higher education. Outside of work, she enjoys chasing experiences with her husband, Paul, and four-year-old, Evan, and engaging in cultural preservation work tied to her Liberian heritage.

Zae Jenkins is a technology sales leader in Austin, Texas with a passion for creating meaningful connections between people, ideas, and opportunities. Drawing from experience in global business development and revenue strategy, he specializes in helping organizations grow through thoughtful relationship-building, operational clarity, and collaboration across teams. Outside of work, he’s inspired by creativity and community.