Silvanus Foundation
2026 Silvanus Foundation 5th Benefit Event-From Bravery to Brilliance: Igniting the Future
Event Organizer, Keynote speaker, Fireside Chat, Panels, Speakers & Music Performers Introduction
Date: Jan. 4th, 2026 (Sunday) 3-5 pm
Venue: CSMA (Add: 230 San Antonio Cir., Mountain View, CA 94040)
Ticket and Donation Link: https://www.silvanusfoundation.org/shop
Nathan Liu
Founder & Speaker
Nathan Liu is an undergraduate USC Marshall School of Business student and Mock Trial team captain, recognized with the Outstanding Attorney Award at the AMTA Invitational/tournaments. He founded the Silvanus Foundation in high school, raising $87,000 to fund 20 scholarships for children of fallen firefighters. His interests span AI, business, law, sustainability, and innovative youth leadership.
Vince Wells
Guest Speaker
Vince Wells, VP of California Fire Foundation, started his career serving in the United States Air Force for eight years and then transitioned to a career in public safety. He started with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District in 1997 and recently retired as Fire Captain. His expansive career has led him to be the current President of Contra Costa County Firefighters, Local 1230 and 4th District Vice President of the California Professional Firefighters.
Wayne Liu
Fireside Chat Speaker
Dr. Liu, CGO & U.S.A. President of Perfect Corp., is a global leader in AI and technology innovation, currently serving as a Forbes Council member and a Nasdaq Board of Excellence member. He also shares his expertise by teaching entrepreneurship and AI at universities worldwide and advising several startups and incubators—a strong champion of education, youth empowerment, and community impact.
Dina Venezky
Panel Speaker
Dina Venezky, PhD, PCC, BCC, CPC, is a leadership coach who helps people create intentional, meaningful change. With experience at Stanford GSB Executive Education, Smith College, and the USGS, she blends science, communication, and coaching expertise. Dina holds a PhD from Brown University and is trained in multiple evidence-based coaching frameworks.
Fiona Yu Bai
（白羽）
Panel Speaker
Fiona Bai is an actress-turned-writer, director, AI Creator, and producer who holds an MFA in Producing from the California Institute of the Arts, as the founder of Palaette Pictures. Fiona specializes in creating Hollywood-style high-concept films, streaming series, and social media travel series tailored for the Chinese market with international appeal.
Mark Lucas
Panel Speaker
Dr. Lucas is a Principal of Lucas Management Consulting, providing strategy, OD, and product management advice to MBB, Big 4, tech startups, finance, and global Fortune 100 firms for 12 years. He’s held leadership roles in academia, corporate strategy for Lexus, Toyota, and ARCO, and active duty in the USAF.
Anni Ankola
Panel Speaker
Anni Ankola is a technologist, entrepreneur, and global beauty advocate proudly representing the United States at Mr. Friendship International. With a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Anni blends data-driven thinking with deep cultural awareness to build solutions that empower real people. He is the founder and CEO of Spyra Beauty.
Cynthia Wang
Panel Speaker
Cynthia Wang is an undergrad at Stanford majoring in Computer Science. She’s particularly passionate about the intersection of fintech and AI, having scaled personal projects to closed betas of 400+ users in the U.S., India, and Singapore. Beyond working at several startups, she enjoys playing soccer and writing free verse poetry.
Selina Xu
Panel Speaker
Selina Xu is a sophomore at Northwestern University studying Communications and Data Science. Having grown up heavily involved in the performing arts and journalism, she is passionate about using storytelling to drive change within communities. At Northwestern, she is involved in marketing and business organizations, AI and political science research, and an acapella team.
Jonathan Szeto
Pianist
Jonathan Szeto is a senior at The Harker School, is an award-winning pianist and 2025 MTAC Panel Master Class awardee. His recent achievements include first prizes in several international competitions, a Carnegie Hall performance, and masterclass recognition at the 2025 Orbetello International Piano Competition.
Aaron Ma
Violinist
Aaron Ma is a junior at The Harker School and an SFCM Pre-College violinist. Won the 2024–25 SFSYO Concerto Competition and the 2023 Pacific Musical Society & Foundation Competition. He has performed for leading artists, toured East Asia with NYO-USA, and trained at top festivals including Chamber Music Northwest’s Young Artist Institute.
Ellen Cheng
Flutist
Ellen Cheng is a USC senior pursuing dual degrees in Flute Performance and Business Administration. A longtime flutist studying with Catherine Karoly, her highlights include recording at Warner Brothers Studios, performing the Ibert Concerto, attending top festivals, and teaching young musicians.
Nathan Zhang
Pianist
Cupertino-based pianist Nathan Zhang, age 13, is an eighth-grade student at The Harker School. Studying piano since age four, he honed his artistry through Bay Area masterclasses and festivals. A prizewinner in major competitions, Nathan has performed at Carnegie Hall for three consecutive years beginning in 2022.
Liliana Abraham
Harpist
Los Angeles–born harpist Liliana Abraham is a third-generation musician and rising young artist. A student at Sequoyah High School, she has been a finalist in the American Harp Society National Competition and soloed with multiple youth orchestras. She also performs with the Silicon Valley Youth Harp Ensemble.
Raeanne Li
Moderator of Panel 1
Raeanne is a high school junior with a passion for STEM, business, and visual arts. Whether through visual storytelling or innovative projects, she is committed to connecting creative expression with rigorous systems thinking. Her mission is to leverage technology and arts to enhance human experiences and develop impactful solutions for global challenges.
Sponsorship needed!!!!
Silvanus Foundation Announces 5th Annual Benefit Event: Bravery to Brilliance: Igniting the Future (Empowering the Next Generation-Beyond the Scholarships)
Sunday, January 4, 2026 | 3:00–5:00 PM | CSMA Finn Center, Mountain View, CA
Sponsorship and Volunteer Inquiries: gosilvanus@gmail.com
(Donations are 100% tax-deductible.)
