Our Founder

                                                                                  Nathan Liu

                                                                            President and Executive Director

Nathan Liu is the Founder and President of the Silvanus Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening community resilience, and addressing real-world challenges through innovation, education, and leadership. Founded in 2022, Silvanus began as Nathan’s high-school initiative to support the children of fallen firefighters, a mission that remains a core pillar of the organization today. Under his leadership, the foundation has raised approximately $87,000, funding 20 scholarships through the California Fire Foundation and organizing the annual Tribute to Fallen Heroes benefit series.

Now a university student, Nathan is expanding the foundation’s vision to meet the evolving needs of a rapidly changing world. As a student at the USC Marshall School of Business and an active member of The Consulting Club, he brings a multidisciplinary approach to community impact. His interests in AI, business, law, technology, sustainability, and social responsibility guide Silvanus toward a broader mission—one that continues to honor firefighter families while empowering young people to create innovative solutions to the complex challenges of their generation.

Nathan also serves as Captain of USC’s Dornsife Trial Advocacy Program, earning the Outstanding Attorney Award at the 2025 AMTA Invitation/Tournaments for his excellence in courtroom advocacy and leadership. Previously, at Case Western Reserve University, he served as Captain and Fundraising Chair of the nationally ranked Undergraduate Mock Trial Team, competed at the 2025 American Mock Trial Association National Championship, and helped the program advance 20 spots in national ranking. He also earned placement on the Dean’s High Honor List.

His academic and research interests include sustainability, AI, and ethical technology. He is the co-author of:

“The Role of AI in Advancing Sustainability and Social Responsibility in the Beauty Industry,” published in the American Marketing Association (AMA) Winter Virtual Conference Proceedings (2025).
He was also invited to present a second project, “Empowering Fan Engagement with Generative AI,” at the AMA SIG Summer Conference Session.

Nathan’s early research in climate resilience—recognized by the Synopsys Science & Technology Championship—includes projects using AI to classify wildfire origins and to analyze extreme-event lightning fires, reflecting his longstanding dedication to environmental innovation.

Today, the Silvanus Foundation is evolving from a scholarship-driven initiative into a youth innovation and leadership platform. While continuing to honor and support the children of fallen firefighters, Silvanus aims to inspire young changemakers through research opportunities, community-driven problem solving, and creative approaches that bridge technology, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social impact.

Nathan’s vision is to cultivate a generation of leaders who combine knowledge, compassion, and innovation to build stronger, more sustainable communities—locally and globally.