Christina Ryder graduated with a Master of Arts in Social Science with a concentration in Demographic and Social Analysis from the University of California, Irvine and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Vanguard University of Southern California. While at the University of CA, Irvine Christina assisted and lectured on fundamentals of social science research writing and throughout her academic and professional career has conducted research that has been used to direct national health policy. Christina has also been a grant writer for over 6 years and, as a fundamental area of expertise, has been successful in securing foundational, corporate and federal requests for multiple non-profit organizations, coalitions, and grass-root projects. Since January of 2006 through July of 2008 alone, Christina has assisted in securing $41.1 million in grant funding for non-profit social service groups nationwide. She has served in various capacities within non-profit organizations including in direct service, administrative, training, conference, and academic research review capacities. An activist at heart, Christina has dedicated most of her personal research and volunteer efforts to addressing the needs faced by at-risk youth, those affected by poverty, and women and children victims of violence. In addition to her role at Christina Ryder & Associates, LLC, Christina is per course faculty at Missouri State University in the Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology Department.

John C. "J. C." Bowman is the Executive Director of Education, Public Policy & Consulting (EPPC) Global Management,   a unique institution - a non-profit public policy research organization or "think tank", designed to work with Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations to help them become: stronger, more sustainable, and better able to serve their communities.  EPPC provides management expertise and other non-financial resources that are often not available to these organizations.  The EPPC vision is to build a culture where freedom, opportunity, prosperity and civil society flourish.  Bowman formerly served as Director of the Center for Education Innovation at Florida State University, in addition to previously serving as Director of the Florida Department of Education Choice Office. Prior to this position, Dr. Bowman served as Chief Policy Analyst of the Education Policy Unit for Florida Governor Jeb Bush. During his tenure in the Bush administration the state completed an ambitious school code rewrite.

Jason Shepard has 3 years experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Widely traveled, he has been a speaker and researcher at conferences concerning international and domestic development projects. His volunteer work has brought him into language classrooms, cooperative meetings, domestic violence centers, and outdoor youth development projects. In May of 2008, Jason earned a B.A. from Missouri State University in Anthropology and History, with a focus in Latin American studies and is currently enrolled in the MSU applied Anthropology master's degree program.

Brianne Strozewski is a Technical Writer and Editor currently living in Cambridge, MA. Brianne received her BS Professional Writing degree in December, 2006 at Missouri State University and during the course of her degree worked for the University in various technical writing capacities. Brianne is skilled in creating training and educational materials including courses, manuals, handouts, reports, and pamphlets. She has also worked extensively on Web site content for both Missouri State University and other Springfield, MO businesses. In addition, Brianne is a proficient editor and holds extensive knowledge of copy marking, proofreading, and document design principles.  Brianne has also volunteered her writing talents for several large non-profit fundraising efforts and initiative.

Andrea M. Meek originates from Louisiana, where she graduated with a B. A. in Theatre from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. After spending three years acting in various theatre and film projects in New Orleans and working as a guide on a Creole plantation, studying New Orleans and Creole history, she moved to New York and obtained a Certificate in Journalism at New York University. She currently lives in Manhattan, where she works as a freelance writer and an actor.