Alan Elliott Merschen

A former educator turned consultant, Merschen founded Myriad, a global travel marketing firm, later acquired by MMGY Global. He leads international insights at MMGY and launched The Sigmund Project, a nonprofit fostering tourism innovation. He also serves on multiple advisory boards and speaks globally on marketing.

Elias Popa

An artist, curator, and human rights advocate based in NYC, Popa uses art to explore community and diplomacy. He founded The Human Rights Network in Hong Kong and owns Oti, a Romanian-inspired restaurant, along with ANTHM (Cape Town) and Love Thy Neighbor (NYC). Outside of work, he enjoys rock climbing and traveling.

Shannon Xhola

Starting circus arts at 9, Shannon became a passionate coach and advocate for Social Circus. She worked with Zip Zap students in South Africa and later helped create Social CirKISH in Las Vegas. Now in Minnesota, she continues coaching at a nonprofit Aerial Arts school, believing in circus’s transformative power.

Josh Aviner

A creative producer and behavioral strategist, Josh co-founded Hideaway Circus and serves on the board of Zip Zap Circus, supporting social impact through the arts. He launched Audience Alchemy to apply behavioral science to ticketing and donor engagement. A Columbia graduate, he advises arts organizations and produces innovative shows.

Beth Binns Schoellkopf

Beth is an environmental consultant and longtime supporter of circus arts. She actively supports Zip Zap USA, advocating for its mission to use circus as a tool for youth empowerment. Based in Vermont, she balances her work in sustainability with promoting the performing arts and community engagement.