Board of Directors

Khaili Sam-Sin
Portrait of Gilbert Ogunmokun a smiling man with dark curly hair, a beard, wearing a dark blazer and a blue shirt, standing against a dark background.

Khaili Sam-Sin

Gilbert Ogunmokun

Tamirah Collins-Harris A woman with blonde curly hair wearing a white sleeveless dress, sitting on a black chair in front of a wooden wall.
Sarah Banuelos. A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiling, wearing a beige blazer over a brown top, and accessorized with earrings and a necklace, against a plain white background.

Tamirah Collins-Harris

Sarah Banuelos

A woman with curly hair smiling, wearing a striped shirt, in a bright setting.

Victoria Jasper

  • Chairperson of the Board

    Originally from Houston, Texas, Khaili Sam-Sin brings a strong background in international studies, cross-cultural communication, and creative media. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from Louisiana State University and a Master’s in World Culture and Literature from the University of Houston, where she focused on modernity, anthropology, philosophy, and comparative literature.

    Sam-Sin is a filmmaker, writer, and creative director whose work spans public relations, media strategy, and interdisciplinary arts. Her professional experience includes developing marketing campaigns, designing visual media, managing press relations, and producing creative content for both community organizations and artistic projects. She has worked extensively in nightlife, cultural programming, and performance-based events, with a long career in media and creative direction.

    Her work centers on building cultural connection, elevating voices, and creating accessible spaces for artistic expression. At the Brazilian Center, she combines her academic training with her creative vision to support community engagement, expand cultural education, and help shape the organization’s growth and mission.

  • Chief Financial Officer

    Gilbert serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento. He brings a uniquely interdisciplinary background to the role, combining scientific research experience, financial analysis, and leadership within youth-focused nonprofit work.

    He holds a B.S. in Biology from Texas Tech University and has contributed to several published research papers in biology, diabetes, and cellular metabolism — work that strengthened his analytical skills, attention to detail, and rigorous approach to problem-solving.

    Professionally, Gilbert has years of experience working with financial systems and market analytics. His ability to interpret complex data and assess risk translates directly into the Center’s financial planning, budgeting, and long-term sustainability strategies.

    He also serves as a Facility Supervisor with FosterHope Sacramento, where he oversees program operations, supports youth development initiatives, and coordinates team-wide compliance and safety standards. His leadership in the nonprofit sector adds a grounded, community-centered dimension to his oversight at the Center.

    As CFO, Gilbert supports the organization’s mission by managing financial stewardship with clarity, responsibility, and a commitment to the Center’s growth and cultural impact.

  • Director of Cultural Outreach

    Tamirah Collins is a Houston-based visual artist and curator who earned her B.F.A. in Photography from Sam Houston State University in 2021. As a Pan-African woman, she merges her passion for curation and documentary photography to celebrate and preserve her cultural heritage. Currently, she serves as the Curatorial & Exhibitions Manager for the Community Artists’ Collective and the Designer and Communications Assistant at Lawndale Art Center.

  • Director of Technological Strategy

    Sarah specializes in using Salesforce and Power BI to drive data-informed decision-making. She is passionate about supporting nonprofit organizations and helping them use technology to advance their missions. Her work focuses on designing digital strategies that improve efficiency, transparency, and long-term sustainability. Sarah is committed to using innovation and data to help organizations create meaningful, measurable change.

  • Secretary

    Victoria Jasper is a dedicated Benefits Advisor and coordinator with extensive experience in enrollment processing and insurance support. She brings strong relationship-building skills, problem-solving abilities, and a clear, client-focused approach to every role she serves. Jasper is highly motivated, committed to learning, and driven by a desire to help individuals understand their coverage options with confidence.

    She is known for her strong work ethic, adaptability, and excellent interpersonal skills. Jasper thrives in fast-paced environments, quickly masters new skills, and remains dependable and composed under pressure. Her ability to work independently, meet last-minute changes, and maintain a high standard of quality has defined her professional career.

    In her work as a Benefits Advisor for Aflac, Jasper educates clients on available benefits and coverage, leads presentations to increase understanding of insurance products, and assists with enrollment forms and processes. She builds ongoing relationships with clients to ensure continued support and stays up to date with industry trends and regulatory changes. She also participates in open-enrollment meetings and serves as a knowledgeable resource for employees navigating their benefit options.

    Jasper brings her administrative discipline, communication strengths, and commitment to service to her role as Secretary of the Board for the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento. Her attention to detail, organizational focus, and community-centered values help support the Center’s mission and everyday operations.

Team Members

  • Saara Burga CEO and founder of Brazilian Center for CUltural Exchange of Sacramento. A woman with shoulder-length curly red hair, wearing large earrings, sitting indoors in front of a painted wall and a framed picture.

    Saara Burga

    Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Saara Burga established the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento in 2006 to bring the cultural vibrancy of Brazil to the Sacramento region. A native of the Brazilian Amazon, Burga is a professional dancer, choreographer, and cultural educator whose career is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rhythms, traditions, and communal spirit of Brazilian arts.

    Through her leadership, Burga has built the Center into a hub for cultural exchange, community engagement, and artistic expression. She is also the creator and lead instructor of Unidos da Capital, the Center’s samba and percussion program, where she teaches authentic samba no pé rooted in the traditions of Rio de Janeiro and infused with Afro-Brazilian influences from Bahia.

    Burga’s work is driven by a deep commitment to cultural preservation, community empowerment, and joyful expression. Her classes, performances, and educational programs continue to inspire connection, creativity, and pride in Brazilian heritage throughout the Sacramento area.