Who we are
Listeners, puzzle solvers, storytellers, science-driven, justice-driven, data-driven, driven to tell your organization’s story.
Brittney Butler
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Global and public health professional with experience transforming data into comprehensible reports and policy recommendations concerning social determinants of health.
Brittney has research experience in health economics and policy, conducting cost-effectiveness analyses of interventions in rural Nepal, analyzing the live impact of COVID-19 on communities of color in the U.S., and investigating the effect of prescribed fires on vulnerable communities in California.
Brittney is half African American and half Egyptian and enjoys making classic Egyptian meals like Molokhia and Koshari!
Education
MS in Global Health, UC San Francisco
BA in Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley
Shannon Moe
Founder and CEO
Shannon is a storyteller. Her friendly demeanor, and her ability to listen deeply are key strengths that enable her to build strong coalitions with a shared mission of equity, climate and social justice. With three decades of experience in the nonprofit field, Shannon’s professional networks are deep and extensive, revealing a true talent for coalition-building, both in the Bay Area and nationally. As a team leader, she earns the trust of collaborators, and gains the ability to mobilize resources to meet each challenge. Shannon’s passion for creating positive change is infectious, as is her commitment to human rights and the creation of sustainable solutions for leading non-profit organizations into the future.
Claire F. Meyler
Arts & Marketing Director
Passionate supporter of the arts and environment, coupled with talent in graphic arts and illustration. Credentials include: Raising $62 million for the Oakland Museum of California Capital Campaign; Kularts (Fil-Am performing arts & community organizing); Yosemite Conservancy; California Invasive Plant Council, and independent marketing design. Claire is half-Filipino, and when she’s not feeding her kids lumpia and chicken adobo, she is working in the garden, drawing, or making something crafty.
Education
MA in Museum Studies and Education, John F. Kennedy University
(2006)
BA in Art History and Arts Practice, UC Berkeley
(2001)
Rene Coig
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO )
Rene’s expertise and passion lies in understanding how social and biological systems interplay to affect human health and disease pathology, particularly for sexual and gender minorities.
With a PhD in Molecular Medicine from the University of Washington and a track record of securing NIH funding, Rene excels at translating complex scientific and medical concepts into compelling narratives. His diverse experience includes managing technical projects for health-focused e-learning applications and fundraising for LGBTQ health advocacy. Rene is part artist, part scientist, and unapologetically optimistic about the power of grassroots community to achieve positive social change.
Rene’s multidisciplinary approach integrates scientific rigor with strategic communication, ensuring funding pursuits effectively align with mission-driven goals.
Dr. Stephanie Gonzalez
Chief Program Officer (CPO)
Stephanie H. Gonzalez, PhD is committed to advancing social justice and health equity, both in the U.S. and globally. With a background in academic research as a historian of medicine and public health, she brings a keen analytical approach to her work. At SMC, Stephanie has found a passion for grant writing—transforming complex ideas into compelling narratives that capture an organization’s vision and mission for funders. As Lead Writer, she has played a key role in securing over $1.5 million in funding for public health and essential social services.
Stephanie excels at crafting data-driven, strategic grant proposals that meet organizations where they are—whether it’s a grassroots initiative defining its mission or a well-established nonprofit seeking to expand its impact. She has successfully written winning proposals for programs in public health, mental health, food security, and education.
With expertise in Spanish language translation and plain-language adaptation for public-facing materials, Stephanie ensures that complex information is accessible to diverse audiences. Her ability to blend research, strategy, and storytelling helps SMC clients translate their vision into funding success.
Education
Ph.D. in History of Latin American and Public Health, CUNY (2014)
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- +61 3 8376 6284
- Info@instantva.com
- 21 King Street Melbourne, 3000, Australia