Our Team
Dana Curran, Co-Founder &
Executive Director
Email: dana@worldsavvy.org
Dana co-founded World Savvy in 2002, and has assumed a role as Director since inception. She is chiefly responsible for management, program development, and fund development. Dana began her career in a large corporate law firm in New York. Since transitioning to the nonprofit realm, she has taught global issues in Bay Area high schools, managed multi-site after school programs and developed a capacity building model for the educators and youth involved in World Savvy programs. She is a May 2002 graduate of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, with a concentration in Economic and Political Development, and received her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from Connecticut College in May 1997. Dana has had significant academic and practical experience in the field of international relations, economic development, local level development and poverty alleviation, microfinance and governance. Currently, Dana is actively involved in a range of community based initiatives concerning youth development, education, and international education, and volunteers as a Steering Committee member with two local youth development nonprofits.
Edward Yong Wang, Development Manager
Email: edward@worldsavvy.org
Edward has more than ten years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. In his native country, he was an administrator for the China National Symphony Orchestra, working as the liaison with guest artists and manager for concert production. He later worked for the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, helping to manage the individual major donor program. Most recently, he worked as the Development Officer for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund in developing the organization's individual giving program and expanding support from institutional donors. He has also been working as a consultant for projects in multi-cultural context, as well as volunteering for various Bay Area nonprofits. Edward has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Linguistics & Literature from Beijing Language & Culture University and a Master of Arts degree in Arts Policy & Administration from The Ohio State University.
Sarah Anderson, Operations Coordinator
Email: sarah@worldsavvy.org
Sarah Anderson is passionate about community building and social activism, and interested in the ways we can use visual and performing arts to respond to urban issues and facilitate dialog and solutions. During her six years in Chicago, Sarah worked with art education organizations partnering with Chicago Public Schools, as well as directly in the classroom. Most recently, she spent three years at Zeum, an art and technology museum for children, coordinating the Programs and Experience department. She is a dedicated volunteer at La Casa de las Madres, as a youth advocate and certified domestic violence counselor. Currently, she is pursuing her BA in Sociology. Sarah an artist, educator and activist who is excited to utilize her admin and organizational experience to support World Savvy as it grows.
Kelly Korenak, Program Associate
Email: kelly@worldsavvy.org
Kelly Korenak is a teacher and social worker, and has long been interested in global issues and finding ways to bring these issues and a sense of activism to youth. In 2003, she graduated from Columbia University with a MSW in International Social Work. Previously, she taught middle school language arts and worked with the International Rescue Committee on programs for refugee youth. Most recently before joining World Savvy, Kelly was working in Louisiana , providing training in psychosocial programming aimed at helping children affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Katina Papson, Program Associate
Email: katina@worldsavvy.org
Katina Papson is an interdisciplinary artist and educator who believes the arts not only act as a means of expression, but as a tool to better communicate, understand ourselves and the world around us. She received a double degree BFA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in Computer Design and Photography as well as in K-12 Arts Education. In 2007, she completed her MFA in Film/Video from the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Katina is a strong advocate for youth and community arts and has 6 years of experience teaching in the Amherst Regional Public Schools as an art and social justice theater high school teacher. For three years, she acted as co-executive director of DASAC, Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp, an interdisciplinary summer arts camp for youth ages 11-16. Currently, she is the Global Youth Media and Arts Program Associate for World Savvy and is based in the San Francisco office.