Meet the Advisory Board

Lisa Bamford is the Director of Business Development at Sciencix. She graduated from Meredith College, followed by a Master of Science degree from Grand Canyon University. She is President of the NCWTA, a member of the NCDEC, and serves on the Statewide Advisory Board for the SBTDC.

Stephanie joined Activate Good’s Advisory Board in 2025. She is an experienced impact leader accelerating community and climate goals for companies, nonprofits, and the partnerships they create. She is the Managing Director of i.f.g Studios, a consultancy focused on driving results for new ventures, legacy revitalization, and high-growth initiatives – leveraging go-to-market, coalition building, program development, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling strategies to maximize return-on-impact.

As an impact innovator for more than 20 years, she’s guided national and global campaign, coalition, and communications strategies for clients including The Textile Engine, Crocs, Procter & Gamble, United Way Worldwide, The Conservation Fund, Environmental Defense Fund, and Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Since childhood to raising my own children, being of service is a central tenet to me which is why I am excited to support making hands-on community service accessible to all in the Triangle.

James first connected with Activate Good as a Wake County public school teacher in connection with the organization’s work to activate youth volunteers. Now, James is an attorney at Smith Anderson, where he practices corporate law and also leads the firm’s pro bono practice.

Brayton formerly served over 25 years as a high school English teacher and coach before transitioning to school leadership as an assistant principal and principal.  Brayton received his Bachelor’s Degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and Master’s and his Doctoral Degree from NC State and Gardner-Webb University.  After stepping away from a rewarding career in school administration, Brayton continues his commitment to service by volunteering and working with local non-profit teams.  Brayton enjoys traveling with his family, spending time watching his children participate in various high school athletic teams and long distance running.

A chronic entrepreneur with a serious biking issue. Peter derives the most pleasure from his daughter and 2 cats and when not working or cycling likes to be a part of the community around him. Giving back through volunteering is the cheat code to happiness, come join us!

Kevin brings sixteen years of financial services experience to Activate Good’s Advisory Board. His background in fundraising, event planning, community engagement, and strategic leadership strengthens local volunteer initiatives. Kevin is committed to expanding meaningful impact across the Triangle.

Susana’s passion for youth education, character and leadership development, and community service led her to found Cooking Up Character in 2003 and design its innovative curriculum-a transformative Learn & Serve youth program that grew into a non-profit. Kids learned new skills in STEM, personal development, physical fitness and the arts (all taught by subject matter experts) then immediately applied what they learned in hands-on service projects that created real impact in their communities. In 2023, Cooking Up Character joined Activate Good and was rebranded as Activate Kids, expanding its reach and impact!

Jenn is an entrepreneurship educator at NC State University, former small business owner, and passionate advocate for community engagement. Jenn is especially committed to Activate Good’s youth initiatives, which inspire the next generation of changemakers through service, leadership development, and community involvement. Jenn enjoys helping others discover opportunities to lead, learn, and make a positive impact.

Why Activate Good? Because the common good, being kind, and youth leadership matter to me and should matter to all.  Whether your passion is local, statewide, global, whether it’s about conservation, animals, children, literacy, food security, digital opportunity, Activate Good needs you, and still wants me.

Zen Yinger is the Founder and Principal of ZenConsult, where she uses decision intelligence to help leaders and teams make sense of complex challenges, spot what may be hiding in plain sight, and find a clear way forward. Over a 25+ year career spanning communications, brand marketing, HR, client success and executive advisory, she has worked with organizations including Mitsubishi, MTV, Whirlpool, Zensar and Aptech, developing an unusual ability to see patterns, connect people and ideas, and find clarity in complexity. Zen is also the author of No AI Coach Needed! (2026) and serves on the Activate Good Advisory Board and other nonprofit boards. She believes meaningful change doesn’t always begin with a grand plan. Sometimes it simply begins with people choosing to show up, pay attention, and care enough to make a difference.