BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Nick Demos | President | president@nsasocal.org
Tony Award Winning Broadway Producer, Award winning filmmaker, and Story Coach Nick Demos connects with audiences by authentically and vulnerably sharing compelling stories. From challenging moments to phenomenal successes he offers teachings with truth and a keen sense of humor. He speaks for entrepreneurs, corporations and— despite being a highly sought after creative artist- has even been a speaker for financial advisors!
His work is in helping people tap into their innate creativity and share their stories so they can connect with their clients, customers, teammates and audiences.
Hilary Bilbrey | President-Elect | president.elect@nsasocal.org
Hilary brings energy, empathy, and a touch of playfulness to everything she does, creating meaningful connections with audiences and teams alike. As a dynamic speaker, facilitator, and executive coach, Hilary draws on her extensive experience helping leaders and organizations unlock their potential.
With a background in talent development, positive intelligence, and emotional resilience, Hilary has worked for over two decades guiding teams to move from conflict to collaboration, from stress to success, and from surviving to thriving. As the Director of Membership, Hilary leverages her passion for fostering connection and growth to create a community where members feel valued, inspired, and equipped to lead with purpose.
Dr. Sara Safari | Immediate Past President | past.president@nsasocal.org
Sara Safari, award-winning author, speaker, mountain climber, college professor, Electrical Engineer and advocate for women empowerment, has served as a director & leader on multiple boards.
Sara received an award for The Global Citizen from United Nations Association in 2015. She is a board member and director of development in Empower Nepali Girls foundation. She also has received the award for Outstanding Practice with Broad Impact in the area of women and leadership from International Leadership Association in 2017.
Dawn Bloomer | Treasurer | treasurer@nsasocal.org
Dawn began her entrepreneurial career as a veterinarian specializing in racehorses.
As a business owner, she grew her practice to multiple seven figures, joined forces with other practices, and was eventually acquired by a large aggregator.
In addition to her DVM and MBA, Dawn is a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Certified Professional in Leadership Development (CPLD), Certified Professional Business Coach (CPBA).
Dan Faill | Secretary | secretary@nsasocal.org
Using his humor and stories to create a deeper connection with audiences, Dan likes to make the uncomfortable more relatable. As an accomplished storyteller and international speaker, Dan incorporates his own lived experiences, in addition to industry-proven research, to craft engaging and relatable experiences for audiences.
Having worked for over 15 years on college campuses advocating for safe and positive student experiences, Dan now travels the country as a full-time speaker and consultant, sharing personal stories that engage and inspire us to be our authentic selves and be brave enough to have the conversations that matter.
Sam Osborne | Director of Marketing | marketing@nsasocal.org
Sam Osborne is a Demartini Method Facilitator and corporate keynote speaker specializing in conflict transformation and high-stakes leadership. He equips leaders in high-conflict environments with a precise, research-informed methodology that transforms how they perceive tension, authority, and opposition. Rather than motivational inspiration, Sam delivers applied frameworks grounded in values hierarchy, projection mechanics, and perceptual balance—helping audiences convert reactivity into composure and conflict into data.
Through live demonstrations and practical tools, he shows leaders how to restore balanced perception, dissolve emotional charge, and lead from authentic authority instead of external expectations. His keynotes are designed for organizations navigating crisis, cultural friction, or significant change—where clarity and equanimity are essential.
Jessper Maquindang | Co-Director Academy | academy@nsasocal.org
With over 12 years of experience leading diverse teams, Jessper understands the rewarding impact of creating workplace cultures that embrace collaboration and innovation. His passion for creative brainstorming and continuous improvement drives him to experiment with new ideas and explore better ways of doing things. In addition, Jessper is an award recipient of Santa Clarita Valley’s “40 Under Forty” award, acknowledging his significant leadership contributions to the community.
Chris Holliday | Co-Director Academy | academy@nsasocal.org
Chris trains and coaches leaders, presenters, and speakers as a certified coach and facilitator. She brings passion and humor to working with execs to become the best version of themselves on stage, on camera, in the boardroom, and with their people. Her own signature talk focuses on how to move beyond the “Uncertainty Paradox” to lead effectively.
Chris has an MBA, an MEd, and a is a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild. A former working NYC actor, Chris uses skills from more than a decade of performing and teaching acting with all her clients, enabling them to shine confidently and maximize their impact.
Dr. Regina Lark| Director of Operations | hello@nsasocal.org
A recognized expert and an engaging and energetic speaker, Dr. Regina F. Lark, Ph.d regularly educates and engages audiences at conferences and in companies on topics such as women’s leadership, time management, productivity, and more.
Dr. Regina Lark can help your organization navigate the role gender plays in employee productivity, engagement, and performance. In large or small groups, Regina supports teams and individuals as they work through their mental clutter to overcome procrastination, poor time management, and disorganization.
Alina Ugas | Director of Special Events | hello@nsasocal.org
Alina J Ugas, an experienced Executive and Life Coach, Mentor, and Hypnotherapist, is the engine behind 360 Mindset Group. Her diverse background in health care, mental health, and business entrepreneurship offers a unique perspective to her clients, who are leaders and innovators across various industries.
Alina emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and efficient time management to prevent burnout, drawing from her own experiences as a serial entrepreneur, caregiver, and parent. Her coaching approach directly tackles entrepreneurial stress, helping clients cultivate a growth mindset and resilience, equipping them with the mental and emotional tools needed for the demanding yet rewarding entrepreneurial journey.
PAST PRESIDENTS
“We Stand on the Shoulders of Giants”
That expression dates back nearly 1,000 years and attempts to give credit to those that have gone before us.
Just as NSA members stand on the shoulders of Cavett Robert, NSA SoCal members stand on the shoulders of our past presidents.
Thank you for your great service over the years!