our members
Interested in applying to join us? Apply here.
mia albano
Founding Curator
Born and raised in Northern California, Mia earned her degree in Geography from The University of California, Berkeley. Her interests lie in the fields of international development, poverty reduction, and cultural, economic, and historical geography. In 2023, Mia was awarded the Stronach Baccalaureate Prize for her research on the Filipino diaspora and Filipino migrant workers, also known as overseas Filipino workers. In her work, Mia uses oral history and ethnographic data to tell the stories of Filipinos around the world who are affected by the Philippine state’s long standing role of a human labor broker, overseeing the deployment of its own citizens and perpetuating the underdevelopment of its own nation.
During her time at UC Berkeley, Mia studied international relations and development at The London School of Economics, played double bass and electric bass in the university orchestra and jazz band, and presented her research at a Renaissance Weekend. In her free time, Mia enjoys hiking, skiing, and traveling with her dog, Toast.
As founding curator for the Las Vegas Global Shapers hub, Mia aims to foster collaboration, conversation, and innovation for the largest and most diverse city in the Silver State of Nevada. Mia is happy to connect with like-minded individuals who seek to improve the lives of people in their communities and globally.
sandra smith
Vice Curator
Sandra grew up frequently moving, and has lived throughout the western United States, and briefly abroad, before settling in Las Vegas. After attending Culver Academies and studying leadership, Sandra earned her Bachelor’s of Science in economics before attending graduate school to pursue her MBA. In her coursework she focused her study on Healthcare Administration and New Venture Management.
Since graduating in spring of 2022, she has been working at a local consultancy firm specializing in economic, finance, and policy analytics with a bevy of public and private clients. In addition to participating in the local startup scene through StartUp Las Vegas, she aims to be increasingly involved in the Las Vegas community through UNLV alumni events, volunteering opportunities, and now through Global Shapers.
One of her primary areas of interest is enhancing and embracing the economic potential in Las Vegas by supporting economic development on the ground level and increasing equitable access to resources for potential founders throughout the area. In her minimal spare time, she enjoys reading all genres and training to run long distances very slowly.
erica mann
Impact Officer
As a strong advocate for environmental awareness, Erica plans to receive a Bachelors of Environmental Science at UNLV and then a Masters. Her major interests are ecology, conservation, biology, and geoscience.
Erica has conducted research projects with Dr. Pamela Burnley, a Professor of Geoscience at UNLV, concerning ash layers in Las Vegas and how they formed. She presented her findings of the cryptotephra project at the Las Vegas Science and Technology Expo. Erica’s senior research project focuses on the education of youth in local middle schools about concepts of environmental science.
Outside of school, Erica’s hobbies include crocheting amigurumi, reading novels, and baking. Erica hopes to connect with others who share her passion for transformative change. As a second generation Nevadan, Erica is committed to improving the infrastructure, sustainability, and transportation of Las Vegas and is proud to co-found its Shapers hub.
shyla scheinost
Social Media and Marketing Manager
Shyla is a driven individual with a deep-rooted passion for making a difference in the foster care system. Growing up as a foster child herself, she witnessed firsthand the challenges and injustices that many children in the system face, such as abuse, sex trafficking, and drug abuse. This personal experience has fueled her desire to reform the system and provide foster children with the opportunities they deserve.
Shyla graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) with a degree in Business Administration. Her education has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complex world of business, and she is now preparing to take her passion for advocacy to the next level by pursuing a law degree. Shyla’s ultimate goal is to use her legal expertise to support businesses and individuals, particularly those who are often overlooked or underserved.
Her commitment to her community is evident through her volunteer work at Central Church and various In-N-Out events, where she has actively contributed to making a positive impact. Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Shyla finds balance and joy in practicing yoga, hitting the slopes to snowboard, and exploring new destinations through travel. Shyla’s vision for the future is to be a catalyst for change in Nevada. She aims to break the stigma associated with foster care and empower foster youth by educating them about the opportunities available to them. With her unique personal experiences, academic background, and unwavering determination, Shyla is confident to make significant changes in improving the foster care system and the lives of many within her community.
lukas taylor
Recruitment and Onboarding Lead
Lukas is a passionate professional currently completing degrees in Psychology, Speech-Language Pathology, and Business Administration at Nevada State University. He brings a wealth of experience in education, mentorship, computer/research skills, and administrative roles, underscored by a strong commitment to community service and organizational efficiency.
Lukas has thrived as a Transformando Caminos Mentor at NSU, where he has led recruitment efforts, developed culturally responsive materials, and promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion. In his role as an Advancement Apprentice at NSU, Lukas managed social media content, boosted community outreach, and provided excellent customer service to donors and prospects. His leadership skills were further demonstrated as President of both the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and the Future Educator Society at NSU, where he guided the organizations and coordinated activities. He is a certified peer educator with extensive training in leadership and emergency services.
Outside of work, Lukas is a car enthusiast who loves working on and modifying cars. He has a passion for gourmet cooking, always experimenting with new recipes. Additionally, Lukas enjoys traveling and outdoor adventures like camping, skiing, and sightseeing. He is soon planning on obtaining his private pilot license. He is also deeply passionate about environmental protection and animal rights, advocating for sustainable practices and ethical treatment of animals in all aspects of life.
As a member of the Global Shapers Community, Lukas is excited to foster collaboration, innovation, and positive change. He is looking forward to connecting with like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a difference in their communities and beyond.