Our Mission
Performing Stars transforms the lives of low-income multicultural kids, families and communities across Marin. We believe that everyone—regardless of age, race, or income—deserves an opportunity to “reach for the stars.”
While celebrating Marin City’s unique Bay Area legacy, we serve the entire county of Marin with youth arts and enrichment programs; historical, cultural and civic engagement opportunities; and critical safety net support for the whole family. With our comprehensive programs and services, we’re a community hub where people can gather together, learn together, and thrive together.
We believe everyone can embrace
who they are, define their future,
and change the world.
Our Story
It Begins with a Shining Star
When our founder, Felecia Gaston, was a little Black girl in Georgia, she watched little white girls go off to ballet class and desperately wished she could go, too. It was impossible due to segregation, and she often felt like she was on the outside looking in.
Fortunately, Felecia was blessed to grow up in a loving family who valued music, community, church and education, preparing her for a life of service and connection. And as a teen, when her mother remarried and they moved to Los Angeles, Felecia had her first ballet class at a Black-owned ballet school, and was finally on the inside, looking forward.
In 1980, Felecia moved to San Francisco, where she worked for the National Park Service, the California Coastal Commission and the Junior Center for Art & Science. A few years later, she founded “Migrations, Ltd.”, a public relations service highlighting local multi-cultural cuisine and entertainment.
When she arrived in Marin City in the late ‘80s, Felecia was determined to help children of color fulfill their dreams. In 1990, with zero budget—but with the support of mentors and lots of passion and hard work—Felecia founded Performing Stars, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit.
A Constellation of Programs & Services
Performing Stars began by offering youth programs in the performing and visual arts. Soon it became clear that, for kids to thrive, families and the whole community must also thrive.
Marin County is one of the wealthiest in California, yet there are many socio-economically segregated and underserved communities here that need critical resources. So we continue to expand our staff and programs to meet that need.
Today, in addition to our core youth programs in dance, music, drama, and the visual arts, we’ve evolved into an anchor community organization that also provides food, housing and job support; civic, cultural and digital educational opportunities; and connections to our vast network of local partners.
What started as a single shining star with Felecia focused on youth arts in Marin City has exploded into a constellation of services within a trusted and treasured community institution to lift people out of poverty and into a bright future.
Staff
Felecia Gaston
Executive Director
Originally from Georgia, Felecia has made Marin City her home since the late ‘80s, growing it into a cultural, historical, and community hub. With an extensive network of private and public organizations and individuals, Felecia works throughout Marin County to elevate the lives of everyone in the community.
In 1990, Felecia founded Performing Stars, collaborating with Bay Area arts, nature, and enrichment organizations to offer classes, camps, scholarships, and wraparound support services to Marin low-income youth.
She launched The Phoenix Project initiative of Performing Stars in 2009, a unique partnership with local law enforcement, county agencies, non-profits, and businesses that provides vocational, legal and counseling support for at-risk Marin City families and adults.
Felecia’s latest projects include the Social Justice Youth Initiative program to inspire teen and young adult leadership and civic engagement, as well as the Marin City Historical & Preservation Society, which preserves the cultural history of Marin City as a vibrant Black enclave founded during World War II.
Felecia has a rich history of fundraising, team building, and celebrity-event-planning, including events with the late Bishop Desmond Tutu and actress Cicely Tyson. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Geography and Cartography from San Francisco State University.
Tra’Von Riley
Executive Assistant to the Director
As a seasoned decision-making strategist, Ms. Riley brings decades of experience navigating complex challenges and steering organizations toward success. Her excellent organizational, communication and facilitation skills span across various industries, including the California School Districts of Compton, Los Angeles and Riverside. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she fosters cohesive teams that thrive in dynamic environments, driving synergy and fostering a culture of excellence.
Sherine Agbulus
Administrative Executive Assistant
Originally from San Francisco, Sherine is a passionate advocate for childhood development, with extensive experience in customer service and caretaking. At Performing Stars, Sherine organizes and leads programs for children, creating a supportive environment for creativity and growth. is committed to helping underserved families acquire scholarship opportunities, that they would not normally receive. Additionally, Sherine provides personalized assistance to clients, tailoring her support to their specific needs. Her work reflects a strong dedication to positively impacting the lives of children and families in the community.
Anna jay
Development Director
Born in Marin County, Anna's journey with Performing Stars began in her teenage years as a volunteer, later returning as a summer intern while pursuing her Professional Writing and Editing degree at the UC Santa Barbara. After graduating, she returned to Performing Stars to take on the role of our Development Director, where she leverages her strategic planning and writing expertise to secure vital funding through grant management while implementing efficient administrative systems that enable the organization to maximize its direct community impact. Anna has always been passionate about helping others and contributing to community – values she attributes to her mother. Anna is devoted to supporting her team of remarkable women who make Performing Stars possible.
Mercedes Morgan
Program & Outreach Coordinator
Born and raised in Marin City, Mercedes’ prior experience includes working with senior citizens providing personal assistant services and coordinating school bus programs. She is responsible for many Performing Stars programs such as garden classes at local childcare centers, community service volunteers, safety net services, healthy food distribution to families and seniors, and door-to-door outreach for various program-related activities. Mercedes continues to make a significant impact with her unwavering commitment to her hometown.
Shantel Morgan
Nutritionist/Program Assistant
Shantel’s passion for food was cultivated during years of working alongside her grandmother in the kitchen. After spending a decade in retail management, where she developed strong leadership and organizational skills, Shantel decided to return to her roots and pursue a career in catering and nutrition. Since 2020 she has catered a variety of events, preparing meals for families in need and offering comfort through her cooking. At Performing Stars, Shantel prepares and delivers nutritious meals and snacks for our young program participants, ensuring they receive balanced and healthy options.
Gayvonah Warren
Dance Choreographer
Gavonyah grew up in the East Bay, relocating to Marin county in 2010. She attended the Marin School of the Arts and is currently pursuing her degree in Dance from College of Marin, studying various styles of dance and performing at numerous community events and dance showcases. Gavonyah has worked closely with several non-profit organizations to promote art and positivity within the youth, and we’re thrilled to have her on our Performing Stars team.
Board of Directors
Dr. Virginia Edwards
Sausalito Marin City School District (ret.); Masters Degree and Administrative Credential, Dominican University; Doctorate of Education, Organization and Leadership, University of San Francisco
Dr. Wyna Barron
San Francisco Unified School District (ret.); M.S. Counseling Psychology, Dominican University; B.A. Elementary Education and Teaching & Master of Arts, San Francisco State University; Ed.D. Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco; Masters Counseling Psychology, Dominican University; Ed.D Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco.
Andrea Norwood
B.S. Pathway Program, Strategic Leadership and Human Resources; State-Certified Bus Instructor; General Manager, Student Transportation Industry; Self-employed Independent Contractor
Melissa Hebert Douglas
Court Operations Manager, Criminal/Traffic Division, Marin County Superior Court
Charles Earl Dent
Proprietor, On Location Detailing. Automotive enthusiast and longtime member of Fo-Fifteen Car Club.
Advisory Board
We are also supported by a strong Advisory Board, whose members contribute to program development, events and communications.
Cheryl Jennings
News Anchor/Reporter/Show Host KGO-TV/ABC7 (ret.); Producer, Multimedia Journalist, Panel Moderator, Media Strategist, Cheryl Cam Media
Meloni Page
Personnel Analyst/Sr. Personnel Technician, Marin County Human Resources (ret.)
Narada Michael Walden
Grammy Award Music Producer
Monica Foster
Site Supervisor, Napa County Office of Education,, Community Programs; former mortgage broker
Sonya Hanson
Economist, U.S. Dept. of Labor (ret.); Manager, Sausalito MLK property; Consultant, Marin Women’s Commission
Debra Turner
Owner, Debra Turner Graphic Design
Connie Hector
Police Officer, San Francisco Community College District Police Department (ret.); National Lifetime Alumni member, Texas University, Houston Texas; Bachelor of Business Administration