Board of Directors

Khaili Sam-Sin
Portrait of Gilbert Ogunmokun a smiling man with dark curly hair, a beard, wearing a dark blazer and a blue shirt, standing against a dark background.

Khaili Sam-Sin

Gilbert Ogunmokun

Tamirah Collins-Harris A woman with blonde curly hair wearing a white sleeveless dress, sitting on a black chair in front of a wooden wall.

Tamirah Collins-Harris

  • President of the Board & CEO

    Originally from Houston, Texas, Khaili Sam-Sin brings a strong background in international studies, cross-cultural communication, and creative media. She holds a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from Louisiana State University and a Master’s in World Culture and Literature from the University of Houston, where she focused on modernity, anthropology, philosophy, and comparative literature.

    Sam-Sin is a filmmaker, writer, and creative director whose work spans public relations, media strategy, and interdisciplinary arts. Her professional experience includes developing marketing campaigns, designing visual media, managing press relations, and producing creative content for both community organizations and artistic projects. She has worked extensively in nightlife, cultural programming, and performance-based events, with a long career in media and creative direction.

    Her work centers on building cultural connection, elevating voices, and creating accessible spaces for artistic expression. At the Brazilian Center, she combines her academic training with her creative vision to support community engagement, expand cultural education, and help shape the organization’s growth and mission.

  • Chief Financial Officer

    Gilbert serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento. He brings a uniquely interdisciplinary background to the role, combining scientific research experience, financial analysis, and leadership within youth-focused nonprofit work.

    He holds a B.S. in Biology from Texas Tech University and has contributed to several published research papers in biology, diabetes, and cellular metabolism — work that strengthened his analytical skills, attention to detail, and rigorous approach to problem-solving.

    Professionally, Gilbert has years of experience working with financial systems and market analytics. His ability to interpret complex data and assess risk translates directly into the Center’s financial planning, budgeting, and long-term sustainability strategies.

    He also serves as a Facility Supervisor with FosterHope Sacramento, where he oversees program operations, supports youth development initiatives, and coordinates team-wide compliance and safety standards. His leadership in the nonprofit sector adds a grounded, community-centered dimension to his oversight at the Center.

    As CFO, Gilbert supports the organization’s mission by managing financial stewardship with clarity, responsibility, and a commitment to the Center’s growth and cultural impact.

  • Secretary of the Board

    Tamirah Collins is a Houston-based visual artist and curator who earned her B.F.A. in Photography from Sam Houston State University in 2021. As a Pan-African woman, she merges her passion for curation and documentary photography to celebrate and preserve her cultural heritage. Currently, she serves as the Curatorial & Exhibitions Manager for the Community Artists’ Collective and the Designer and Communications Assistant at Lawndale Art Center.

Founder

  • Saara Burga

    Founder

    Saara Burga established the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento in 2006 to bring the cultural vibrancy of Brazil to the Sacramento region. A native of the Brazilian Amazon, Burga’s career has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rhythms, traditions, and communal spirit of Brazilian arts.

    Burga built the Center into a hub for cultural exchange, community engagement, and artistic expression. She also created, instructed, and led Unidos da Capital, the Center’s samba and percussion program, where she taught authentic samba no pé rooted in the traditions of Rio de Janeiro and infused with Afro-Brazilian influences from Bahia.