Angie Bunch is the founder of Culture Shock Dance Troupes, Inc., and a founding member of the Culture Shock International Foundation. Widely considered a Hip Hop pioneer, Bunch formed Culture Shock in 1993, gathering a group of Hip Hop street dancers to develop and perform intricate choreography combining the best of the raw, urban forms of dance burgeoning onto the scene. The world-renowned company, whose headquarters remain in San Diego, has outposts in Los Angeles, Oakland, Las Vegas, Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington D.C., as well as Ottawa and Toronto, Canada.

Bunch began her 35-year professional dance career focused primarily on Jazz and Musical Theatre. After performing in many musicals with San Diego Musical Theatre Production Company at the historic Starlight Bowl and Civic Theatre, Bunch joined various casts at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. She then became a Nike-sponsored Dance Athlete, a job that took her all over the world to present dance and fitness dance programs. In addition to her work with Culture Shock Dance Troupes, Bunch taught Jazz and Hip Hop at San Diego Mesa College and at Culture Shock Dance Center, which she co-owned, until its closure in December 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

She created numerous dance fitness videos and is featured in the book FEARLESS WOMEN: Midlife Portraits, written by Nancy Alspaugh and Marilyn Kentz. The most exciting thing to date has been the creation of various original theatrical productions: Christopher: FOR THE LOVE was a tribute to dancer Christopher Braswell; Graffiti Life, written by Graff Writer and Pose2FX; and Culture Shock’s pop-culture interpretation of The Nutcracker.

Bunch’s plans for Culture Shock have not slowed down. She recently opened a new home for Culture Shock San Diego, the Culture Shock Training Academy, and is preparing to welcome the next Culture Shock location – in New York City!

Liz is a professionally trained graphic designer who has worked in the industry for over 20 years and is a member of the San Diego Chapter of AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Artists). She has worked in large corporate art departments, an award-winning design firm and, in 2001, opened her own studio.

In the Spring of 2008, Liz took her passion for design and launched an urban apparel line. Liz also served on the board of directors for Culture Shock San Diego and as a BVA (Business Volunteer for the Arts) member with the San Diego Performing Arts League (SDPAL). In 2009, Liz was honored with a SDPAL’s Star Award for her volunteer service with Culture Shock San Diego.

Keely joined La Jolla Playhouse’s Philanthropy team in 2021 and became Director of Philanthropy in 2023 working closely with individuals to deepen their connection to the art and the Playhouse. Prior to the Playhouse, Keely was with The Old Globe for almost ten years helping to raise over $10 million annually. Keely has worked with the National Endowment of the Arts and led advocacy groups for education in growing the culture of Philanthropy in the Arts.  Keely started her philanthropy career at Casa de Amparo and helped to complete the Casa Kids Capital Campaign Campus in 2011.  She is a member of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) and served as President of the Board in 2016 and Chaired the 2013 National Philanthropy Day and spearheaded the 2016 National Philanthropy Day “Symphony of Philanthropy”.  She is the former Board Chair for Culture Shock Dane Troupe and currently resides on the Advisory Board for Culture Shock Dance Troupe. Keely has been a Big Sister through Big Brother Big Sisters in Los Angeles and San Diego for over 15years.   Prior to San Diego, Keely lived in Los Angeles and worked at NBC on the Jay Leno Show and with Morris Marketing as an International Public Relations strategist.  Since 2000, she has worked as a Freelance Satellite and Radio Television producer with Premiere TV.  She holds a graduate degree in Public Relations and Advertising from Oklahoma City University and serves as an Alumni Advisor.

Justin Canty is the Senior Director of Education and Officer of Capital Projects at San Diego Natural History Museum where he provides leadership and creative vision for the development and delivery of education, public programs, community partnerships and capital improvement projects for the Museum.

Justin previously danced and taught youth breaking at Rhythm Dance Studio in Santa Barbara, CA, and is ecstatic to serve as a Board member for Culture Shock San Diego to promote the powerful impact of dance and build community awareness of Culture Shock’s work

Allison has worked in education for the last twenty years, all at the high school level. She currently teaches Special Education for students with mental health needs. “Working with children, I see the need for extracurricular, artistic, and athletic activities which is why both of my children participate in dance. It is because of their involvement with the Culture Shock Organization that I joined the board to help grow the organization and spread their message to as many dancers as possible.”

Cari joined the Culture Shock Dance Troupe Board of Directors the summer of 2021.  She is a Human Resources Manager with WD-40 Company and values making things better than they are today.  Prior to her role in HR, she held leadership positions in entertainment and brand marketing.  She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from California State University, San Marcos, and a certificate in Human Resource Management.

A San Diego native, Cari is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of others and is inspired to contribute to Culture Shock’s mission to utilize dance to cultivate education, entertainment, and empowerment to inspire positive change in the communities we serve.

Cari’s breadth of relevant skills and experience add to the Board’s capabilities.

Lawrenn is an educator at heart. Currently the Revenue Cycle Trainer for Rady Children’s Hospital, she has extensive expertise in instructional and program design and implementation. A fourth-generation San Diegan, Lawrenn is a firm believer in community involvement and is excited to partner with Culture Shock Dance Troupe to educate, empower and enrich the lives of San Diego’s youth.

Dr. Novien (Novi) Yarber, PhD., is a locally-based conscious leadership educator and performing artist. Though beginning his dance training later in life (at the age of 16), he quickly developed an intense love and fervor for the artform; this love quickly propelled him into an accelerated career in the commercial industry with credits such as Nike, iHeartRadio, Bravo, BET, Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance with artists like Boy II Men, Babyface, Ciara, & Kanye West, to name a few. Since moving to San Diego he has been fortunate to train and work with local companies such as ThaMost and Brickhouse Dance Productions, and now serves as an instructor and board member at the renowned Culture Shock  San Diego. Novien currently serves as Director of the Leadership Development Collective at the Nonprofit Institute, University of San Diego; as a leadership educator, researcher, and practitioner Novien explores ways to facilitate positive social impact on and beyond the stage— utilizing embodied leadership as a means of personal discovery/exploration and community healing. 

Joshua is Director of Client Services for Calpine Energy Solutions and is an experienced, senior leader in climate resiliency and clean energy. He has a demonstrated history of working in industry, government affairs & financial services, sales, and policy professions. Josh is Board President of Build it Green, a non-profit focused on greening the built environment, and serves as Vice Chair of Cleantech San Diego.