The People behind the scene
Meet the team
Led by commitment and compassion, our board ensures we stay true to our mission and the families we support.


Founder & Executive Director:
Brittany Lingk
Leading with a deep passion for creativity, community service, and connection. Brittany is a military spouse and mother of three, bringing years of experience in business ownership, nonprofit leadership, creative direction, and community engagement. She is also an award-winning designer with a lifelong love for the arts.
Through Community Makers Foundation, Brittany is dedicated to creating inclusive, hands-on learning experiences that empower children, families, and individuals of all ages. Her work reflects her belief that creativity builds confidence, strengthens communities, and opens doors for meaningful growth.
Our Executive Board

Kyle Shernuk
Chair
Kyle serves as Chair of the Community Makers Foundation Board. Bringing more than a decade of experience in higher education and his lifetime commitment to the arts, he hopes to make the transformative experience of art available to all members of the community. His stewardship of the CMF will be guided by his experience–including work as the former assistant director for an international education non-profit and current role as a Junior Board Member of a D.C.-based arts organization—and feedback from the community. He is excited to be combining his passions, education and art, in a single organization and looks forward to providing spaces for sustainably building community through creative expression.

Jason Lingk
Treasurer
Jason serves on the Community Makers Foundation Board, combining more than twenty years of leadership experience with a genuine passion for community and creativity. As a dad of three girls, he knows how powerful hands-on art can be for confidence and self-expression. In his role as Treasurer, he draws on his strengths in organization, planning, and resource stewardship to support programs that keep arts access affordable and welcoming. Jason is dedicated to helping build a vibrant, sustainable space where families create together and children feel inspired to learn and grow.

Jennifer Edwards
Secretary
Jennifer serves as Secretary of the Community Makers Foundation Board. She is a Program Manager in the pharmaceutical industry, where she plans and coordinates HCP and patient programs, including events that support families with highly specific needs. This work has strengthened her belief in thoughtful, inclusive planning—an approach she hopes to bring to community art spaces as well. She brings over a decade of professional experience to her work and more than 15 years of experience working with kids. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s in Visual Arts, as well as a certification in teaching art K–12. She brings strong organizational skills, art expertise, and creativity to her work. Passionate about inspiring young people and encouraging exploration through hands-on making, she is excited to help create welcoming, meaningful, and accessible creative opportunities for all.

Arnold Liyai
Head of Committees
Arnold is proud to serve on the Community Makers Foundation and is especially drawn to the way creativity brings people together. He brings a warm mix of curiosity, problem solving, and a friendly “let’s try it” spirit to the work. Over the past decade, he has supported communities across the country, helping teams design programs, build partnerships, and bring meaningful projects to life.
With training in Urban Planning and a passion for community-focused innovation, Arnold believes that every child and family should have the chance to explore and create in a welcoming space. He loves helping people feel connected and supported, and this shows up in his role as Head of Committees. He works closely with each committee to keep things organized, encourage collaboration, and make sure great ideas move forward. Most of all, Arnold enjoys being part of a team that is helping families learn, create, and grow together.
Empowering Creativity Through Arts Education & Connection
Inspiring Hands-On Learning
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Our Mission to Foster Creativity
Creativity
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Community Engagement and Projects
Community
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Sustainability Through Creative Reuse
Sustainability
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Building Stronger Communities Together
CoNNECTION
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Innovative Hands-On Experiences for All
Experiences
