Staff

Tamara Sbelgio is co-founder and executive director. She has enjoyed a number of careers including teaching 7th and 8th grade Social Studies for over 14 years, starting her own retail business specializing in Latin American imports, and working in social work for the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services. Tamara has a unique gift for working with young people and loves spending time with her 3 grandchildren.

Dinah Sbelgio is co-founder and President of the Board of Directors. A native Austinite and a product of Austin's public school system, Dinah holds a degree from Georgetown University and a masters degree in Public Affairs from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas. Dinah spent time teaching in São Paulo, Brazil and is an avid student of capoeira.

Cecilia “Cecy” Marroquin was a member of Morning Star Rising in the 8th grade at Fulmore Middle School.  Today she is a sophomore at St Edward’s University and a co-facilitator of the saem program at Fulmore and at The Ann Richards School.

When Cecy met with the program founder for training, she was asked what she especially valued about her experience in Morning Star Rising.  She had three answers:

First, she remembered the sense of community and how she had become close friends with girls she had not known well before, but many of whom are still close friends today.

Second, the subjects of our activities and discussions were so interesting that she and her friends often continued the conversations after meetings.

Third, the program introduced her to community service which has become a permanent and important part of her life.

Morning Star Rising is lucky to have such an excellent role model and asset for the program!