Margot Van Riper
Chief Operating Officer
Margot has over two decades of professional experience in retained executive search, human capital research, and the sales, marketing and operations needs associated with business ownership.
As co-founder of several successful small businesses in the fields of high tech, environmental products, food service, and entertainment, she developed a keen sense of how to nurture the growth of an enterprise.
Raised abroad and fluent in English, French and Italian, she adds global perspective and communication to the team’s expertise. Margot earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, San Francisco. Margot is a fierce cyclist, a runner, and a longtime student of traditional West African drums.
|
Ben Isaacs
Music Director Ben Isaacs received formal training in multiple Instruments during his youth, and has studied West African percussion for the last 20 years. Ben has taught privately and to groups of adults and children in schools, companies, and community centers in California and Florida. He sees music as a language that has no boundaries, and he places his full heart and soul behind every note expressed.
|
Naby Bangoura
Choreographer & Cultural Liaison
Naby Bangoura is a native of Guinea, West Africa. He has danced since birth and performed with a number of groups, including internationally acclaimed “Les Merveilles de Guinea”. Since moving to California, Naby has rapidly become one of the most sought after teachers on the west coast. His authentic presence and dynamic teaching style convey the spirit of his culture with skill, inspiration, and joy!
|
|
Mandjou Kone
Griot Historian, Singer, Dancer
Mandjou Kone is descended from a family of Jeli (Griot in French), reponsible for recording and carrying history and culture throughout West Africa. Using story, song and dance, her family have been advisors to kings, teachers to children and villages, facilitators at civic events and weddings, history orators, and entertainers. Professional performer since the age of nine, Mandjou is proficient at playing djembe, bala, dundun, kora, and tama. She toured in Africa with the National Ballet of Burkina Faso, and throughout Europe with her brother’s group “Surutukunu” as lead singer. Mandjou works with Rhythm Village as a performer and teacher, bringing her enthusiasm and ethnomusicology skills to the company.
|
 Antoinette Rivas
Director of Sales Toni Rivas has over 20 years of diverse sales experience, spanning the software, retail and healthcare industries working for Mindscape, Broderbund, Mattel Interactive and most recently with IMSI, and the Pride Institute. She has a creative sense in developing win/win partnerships, and an innate sense for developing new business. Toni has been very much involved in community work over the years, donating time and expertise for more than ten years working with Jumpstart Network a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting the homeless communities. When she's not working, Toni loves the culinary arts and of course, music. Toni currently resides in Novato, CA. |
Wendy Wilkinson
Executive Assistant
Wendy Wilkinson is a lifelong student of dance. Over the past 12 years she has focused her studies on West African dance. She has traveled to Africa three times, most recently to study with Naby Bangoura. Wendy has danced and performed with the Institute of Indigenous Arts/ SMI, International. Wendy is active in her local public school system where she has served on administrative and fundraising boards. She currently sits on the San Geronimo Valley LEAP board. Wendy graduated from West Chester University with a BA in Studio Arts and Instructional Media. Wendy lives in Woodacre, CA with her husband and two young boys.
|
|
