SHARON RYAN

Co-Founder, President & Chief Curriculum Officer

Sharon is an educator, workshop leader, midlife coach, and transformational guide who helps women reclaim wholeness—mind, body, heart, and spirit. Combining a background in corporate leadership, operations, and business development with spiritual and embodiment practices, she designs immersive programs that help women 50+ view this life-stage as a sacred transition.

In her role at SILVER AWAKENING, Sharon designs and oversees higher learning curricula that integrate emotional intelligence, somatic awareness, and personal transformation. Her work empowers women to deepen self-trust, awaken inner wisdom, and step into the next chapter of life with clarity and purpose. Sharon’s focus safeguards the integrity and transformative impact of the educational journey, creating a nurturing environment where women thrive academically and personally. Sharon holds certifications in Emotional Intelligence, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Midlife Coaching from ICF-certified Symbiosis Coaching Institute. Sharon is also a certified 200-hour Yin Yoga instructor, and a Reiki Master with more than 25 years of experience. She earned a BA in Interdisciplinary Social Science from the California Institute of Integral Studies.

 

DIANE MANNING

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Diane is a highly experienced business executive, brand strategist, public speaker, and group moderator with over 25 years of building and scaling entrepreneurial ventures. She has led full-service advertising agencies and virtual companies, developing integrated branding and marketing strategies for domestic and international markets and positioning brands for growth and acquisition. Diane is known for transforming businesses through creative strategy, product positioning, and sustained operational execution.  

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In her role at SILVER AWAKENING, Diane leads the organization with a visionary and compassionate commitment to empowering Silver Sage women. In her role, Diane ensures that every strategic decision, partnership, and initiative aligns with the mission to guide women through self-discovery, renewal, and next-chapter reinvention. In the spirit of the Silver Awakening philosophy, she guides the brand vision and mission, and oversees online and offline operations, finance, and legal departments. ​

Diane holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Social Science from the California Institute of Integral Studies and is a graduate of the Landmark Institute.

 

PATCH GARCIA

Chief Culture & Community Officer

Renowned for her ability to build and sustain strong workplace cultures, Patch creates environments where employees and contractors can thrive. Since 2001, Patch has held leadership positions across the sustainability and clean energy sectors—including solar and energy-efficiency ventures—where she has guided startups, restructured small businesses, and strengthened workforce engagement. She balances a people-first mindset with strategic insight to drive innovation, equity, and long-term success.

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In her role at SILVER AWAKENING, Patch shapes the company's culture by overseeing hiring and talent development that aligns with the organization's vision and goals. She safeguards the heart of Silver Awakening by nurturing an environment of authenticity and purpose, strengthening the organization’s ability to guide women through renewal, reinvention, and personal transformation.Patch holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco.

 

MAUREEN O’BRIEN

Chief Communications Officer

Maureen is a strategic leader in marketing, communications, revenue growth, multi-unit operations, and M&A diligence. She has led brand repositioning, digital transformation, and governance initiatives across higher education and early childhood organizations, driving measurable gains in enrollment, fundraising, and stakeholder trust. Maureen combines operational discipline with collaborative leadership to guide organizations through change and long-term growth. Her approach is driven by a belief in the power of collaboration and innovative problem-solving, fostering environments where all stakeholders are empowered to contribute.

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In her role at SILVER AWAKENING, Maureen elevates the organization’s voice, visibility, and spirit through thoughtful messaging that honors the wisdom, resilience, and radiance of Silver Sage women. She ensures that every story and communication reflects the mission of guiding women through self-discovery and the empowerment of their next chapter. Through strategic storytelling and authentic engagement across multiple channels, Maureen is helping expand Silver Awakening’s reach and impact—inviting women everywhere to reclaim their power and rewrite their stories.​ Maureen holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia, and a Certificate from Yale University in The Science of Well-Being.