Shirley earned her doctorate in Policy, Planning and Development from the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. She holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from California State University of Long Beach, and a graduate certificate in Health Emergencies in Large Populations from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She has expertise in disaster risk management and human outcomes, advancing the professionalization of emergency services both locally and internationally.

Steven is an educator and advisor in disaster rick management. He has managed refugee camps for the United Nations in Southeast Asia. Subsequent experience includes firefighting, emergency management, and academic practices in both New Zealand and the United States. Field work has taken him to East Africa, the Philippines, China, Japan, Mexico and El Salvador. He is a leader on the Scientific Advisory Council for the Red Cross, helping shape their work globally.