LEAD San Diego

Today's Impact session tackled education. ?? Hosted by California State University San Marcos, we learned about the importance of education, from early childhood development to higher education. Thank you to our panelists and moderators: -Nancy Rohland-Heinrich, Ed.D. (00 & 17), Executive Vice President, Community Engagement, National University Vice Chair, LEAD San Diego -Alexis Avi?a, Ed.D., MPH, Chief Early Childhood Education Officer, MAAC -Jennifer Ostergren, Ph.D., Dean, College of Education, Health & Human Services, California State University San Marcos -Shannon Coulter, Ph.D., Director, Research & Evaluation, San Diego County Office of Education -Sunita V. Cooke, Ph.D., Superintendent/President, MiraCosta College -Mark Milliron, Ph.D. (23), President & Chief Executive Officer, National University -Tina Recalde, DPT, MS, ATC, CSCS, Vice President, Instruction, Palomar College -Octavio Martinez, President & Chief Executive Officer, Associated Students, Inc., CSU San Marcos -Elaine Pollard, Vice President of Student & University Affairs, Associated Students, Inc., CSU San Marcos -Illeana Carmona Chavez, Chair and Chief of Staff, Associated Students, Inc., CSU San Marcos -Cameron Munn, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Representative, Associated Students, Inc., CSU San Marcos

Last week, I had the honor of graduating from the LEAD San Diego Advance program as part of the Class of 2024! The experience was nothing short of transformative, equipping me with tools and inspiration to elevate my leadership and broaden my perspective. I am deeply grateful for the guidance of my two incredible mentors Trevor Blair and Kari Pelters, the camaraderie of my inspiring mentee group Katie Urbas, Therese Caballes, and Emily Dackins, and the entire LEAD Advance cohort—a remarkable community of ambitious, high-achieving women on track to make lasting impacts in San Diego workplaces and communities. To the Advance Class of 2024, thank you for fostering a space where vulnerability, strength, and ambition intersect. To the LEAD Advance team Veronica Perondi and Kim Van Nguyen - thank you for creating a space where women are empowered to thrive, lead, and soar. I am excited to carry forward what I’ve learned and continue empowering others along the way. This program offered me more than professional skills; it introduced me to a network of extraordinary women who are committed to making a difference. Each session, from confidence-building workshops to purposeful discussions, was a step toward becoming a stronger, more intentional leader. I was honored to represent the University of California, San Diego - Rady School of Management at LEAD Advance.?Thank you to my supervisor Jon Masciana for his support of this opportunity and to the Admissions team for adjusting to my extra-day-away each month. Thank you, LEAD San Diego, for this fantastic experience. Here’s to continuing the journey and leading with purpose!

?? Leadership in Action! ?? Senior Gleaners is honored to receive the?ABC 10News San Diego | KGTV Channel 10 News Leadership Award, recognizing our commitment to reducing food waste and addressing food insecurity in the San Diego region. This incredible recognition, from Channel 10 and LEAD San Diego, celebrates our efforts in fighting food insecurity and making a meaningful impact in our community. This award was presented during yesterday’s successful?glean of 45 lemon trees in Encinitas. Our General Manager,?Lisa Lindgren, accepted the award on behalf of our incredible team and volunteers. This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of those who believe in the power of community. ?? Take a look at Lisa Lindgren with the award – a proud moment for us all! Want to get involved? Check the first comment below for details on how you can make a difference! Together, we’re rescuing thousands of pounds of food to nourish our community. #LeadershipAward #Channel10ABCNews #SeniorGleaners #LEADSanDiego #FoodRescue #CommunityLeadership

My parents instilled in me the importance of discovering one's passions and serving others. If you're not already volunteering, I urge you to start. You'll gain more than you ever imagined. This year, I had the privilege of mentoring an incredible group of young women leaders at LEAD San Diego. It was an inspiring experience. Make time to pay it forward. Here are some benefits for the volunteering: Personal Growth:?Volunteering can help individuals develop new skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication. Increased Happiness:?Studies have shown that volunteering can boost mood and reduce stress. Stronger Social Connections:?Volunteering can help individuals build relationships with like-minded people. Enhanced Self-Esteem:?Contributing to a cause can make individuals feel good about themselves and their impact on the world. Career Advancement:?Volunteering can help individuals gain valuable experience and network with potential employers. #leadsandiego #volunteer #leadership #sandiegochamber #womenleadership

This year, I had the incredible privilege of serving as a #Herstory presenter for LEAD San Diego’s Advance Program and congratulating an extraordinary cohort of women leaders at their graduation ceremony. These remarkable women have embarked on a transformative journey of growth, leadership, and connection, developing skills that will shape the future of San Diego's business, government, and nonprofit sectors. From mastering crucial conversations to confidently promoting themselves, their dedication to excellence and impact is truly inspiring. The relationships they’ve built and the lessons they’ve embraced are just the beginning. As they step into new opportunities, their leadership will elevate not only their careers but also our entire community. Congratulations to this incredible group of leaders—San Diego is better because of you! ?? #WomenInLeadership #AdvanceProgram #LEADSanDiego

??? Check out this month's ABC 10News San Diego | KGTV Channel 10 Leadership story about Debbie McGraw, board member of Women's Empowerment International, and her dedication to helping women start businesses and fight poverty. Read the full inspiring story: https://lnkd.in/g-5qdwEC

Last week, I was privileged to be among 50 graduates of the LEAD San Diego #Advance Class of 2024. During our six-month #professionaldevelopment journey, we dove deep into personal strengths, learned confidence-building techniques, discussed communication best practices, strengthened our negotiating skills, and explored the benefits of nonprofit board service. And all through the distinct perspective of the female experience. This has been incredibly beneficial to my continued #careergrowth. I am so appreciative of everyone who shared their time, knowledge, and resources: - LEAD staff, including Veronica Perondi and Kim Van Nguyen (congrats again, Kim, on your new endeavor!); - My mentors, fellow mentees, and social committee teammates, Elizabeth Fitzsimons, Sue Silva, HMCC, Kellyn Beltran, Therese Caballes, Morgan Smith, Amy Eilts, Donna Morales, and Virginia Guerra; - The San Diego Housing Commission and colleagues Susie Cawood and Sarah Ahern for your support; - All of our subject matter and #HerStory presenters (give them a follow!) Rebecca Smith; Erica Alcantara Aros, PhD, Margie Newman Tsay, Idara O., Tamara Y. Craver, Craig Barkacs, Laura Deitrick, Tasreen Khamisa, Grace Williamson, MS, GCDF, Magda Fernandez, and Amanda Flisher; - Program sponsors University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business, San Diego Gas & Electric (Morgan Justice-Black "#LEADladies"), and Nikki Clay; and - Each member of the 2024 cohort. You all epitomize professionalism and I look forward to our continued connection!

Last week, I had the honor of graduating from LEAD San Diego's Advance Program. Over the past six months, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of a program that has consistently fostered growth and learning in my career. A special thank you to Veronica Perondi and Kim Van Nguyen for creating a space that sparks curiosity and deep reflection throughout our leadership journey. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Amanda Flisher and Lisa Kay for their invaluable mentorship and guidance. To my amazing classmates in the LEAD Advance Class of 2024 – thank you for cultivating such a strong sense of community. You are an inspiring group of women who will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the San Diego region and beyond, creating positive change in both the workplace and our communities. Finally, I’m deeply grateful to the San Diego Rotary Club, where I am privileged to serve as Executive Director. Their support in helping me participate in this program means the world to me, and I’m proud to represent them each day.

I want to take a moment to congratulate TD Smith on winning the Outsranding Development Emerging Leader Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals - San Diego Chapter. This is a remarkable achievement and a true reflection of your hard work, vision, and dedication to serving your community. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to San Diego and for being such an inspiring leader. We are all proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition with you. Bravo Adrianna O'Donnell, MBA, CFRE on an amazing event!!! Reality Changers Morgan Appel Steven Jones, Ph.D. Pamela Gray Payton, MSEL LEAD San Diego YMCA of San Diego County Mama's Kitchen Idara O. #developmentleader #afpsd #womeninleadership #representationmatters

??? Excited to Share a Milestone ??? I’m proud to share that I’ve graduated from LEAD Advance ?? - a leadership program by LEAD San Diego designed to elevate women’s careers ?? and increase representation in the C-suite ?? and community leadership roles. Grateful for the lifelong connections and friendships I was able to build with inspiring women who are shaping the future of leadership. ??? Thank you, LEAD San Diego and more specifically, Veronica Perondi and Kim Van Nguyen ???????????? Lastly, a huge shoutout to my incredible mentors, Carla Nesbitt-Stokes, MS, CPTD and Kevin Juza! Thank you both ???? for your guidance, support, time and commitment to my professional growth. ?? #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #LEADAdvance #Empowerment #Mentorship #CareerGrowth