San Diego High School Students to Earn College-Level Credentials While in School, Preparing for In-Demand Jobs

About Kimberly Bottom

Kimberly Bottom is a passionate storyteller and a sharp strategic thinker with 15 years of experience in digital media, spending the last 10 years primarily focused on digital content and marketing for nonprofits. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Central Florida, and work that earned an award from the Associated Press, Kimberly has gathered, produced and distributed thousands of hours of content to inform and inspire audiences. In her current role as the Director of Community Engagement at Feathr, Kimberly consults with nonprofits of all shapes and sizes on the most effective and efficient ways to know, grow and engage their audiences.

About Lisa Gonzalez

Lisa Gonzalez is the Senior Competitive Intelligence Manager at Bloomerang who loves understanding and connecting with customers to help them solve problems. Drawing on her extensive experience launching and explaining innovative technologies for major brands such as Klaviyo, Sony, and Qualcomm, she is now dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations grow and thrive.

About Geoff Green

Geoff Green is the CEO of CalNonprofits, an alliance of over 10,000 nonprofits advancing policy advocacy, education, and research to build a more powerful and politically engaged nonprofit network across California.

Prior to CalNonprofits, Geoff served as CEO of California’s largest community college foundation, was a leader in the College Promise movement, and helped secure a record $100M gift to two dozen community colleges. Before that he served as Executive Director of an activist-led social justice fund. His previous work includes public affairs radio programming, campaign field organizing, and as a nonprofit trainer / facilitator.

With nearly 30 years of experience in (and a love of) the nonprofit sector, Geoff also consults professionally. As a volunteer auctioneer, he has raised over $6 million for more than 60 nonprofit organizations and frequently emcees events, moderates panels, and facilitates discussions on community issues. His other community work includes more than ten years of public affairs radio programming and as a campaign field organizer.

Geoff served as President of the Board of the Santa Barbara Ventura Counties Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 2012, President of the Foundation Roundtable of Santa Barbara County from 2014 to 2015, and as Chair of the Board of Directors for the California Association of Nonprofits from 2016 to 2018. He also served on the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara from 2008 through 2021.

He joined the Board of Directors of Peabody Charter School in 2020, Latinos LEAD in 2021, and the Community Environmental Council in 2022. He also serves on several advisory boards including the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at California Lutheran University, and the Steering Committee for YouthWell.

About Amaya Howard, MPA

Amaya Howard, MPA, is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Samaritan Grants Consulting. She boasts over ten years of invaluable experience as a grant writer and fund development specialist for nonprofit organizations. After graduating from the University of North Texas with a major in Political Science and a Master’s of Public Administration, focusing on Nonprofit Management, Amaya has dedicated her career to public service and advocacy for Black and disenfranchised communities. Currently based in Philadelphia, PA, Amaya actively contributes to increasing the organizational capacity of nonprofit organizations nationwide. Amaya’s rich background in donor development and grant writing allows her to employ her extensive experience to help nonprofits develop robust long-term funding strategies and implementation plans. Amaya is a vocal advocate of asset framing, challenging deficit-based narratives, and empowering organizations to highlight the strengths and aspirations of the communities they serve. Amaya actively participates in professional networks and events outside her consulting work to further advocate for equity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector.

About Katarina Leiser

Katarina Leiser is a seasoned nonprofit professional with over a decade of expertise in fundraising and resource development. She spent the bulk of her nonprofit career at the Legal Action Center in New York, raising millions of dollars in support of restorative opportunities for people with arrest records, substance use disorders, and HIV or AIDS. At Instrumentl, Katarina has leveraged her frontline fundraising experience to guide hundreds of nonprofits in building strategic pipelines for grant funding and foundation partnerships. Previously, she served as an Account Manager at Classy (GoFundMe). Katarina holds an M.P.A. in Nonprofit Management from Baruch College.

About Margie Newman Tsay

Margie Newman Tsay is founding partner of Intesa Communications Group, a widely respected and highly regarded women-owned business championing causes and initiatives throughout San Diego. On speed-dial for high-profile leaders in San Diego and beyond, Margie’s impressive industry know-how, reputation management expertise and unmatched energy drive continued successes for Intesa’s clients. Her career has spanned public, private, government and nonprofit entities, including serving as a press aide to former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, and as a media relations and social media manager for The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, D.C. Following her move to America’s Finest City in 2012, Margie single-handedly launched what is today one of the most sought-after, top ten PR and government relations firms in San Diego, according to the San Diego Business Journal.

Among the San Diego nonprofit organizations with which Margie has been actively involved over the past 13 years, she currently serves as the board chair of the YMCA of San Diego County, the largest Y in the country. She is actively involved on the boards of the Downtown San Diego Partnership and La Jolla Country Day School. Margie is also a member of Sharp HealthCare’s Marketing Committee, serving in an advisory capacity with other top San Diego communications professionals.

Margie’s confidence-building and reputation-enhancing successes regularly receive widespread commendations from associations and publications at the local and national level. Margie’s been named among San Diego Business Journal’s Business Women of the Year numerous times, was the International Association of Business Communicators San Diego 2018 Communicator of the Year and was a 2025 San Diego Business Journal CEO of the Year finalist.

A proud War Eagle at heart and active alumni of Auburn University, Margie is a charismatic and in-demand leader, public speaker, event emcee, and podcast guest. Still, her greatest joy comes from her family — Kai, Owen, Jake, Suzie and CJ.

About Linda Spuck

Linda is principal of Linda Spuck Consulting, dedicated to helping nonprofits find effective ways to achieve their mission through strategic planning, fundraising counsel and legacy giving. Her organization focuses on sharing best practices gleaned from over 20 years of experience in the philanthropic sector. Linda also serves part-time as Chief Gift Planning Officer for Sharp HealthCare Foundation, overseeing planning and marketing as well as staff and board training for San Diego’s largest healthcare provider. She partners with individual giving officers to secure current and deferred gifts. Linda currently serves as Board President for San Diego Opera.

About Kerry Toolan

From the moment Kerry Toolan walked into her college radio station, she knew the nonprofit world was home. Over the past 30+ years, she’s led high-impact fundraising and advancement efforts across sectors—including education, the arts, museums, and community-based organizations. A business coach once said Kerry was “genetically engineered” to thrive in the nonprofit space—and her career has proven that true.

Kerry’s leadership experience spans capital campaigns, major gift and planned giving programs, annual and membership fundraising, six- and seven-figure events, and board and organizational development. Whether expanding donor pipelines or building internal infrastructure, she brings strategy, heart, and results.

Trained early in her career by fundraising icon Jerry Panas and later influenced by the management philosophies of Peter Drucker, Kerry has blended visionary leadership with practical know-how to help organizations grow and thrive. Today, she channels that experience as a leadership and impact coach for nonprofit professionals, helping leaders prevent burnout and take back control of their time, energy, and focus.

Kerry holds a master’s in Arts and Cultural Management from the Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University and is a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving. She is also certified in productivity and motivation coaching, and in implementing an Outward Mindset through the Arbinger Institute—bringing both strategic and human-centered tools to her coaching practice.

About Siddhartha Vivek

As a first-generation American and “latchkey kid” from Boston, Sidd has come a long way – literally and figuratively – from a Boys and Girl Club in to Boston being named San Diego Business Journal’s CEO of the Year (2022). From Boston to working on education policy in Washington, DC and now San Diego, his cross-country career has focused on thinking globally and acting locally to help build thriving, inclusive local communities through youth empowerment.

As President & CEO of Junior Achievement of San Diego County (JA San Diego), Sidd and his team are focused on social mobility for underrepresented young people using experiential lessons, skill development and social capital to develop economic resilience through financial wellness and workforce development. Prior to JA San Diego, Sidd spent 11 years at the YMCA of San Diego in leadership roles overseeing marketing, fundraising, and strategic partnerships.

Currently, Sidd serves on the Board of Directors for San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the NTC Foundation, and the President’s Advisory Council for Southwestern College.

About Jeff Spitko

As Senior Director of Integrated Fundraising for San Diego Foundation, Jeff leads the development of innovative, multichannel fundraising strategies to acquire, steward, and retain new donors. Through traditional and digital channels, he focuses on creating strategically coordinated donor journeys that drive fundraising across one-time, monthly, annual, and mid-level giving to support San Diego Foundation’s operations and impact.

Prior to joining San Diego Foundation, Jeff was the Director of Membership & Audience Management for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. In his role, he led the acquisition, retention, and cultivation strategies for the organization’s mass market donors, monthly giving sustainers, VIPs, and membership base of approximately 400,000 individuals. During Jeff’s 11 years with the organization, the annual revenue for these direct response programs more than doubled from $26MM to over $57MM.

Spitko also previously served as the Chief Marketing Officer at the LGBTQ Victory Fund & Institute, he spearheaded digital marketing strategies in several leadership roles with Vanguard, and performed as a brand spokesperson on QVC for numerous multimillion-dollar electronics corporations including Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark, Panasonic, Casio, GE, Pentax, and Fuji.

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jeff received his bachelor’s degree in communications from York College of Pennsylvania.

About Karin Cox

Karin has helped Kinetic clients raise hundreds of millions of dollars through customized, research-based counsel and guidance. She is adept at drawing out the potential in nonprofits and providing the confidence and competencies they need to raise more money than they ever thought possible. Karin has served in senior leadership roles in nonprofit and business sectors, and is an author, frequent presenter and senior consultant. Karin is the author of Fundraising Leadership: The Essential Guide for Nonprofit Board Members Who Want to Make a Lasting Difference. She developed the widely adopted Cox Grid, which was first presented in her “Fundraising Events” chapter in Fundraising Principles and Practice, the definitive fundraising text published by Jossey-Bass. Karin serves on the board of Kentucky to the World. She has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

About Janell Johnson

Janell’s track record serving Kinetic clients speaks for itself: She routinely exceeds her clients’ expectations and breaks fundraising records. She is well versed in capital campaign organization and execution; major gift identification; event planning; cultivation and solicitation strategies; annual fund development; planned gift acquisition; and strategic planning. She also has considerable experience in board development, strategic planning and staff management. Prior to joining Kinetic, Janell served in development roles at Michigan State University and Western Michigan University. She was also the Director of Annual Giving at University of North Carolina-Wilmington. She holds a Bachelor in Elementary Education degree from Michigan State University and a Master of Public Administration and Certification of Nonprofit Leadership Administration from Western Michigan University.

About Hanna Jensen

With more than 10 years professional experience across local organizations designing, implementing, and scaling youth development programming, Hanna Jensen continues to be a leader and advocate for empowering youth in San Diego. As Chief Impact Officer, Hanna is responsible for aligning fundraising with program delivery/design, with a focus on quality, equity, and sustainability. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree from SDSU, Hanna earned a Masters in Social Innovation from Pepperdine University and sits on the board for statewide nonprofit Cal-SAC and Toby Wells YMCA.

About LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE

LaShonda Williams, MPA, CFRE, is a Trainer at National University Fundraising Academy. Since joining the Fundraising Academy, she has been recognized as a thought leader. Her expertise includes developing and presenting curriculum, coordinating conferences, publishing articles, and mentorship for new industry professionals. Possessing over two decades of experience in fundraising prior roles, LaShonda was previously employed at South Texas College of Law, Houston associate director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement, where she created and led the implementation of the alumni engagement strategic plan. Her efforts led to a 50% increase in alumni engagement and giving during the milestone Centennial year.

Employed at her alma mater, Prairie View A&M University, for eight years, her role as director of Annual Giving PVAMU transitioned alumni affinity into philanthropic support, increasing alumni unrestricted and endowment giving by over 300%. LaShonda’s career in higher education began at the University of Houston, where her program management and relationship-building talents impacted three divisions: College of Education, College of Arts and Sciences, and Bauer College of Business over the course of twelve years.

Currently, LaShonda serves as Philanthropy Manager at Memorial Hermann Hospital System. She possesses a master’s degree in public administration from Troy State University. LaShonda is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and a life member of PVAMU National Alumni Association.

About Cassie Carter

Cassie Carter, Ph.D. is Vice President and West Region Director at Campbell & Company. She brings 30 years of passion for nonprofits, focusing on strategic and fundraising planning that builds a shared understanding of mission, leveraging strengths of organizations to achieve long-term success. Prior coming to Campbell eight years ago, Cassie was Associate Vice President for Development and Director of Campaigns at Hawaii Pacific University, Associate Vice President for Development Operations Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and Executive Director of the Montana Outdoor Science School. Currently she serves as immediate past president for the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Greater Los Angeles Chapter, as board chair for the Foundation for Pierce College, and is a member of the faculty for the Center for Nonprofit Leadership at Cal Lutheran.

Cassie has a doctoral degree in Teaching and Learning with an emphasis in public administration from the University of Southern California, and a bachelor’s in biology from California State University, Northridge.

About Carolina De La Cueva

Carolina is a financial sales consultant in PNC Organizational Financial Wellness. Carolina works directly with employees to educate and engage them on the financial wellness benefits being offered and to provide individualized guidance based on where each employee is at on their financial wellness journey.

Carolina is a Financial Sales Consultant with over 13 years of experience in banking, specializing in helping individuals feel empowered and confident in their financial decisions. With a strong foundation in retail banking including eight years as a branch manager in North County she now guides clients through personalized strategies to support their immediate needs and long term goals. Through PNC Workplace Banking, Carolina partners with employees of mid-sized to large companies, providing tailored financial guidance to help them take control of their finances. She leverages a wide range of PNC tools, products, and resources to reduce financial stress and support overall financial wellness. Her expertise includes credit building, savings strategies, debt management, and home lending. Carolina works closely with internal mortgage partners to support clients on the path to homeownership, refinancing, or home equity solutions. Certified in Crucial Conversations and a graduate of the Regional Banking Academy, Retail Leadership Academy, and
Branch Mastery Program, Carolina brings both expertise and empathy to every client interaction.

About Katie Effland

Kate Efffland brings 15 years of diverse fundraising and nonprofit management experience to her work at Campbell & Company. She understands that data-driven donor engagement strategies paired with sound operations are critical pillars for any successful fundraising endeavor. Kate leads Campbell & Company’s methodology taskforce and is involved in Campbell & Company’s qualification services. ​

​Prior to joining Campbell & Company in 2018, Kate held several leadership roles with the Taproot Foundation in Washington, DC, and New York City, culminating with her role as Director of Philanthropy and Community Engagement in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this position, Kate was responsible for fundraising, market-building, and community engagement efforts for Taproot Foundation’s capacity-building programs and corporate consulting division. ​She also worked for several human services and healthcare organizations in the Bay Area in various development positions, managing institutional fundraising efforts and donor databases.

​Kate graduated with a B.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland – College Park and completed the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service at NYU Wagner School of Public Service. Kate is currently pursuing her Master’s in Business Administration at University of Washington-Bothell. Kate is a member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is active in the Seattle nonprofit community.

About Renee Herrell Fitzgerald, M.A., CFRE

Ms. Fitzgerald founded Fitz Nonprofit Consulting in 2004 to serve nonprofit organizations with their fundraising needs. Ms. Fitzgerald has consulted for more than 100 nonprofit organizations and conducted 31 capital campaigns that have raised over $500 million. Her experience and savvy strategies empower clients to achieve – and exceed – their fundraising goals. She is adept at translating organization needs into clear, actionable and successful projects.

Ms. Fitzgerald holds a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego and a Certificate in Fundraising and Development from University of California, San Diego. She is very active in the philanthropic community in San Diego and is a current member of the San Diego Women’s Foundation, University of San Diego Alumni Board and Women Give San Diego.

Born and raised in San Diego, CA, Ms. Fitzgerald loves to run on the beach, cross-country ski in the mountains, spend time with her family, travel the world, and host neighborhood BBQs.

About Tisha Hyter, CSRIC®

Tisha Hyter, CSRIC®, is a director of nonprofit strategy for PNC Institutional Asset Management. In this role, she helps enhance nonprofit client relationships through direct engagement by providing customized guidance. Using her knowledge of the nonprofit sector, she works directly with market teams and nonprofit clients in variety of areas including investments, governance and operational best practices, distribution strategies and philanthropic planning. As part of the Nonprofit Strategy & Solutions Group, she also contributes to thought leadership, presents at client events and works with key stakeholders in the community to promote PNC’s commitment to the nonprofit sector.

About Dr. Pam Luster

Dr. Pam Luster is President Emerita of San Diego Mesa College. Dr. Luster is the President/CEO of Luster Higher Ed Group, working to bring equitable, just, and inclusive practices to higher education leaders and institutions.

She is an adjunct professor in the San Diego State University doctoral program in Community College Leadership. Along with her California Community College Colleagues, Dr. Keith Curry and Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Dr. Luster is a co-founder of  Equity Avengers. They host a weekly program called #EquityChat on Twitter and are working with leaders to embed racial equity, critical humility, and learning across our systems. Previously, she served as the Vice President of Student Services, Interim Vice President of Instruction, and Dean of Academic Services at Las Positas College. At West Valley College, she held the Dean of Career Education and Workforce Development position and started her career as a faculty member in the Disabled Students program.

Dr. Luster’s service includes membership on several local, state, and national boards, including San Diego Youth Services, San Diego Mesa College Foundation, California Community College Athletics Association, and Community College Baccalaureate Association & Bayside Community Center. She previously served on the Chief Executive Officers of California Community Colleges (CEOCCC) Board and was co-chair of the CEOCCC Task Force on Affordability, Food, and Housing.

About Alex Nuñez

Over the past decade, Alex has led strategic operational initiatives that drive sustainable growth for Neighborhood Healthcare. His efforts have expanded Neighborhood’s services through establishing new and expanded health centers throughout San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties for a total of 29 centers (and growing!).

Previously, as Chief Growth Officer, Alex oversaw identifying communities in need of no-cost or low-cost healthcare and finding ways to meet these needs. He holds an MBA from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Bachelor’s in Public Health from San Diego State University. He is also a graduate of the Clinic Leadership Institute and the UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Health Care Executive Program.

About Laura White

Laura is a seasoned fundraiser, San Diego native, and daughter of a veteran. Not surprisingly, Laura is leading the campaign to build the new Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier. She oversees the capital campaign committee, fundraising, community engagement, and external messaging of the campaign.

About Kristin Wiggins

As the VP of Development for the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank, Kristin oversees the organization’s capital campaign to expand their facilities – doubling their size and services.

Kristin brings more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector focused on fundraising, board development and governance, program development, marketing, volunteer management, and special events. Kristin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from San Francisco State University. Kristin is an active member of the San Diego Downtown Breakfast Rotary Club.

About Brian Zumbano

As Vice President, Chief Development & Stewardship Officer, Brian leads the Development and Stewardship Division, overseeing San Diego Foundation donor engagement and fundraising activities. He is responsible for expanding and diversifying the organization’s donor base through strategic efforts that will grow SDF’s assets and increase the impact of charitable giving in the region.

In his role as Chief of Staff, Brian supports SDF planning and processes that lead to overall organization excellence. He is responsible for the coordination of essential business activities of the organization, including talent, performance management, strategic planning, culture, facilities and resource development. He also provides support to the CEO regarding key external strategies that will assist SDF in reaching its stated goals.

Prior to joining SDF, Brian served as Senior Executive Director of Development for UC San Diego Health Sciences, where he managed a diverse team of development professionals responsible for principal and major gifts. In this role, Brian helped prepare the Health Sciences Advancement organizational structure for the launch of the Campaign for UC San Diego, in addition to stewarding multiple transformational gifts for the institution. Prior to this, Brian was Director of Development at Columbia University Medical Center and Development Officer at New York University, where he helped facilitate major-and-principal gifts.

Brian earned his bachelor’s degree at Boston College, as well as two master’s degrees in Strategic Communications from Columbia University, and World History from New York University

About Bryant Weathers, CSPG

Bryant Weathers is an experienced communications and charitable gift planning specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in fundraising, web design, publications, data analysis, reporting, technical writing, student, alumni, and donor relations.

Refugee and Immigrant Cultural Hub

• Location: Mid-City
• Number of Units: 150
• Income Level: 30-60% Area Median Income
• Developer: The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) and Hitzke Development
• Populations Served: Refugee and immigrant communities

Valley Creek Apartments

• Location: Escondido
• Number of Units: 136
• Income Level: 30-60% Area Median Income
• Developer: National CORE, in partnership with San Diego Community Housing Corporation
• Service Providers: Hope Through Housing Foundation, West PACE, San Diego PACE, Meals on Wheels, San Diego Food Bank, Produce Good
• Populations Served: Lower-income, homeless/at-risk older adults

Avanzando

• Location: San Ysidro
• Number of Units: 103
• Income Level: 30-60% Area Median Income
• Developer: Casa Familiar
• Service Providers: La Semilla Community Resiliency Center
• Populations Served: Low-income families with focus on climate resilience and community ownership

Serra Mesa Apartments

• Location: Serra Mesa/Kearny Mesa
• Number of Units: 60
• Income Level: 30-60% Area Median Income
• Developer: Community HousingWorks
• Service Providers: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), HUD-VA Supportive Housing Program, CHW Achieve Resident Services Program
• Populations Served: Homeless veterans and their families

Casa Maria

• Location: Downtown San Diego
• Number of Units: 20
• Income Level: Below 80-120% AMI
• Developer: Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego
• Service Providers: Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego
• Populations Served: Women with few or no resources, overlooked by traditional housing subsidies

SDSU Mission Valley

• Location: Mission Valley
• Number of Units: 126
• Income Level: 30-60% Area Median Income
• Developer: Chelsea Investment Corporation
• Service Providers: Pacific Southwest Community Development Corporation
• Populations Served: Low-income families, individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities

Cuatro at City Heights

• Location: City Heights
• Number of Units: 117
• Income Level: 30-60% Area Median Income
• Developer: Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation (with City Heights Community Development Corporation)
• Service Providers: Interfaith Community Services, Salaam Youth & Community Center, Legal Aid Society of San Diego, La Maestra Health Clinic, Mid-City employment centers, local food banks
• Populations Served: Unhoused veterans, refugee and immigrant communities, low-income families

Hillcrest Hall

• Location: Hillcrest
• Number of Units: 98
• Income Level: 30-70% Area Median Income
• Developer: CRP Affordable
• Service Providers: Life Skills Training & Educational Programs
• Populations Served: Low- to moderate-income families

Evelyn’s Place

• Location: Central San Diego
• Number of Units: 55
• Income Level: 100-110% Area Median Income
• Developer: Kire Group
• Populations Served: Workforce/moderate-income individuals seeking urban lifestyle

1620 State Street

• Location: Little Italy
• Number of Units: 52
• Income Level: 80% Area Median Income
• Developer: Nakhshab Development in partnership with Housing On Merit
• Service Providers: Housing on Merit
• Populations Served: Workforce housing

17th & Commercial Apartments

• Location: East Village
• Number of Units: 103
• Income Level: 30% – 60% Area Median Income
• Developer: SVDP Management Inc. in partnership with Arete Development and supported by Studio E Architects
• Service Providers: Father Joe’s Villages
• Populations Served: Individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness

About Ciara Claraty

Ciara Claraty is a consultant with Alford Group, bringing over a decade of experience in strategic planning, change management, organizational development, and executive coaching. She has partnered with nonprofit organizations and Fortune 1000 companies to elevate leadership capabilities, guide teams through transformational change, and strengthen organizational effectiveness.

Ciara is known for her ability to facilitate high-impact strategic planning and scenario planning processes that help organizations navigate complexity and prepare for the future. She has trained more than 3,500 professionals globally in diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices, and has supported clients in designing and implementing meaningful DEI strategies. Her expertise in change management ensures that teams are not only aligned around strategy but also equipped to adapt, lead, and thrive through transitions.

Grounded in a deep commitment to equity and impact, Ciara works alongside her clients to unlock their highest potential and build dynamic, inclusive, and resilient organizations.

About Una Osili

Dr. Una Osili is the Executive Director of Philanthropy, Strategy and Operations at the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation. She previously held the Efroymson Chair in Philanthropy and served as Associate Dean for Research and International Programs at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She was appointed as the Dean’s Fellow for the Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy.

An internationally recognized scholar in economics and philanthropy, Osili led the research and writing of Giving USA, the longest-running and most comprehensive annual report on the sources and uses of charitable giving in America. She also launched the research and publication of the school’s Global Philanthropy Tracker and the Global Philanthropy Environment Index. She is the founder of Generosity for Life, a digital platform, and chairs the school’s signature research project, the Philanthropy Panel Study, the most comprehensive study of the generosity of American families over time.

Osili has provided expert testimony at the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee, and a subcommittee of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on philanthropy and international development.

Osili received her bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in economics from Northwestern University.

About Linda Katz

Equity and justice are the core values that drive Linda Katz’s passions.

As a full-time community volunteer and social/civic activist for more than four decades, Linda is passionate about uplifting and empowering women and girls, especially those who have been historically underrepresented and under resourced.

Linda is the Founding President of The San Diego Women’s Foundation and Co-Founder of Women Give San Diego. Having been involved with Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest for 40+ years, she is committed to ensuring broad public access to sexual and reproductive health care through direct service, education, and advocacy.

Linda is actively engaged; working with organizations that advance the economic security of women and girls in our community who have been historically underrepresented and under resourced, particularly United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST) and Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. Linda currently serves on the Advisory Councils of Lifeline Community Services, Salaam Youth and Community Center, and San Diego Center for Children. Additionally, Linda will be walking in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day in November, year 25 for her; having raised $100K+ for breast cancer research.

As a 1990 graduate of LEAD San Diego IMPACT, Linda is a past Board Chair of LEAD San Diego, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest, Serving Seniors, and Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary. Additional past Board service includes San Diego Foundation, Rady Children’s Hospital Foundation, United Way of San Diego County, Junior League of San Diego, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, Francis Parker School, and San Diego Symphony.

Linda has served as Chair and Co-Chair of many milestone charitable events including: San Diego Center for Children Anniversary 133rd Anniversary Celebration, Barrio Logan College Institute’s Opportunity for Impact Annual Fundraiser, the 90th Anniversary Charity Ball benefitting Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Gala, Junior League’s Encore, Girl Scouts’ 10th Anniversary Urban Campout, and San Diego Symphony’s New Year’s Eve Gala. She also served as Honorary Chair for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) National Philanthropy Day 2013-2014.

Linda has received numerous awards including: LEAD San Diego’s Neil Morgan Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, Women’s Empowerment International 2024 Woman of Empowerment Award and the inaugural Champion of Change Award presented by Girl Scouts San Diego at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace’s 2025 Women’s Symposium, Planned Parenthood’s Margaret Sanger Award, LEAD San Diego’s Graduate of the Year Award, Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary’s Distinguished Service Award, Junior League’s Spirit of Volunteerism Award. San Diego Magazine’s Community Volunteer of the Year Award, Serving Seniors’ Advocacy Hero Award, Girl Scouts’ Cool Woman Award, and the Association of Fundraising Professional’s Development Volunteer of the Year Award. Linda and her husband, Mel, received the San Diego Rotary Club 2017 Mr. and Mrs. San Diego Award.

Linda and Mel have been married for 48 years and live in Del Mar. They have three adult children, Lindsey, Ashley and Jeffrey, and five grandchildren, Nicole, Noah, Donovan, JoJo, and Evander.

About Noun Abdelaziz

Noun Abdelaziz is a community organizer, health researcher, and MA candidate in Global Health at UC San Diego. With deep roots in public health advocacy, mental health education, and nutrition research, Noun brings both heart and insight to her work. As a Sudanese Egyptian immigrant and poet, she weaves her lived experience into every space she enters and creates connections that are both meaningful and grounded in culture.

Noun is a Community Catalyst at the United Women of East Africa Support Team (UWEAST), where she works to uplift community voices and drive youth-centered initiatives. She also proudly represents UWEAST on the San Diego Refugee Communities Coalition’s Policy Council, advocating for policies that reflect the needs and strengths of refugee communities.

As a previous youth participant herself, Noun is deeply committed to giving back — mentoring and supporting the next generation of youth leaders with care and intention.

Over the years, her leadership has been recognized through several honors, including a nomination for the 2018 California Endowment Youth Awards, the 2019 National Philanthropy Day’s Outstanding Youth/Student Volunteer award, and the American Heart Association’s 2020 Student Scholar award. She was also highlighted by U.S. News & World Report as a “Citizen of the World.”

Whether she’s leading research with the UC San Diego Refugee Health Unit or showing up for her community through storytelling and advocacy, Noun continues to center healing, justice, and belonging in all that she does.

Grant Instructions

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Mutual Fund Instructions

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Stock Instructions

Submit a Stock Contribution Form.

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Credit Card Instructions

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Check Instructions

Mail to:
Attn: Donations
San Diego Foundation
2508 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92106

Please write your fund name and number in the memo field of your check. Make the check payable to San Diego Foundation. (For Endowment funds, please indicate whether the gift should be applied to the principal or distributable portion of the fund.)

Wire or Electronic Bank Transfer Instructions

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Call Donor Services at (619) 814-1332 or email DonorServices@sdfoundation.org.

Fifty & Forward accelerated investment in education and leadership by aligning donors and partners around shared priorities. Through expanded grantmaking and collaboration, the initiative increased support for programs that help students and teachers succeed and prepare future leaders to serve our region.

Fifty & Forward accelerated investment in family strength and well-being by aligning donors and partners around shared community priorities. Through expanded grantmaking and collaboration, the initiative strengthened programs that support children, families and caregivers across San Diego County.

Fifty & Forward accelerated investment in environmental protection and resilience by aligning donors and partners around shared regional priorities. Through expanded grantmaking and collaboration, the initiative advanced efforts to protect natural resources and support healthy, sustainable communities across San Diego County.