Marcela Mercado, General Manager of Fern Street Circus, and Catalina Paz, Show Creator and Director, discuss Fern Street's Neighborhood Tour in City Heights, and its recent move into its first-ever dedicated indoor space at the former Central Elementary School building. Mercado and Paz talk about Fern Street's goal of bringing together people of all ages, cultures and experiences to share the joy of circus.
Mary Ann Pascal, a longtime resource parent who has fostered more than 400 children, discusses the critical role of the resource parent in reuniting children with their parents. Diana Macis, Protective Services Program Manager for the County of San Diego "Child and Family Well-Being" Department, chats about the recruitment of resource parents and the supports the County provides the resource parent.
Jodi Cilley, Founder and President of the Film Consortium San Diego, shouts out the annual G.I. Film Festival, that will be held May 6-11 at the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) in Balboa Park. Devin Scott, a director of one of the festival's featured films -- Long Live Xander the Great -- talks about his film and the importance of the festival.
Casey Castillo, CEO of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, chats about the organization's mission to provide nutritious food to people in need, as well its valued Diaper Bank Program that provided more than 9 million diapers last year to families of infants and toddlers. Castillo is joined by Amy Jacobs, the Co-Chair of the Food Bank's annual gala, slated for Saturday, April 27 at the organization's 90,000-square-foot facility. Castillo discusses the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program.
Jessica Gercke, Public Relations Director for the Helen Woodward Animal Center, talks about the Center's 50+ years of changing the world of animal care. Gercke is joined by Barry Siegel, the Center's Corporate Sponsorship Officer, to chat about it's Pets Without Walls Program, and the unprecedented drop in animal adoptions around the country. Animal Center spokespuppy, Hogan, an Australian Cattle Dog, joins the conversation.
Janessa Wheeler, Annual Giving and Stewardship Specialist for Forever Balboa Park, is joined by her colleague, Phillip Sammuli, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, to talk about its never-ending work to serve as the lead private partner to work on behalf of all 1,200 acres of Balboa. Wheeler and Sammuli discuss the upcoming sPARK Awards, slated for May 9 at the San Diego Air and Space Museum; the new strategic plan; and its new Special Use Permit.
Micah Ducharme, a 12-year old student, discusses the publication of his first book, Adventures of Jerry the Pug: The Quest for the Secret Biscuit, An Egyptian Adventure . Micah is joined by his father, Joshua, who advised Micah on his literary journey.
Wyatt Hinshaw, Founder & CEO of FundaMental Health, chats about the organization's mission; the ways FundaMental Health differentiates itself from other mental healthcare companies; and his mental health journey.
Susanne Husby, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish San Diego, talks about the 5,000 wishes the organization has granted in San Diego since its inception. Husby is joined by Christine Reed, the organization's Director of Communications, to chat about the misconception that every child who receives a wish is at end-of-life. The volunteer-driven organization is putting a out a call for bilingual volunteers.
Scott Silber, Executive Director of the Allgire Foundation, discusses the Foundation's mission to support those living in affordable housing communities with "move-in kits" and care packages. Silber chats about the Foundation's Spring Harvest packaging event.
Motorcycle Accident Victim Recounts How Blood from San Diego Blood Bank Saved Her Life Elizabeth Earley chats about her experience in nearly losing all of her blood in a horrific motorcycle accident and how blood in the ambulance from the San Diego Blood Bank saved her life, leading Earley to be a Blood Bank donor for life. Earley is joined by Doug Morton, CEO of the San Diego Blood Bank, to talk about the importance of having a diverse and young pool of blood donors.
Aaron Locks, CEO and Founder of the National Academy of Athletics, chats about transforming kids lives through the power of sports. Locks talks about the Academy's partnership with schools, and city recreation and youth sports leagues to help kids fall in love with playing sports.
Mark Daggett, Founder and Executive Director of Rally4Reilly & Friends, discusses the organization's mission and services, and its need to secure community partners to support those living with spinal cord injuries.
Vivian Grifantini, Associate Director of Volunteer Programs for Meals on Wheels San Diego County, discusses the mission of Meals on Wheels; the organization's ongoing volunteer needs; the recent success of this year's Champions Week; and the upcoming "Rio Carnival: A Samba Soiree" Gala on April 20.
Jamie Flannery, Assistant Principal of Campus Life for The Academy of Our Lady of Peace, is joined by Nicole Rubio, a member of the OLP Senior Class of 2024, to talk about OLP's 10th Annual Women's Symposium and it's Be-YOU-ti-Ful Leadership Conference.
Neil O'Connell, Executive Director of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, chats about the organization's 70th Anniversary celebration plans; its 3rd Annual Women's History Tribute and Brunch slated for Thursday, March 21; and the annual Memorial Day Ceremony set for Monday, May 27
Brandon Joe, Co-Founder & CEO of Treasure Hacks, chats about his company's recent events, and how their success can be traced to the importance they put on building relationships. Joe talks about Treasure Hacks' recent events.
Chris Megison, President & CEO and Founder of Solutions for Change, discusses the organization's laser-beamed focus on solving the root causes of homelessness versus focusing on the symptoms of homelessness
Diana Agostini, Executive Director of the San Diego Italian Film Festival, talks about the Festival's monthly series; its 18th feStivale, slated for October; and its goal to take kids to the Giffoni Film Festival in Europe
Annie Avilez, a Social Innovation Specialist for the USD Jacobs Institute of Innovation in Education, and a law school candidate, chats about her single father's dedication to ensuring her academic and professional success. Eulogio Avilez discusses his pride in his daughter's academic journey.
Dr. Angela Bass, Assistant Superintendent of Learning and Leadership for the San Diego County Office of Education, talks about the importance of leadership training for school administrators and her passion for promoting equity in all aspects of educating students.
Dr. Kimberly White-Smith, Dean of the University of San Diego School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), talks about the myriad programs and services offered through SOLES's Institutes and Departments.
Eva Matthews, the new CEO of Mama's Kitchen, discusses her first month as the leader of one of San Diego's most revered nonprofits. Matthews chats about the mission of the organization; the number of medically tailored meals delivered monthly; and opportunities for engagement with Mama's Kitchen.
Jim Hurley, Treasurer of the Robert Frost Society, talks about the San Diego County Library's Sesquicentennial Celebration of Robert Frost's birth from March 20-24. Hurley chats about the renowned poets that will be participating in the celebration.
Jamie Moraga, Founder and CEO of Franklin Revere, talks about her success in founding, running and selling a small business in the predominately male military/defense industry, and how her experiences have led her to advise small companies on how to develop growth strategies. Moraga is joined by her son Jack, a 3rd-grader, who discusses his love of reading, learning and Legos.
Barbara Bry, a longtime San Diego business and community leader, and Co-Chair of this Year's Girl Scouts "Cool Women Celebration," is joined by Michelle Mullen, Chief Mission Delivery Officer for Girl Scouts San Diego, and rising star Syra Walia, an Emerging Leader Girl Scout. The trio chat about the upcoming "Cool Women Celebration," that will be held on Thursday, March 21 at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. Walia chats about her experiences that led her to become an Emerging Leader Girl Scout....
Kristian Perez-Franco, Exhibitions Senior Manager for Media Arts Center San Diego-- the producer of the annual Latino Film Festival -- talks about 31st Annual Festival that will be held from March 14-24. Perez-Franco is joined by Nicole Valencia, Director of Farewell , one of the Festival's featured films.
Kathy Sebuck, Founder & CEO of Marchitecture, chats about why personal alignment is important in business life; her Connected Balance platform; and using growth mindset tools to create growth opportunities.
Allie Sarnataro, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Riding Above Disability (RAD), and Claire McCreary, RAD's Volunteer Coordinator, discuss RAD's programs; its upcoming fundraising events on April 6 (Wine Pairing) and May 4 (Barn Dance); and its newly developed military program.
Shannon Ratliff, Board Vice President of SunCoast Market Co-Op, is joined by the Co-Op's Outreach Coordinator-- Yvette Beltran -- to talk about the Co-Op's mission; it's Imperial Beach location; and the impact it has on local communities.
