August 1, 2025
We enjoy seeing what our graduates are doing and how they are making an impact on the world. Share your good news with us here or via email, lead@sdchamber.org.
Bethlehem Degu (24) is now the Program Specialist for the San Diego Foundation.
La Monica Everett-Haynes, Ph.D. (19) is now serving as Board President for Episcopal Community Services (ECS).
Gregorio Figueroa (25) was recognized as a UC San Diego Exemplary Staff Employee of the Year Award Recipient.
Amanda Flisher (21) was the featured leader in Giving Back Magazine’s ‘Feel Good Friday’.
Melissa Malone-Montgomery (21) was recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as a 2025 LGBTQ+ Leader of Influence.
Cara Nager (25) was promoted to Manager of Environmental Programs for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
Toni Rhorer (22) led the Career Management Center team at the Rady School to win the Career Services and Employer Alliance (CSEA) 2025 Innovation Award.
Krista Rice (25) has been promoted to Vice President, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager for Torrey Pines Bank, a division of Western Alliance Bank.
Lorena Nava Ruggero (25) started a new role as the Senior Director of Marketing at Workshops for Warriors.
Lakeysha Sowunmi (23) was promoted to Senior Director of Resident Services for Community HousingWorks.
The following LEAD graduates were finalists for the San Diego Business Journal’s 40 Next Business Leaders Under 40:
- Torrey Albertazzi (23, 25)
- Rosa Cabrera-Jaime (21)
- Oscar Gomez (25)
- Derek Legg (23)
- Amanda Moul (25)
- Heather Woodling (24)
- Melanie Woods (21)
- Kenia Zamarripa (19)
The below LEAD graduates were nominees in San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women Awards 2025. Here are their names, and categories for which they were nominated:
- Gema Deleon (21), Education – Pioneer
- Hanna Jensen (22), Education – Rising Star
- Alexandra Eaker Perez (18), Finance – Pioneer
- Tina Vieregg (25), Finance – Pioneer
- Heather Cramer (23), Food & Beverage – Pioneer
- Tana Lora (12, 13, 25), Food & Beverage – Pioneer
- Elsa Morales-Roth (18), Healthcare – Pioneer
- Marisa Varond (25), Healthcare – Rising Star
- Camille Cannon (25), Media + Marketing – Rising Star
- Wendy Moore (23), Military + Public Service – Pioneer
- Vivian Moreno (16), Military + Public Service – Pioneer
- Nancy L. Sasaki (96), Non-Profit – Pioneer
- Betsy Brennan (06, 18), Non-Profit – Pioneer
- Nikia Clarke (16), Non-Profit – Pioneer
- Melissa Peterman (19), Non-Profit – Pioneer
- Cinda Lucas (89), Sports + Entertainment – Pioneer
- Kerri Kapich (17), Tourism + Hospitality – Pioneer
- Theresa Cunningham (23), Tourism + Hospitality – Rising Star