September 8, 2026
Over 10 Months, 41 leaders will be seeing San Diego from a whole new perspective.
LEAD San Diego is proud to announce the Impact Class of 2027, sponsored by SDG&E.
This year’s class brings together leaders across sectors including government, healthcare, education, nonprofit, business, and biotech. Each member was selected for their dedication to the region and their commitment to learning and strengthening San Diego.
During 10 monthly seminars, the cohort will explore San Diego through a new lens, gaining direct access to the industries that power our region. Through dynamic conversations, insightful presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, and opportunities to connect, they’ll build the skills to lead as informed, engaged civic and community leaders.
Follow along monthly on our social media and blog.
Introducing the cohort!
Dustin Adkins, Assistant Director, Alumni Engagement, San Diego State University
Emily Alvarenga, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications, Intesa Communications Group
Carter Anderson, Chief Development Officer, Monarch School Project
Vanessa Bailey, Program Analyst, Navy Region Southwest
Neema Black, Wellness Director, Neighborhood House Association
Desiree Brittain, Licensed Supervising Director, Neighborhood House Association
P.J. Burks, Founder and Lead, ConsultingDNA
John J. Caciedo, Physical Security Program Manager, Navy Region Southwest
Carla Camacho, Manager of Business Development, Ocean Discovery
Arika Daniels, Senior Director of Communications, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Myrna Davalos, Acting Chief Philanthropy Officer, Father Joe’s Villages
Amy Eilts, Director of Programs, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Michael Esposito, Founder & CEO, Snake Oil Cocktail Company
Yasmine Farley, Director, Career Center, California State University San Marcos
Christian Garcia, Branch Manager, U.S. Bank
James Gorcos, Assistant News Director, 10News
Ella Guidugli, Senior Manager, Employee Relations, Amazon
Catherine Hampel, Chief Administrative Officer, Department of Psychiatry, UCLA Health
Christopher Heim, Programs Manager, Workforce Development, MAAC
Cory Illeman, Sr. Public Affairs Manager, SDG&E
Danielle Kochman, Manager of Transportation Finance and Investment Strategy, SANDAG
Nina Leung, Chief Financial Officer, NTCF
Giselle Luevanos, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing, California State University San Marcos
Morgan McCue Eberhardt, Chief of Staff, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Ismena Mejia, VP of Business Operations, SBCS
David Miles, Relationship Manager, U.S. Bank
Julie Miracle, Director of Compliance, Lifeline Community Services
Lindsay Monschein, Vice President, Premium Sales & Service, SDFC
Bardia Moojedi, CAO Project Manager, County of San Diego
Ashley Morrison, Field Representative (Healthcare), Office of Representative Scott Peters
Salem Nippa Conn, Account Director, The Shipyard
Loumarie Ortega, Shore Response Exercise Program Manager, US Navy
Betsy Paige, Strategic Partnerships Officer, Girl Scouts San Diego
Lisa Pangilinan, Senior Manager of External Programs and Partnerships, ASML
Megan Provost, Small Business Specialist, U.S. Bank
Christopher Ramirez, Director of Real Estate Development, MAAC
Adrian Rodriguez-Cantero, Community Engagement Manager, David’s Harp Foundation
Bhargava Sana, Manager of Regional Models, SANDAG
Krista Van Tassel, Sustainability Manager, SDG&E
Adriana Villa, Senior Account Executive, Nuffer, Smith, Tucker
Grace Williamson, Senior Director, Industry and Employer Relations, Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego