Ally Welborn is the Director of Marketing & Communications for Reality Changers, a San Diego-based nonprofit organization that prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities. She has 13 years of experience in volunteer management, grassroots organizing, development, and marketing & communications. She is a passionate community builder who brings people together to impact change.
Since joining the Reality Changers team in 2020, Ally has launched a new website for the organization; developed a comprehensive marketing, style, & branding guide; and implemented a ‘strengths-based’ communications strategy which centers youth successes rather than their challenges. Prior to coming to Reality Changers, she was the Community Engagement Manager for The San Diego River Park Foundation and the Manager of Volunteers and Outreach at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center.
Ally is actively involved in the community and currently serves on the board for the Normal Heights Community Association, 2023 Nonprofit of the Year for the City of San Diego, District 9. She is a LEAD Impact Class of 2024 graduate and a UC San Diego alum with a background in improv comedy.
About Ally Welborn
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am a proud aunt and an indulgent cat mom. My little guy, Stevie, is named after Stevie Nicks.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I absolutely love working for Reality Changers. We prepare local youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities. We are advancing equity in San Diego.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
At Reality Changers, we teach students that their personal stories –their life experiences– are their strengths. No matter what someone else may assume about you, only YOU know who YOU truly are. Own it and be proud of it.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still moving, shaking, and making a difference in beautiful San Diego, California!
Ally Welborn & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Shangchenglameizi in Convoy, Trattoria Cori Pastificio in North Park, Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights, Lucha Libre in Mission Hills
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved here in 2006 for college and haven’t looked back!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tamara Y. Craver – CEO of Reality Changers. Tamara has a vision for change and a cooperative spirit for implementation.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I still miss Tiger!Tiger! in North Park. I have so many great memories there.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
San Diego is all about collaboration. Businesses, nonprofits, government, education, community groups — everyone is always looking to identify syngeries and lift each other up.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I’d love to grab tacos with Tony Gwynn Jr! I think that he does a great job adding context to the Padres radio broadcast. As a diehard fan, I’d love to pick his brain.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I’m an action fan. So, my favorite movie is probably Terminator 2 or Die Hard. I love genre television – Buffy the Vampire Slayer, X-Files, Deep Space Nine, etc.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Hahaha, I’m an open book. There’s little that most people don’t know about me.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Petco Park when the Padres are winning. Is there any better feeling that drinking a craft beer and cheering with the crowd on a summer evening?
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Reality Changers students and graduates. They have worked so hard to achieve their dreams. If they can put in that effort, I can too!
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
In addition to Reality Changers – Barrio Logan College Institute, Mid-City CAN, The Chicano Federation, San Ysidro Health, Wildcoast, David’s Harp Foundation, YMCA of San Diego County
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Normal Heights
What I love about my Neighborhood:
It’s walkable and collaborative. I love that I know my neighbors and the local business owners. We work together and look out for each other.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
San Diego, California
