Bio:
A graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Gina Lopez was recruited after a national search to be CEO for the California Center for the Arts, Escondido and took the reins in January 2023 where she has spearheaded a 7-figure financial recovery. Gina previously gained sustainability for two other arts organizations as Executive Director specializing in “the turnaround”. Early in her career, Gina traveled the world as a professional dancer and then started her executive career by founding a Performing Arts High School in Reno, NV. She is the curator and lead organizer for TEDxEscondido, a board member of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, a member of Rotary International of Escondido and sits on the advisory board for the Burnham Center for Community Advancement.
About Gina Lopez
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I moved to North San Diego County with my beloved partner and our special needs son in 2023. My two amazing daughters, currently at attending universities outside the area, have always been my guiding light. My mother has always been an inspiration, a strong woman who instilled the importance of family, hard work and independence to myself and my two brothers. I feel very lucky to have a them and our large close nit families to share our lives together.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve had a career in the arts as long as I have been alive. I got my SAG card at 13 years old and have been working in the arts ever since. I found that I love being an administrator more than performing because of the opportunity to profoundly enrich the hearts and minds of every community member from cradle to grave.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Stay on mission.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Doing the same thing that I am doing, leading an arts organization, preferably in the San Diego area because we have grown to love it in our short time here. I don’t think I ever see myself doing anything other than enriching communities through the arts.
Gina Lopez & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
508 Tavern in Vista, Four Tunas and Frida’s Tacos in Escondido.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
18 months
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Jack Raymond. He has done so much for Escondido and the entire area and still works tirelessly for the betterment of the community and I don’t see him slowing down. He is an inspiration and I am trying to learn as much as I can from him.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
My brother went to the University of San Diego. When I visit the area, it brings me back to visiting him and that time during college that is a bit scary but also seems to have endless possibilities.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My son has improved tremendously since moving the the area and the available services for those in need have truly transformed our lives. But the one thing we truly love is our beaches. They have a magical, healing power that only the ocean brings.
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 would meet Malcolm Gladwell at Frida’s Tacos. I think he would dig the vibe and I would keep him there as long as possible diving deep into his many brilliant observations.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Ted Lasso. I love the leadership styles, from both the men and women, and I try to learn and implement them in my leadership. Although, I do wish I had writers sometimes.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was a Nevada State Champion baton twirler.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
San Diego sunsets.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My family and my staff. I am always learning from them and try to support them the best way I can.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I admire grassroot organizations with committed volunteers that have an irrational passion for their cause. I support the arts (of course) and organizations that help the autistic community.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
If you know your mission and use it as your true North, you will never get lost.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Homemade breakfast outside in the patio, time at the beach, a museum and a live art event either a concert or a play and preferably back home in bed by 9.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, laughter, tamales
