Dr. LaWana Richmond, Board Vice President for Alliance San Diego. EV Program Manager, UC San Diego, CEO Firyali, Inc, and Executive Director/Founder of Grioneers, Inc.
holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SDSU, a Master of Science in Information Systems from National University, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from UC San Diego/CSU San Marcos. She is dedicated to ensuring our young people have every opportunity for equitable learning, opportunity to learn of our communal past and opportunity to embrace who they are as individuals. Her passion for futurism in general, and Afrofuturism in particular, is driven by the times we live in; Times when the adversity and the opportunities it presents beckon us to rise above ourselves.
About LaWana Richmond
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am big sister to Chris Richmond, the most honorable man I’ve ever known and mom to two brilliant adults. Jasmyne and Mike. who is father to Carter and Saniyyah – two more briliant and beautiful people. My mother, Australia Richmond is my only living parental unit and the rest of my family lives all over the country primarily in Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently EV Program Manager for UC San Diego where I manage the largest network of electric vehicle chargers in North America, Vice President of the Board for Alliance San Diego where we work hard to actualize an inclusive democracy, and CEO and Founder of Firyali, Inc. where I provide strategic guidance to various organizations. I am also Executive Director and Founder of Griorneers, Inc. where we focus on engineering the future through storytelling and experiential learning.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Always start with a clear understanding of who you are in terms of your core values and what you aim to accomplish. It also helps to stay aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing these things makes every decision a lot easier.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Nomadic lifestyle.
LaWana Richmond & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Centafonti’s, Swami’s, Island Prime, Louisiana Purchase, Surf and Soul, Blue Poke, and University Club
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
50 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Maxx Moses
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Fish Connection
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We always pull together in times of need and help each other through. Plus, the arts and culture aspect of San Diego is ever evolving and expanding.
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?
Genevieve Jones Wright at the University Club.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Supa Cell
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy my own company so much that I am more than content to be alone completely unplugged and follow my thoughts wherever they take me.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The gelato at Centafonti’s.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My grandchildren.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Detour Empowers, Heartbeat Performing Arts and Music Academy, Urban Collaborative Project, Alliance San Diego, WorldBeat Center, 515 Agency, and Grioneers.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A humble ride will get you farther than a proud walk.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
La Mesa
What I love about my Neighborhood:
It has EVERYTHING.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Sunrise at Lake Murray, breakfast at the Great Maple, pilates or yoga at the beach, an art walk almost anywhere, time at the Mingei, ICA, and/or Timken, lunch at Worldbeat Center, outdoor music or concert, sip and paint at liberty station, sunset at the cliffs, dinner at Addis Abba, wind down in the hot tub, and then chill. Next day wake up meditate and pray, go to an outdoor event or program, brunch at Miguel’s and shift into relax and prep for the week.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, Joy, and Love
