Lakeysha Sowunmi – Community Housing Works
I was born and raised in Chicago, the Windy City, more than 2,000 miles away from San Diego. When I enlisted in the United States Navy, I was excited about staying physically fit, earning…
Anthony “Tony” Stewart – US for Warriors Foundation & Navy Veteran
I’m Tony Stewart, a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer who served for 20 years in the Submarine Force. After my military career, I had the privilege of working as the Director of Administration for…
Marissa Chavez – GiGi’s Playhouse Down syndrome Achievement Center
I live to work and work to live. While many would see this as a negative, I relish in the glory that is my work. I consider myself a DSP (Direct Support Professional) which…
Sandra Scheller – Founder of RUTH (Remember Us The Holocaust)
I am Sandra Scheller, the creator and founder of RUTH Remember Us The Holocaust, 2-time nominee for San Diego Women’s Magazine Woman of the Year, Lifetime Presidential award for over 10,000 hours of volunteering,…
Jim Holden – Nonprofit Executive – Fish for Life
I am originally from King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and have lived in So Cal for 50 years. My career has been primarily in sales & marketing for various products and services. In 2009, I…
Anna K Sotto – Atkiso
I’m a second-generation American raised behind the counter of her parent’s Thai restaurant. Food, identity, and community have always been interconnected for me. I believe thriving small businesses make up vibrant communities, which is…
James Anderson – Cerebral Palsy Advocate
I am a 41-year-old man who has Cerebral Palsy, has had to learn how to fight his way through life, and started a disability advocacy nonprofit. The nonprofit’s mission is to empower Individuals with…
Eric and Christen Freund – Hope on the Hard Road Inc.
Eric and Christen Freund are co-founders of Hope on the Hard Road Inc. College sweethearts, they have been married for 25 years and live in the San Diego area with their son and daughter. Their…
Ally Welborn – Reality Changers
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…
Kenneth Abernathy – Caterpillar Chow Habitat Farms
I am the owner and operator of Caterpillar Chow milkweed nursery and the Director of Caterpillar Chow Habitat Farms. I am also a California Naturalist, a State title earned through the University of California…