Adriana Brunner – Banking / Passionate Community Builder
Adriana “Adri” Brunner is a native of Medellín, Colombia. She is the VP, Senior Business Consultant for Community Business Strategies for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Adri has over 27 years of experience in banking,…
Diane Aceves – Banking / Philanthropy / Model
I was born and raised in our amazing city of San Diego! I grew up in Chula Vista and attended Castle Park High School and graduated from Chula Vista High. I love to help…
Paul Downey – Senior Advocate
I am President and CEO of Serving Seniors in San Diego and guide the agency’s innovative efforts to provide supportive services focused on keeping low-income seniors healthy and independent. Since my appointment in 1995,…
Abby Boretto – Philanthropist / Activist / Documentary Film Producer
(Photo by Brooke Preece) San Diego’s Abby Boretto has added a new skill to her already full resume. Well known as a philanthropist, influential community activist, civic volunteer, Mrs. California All-Star United States 2021,…
Dr. Julie Cowan Novak – Mimi, Clinician, Child Developmentalist, Professor, Grant Writer, Researcher, Philanthropist
Photo by Gilda Adler Raised in Illinois, Dr. Julie Cowan Novak earned her first two degrees at the University of Iowa. She was the first USD Hahn School of Nursing Doctoral Program graduate in 1989,…
Jacqueline J. Denysiak, MD – Healthcare / Philanthropist
I am a proud first-generation San Diegan, a devoted daughter of Polish immigrants, a small business owner of a private practice family medicine clinic in Hillcrest, a hot “yogi,” and an active philanthropist. I…
Kristi Pieper – Philanthropy
Born and raised in La Jolla; involved at a young age in my community with church and Girl Scouts; played sports throughout middle school and high school; graduated from USC (fight on!) and have…
Krishna and Bonnie Arora – Shamily’s Kitchen
Bonnie and Krishna Arora, who will be celebrating 52 years of marriage in September, are thoroughly enjoying the rich and varied tapestry of their relationship. They met at college campus, when Krishna arrived from…
Chef Roc – The Chef Roc Show / Nonprofit Executive
Hi, I’m Steve Cassarino, aka Chef Roc. I grew up in Connecticut and moved to San Diego in 1979 after graduating from Johnson & Wales University School of Culinary Arts. My love for food…


