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 those in need and dedicate my free time to local charities, youth programs, domestic violence shelters, and Hispanic committees. I am a world traveler, I’m a talented cook and baker, I love fashion and expressing myself through my unique choices in hopes of inspiring others to have fun creating their own style and encouraging them to be unique, embrace their beauty, and never let anyone tell them that they can’t be the best version of themselves!
I also currently model for WALA Wear Art Live Art exclusive fashion by Dawn Hough Sebaugh.
About Diane Aceves
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have 4 amazing children, 4 grandchildren, and two more babies due this year. I also care for my 87-year-old mother.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My first job was working with the traffic engineer and transit analyst for the City of Chula Vista. After completing college, I began working as a nurse. After relocating to Escondido with my husband and children, I found myself opening a daycare. I thought I was passionate about nursing, but I soon realized I was even more passionate about children. My daycare grew rapidly and I was determined to not only provide childcare but to make a difference in the quality of care provided in the in-home care setting, nutrition, and safety of all children. Because of my passion and desire to provide a loving and educational environment for children, I soon found myself becoming a respite care provider for the county of San Diego and a “safe house”. I also become a nationally accredited provider and an advocate for children in foster care. I also spent many weekends helping at a couple of orphanages in Tijuana. After 10 years, it was time for a change to accommodate my children’s growing needs. I entered the mortgage industry, not knowing anything about it. I learned rapidly that there was a niche for me there as well, one that would allow me to continue helping those in need. I’ve dedicated myself for the past 25 years, to helping people save their homes in times of distress. For the last 13 years, I have worked at Mission Federal Credit Union with not just delinquent home loans, bankruptcies, and hardships, but also educating adults and youth on Financial Wellness. My passion is giving to others the things that money can’t buy -support, guidance, and a genuine desire to assist them in making their reality a better place. I’ve been their shoulder to lean on and the hand that helps guide them, someone to walk along with them, on their journey to making a difference in their life. Whether it’s helping someone find the resources they need, supporting the charities that provide the resources, donating, helping with events, or helping raise funds through ticket sales and making others aware of them through my social media. I’m often asked how I’ve made such drastic changes in my career and which I loved most. I loved them all because to me it’s all about serving those in need.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t ever give up on your dreams!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself dedicating more time to my grandchildren and teaching them the importance of being charitable and involving them in some of my charitable work.
Diane Aceves & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
One of my all-time favorites is Costa Brava in PB, Eddie V’s, Addison, Avant, Rusticucina, Siamo Napoli, and Poseidon
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My entire life!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I met Kimberly Hunt many, many years ago. She is a beautiful and inspiring woman.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Harvey’s Bakery and Restaurant on 3rd Avenue in Chula Vista. My dad owned this historical restaurant and I have the fondest memories of being there!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
San Diego has everything!! Every type of cuisine, amazing theater, and we not only have the most incredible beachside areas, we are also a stone’s throw from the desert, the mountains, snow, and Baja! We have it all!
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?
Alethea Arguilez, because we share a passion for children and their well-being, or Sue Wong because she is an amazing inspiration to women and fashion. Avant- in Rancho Bernardo.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Gatsby and Bewitched
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was flown to Mexico City to be on a talk show when I was 30 years old.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The San Diego Bay.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mother and my children. They support me in everything I do! They are not just accomplished, they are loving and caring!
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
I support and admire It’s All About The Kids Foundation, B.A.G (Business Associates Group), Food Bank, St. Jude’s, Big Brothers and Sisters
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
No matter how little you have you have more than many others, you always have something to give to those less fortunate.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Bonsall
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Surrounded by agriculture, country living, and rural.
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Taking my grand babies to the zoo, lunch at Balboa Park then afternoon play at one of our local beaches. My oldest granddaughter and I also enjoy afternoon tea at Shakespeare’s and attending performances at The Rady Shell. I enjoy exploring new restaurants, dressing up, and attending charity gala events, or a staycation at one of our beautiful, local hotels!
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace, love, sanctuary.
