I have the privilege of serving as the Executive Director for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Southern California/Hawaii Region.
I have been in San Diego for the last 14 years, and I hold a dual bachelor’s degree in Public Administration and Political Science from San Diego State University.
I knew the minute I moved to San Diego 14 years ago, that this was my forever home.
My passion for non-profit work stems from my mom, who is a 16-year breast cancer survivor, and my mother-in-law, who is a 12-year lymphoma survivor. These two incredible women fuel my desire to see a cure for cancer in my lifetime.
In my spare time, I can be found at the beach with my kiddos making sandcastles, at the dog park with my rescue labradors (Luna & Albus Dumbledog), dragging my husband out of Costco, and doing home improvement projects.
About Katie Rice
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’ve been married for a little over six years to my husband, Chris, and we have two young children, Jack (3) & Grace (1), two dogs and a cat.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have worked in the non-profit industry for over a decade and currently serve as the Executive Director for the Southern California/Hawaii Region of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I love working with my incredible team for a lifesaving mission of curing blood cancers.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Never pass up an opportunity to meet new people and grow your network.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I would love to see myself out of a job because a cure for cancer has been found!
Katie Rice & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Tribute Pizza (North Park), Amplified Ale Works (PB & East Village), Zest Wine Bistro (Lemon Grove) and Del’s Hideout (College Area)
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I relocated to San Diego in 2010 from Bakersfield, CA.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that San Diego is not only a big little town where everyone knows everyone, but we’re an overwhelmingly philanthropic community that seeks to help each other and continue to be America’s Finest City.
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 think I’d like to take Barack Obama out for some authentic San Diego tacos. He seems like the type of former president to tell you about his experience, and offer you some great career advice.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
TV shows: Gilmore Girls, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Law & Order – Movies: Harry Potter Series, Top Gun, Inception
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a speed reader! I have been known to finish an entire book in one sitting.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The first burrito I get from a taco shop after traveling away from San Diego for a while, and anytime my kiddos ask me for a hug.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The patients and families we serve at LLS – who are directly impacted by the work we do locally. And my children – they make me want to create a better world for them.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
In addition to LLS, I love supporting local dog rescues.
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Fletcher Hills, El Cajon
What I love about my Neighborhood:
My neighbors!
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
A Saturday morning at the zoo with my kiddos, and an afternoon at the beach or a kid-friendly brewery!
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Friends, Food
