This story was reported for San Diego News Network. To increase traffic, this story was published in three parts: On January 7, 14, 21 in 2010.
As the story goes, young people supposedly didn’t really become involved in their communities or in policy-making until the 2008 presidential elections, when then-candidate Barack Obama mobilized them. We beg to differ though, because we have 35 San Diegans under 35 to prove it.
SDNN asked readers and local leaders of all ages — who are 35 of San Diego’s young leaders working to improve the region either through political organizations, nonprofit work or simply grassroots activism? We know there’s more than 35 and encourage you to share more stories via our comments’ section.
Here is the first of three parts of the young San Diegans who are leading the region’s future through various avenues (in alphabetical order by first name). Check back at SDNN.com on Jan. 14 for part two, and Jan. 21 for part three.
Alex Kreit, 31, Law professor and chair of San Diego’s Medical Marijuana Task Force:
Taking on one of the hottest issues in San Diego is 31-year-old Alex Kreit, a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and chair of the city’s Medical Marijuana Task Force.
Nominated to the task force by City Councilmember Todd Gloria and appointed by the City Council, Kreit isn’t new to the whole “get-involved-in-your-community” scene. He’s a board member of the San Diego Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society and has been published in the American University Law Review and the Harvard Journal of Law, among other legal publications.
But, his roots are deeper than anything you would find in a courtroom. Kreit, whose mother was the first in his family to attend college, is the person he looks up to most. A woman who grew up in an abusive and drug-filled home worked hard to ensure Kreit had the best life possible – and she inspires him to this day.
“She used her college degree to become an inner-city public school teacher and she continues to teach elementary school students today in Oakland,” he said. “Recently, my mom co-founded a community-based nonprofit called Ashby Village that helps area seniors remain in their homes as they grow older.”
And even though, it’s “corny,” he said, “She is the best mother I could have asked for.”
Tip for young people: “My advice is to work on issues and projects that inspire you and pour your heart into your work. If you do that, you will naturally find yourself taking a leading role in the community.”
Andrew Potter, 29, San Diego County deputy clerk:
As an 18-year-old freshman at San Diego State University, Andrew Potter knew he wanted to be involved in policy-making. And so, throughout college, he was an intern for the city of Coronado. And, I mean throughout college – for four years, he interned for the city.
Potter’s work paid off. Now 29, and after obtaining his master’s in public administration, he is the chief deputy clerk of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
“My journey from the city of Coronado to the county was a result of my desire to be a part of something that helps the public,” Potter said. “Each day when I walk out of the county administration center, I feel that the work I have accomplished helps to make a difference in the region.”
Potter, who is inspired by his parents, realizes that his work doesn’t end in the clerk’s office and he preaches the only way society “can move forward” is by establishing communities and “utilizing opportunities to be active” in one’s community.
Tip for young people: “I think the most important thing for young people is to establish a plan for themselves. I always have 5- and 10-year goals in mind. Make a list of short-term and long-term goals and stick it in your wallet. Every time you reach in to grab some cash, you’ll be reminded of your goals.”
Ashleigh Livingston, 26, entrepreneur and women’s rights activist:
“God doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.” With those words to drive her and the knowledge that millions of women are abused throughout the world, Ashleigh Livingston, alongside Carrie Stewart, created San Diego-based Nu Intentions.
Nu Intentions, an organization that helps refugee women in Eastern Uganda earn a living through fashion, has helped numerous women who would have been neglected or abused otherwise.
“I often think about the girls with Nu Intentions and where they would be if we had not hired them,” Livingston said. “I never thought entrepreneurship could be this simple.”
Being passionate about helping her sisters around the world, social justice, fair trade and mentorship, Livingston believes one can only “live in communities” if he or she reaches out to those surrounding him or her.
Tip for young people: “Always have someone in front of you, next to you, and right behind you in regards to mentorship. In the end, it is your decision, but it is a beautiful thing to humble yourself and grow with people surrounding you, flaws and all.”
Brendan Reed, 34, Chula Vista’s environmental resource manager:
It’s all about the green for this 35 under 35 leader, who has served as Chula Vista’s designated tree hugger for four years. Brendan Reed, the environmental resource manager for the city of Chula Vista, is tasked with promoting all things good to Mother Nature and he has known for years he’d get into such a career.
“I actually started my career in the marine ecology field coordinating kelp bed and seagrass restoration projects in southern California,” Reed said. “After graduate school, I worked for a short-time in Sacramento where I gained more experience in developing environmental policy and collaborating with diverse stakeholders on resource management planning.”
Encouraged by the amount of volunteers he often sees, Reed said environmental issues are concerns of a society and that they can only be addressed with more involvement in the community.
Tip for young people: “My Dad always told me that ‘if you work real hard, success will follow.’ My advice for younger people would be to find your passion and work real hard.”
Catherine Corral, 35, arts and youth activist:
Four years ago, a 31-year-old Catherine Corral envisioned an organization that would intertwine arts and youth activism. She then co-founded transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project, a nonprofit built around her vision with an emphasis on social change.
Her goal to create transcenDANCE stemmed from the idea of kinship and unity.
“…because to be invested in one’s community will change the way we see it, our attitude and action in the community,” she said. “By being involved we likely will take pride in our community and work to change something that we do not like. It takes everyone working together, mutually invested, to make change in a community.”
Motivated by the beloved humanitarian Rigoberta Menchú, Corral is still concerned about the lack of funding to art programs and the absence of a “holistic” focus on education. But transcenDANCE is working on solving those issues.
Tip for young people: “The first step is getting involved in one thing. What do you really care about? What are you most passionate about?”
Colin Parent, 29, attorney and political activist:
At 29, local attorney Colin Parent already has a hefty resumé. In fact, it’s so hefty, we’re not going to mention his job history in its entirety.
Parent, who has been involved and continues to be involved in a number of organizations like the American Constitution Society and New Leaders Council – graduated from New York University law school and was hired before graduation by world-renowned law firm, DLA Piper. Additionally, he’s represented major corporations like Qualcomm, and has done pro bono work for the Veterans Village of San Diego.
Holding a strong belief that it is one’s “moral obligation to use our resources to help those around us,” Parent believes equality is one of the most important values a person should hold.
“People shouldn’t just be treated equally under the law, but they should also get equal opportunity to succeed in society,” he said.
Parent – who has been inspired by his father, President Barack Obama and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom – said he doesn’t do it all just because it’s a moral obligation, but because “it’s fun” too.
Tip for young people: “There’s really no secret here. Whether it’s a public or a professional life, success comes from hard work, and lots of it. It’s not enough just to know the right people, or to run in the right circles. People have to be willing to get up early, forgo relaxation, and really push themselves if they want to achieve.”
Edward J. SanFilippo, 27, LGBT rights activist:
Just out of his mid-twenties, Edward J. SanFilippo knows that “every single social problem has a solution” and he’s working intensely to ensure this is known.
As the assistant to the director of the Transgender Advocacy and Services Center, he has worked with numerous nonprofits to educate communities on different issues including marriage and transgender equality. This includes creating workshops, making documentaries and using 21st century technology to get the word out.
“Stated broadly, the issues of greatest importance to me are peace-building and working towards a more durable future, particularly one where people aren’t exploited and resources aren’t monopolized,” he said. “Currently, this means my main focus is on developing ways to more fully integrate transgender people into mainstream society.”
Moved by those who “envision a better world” and work towards it, SanFilippo said the economic recession has really highlighted problems in disadvantaged communities, particularly for transgenders in San Diego – and believes the only way such problems can be solved is by not sitting around.
Tip for young people: “Volunteer, network, learn, find a mentor. Read about those who inspire you to help you get through those inevitable dark days. The best leaders are those who have put in the time to excel and then inspire others to do more as well.”
Eleyce Northcraft, 23, refugees’ rights advocate:
As a student at UC San Diego, Eleyce Northcraft spent two years studying abroad in India and South Africa. When she came back to San Diego, she felt she was missing something and eventually found her way to the International Rescue Committee.
Northcraft began volunteering for a local Burmese family and taught the members English. After just six months with IRC, and eventually became the organization’s volunteer and youth coordinator and still works directly with the Burmese family she began with.
“I believe that I was hired because of my passion and love of the IRC’s mission,” she said. “My position is in direct contact with the community and it is my job to convey how much I believe in the efforts of the IRC , and how much help the organization provides victims of war and persecution around the world.”
As a young humanitarian, Northcraft said the most pressing issue facing Americans today is the need for survival. She said she often hears of stories of hardworking individuals, some who work two to three jobs, but can barely survive – and she believes it needs to be addressed.
For now though, she’s simply inspired by the Burmese family, who although she was hired to teach, has learned much about life from.
“What inspires me most is that even though they have seen and witnessed such evil in the world they are still able to smile and be happy,” Northcraft said. “That to me is truly inspirational.”
Tip for young people: “If you are genuinely passionate and interested in certain issues, you will be able to dedicate your life and work for change overtime.”
Elizabeth Studebaker, 31, North Park community leader:
It’s all about North Park for 31-year-old Elizabeth Studebaker. Studebaker, who is the executive director for North Park Main Street, has been tasked with improving businesses and the quality of life for the North Park community.
Of course, she has an impressive job history to match her current position. Starting with the well-known San Diego Coastkeeper in 2001, Studebaker learned “valuable skills” about working with nonprofits and how to get the job done. She went on to work for the San Diego Labor Council and eventually found her way over to the emerging North Park neighborhood.
For Studebaker, “direct” connections are of utmost importance.
“Community involvement is our most direct connection to each other, and most genuine way of preserving our culture as San Diegans,” she said. “And it’s one of the simplest ways to learn about the local decision making process.”
But, she points out, that most issues facing each community are ultimately all related. For example, she said, “without a healthy local economy – environmental protection and historic preservation became low priorities” for government agencies. It can all change though — and with organizations like North Park Main Street and Studebaker taking the leading role – it may happen sooner than later.
Tip for young people: “It is possible to make a good living doing work that you love. Maintain your passion but also learn from those around you to grow into a fully developed, balanced, and effective leader.”
Elyse Lowe, 35, Move San Diego exec:
Just four years after the creation of the region’s only nonprofit to focus on sustainable transportation, Elyse Lowe was appointed as the executive director of Move San Diego. Now the organization is often looked to, by elected leaders, for consultancy on how to improve the county’s transportation system.
They have a lot they’re working on too – like working with SANDAG in producing the next Regional Transportation Plan update to find ways to develop “healthy communities where residents can walk, bike or take transit.” Lowe and her group are also working on garnering transit funding for the region.
Although Lowe has always been interested and involved in environmental politics – she didn’t realize the important of transportation until meeting former San Diego Councilmember Jim Madaffer.
“I began to understand the critical link that transportation options play in the success of new residential and commercial developments,” she said. “I realized there was a lot of emphasis being placed on future use of transit, yet there wasn’t a voice advocating for transit improvements.”
But the inspiration to be involved isn’t entirely self-made, Lowe said her aunt, Darlene Hooley, encourages her and her work. Aunt Hooley came from a lower-middle-class family but recently retired after serving six years in Congress.
“She has helped me realize that I can be a strong leader, and what it takes is a willingness to lead.”
Tip for young people: “To be an effective leader, you have to foster and maintain positive relationships with people on both sides of the fence. The more you know about all sides of an issue, the more understanding you are, and the more effective you will be as a leader.”
Emily Davis, 31, go-to-nonprofit consultant:
Nearly 300 young San Diegans, all of whom have a passion of serving nonprofits, were brought together in March 2008 because of one woman: Emily Davis.
Davis, the founder of the local chapter of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network, is a leader when it comes to assisting nonprofit organizations. She has worked with a number of them — like the New Alternatives’ Healing Project and Shakti Rising, which both focus on healing yoga lessons — and has established a company, Emily Davis & Associates Consulting, devoted to it. Her company breathes with one belief.
“I truly believe that the volunteers, staff, and philanthropists involved in the San Diego nonprofit community are what create our culture and sustain us at every level,” she said. “I’ve been involved with volunteer work since I was a little girl so it’s really in my blood.”
Inspired by her family and volunteers, Davis believes the “culture for giving” can only become stronger in San Diego.
Tip for young people: “Volunteer!!”
Emma Tuttleman-Kriegler, 18, chair of Hand Up Youth Food Pantry:
Barely an adult, Emma Tuttleman-Kriegler said once a person throws himself or herself in the public sector, he or she would understand why involvement in the community is imperative.
So she did. She volunteered with Hand Up Youth Food Pantry, a branch of the Jewish Family Service in San Diego and distributed food to people at Camp Pendleton. She then became stunned by the amount of people waiting in line to receive food.
“It’s disgusting to me that our government can send one spouse to fight for our country overseas, while the other spouse is at home and can’t provide for themselves or their children,” she said.
Now, Tuttleman-Kriegler is chair of the organization and leads it in the feeding of nearly 6,000 people in San Diego County each year.
Although she understands the importance of the work of the nonprofit takes on and has always been taught that “the purpose of accumulating wealth is to give it away,” it wasn’t until she encountered an injustice that really pushed her to get involved.
But Tuttleman-Kriegler said regardless of how many people they feed in San Diego, it’s most important to ensure that they can sustain for themselves. At the end of the day, if they can’t, she said, she hasn’t done her job.
“I have so much pride that San Diego is a military city, and I smile when I see the typical ‘flattop haircut’ walking around our streets,” she said. “But I have even more pride that I support their families at home.”
Tip for young people: “Don’t be afraid to take risks in unexplored fields!”
Erica Holloway, 32, communications specialist and all-over-the-place volunteer:
After serving as a journalist for nearly seven years, Erica Holloway decided to steer her career a different direction. She became the communications director for Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta) then took on the same job for San Diego County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price.
But her career doesn’t end in the office. Holloway, using the skills she has garnered over the years, has devoted her extra time to serving the board of the Rescue Task Force, World Emergency Relief, an organization that assists those affected by natural disasters. She also regularly volunteers for Operation Homefront in San Diego, the Family Justice Center and to top it off, she has even baked cookies for the Monarch School.
Now, Holloway is working on setting up funding so that the Oxy Task Force of San Diego County can become a nonprofit – as ending abuse of prescription drugs by young people has become crucial to her.
Holloway’s muse for tapping into various charities around town comes from her parents, who she said “made incredible sacrifices” for her future.
“Both of them came from working class, agricultural roots and neither graduated from college,” Holloway said. “They stressed the importance of higher education and encouraged me to further myself through a professional career. In order to clear the path for me, they sometimes struggled to make ends meet and taught me that success requires steadfast persistence.”
Tip for young people: “Don’t fear hard work; it builds character. Leave dreams of self-entitlement and notions of fast, easy success for the fairy-tales.”
Erin Emblem, 27, hard-hitting campaigner:
Erin Emblem just turned 27 and she’s still learning to come to terms with it. But at least, she can say she has plenty of achievements to flaunt before hitting 30.
At the age of 18, Emblem became the vice president of the Escondido Democratic Club (after having been a member since she was nine; she said it beat having to do chores). She then went on to become a delegate for both the California Democratic Party and the San Diego Democratic Party. After working on various campaigns, Emblem is now the campaign manager for her mother, Tracy Emblem, who is running for the 50th Congressional District seat.
Emblem’s reasons for getting involved at such an early age? To ensure the future for the world’s children, which is why she became a foster mother of two and now a mother for Kailey. Two-year-old Kailey, who has four congenital heart conditions and underwent three surgeries in 2009, motivates Emblem to work hard.
“She is so brave and she teaches me to be strong,” she said. “Looking into her eyes every morning challenges me to work harder to ensure that the legacy I leave her and her generation is better than the one our parents left for us. They deserve nothing less, she deserves nothing less.”
Tip for young people: “Just do it — whether your passion is kids, animals or a cleaner beach, the best way to become active in a leadership role is to lead by example.”
Evan McLaughlin, 28, political director for the Labor Council:
Nearly 20 years ago, Sacramento Bee reporter Dan Walters wrote San Diegans were living in a “cul-de-sac culture.”
He implied, said Evan McLaughlin, that there was “a level of selfishness and disinterest in issues that impact people who are part of the community, but outside some people’s immediate life.”
Although chances are high McLaughlin didn’t read the column when it was first published, Walters’ description of San Diegans is infamous. And, it’s just one reason why people, or in this case, San Diegans, should get involved in their communities.
McLaughlin carries his motive for serving the region through his role as the political and legislative director for the San Diego Labor Council – a nonprofit that holds a big role in shaping policies in the region.
“Great cities are constructed, as Jane Jacobs taught us, when people, spaces, and cultures come together,” he said. “It’s important to get involved because we all have something to contribute to make us ‘America’s Finest City.'”
The well-being of blue collar workers is just one priority of McLaughlin, though. He’s involved in environmental causes, the expansion of mass transit, and he’s taking part in a simple city clean-up on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Tip for young people: “Younger people can get ahead by working hard. There is great usefulness for people who are willing to put in the time and who are reliable. What you may lack in experience can often be made up in hard work and reliability.”
Jason Everitt, 26, activist and candidate for Escondido City Council:
At 26, Jason Everitt hopes to soon become the next councilmember for the city of Escondido. But he isn’t just tossing his hat in the ring without experience.
Everitt, who recently completed his Masters in public administration and international relations from the University of Southern California, has worked for the San Diego Coastkeeper, Sierra Club and the campaign for the Employee Free Choice Act. Now, he works as a policy analyst for the Center on Policy Initiatives and just kicked off his campaign to garner a city council seat in the North County municipality.
Being so deeply invested into community projects, Everitt believes now is the best time to be involved.
“Trying times define the character of our communities,” he said. “In the 1960s, America experienced one of the most tumultuous eras in our country’s history. It was then that Bobby Kennedy said that the quality of our democracy should not be judged by our economic prosperity but by the quality of our communities and the strength of our relationships to each other. These words ring true today.”
With the words of the former senator lingering in his head, Everitt said it’s up to each member in society to take an active role in the process that builds our communities.
And if a Kennedy isn’t enough inspiration, he just thinks of his family and how hard they’ve worked “to live the American dream.”
Tip for young people: “Seek out the subject that you feel passionately about, display the courage and commitment inside your heart, unleash the energy that is incumbent upon youth, and be humbled by the knowledge that there is always more to learn.”
Jason Farran, 32, deputy chief of staff for Supervisor Ron Roberts:
About 10 years ago, as a senior at San Diego State University, Jason Farran was told he needed to get an internship in order to graduate with a political science degree.
So he contacted Supervisor Ron Roberts about an internship and after being “hooked,” has been with the elected official since.
“Starting as a receptionist, I began working my way through the ranks,” Farran said. “After nine and a half years, I now have filled every position in the office.”
But like other 35 under 35 community leaders, Farran doesn’t limit his civic duty to the supervisor’s office. Farran is involved in ProKids Golf, Star/Pal, College Area BID and the Little Italy Association.
“I am a strong believer that your community is what you make it,” Farran said. “Taking personal pride in your community and environment are the keys to making for better places to both live today and for our future generations to grow up in tomorrow.”
Holding on firmly to that belief, Farran said although mainstream society often embraces paid athletes or entertainers with “extravagant salaries,” he believes educators are those who are truly inspirational.
“Anybody that sacrifices for the betterment of tomorrow is inspirational,” he said. “I find educators very inspirational because they accept the challenge of training and educating our future, and do so at low rates of compensation.”
Tip for young people: “Learn from the wisdom of others and apply that education as you evolve into the leadership role. While there are exceptions to the case – we live among some amazing people – for most of us, trying to become a leader too soon is more destructive than productive. Public service has a large selfless component.”
Kama Dean, 32, founder of Pro Peninsula:
At 24, Kama Dean decided to create a nonprofit devoted to the conservation of the Baja California peninsula. Eight years later, her creation – Pro Peninsula – is a fund within national nonprofit The Ocean Foundation, and has four main projects. The projects include: sea turtle conservation, institutional development, sustainability and education.
“The founding belief behind Pro Peninsula was that a strong environmental movement, backed by an educated and active public, was the only way to spur lasting environmental change throughout the region,” Dean said. “And it was dedication to this belief that guided our work over the past eight years and led to so many successes.”
But Dean’s belief reaches further than the environmental sector. She said whether you’re a “politician, a teacher, a shopkeeper, a student, a housewife,” each person has an opportunity to create the community and world “we want to be in.”
Inspired by her former professor and The Ocean Foundation president Mark Spalding, she believes one of the most important issues facing our region is the “disconnect between so many San Diego residents and the real environmental situation.”
“We do not live in a Garden of Eden, it might look good on the outside but our environmental problems are costing us economically and health-wise,” she said.
But with education, a goal of Pro Peninsula, our love for Mother Nature may change.
Tip for young people: “Focus on your passion and pursue it, either through your work or in your personal time. By connecting with our passions we can turn a ‘job’ or ‘volunteer work’ into something much more. It can come to define a part of us.”
Kevin Davis, 25, executive at Energy Integration Group:
Holding a leading role in a national green energy development firm isn’t the only job you’ll see on Kevin Davis’ resume.
Davis has played a pivotal role in various organizations including the Lincoln Club of San Diego, Republican Party of San Diego and the Energy Subcommittee of the Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation. Moreover, he has worked on the campaigns of McCain-Palin, Rep. Brian Bilbray, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. He now serves as a senior advisor to Michael Crimmins, a candidate in the 53rd Congressional District race.
Davis credits his accomplishments to “good fortune and good luck.” But of course, his endeavors have been driven by simple passion, too.
“While in college I discovered a passion for green energy and the plethora of paths we can take to develop responsible, renewable and feasible clean energy resources,” Davis said. “The political aspect of the job has been key, as green energy in many different ways is dependent on growth and policy development within the local, state and federal government.”
Inspired by oilman T. Boone Pickens, Davis said the only way to ensure progress is “to be involved first-hand.”
Tip for young people: “Work hard, earn respect, make lots of friends and nurture relationships.”
Kirby Brady, 24, research coordinator for Equinox Center:
Kirby Brady is a 35 under 35 leader for various reasons. First, at just 24, she completed her master’s in planning and sustainability from USC, garnered a job at the environmental and scientific policy advisory group, and most importantly, she has a strong passion for educating the community.
Brady, who is a coordinator for Equinox, said she became involved in environmental research and policy making because she wanted to learn “how we can collectively improve the quality of life for current generations and future generations.” When she discovered Equinox, she was sold.
Her determination for educating San Diegans on the environment stems from his biggest concern.
“I am first and foremost concerned with the well-being of every human being,” Brady said. “A community cannot be vibrant, healthy and successful without providing for and ensuring that members of the community are provided for and given the opportunity to be healthy and happy.”
Touching on some of the most pressing issues for the region – like water and energy usage and transportation – Brady believes all people “should be given the opportunity to interact with the natural environment.”
Tip for young people: “I would also say explore as many of your interests as possible. When you find something that you are truly passionate about, you will never work a day in your life!”
Larissa Dorman, 27, educator, San Diego City College:
Larissa Dorman had always known she wanted to be an educator and, more specifically, she knew she wanted to teach at the higher-education level. But it wasn’t until she took her first political science course that “everything changed.”
She knew immediately that politics impacted all aspects of life, and now she’s showing her students at San Diego City College exactly how elected leaders and their decisions affect their lives.
Dorman created BEAT, which stands for Bringing Education and Activism Together, a student organization at City College, that recently they held a large protest at the doors of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s San Diego office. Dorman, an SDSU graduate, was inspired by the school’s political science professor Carole Kennedy.
She has also helped guide the student members of BEAT into establishing a food pantry to provide students with lunches if needed, and has participated in toy drives for the underprivileged, among other initiatives to improve the community.
Although these projects may seem small to some, Dorman believes the “smallest actions can have huge effects.”
“I think that we live in a society that atomizes people rather than bring people together,” she said. “I think that as people become more aware of how much they have in common with their neighbors and realize how important it is to support each other, create relationships, build networks, facilitate change, empower each other and work together — there is the potential to really improve our lives.”
Inspired by her students and her mother, she said the “beautiful thing” is that there are helping hands everywhere.
Tip for young people: “The most important thing is achieving little victories that help us to work towards larger change. Things can be so overwhelming at times that people give up before even getting started. We cannot change things all at once-true social change occurs across generations and takes years of work.”
Marisa Aurora Quiroz, 30, environment program manger for The San Diego Foundation:
Marisa Aurora Quiroz cares about the well being of others and has served in the nonprofit sector the majority of her adult life. She has a deep job history with The San Diego Foundation, beginning with the fund services department and now overseeing the environmental programs.
“From a very young age, I’ve felt a strong sense of responsibility to the people around me,” she said. “Strong families make strong communities, which then lend to strong regions. All of our fates are truly intertwined, especially when it comes to issues like water and climate change.”
Holding a master’s in nonprofit leadership and management from University of San Diego, Quiroz is working intensely on three initiatives: land and watershed conservation, climate change and clean environments.
Although her work may seem unique, Quiroz has a sense of community in her blood. Inspired by her grandmother and human rights activist Aurora Adela Marquez, Quiroz said their family philosophy has been, “don’t do anything about me without me.”
Tip for young people: “Lend a helping hand whenever you can, and always give gratitude. In one word: Reciprocity.”
Max Einhorn, 18, founder of Disaster Aware:
During the 2007 wildfires, a 16-year-old boy named Max Einhorn decided he needed to take a bigger role than dropping off some goods at Qualcomm Stadium.
“I created an organization called Disaster Aware whose mission was to overcome denial, procrastination, and complacency by making disaster preparedness easy and accessible,” Einhorn said. “The organization, made up of high school students, educates adults, families, and businesses about disaster preparedness and sells Red Cross disaster preparedness kits.”
That’s right. He took it upon himself to educate San Diegans and prepare them for future disasters. But this simple notion of education comes from Einhorn’s sense of community service.
“Community service gives me a sense of purpose and the opportunity to meet remarkable people and have unique experiences,” he said. “The more I learn about the community, the more I realize the endless opportunities for all of us to contribute and to be connected with one another.”
Now, Einhorn is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania after graduating from La Jolla High School, and serves as one of 15 “civic scholars” for the university.
Inspired by Bangladesh banker Muhammad Yunus, winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize and known for establishing the concept of “microcredit,” Einhorn said he hopes to someday be an “entrepreneurial spirit” in the community.
At only 18, he may have already accomplished that goal.
Tip for young people: “My message to young people everywhere is that it is never too early to start to make a difference.”
Lisa Sanders, 26, co-founder of 51%: A Woman’s Place is in Politics:
At only 26, Lisa Sanders knows exactly where her beliefs lie when it comes to politics and the community.
Sanders has always been involved in the community and took the initiative to educate herself on issues prior to voting. Aware of her background, friends would ask her how to vote on certain ballot measures – eventually, 51%: A Woman’s Place is in Politics, would be born.
51%, an organization devoted to educating policymakers on the issues facing women today and co-founded by Tryce Czyczynska, has given San Diegans “access to politicians” via quarterly and casual events.
But Sanders didn’t just step into the leadership role when she created 51%. She has been a part of Stonewall Citizens’ Patrol, a safety patrol team focused in North Park, Hillcrest and University Heights. Additionally, she has been involved in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community via her marriage equality work, and most recently stood beside her father, Mayor Jerry Sanders, as he testified in a Proposition 8 case this week.
“Right now gay rights are very important to me,” she said. “Gay marriage is especially important since I will be getting married in 2010 to my fiancée of over three years. I am actively apart of the fight for full equality for the LGBT community.”
Inspired by her father, Sanders said his “work ethic and constant positive attitude” drives her.
Tip for young people: “No matter how big of a role you have getting involved helps make change.”
Megan Ekard, 25, director of outreach for Point Loma Nazarene University:
After living for a quarter of a century, Megan Ekard is spearheading the Department of Community Outreach and Governmental Relations for Point Loma Nazarene University.
Though she was hesitant about applying for the job because she had “little experience,” she took the chance at the assistance of a former professor.
Whether she had “little experience” at the time is debatable, though. Ekard has worked as a council representative for former city councilmember Brian Maienschein beginning in her early 20s and worked as a scheduler and coordinator for Rep. Brian Bilbray (R-Calif.).
Motivated by her father, who she describes as her “best friend,” Ekard said she hopes to one day see more young people and women involved in leading community roles.
“I would love to see more young people getting involved in the election process by voting with an informed opinion,” she said. “I would love to see more women in positions of influence. I have been very lucky to have strong women take me under their wing and be an example to me. I would love to see more people in this world like Nikki Clay, Barbara Warden, Sarah Aghassi, and Bonnie Dumanis.”
But there’s more to it then just being involved, noted Ekard, it’s understanding why you should involved and how political decisions affect our daily lives.
“My work at City Hall gave me an incredible insight into local issues and politics,” she said. “I was able to learn how policy is made and to see its effects on the average person. I was also able to experience firsthand what a community can do when it bands together and gets involved.”
Tip for young people: “It is wonderful to have your opinions and beliefs, as I certainly do, but be open to the fact that your perspective is not everyone’s perspective, and there is so much to learn from people who disagree with you.”
Megan Lim, 28, development director for the San Diego Public Library Foundation:
When Megan Lim received her first library card at age 5, she was sold, or so she joked. Lim, who works as the development manager for the San Diego Public Library Foundation, discovered her passion because of the “core belief” she holds in education and specifically with libraries.
“I strongly believe that education is the only way to make change stick,” she said. “Education is how you better your life. Someone who is literate holds a better job, provides for their family, stays healthy, pursues their dreams and when education extends beyond one individual, you can change society’s values and that means lasting change.”
But her day job isn’t the only time you’ll see Lim in the community, she has worked with Girl Scouts, is the vice chair for the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network San Diego, a founding member of Women Give San Diego and is active in groups like Junior League of San Diego.
“A robust community is kind of like the weather – it keeps things interesting,” Lim said. “Since we don’t have much weather, it’s a good thing we have people who are very engaged in and care about our community. It’s also about being part of something bigger than yourself.”
It’s also a “good thing” people are engaged in the community because Lim said volunteers are what drive her most in life.
Tip for young people: “Make friends, find mentors, ask questions and say ‘yes.'”
Meghan Kelly, 28, program manager at Pro Kids:
When Meghan Kelly was 22 she began working for the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, where she stayed for three years. She would eventually obtain her master’s in public administration at the University of Georgia and venture west to Southern California. Aware of the importance of working with children, when Kelly moved to San Diego she searched for an organization whose mission she believed in.
She eventually found a position within Pro Kids, a nonprofit that “challenges underserved youth to excel in life by promoting character development, life skills, and values through education and the game of golf.” In the past, Kelly has also worked with homeless shelters, schools and domestic violence homes.
Her work though, is driven by the knowledge that it will impact the community.
“Although it is sometimes hard to see, each decision we make does make an impact on those around us,” Kelly said. “Some decisions make an impact on our local communities, some reach out even farther than that. Knowing this, it is important to remember that we all have something to offer, and by getting involved you can choose to make decisions that leave a positive impact on the lives of those around you.”
But Kelly noted that the work she does not only impacts the children, but the children impact her. In fact, they are the people who inspire her most in life and force her to be involved in the community.
“At Pro Kids, I work with students who are challenged on a daily basis by economic hardship, language barriers, cultural barriers, limited educational resources, learning disabilities, and more,” she said. “Living in a community with high rates of domestic violence, child abuse, youth crime, and teen pregnancy, these students must constantly battle against the odds.”
“Still, they continually display an amazing strength, working hard to overcome these obstacles and strive for success.”
Tip for young people: “Explore, experience, and find your passion. Once you know what you want to do, set goals for yourself, work hard to achieve them, and always surround yourself with good people.”
Ramsey Salem, 33, medical case manager for Survivors of Torture:
After completing his master’s in public health from Loma Linda University, Ramsey Salem moved to San Diego because he knew there was a need in the refugee community.
Salem soon found his way to Survivors of Torture, an international organization devoted to helping refugees who have been abused in their home countries begin new lives. Salem’s involvement in the community doesn’t end with Survivors though. He volunteers with Muslim Community Services and the local ACLU chapter and in the past, he helped develop a health clinic in Cairo, Egypt.
A worldly volunteer to say the least, Salem said the community is “interdependent, not just locally but internationally.”
“Situations that occur in Iraq and Somalia have influence here,” he said. “It’s important for all members of a society to be aware and responsive to the immediate and long term needs that we as a community and society have.”
Knowing that equality is of the utmost important to him, Salem is inspired by Paul Farmar, Mohammed Yunis, and Dikemebe Mutombo. Salem notes that he admires the basketball player “not for blocking shots but for building hospitals.”
Tip for young people: “I think these are definitely troubled times nationally and internationally and it’s easy to get discouraged, but just remember what initially influenced you.”
Shaina Gross, 30, community impact manager for United Way of San Diego County:
Shaina Gross is a grant seeker. She won’t deny it either, as she knows helping to find funding for nonprofits she believes in is one thing she’s most knowledgeable about.
After working for organizations like Planned Parenthood, University of North Carolina’s School of Public Health and Duke University’s Medical Center, Gross ventured to San Diego to take on the job as community impact manager for United Way of San Diego County, a nonprofit geared toward helping the chronically homeless. As the community impact manager, Gross is tasked with managing a grant portfolio of $2 million and a department budget of $50,000.
Other than helping a community in need in San Diego, Gross volunteers on the Ocean Beach Town Council as the first vice president. Additionally, in the past, she has volunteer for San Diego HIV/AIDS Funding, Cocktails for a Cause and the Orange County Rape Crisis Center.
Through her work, she learned one simple lesson.
“I’ve learned that action at the local level is where we all, as individuals, have a chance to make the greatest impact,” she said. “By building a strong community, we build stronger families, stronger schools, and establish a precedent that we care about our neighbors…and our neighborhood. If we don’t value our community, why should someone else value it?”
Like other 35 under 35 nominees, Gross believes in equality and empowerment and that “every person is given the opportunity to achieve success.”
Tip for young people: “Identify a need in your community or find something that you’re passionate about and find out how you can get involved. Then share your passion with those around you.”
Shana Hazan, 29, development associate for Jewish Family Service of San Diego:
After graduating from Northwestern University with her master’s in education, Shana Hazan was given a tip from her father: “Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation.”
At 29, Hazan said she has allowed those words to guide her since. After teaching elementary school and doing advocacy work for inner cities, Hazan took on a managing position with Hand Up Youth Food Pantry, a department within the Jewish Family Service of San Diego. Later, she would take on the job of communications, development and advocacy for the same organization and has served in that position since.
Hazan noted that other than the advice given to her by her father, she is guided by three issues.
“The work I do and the choices I make are guided by three things: citizenship, democracy, and difference,” she said. “I believe as citizens it is our responsibility to come together to create a community that enhances our quality of life, and provides for the least among us.”
Hazan, who believes high quality public education is one of the most pressing issues facing society today, said if every San Diegan were involved in the community, positive changes would happen immediately.
“If each San Diegan chooses one cause close to their heart and works on one issue they are committed to positively affecting, together we can truly make San Diego, ‘America’s Finest City,'” she said.
Tip for young people: “Every day of the week you can find community meetings, professional development, service projects, and opportunities to make a difference in the community. All you have to do is take the first step. “
Stephanie Moody Geissler, 24, HIV/AIDS educator:
If there’s one San Diegan who realized just how small and interconnected the world is, it’s Stephanie Moody Geissler. A graduate of UC San Diego, Geissler has spent much of her post-grad career in Arusha, Tanzania, working to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and fight gender inequality. And when she’s home in San Diego, she’s working for Planned Parenthood of San Diego and Riverside Counties.
Her career took off early. While a student at UCSD, Geissler volunteered for Planned Parent’s student organization on campus and eventually applied for a board of directors’ position when it became available. At the same time, Geissler volunteered for the Arusha Project in the summers.
Geissler, who has received awards for her activism including UCSD’s Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship, said it’s important to be involved in one’s community because a community is simply, “what we make it.”
“People’s community involvement is usually in reaction to something negative happening but you can’t just wait around until something goes wrong, you have to be proactive,” she said.
Holding “firm beliefs” in reproductive health rights and marriage equality, Geissler is inspired by her grandmother who “always knows what’s right.”
Tip for young people: “A common mistake committed by young people is that they want to start at the top. It usually does not work that way.”
Tyler Boden, 21, SDSU Associated Students president:
A true leader always shines brightest at times of despair. For SDSU Associated Students president Tyler Boden, his time is now.
Representing nearly 35,500 students, Boden has organized several events to mobilize the SDSU community and gain awareness toward what is happening with California’s budget cuts to higher education. Boden, who gave a noteworthy speech at Rally for SDSU in August 2009, has organized town-hall-style gatherings, maintains a blog to keep his peers in the loop, and has helped to form the San Diego Association of Student Governments – a group of student presidents from local universities to mobilize the higher education community.
An English major, Boden said being involved in one’s community is the perk of living in a democratic nation.
“In our democratic society, involvement in the community is our way to participate in taking action that positively affects those around us,” he said. “Each person has an individual perspective of what is right for our community, our country, and our world. If everyone gets involved, there’s no telling what great things can be accomplished to further the development of our society.”
The 21-year-old who has three main issues as his focus: education, communication and sustainability, said his family is who motivates him most and has taught him the importance of humility, responsibility, consideration, love and respect.
Tip for young people: “Dream as if there are no limitations set in this world for you, and live every day to its fullest to fulfill those dreams.”
Tyler Hewes, 29, executive director of Orchestra Nova San Diego:
A passion for the arts and a couple decades younger than other candidates, Tyler Hewes scored a job as the executive director of Orchestra Nova San Diego (formerly known as San Diego Chamber Orchestra), an organization devote to offering affordable art programs to the region.
Hewes, whose organization also offers outreach programs to the community, has a history in the arts industry that digs deeper than his current role. Seven years ago, Hewes became a stage manager for North Coast Reperatory Theatre, later he became a production assistant for Mainly Mozart and eventually garnered the position of production manager which he performed for five years.
Hewes is working to make the arts and music programs attainable for all San Diegans – because being involved doesn’t mean you’re a spectator, he said.
“If you like or don’t like something in our community, then it is up to you as an individual citizen to get involved,” he said. “It is important because there is no greater feeling or reward than giving back to your community. Civic pride may be an antiquated term, but I still believe it is important. You cannot tie your belief in San Diego to how well the Padres or Chargers are doing — it must run deeper than that.”
Although some may see the arts as simple entertainment, Hewes describes it as s social issue.
“The idea of arts as a social program means that the soul needs to be fed,” he said. “If you look at all the good things in Western civilization that has been preserved, it is through our arts. The best of humanity has been preserved through our arts and through the arts, we tell the story of what it means to be human.”
But it’s even more than just telling a story. Hewes said if he’s told a beautiful concert has helped a human being coped with hardships, then he feels fulfilled.
“Now is a really tough time to work in the nonprofit world but now is (also) the time to be working in the nonprofit world,” Hewes said.
Tip for young people: “Once you have a passion, follow it as far as you can.”
Whitney Benzian, 30, special projects director for Council President Ben Hueso:
Whitney Benzian is actively involved in two different cities simultaneously – San Diego and Coronado.
In San Diego, Benzian serves as the director of special projects for City Council President Ben Hueso.
In Coronado, he serves as the president of the Coronado Historical Association and in the Coronado Business Improvement District Ad Hoc Committee. In the past, Benzian also served as president for Coronado Active 20-30 Club, an organization of philanthropists devoted to improving their community through different volunteer projects.
Through his work, Benzian realized the importance of participation and what one can accomplish when he or she contributes to their society.
“In these roles, I have reaffirmed my community pride, learned that if one can gets involved they can, in fact, influence public debate and decision-making, whether or not you are an elected official,” he said. “It’s also a simple and rewarding way to connect with other residents and form solid relationships.”
Inspired by Winston Churchill and focused on issues such as water and the economy, Benzian said one can judge the community he or she lives in by the amount of people involved.
Tip for young people: “I suggest joining a small group so you can have a very hands-on experience. Work hard for the group.”
Yurkie Iwako, 19, founder of Save Sudan:
After learning about the story of the Lost Boys of Sudan, Yurie Iwako became determined to help those in the African country who had endured nearly 1.9 million civilians killed in a genocide over the course of more than 20 years.
Her determination and the realization of what happened across the world led Iwako to create the Save Sudan Club at Canyon Crest High School. She garnered about 50 of her peers to help raise $10,000 to drill wells in villages of Southern Sudan so that residents could have access to clean water. But Iwako didn’t just get students to raise money, she helped to mobilize the local Sudanese community so that they could help those back in Southern Sudan.
Though she graduated a year ago, Iwako remains active in shining a bright light on the atrocities still occurring in Sudan and how it affects our local communities. She does it all because she feels it’s her duty to do so.
“For me, because I know so much about Sudan, I feel as though it is my responsibility to spread awareness and make people realize what kind of world we are really living in and we must learn to really help each other,” she said. “Also, we have many refugees, including the Sudanese, in San Diego, which makes them not so distant from us after all. In order to incorporate all of these different faces into our community, I think it’s important to know their stories and their struggles so that we can help them become more comfortable in this country.”
Inspired by Judy Bernstein, one of the four authors of They Poured Fire on Us From the Sky, Iwako said anytime she is faced with a roadblock, she thinks about the struggles that the Sudanese have endured and she is able to venture forward with her dreams. She also noted the importance of education and the one motto common within the Sudanese refugee camps.
“At the refugee camps, they went by a saying which was, ‘education is my mother and father,'” Iwako said. “This is because they had their parents taken away from them along with everything else and all they really had left was education. I always tell myself how important education is.”
Tip for young people: “I always look to Severn Suzuki because she was only 12 years old when she spoke to the UN. We always think that if we are young, people will not take us seriously but if we show passion and care in whatever we are doing people will notice and believe in our cause.”
Hoa Quach is the political editor for the San Diego News Network.