YNPN San Diego is proud to welcome a brand new group of board members to our 2020 board of directors!

These unique, dedicated, and creative leaders are helping to shape YNPN San Diego's programming, communication, and membership. We have a lot of exciting changes coming in 2020 and we have no doubt that these new board members along with our current board members will manage it beautifully! In 2020, we are luck to have an incredible group of six new boardies!

Welcome to YNPN San Diego!

Lindsay Marcil, YNPNsd Board Member & Marketing Committee Co-Chair

Driven by a love for art, music, and their intersection with community service, Lindsay has spent her career in the nonprofit sector connecting individuals to opportunities for community impact; whether through art, public radio, or urban revitalization.

Lindsay recently moved to San Diego from Minneapolis, MN where she worked as a marketing professional for nonprofit organizations including the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and Minnesota Public Radio. Lindsay was an active volunteer and Advisory Board Member with the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of the Twin Cities. Lindsay served two years with AmeriCorps as a Volunteer Coordinator for a rebuilding organization in post-Katrina New Orleans, and then in St. Paul, MN as a Tutor Coordinator for St. Paul Public Schools. A Seattle native but a Minnesotan at heart, Lindsay holds a B.A. in Graphic Design and Art History from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Theresa Cunningham, YNPNsd Board Member

Theresa Cunningham is the Vice President of Reality Changers, a San Diego-based nonprofit that transforms lives by providing youth from disadvantaged backgrounds with the resources and support to become college graduates. In her position, she oversees talent operations and program management and plays a lead role in creating and maintaining an environment that values learning, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Her previous experience spans across the areas of consulting, nonprofit management, education, strategic planning, and human resources. She earned a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Southern California and a M.A. in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University.  

A writer and food aficionado, Theresa’s inspiration is derived from her travel to over 30 countries. In her personal time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and raising her two daughters. As a member of the YNPN San Diego Advisory Board, she contributes to building and sustaining a growing network of leaders by serving on the membership committee.

Jessica Valencia, YNPNsd Board Member & Membership Committee Co-Chair

Jessica is currently a Prevention and Community Engagement Specialist at Center for Community Solutions and is passionate about working to end sexual violence and dismantle the roots of oppression. She is excited to join the YNPN SD Advisory Board as the Membership Co-Chair and looks forward to connecting with other members.

Jessica is a San Diego native and graduate of San Diego State University, where she received her B.A. in Women’s Studies and Spanish, along with a certification in Spanish-English Translation and Interpretation. Through her experience working with different social justice organizations, she has gained skills in public speaking, conflict resolution and event planning. Jessica is committed to community engagement and volunteers with the Hermanitas Program through MANA de San Diego, CA Latinas for Reproductive Justice and the ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties. On her down time, she enjoys reading, running, and dancing to live music.

Brooke Haggerty, YNPNsd Board Member & Programming Committee Chair

Brooke Haggerty has over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has an M.A. in Human Behavior, a B.A. in English, and certifications in Non-Profit Management and in Marketing. She is the Operations Manager for Faunalytics, a nonprofit that conducts research, analyzes data, and shares knowledge to help animal advocates increase their impact.

Her previous experience includes working on the statewide legislative campaign Prevent Cruelty CA/Yes on Proposition 12, successfully fighting to improve the living conditions for millions of factory farm animals. Prior to that she served as the programs manager and subsequently the executive director for the Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE). Throughout college Brooke was a humane educator for the Animal Protection and Rescue League.

In addition to her volunteer work with YNPN she serves on FACE's Board of Directors and volunteers for San Diego State University’s Aztec Mentor Program. Brooke is vegan, and in her free time she loves reading, hiking, and traveling. 

Linnea Lagerstrom, YNPNsd Board Member & Membership Committee Co-Chair

As a Development Officer for San Diego Habitat for Humanity, Linnea Lagerstrom has the joy of supporting Habitat's mission of providing affordable homeownership to local families through stewarding corporate partnerships and overseeing Habitat's annual fund. Before her current position, Linnea served as an AmeriCorps member, coordinating over 2,500 volunteers and establishing a youth program to engage 5-13 year olds interested in giving back to their communities. 

Linnea graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Linguistics and minors in Business and German from University of California, San Diego. She is currently completing certification through Sanford Institute of Philanthropy's Fundraising Academy program, and is thrilled to continue involvement with YNPN SD as a board member and membership committee co-chair. 

When she is not working, volunteering, or sleeping, Linnea enjoys spending time with her cats, reading, and exploring the diverse eateries and neighborhoods of San Diego.

Does meeting new people turn you into a bundle of nerves? When you're in a group do you suddenly realize that you've been the only one talking for a long time? Ever met someone who had your dream job, but couldn't think of what to ask? We've got you covered.

Our 5th Annual Access to Experts is fast approaching, so we asked our experts about some of their go to tips when networking in new or unfamiliar places. From introverts to extroverts, or anyone who could use a brush up on their informational interview skills, there's a little something for everyone.

Alondra Alvarado, YNPNsd Board Member

Alondra Alvarado was born in Los Angeles, CA and was raised in Tijuana, Mexico. She is the first in her extended family to graduate from college with a degree in psychology from the Autonomous University of Baja California. She moved to the United States in 2016 and prior to her life in San Diego, she worked for Tijuana’s City Council as Chief of Staff to a Council member and for the Baja California State Congress as a Media and Public Relations Advisor.

In addition to her volunteer work at YNPN, Alondra serves as Secretary of the San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and as the Assistant to the Executive Director at MANA de San Diego, a national Latina organization.

Alondra is passionate about creating opportunities for women to help them grow in their professional pathway, specifically Latinas, and she is a testimony of how having someone that believes in you encourages your inner leader to come out.

Kristen Mihalko, YNPNsd Treasurer

Kristen Mihalko has worked in the non-profit sector for 8 years mainly in program development and coordination. As an advocate for career development and personal growth, she volunteers her time as the Treasurer for YNPN San Diego and Rising Arts Leaders San Diego. She is currently earning a certificate in Arts and Culture Leadership at the University of San Diego.

Kristen is the Senior Manager of Programs and Special Events for the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa in Family Resources with a certificate in Women’s Studies and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications from National University.

Shayla James, YNPNsd Board Member 

Shayla James balances her time as a researcher and teaching artist in the non-profit sector. She is a multi-instrumentalist whose work is rooted in community engagement, empowerment and collaboration across disciplines. Shayla is the Education Program Manager for Blindspot Collective. She has taught for Arts for Learning, and has volunteered in the Learning and Community Engagement Department at the San Diego Symphony. Also, she volunteers as the Vice Chair of Rising Arts Leaders San Diego. As a contracted non-profit researcher, her interests include assessment and evaluation, education, cultural policy and EDAI (equity, diversity, inclusion accessibility) principles.

Shayla received a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Coe College. She attended UC-San Diego for a Master of Arts degree in Music with an emphasis in Integrative Studies (Ethnomusicology and Critical Studies). She enjoys hiking, putting together puzzles and performing with her rock/pop band.