Kimberly Castillo, YNPNsd Board Chair

Kimberly is the Food Procurement Supervisor for the San Diego Food Bank, working as the primary point person for all food donations to the food bank, including food drives, corporate food donations, and the Food Rescue program.

An alumna of the University of California, San Diego, Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies. Directly after her studies, Kimberly joined AmeriCorps as a means of serving San Diego's vulnerable populations. After having served a year in working with the local refugee population, Kimberly transitioned to a job that could still help the City Heights region but from more of a food security standpoint. Before her current position, Kimberly used her personal time to advocate for and better understand diverse populations, particularly those considered to be most socially vulnerable; she works to find the strengths in commonly-overlooked populations and urges society to become more welcoming and understanding. In her free time Kimberly enjoys boxing, cooking, and exploring San Diego’s wonderful eateries and drinkeries.

Now let's hear directly from Kimberly!

What made you want to join the YNPN board? 

I joined YNPNsd because I was at a point in my life where I needed to get involved in something, and stop the excuses that I was too busy to actively participate in something and make a difference. A former supervisor encouraged me to apply to YNPN as a board member, and after a lot of hesitation I told myself "you have no reason to not do this, just do it." And at first I felt lost and confused into what I actually was meant to do on a board (as it was my first time) but the more I got involved, the more payout it had. And I haven't looked back since.

What inspires you about the work you currently do?

I am passionate about helping people and empowering the community, and being in the nonprofit sector allows me to do that exactly. In my particular position I love feeling like I am an integral part of the organization, and that my work actually makes a tangible difference.

I have so many friends in the for profit sector that have jobs where they do not feel fulfilled, or even feel like they have a sense of community and bonding with those they work in, and that is just not something i really can relate to because I am around so many people who are mission oriented and driven to make positive change.

An experience that helped me grow was... 

My customer service job in college. It was my first leadership position I ever had and it really helped me form and refine communication and leadership skills I did not know I had. I learned so much about working with different personalities, learning to work with what (and who) you got, and taking responsibility for others in a way that grew a culture of accountability.

Thank you, Kimberly, for all you’ve done for YNPNsd! Learn more about our Advisory Board here!