Leaders 2020

Driving civic engagement among young professionals to ensure a healthy environment, strong economy and high quality of life in the San Diego region.

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Begin quote I joined Leaders 2020 so that I could stay connected to the environmental community in the San Diego region. After being so involved in the sustainability movement in college, I wanted to tap back into that after I moved back to San Diego. – Sophie Barnhorst, Public Policy Advisor at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

Leaders 2020 is a young professionals network that provides our members with:

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Education
Education on important quality-of-life issues affecting the environment and economy

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Connections
Connections to key regional government, nonprofit, and business leaders

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Civic Engagement and Professional Development
Civic engagement and professional development opportunities to ensure our members have the tools to make a positive impact on San Diego’s quality of life

Join Leaders 2020 Today

Two Leaders 2020 Steering Committee Members behind a Leaders 2020 table at a tabling event smiling next to a Leaders 2020 poster MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS For only $50 a year, members receive exclusive benefits and become part of a growing network of engaged young professionals concerned about a healthy environment and strong economy in San Diego. Benefits include access to members-only events such as monthly Bites & Bigwigs, quarterly happy hours and educational events. Members receive discounts and priority placement for our two signature trainings, the Nonprofit Leadership Training and Advocacy Training.
Group of people smiling in front of a blue backdrop EVENTS Bites & Bigwigs, our leading monthly event, connects members to established regional leaders through intimate question-and-answer events. Speakers talk to members about achieving success, improving the region and relevant quality-of-life issues they are working on. We also host quarterly happy hours for our members to connect and network with other members. Educational events on environmental sustainability and quality-of-life issues are also a benefit of membership.
Group of four writing on a large piece of paper in a room TRAININGS Our signature trainings put young professionals on a path toward a robust civic career. The Nonprofit Leadership Training Program prepares emerging leaders to serve on nonprofit boards and then matches them with environmental and social organizations in need of board members. Lobby4Good, a four-part lobbying and advocacy workshop with renowned consultant Pat Libby, teaches participants practical skills for carrying out advocacy campaigns through the lens of sustainability and quality-of-life issues.

Connect With Us

Follow us online and subscribe to our newsletter for information on upcoming events and updates on important sustainability and quality-of-life issues in the region.

Meet Our Steering Committee Members

The Steering Committee works in partnership with Equinox Project staff to guide Leaders 2020’s goals and activities. Steering Committee members take part in programming related to public policy issues, participate in committees and event planning, help develop strategic partnerships and work to engage other young adults.
Marlene Tyner-Valencourt Marlene Tyner-Valencourt - Chair Conservation Project Manager, WRA Inc.
Everett Au Everett Au Environment & Thomas Murphy Fellow, The San Diego Foundation
Madison Conrado Madison Conrado Community Relations Coordinator, San Diego Gas & Electric
Matthew Cooney Matthew Cooney Business Consultant, Cooney Marketing
Ariana Criste Ariana Criste Grant Manager, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito
Elektra Fike-Data Elektra Fike-Data Sustainability Associate, Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Alex Kaufman Alex Kaufman Energy Engineer, Center for Sustainable Energy
Taryell Simmons Taryell Simmons HR Analyst | Talent Development, County of San Diego
Linn Splane Linn Splane Media and Communications Manager, ECOLIFE Conservation
Rosey Williams Rosey Williams Sales Team Coordinator & Government Relations Liaison, Resource Management Group Inc.

Contact Us

Leaders 2020 is managed by The Nonprofit Institute's Program & Outreach Coordinator, Lia Bruce. If you have any questions, please contact her at lbruce@sandiego.edu.