Leaders 20/20

Providing a network for young and emerging professionals interested in advancing equitable, environmentally and economically sustainable solutions for the San Diego region.

Group of young leaders smiling against a wall of leaves
Begin quote I joined Leaders 20/20 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

Mission

The mission of this organization is to provide education and civic engagement opportunities around our region’s quality-of-life issues while offering professional development and networking opportunities to create confident leaders in this space.

Leaders 20/20 actively prepares the San Diego region for the future of climate action, equitable community development, and a growing green workforce. We are a young and emerging 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
To learn more, check out this video with former Leaders 20/20 coordinator, Lia Bruce, where she discusses the Leaders 20/20 network and the creation of the next generation of sustainability leaders in the San Diego region.

Join Leaders 20/20 Today and Create a Clear Vision for a Sustainable Future

Two Leaders 20/20 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 and programs, professional development workshops and leadership training, connections to the Leaders 20/20 region-wide network, and community service opportunities. Leaders 20/20 also provides students with a discounted membership fee of $25 along with membership scholarship opportunities.
Group of people with buckets and trash grabbers EVENTS

Leaders 20/20 provides opportunities for young and emerging leaders to develop their professional skills by engaging with established community leaders including elected officials, nonprofit and business executives through frequent networking, educational and professional development events that include: Bites & Big Minds, civic engagement and community service opportunities, happy hours, and the Equinox Project’s Quality of Life Dashboard Release Party.

Group of people in front of a projection screen in a conference room TRAININGS We provide professional development through mentorship opportunities and advocacy training. Our signature training puts young and emerging professionals on a path toward a robust civic career. The Leaders 20/20 Annual Nonprofit Board & 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.

2022 Programming at a Glance

  • Bites & Big Minds: We identify local champions who are willing to have lunch with our members to discuss their particular expertise within the region. (Ongoing)
  • Annual Nonprofit Board & Leadership Training: A two-day professional development workshop aimed at preparing professionals for nonprofit board service and leadership roles, especially regarding environmental and economic issues. (Winter/Spring)
  • Discussion Panels: Some environmental issues do not have a straightforward solution. For these issues we will host dialogues between leading experts to build collective understanding and action around quality of life issues. (Ongoing)
  • Professional Development Workshops: These events allow for members and participants to develop their professional skills and expand their career opportunities. (Ongoing)
  • Networking Events: To keep members engaged with each other we hold quarterly networking events. (Ongoing)
  • Civic Engagement & Community Service: Opportunities to impact your local community through partnership with other organizations.  (Ongoing) 

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 20/20’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.
Everett Au Everett Au - Chair Program Specialist, The San Diego Foundation
Taryell Simmons Taryell Simmons Human Resources Services Manager | Dept. of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, County of San Diego
Emma Head Emma Head External Relations Specialist, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Nancy Torres Nancy Torres Environment & Equity Fellow, The San Diego Foundation
Matthew Cooney Matthew Cooney Business Consultant, Cooney Marketing
Cassie Weinberg Cassie Weinberg Biology Coordinator, HELIX Environmental Planning Inc.
James Berry James Berry Program Assistant, Tree San Diego
Bridget Rickman Bridget Rickman Community & Programs Manager, San Diego Green Building Council
Annette Wininger Annette Wininger VSD Talent Associate, KFORCE
Michelle Robidas Michelle Robidas Lead of Events and Programs, The Nonprofit Institute

Contact Us

Leaders 20/20 is managed by The Nonprofit Institute's Environment Initiatives Hub. If you have any questions, please contact us at leaders2020@sandiego.edu.