Lecturer II
Grace Bagunu currently serves as a Program Manager in the Division of Race & Equity in the Office of the Independent Budget Analyst at the City of San Diego. As an Equity Centered Coach, Grace provides technical assistance to both Mayoral and independent departments on budget and policy decisions that have equity implications, facilitates learning opportunities for City staff, and supports change management across local government.
Prior to working in local government, Grace worked as an administrator in student affairs at several colleges and universities focusing on the growth and development of students through their co-curricular experiences. Grace's experience includes skill development in public speaking, leadership, and diversity, equity and inclusion, strategic planning, supervision and project management, and teaching through experiential learning opportunities.
Grace earned a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in family studies as well as a master's degree in educational administration from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. As an alumna of the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at the University of San Diego, Grace earned a doctorate in Leadership Studies in 2018. Grace has taught in the Leadership Minor and in the MAHE program at USD SOLES as well as in the Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs (PELSA) program at SDSU.
When not working, Grace enjoys sunsets, global travel, foodie adventures and walking Luke and Leia, two rescue dogs from Tijuana. Grace also loves travel journaling, all things stationery and letter writing, singing karaoke, and playing the ukulele. Grace also volunteers at Comic Con each year and upcycles the free bags into functional or sometimes wearable art!