Cath DeStefano, Executive Director
“Through this work I know firsthand now that humans from all around the world are more alike than different. We want the same things and when you put us in a room we find we like each other nearly instantly.”
Before coming SDDC, Executive Director Cath DeStefano traveled nationally and internationally speaking and teaching in multinational corporations about leadership development, communication skills, and stress relief. She experienced many cultures first hand. In one class of 28 students, there were people from 18 different countries represented! Her degree in political science/international relations from Western Michigan University, coupled with her management development skills, are the perfect combination for her current work. Instead of traveling the world, Cath is pleased that, during this phase of her life, the world is coming to her. She uses her skills as a professional facilitator to help our international visitors create action plans. She also facilitates U.S. State Department visitor closing meetings. Cath is also an author and artist and publishes her work through the Human TuneUp Company.
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Enrique Meza, Program Director
Enrique Meza has a keen interest in world cultures, international affairs and global topics. His first overseas experience by traveling to the UK, Romania and Hungary solidified his belief in the power of cultural exchanges and open communication. Having explored Chile, France, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Portugal and by spending a semester abroad in Italy, Enrique knows the potential and promise that citizen diplomacy can have on the world. Interaction with SDDC’s international visitors led him to the organization and, paired with his vast marketing experience, Enrique believes the message of peace via citizen diplomacy can be shared effectively right here in San Diego. He enjoys San Diego’s beautiful weather and loves to spend time with his family and friends.
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Sarah Nugent, Program Coordinator
Sarah Nugent is a graduate of San Diego State University, earning a BA in International Security and Conflict Resolution with a Minor in Italian. During her undergraduate career she studied abroad for a year in Florence, Italy. While living abroad, she interned with The Florentine, a local bi-lingual newspaper, where she covered local events and the mayoral elections. From January through August 2011, she interned at the San Diego Diplomacy Council, as the organization’s mission and values fit perfectly with her studies. As a dual Irish-American citizen, she is looking forward to someday getting her Masters at a university in the European Union. For now, she is thoroughly enjoying the endless sunshine and laid-back lifestyle of San Diego.
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Christy Yoder, Operations Manager
Christy is a nonprofit junkie, having spent 11 years in the San Diego nonprofit community before coming to the San Diego Diplomacy Council. In 2010 she earned the Masters in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego, and is happy to use her knowledge, training, and experience to make a difference in the world.
Christy speaks English and Spanish, tap dances, and is hoping to continue filling the pages of her passport. So far: Ireland, Peru, Japan, and Guatemala.
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