Valerie Attisha

The National Alumni Board of Directors establishes the vision and oversees the strategic direction of the University of San Diego Alumni Association as it builds and maintains lifelong relationships that create meaningful impact for alumni, students and the university.

For more than two decades, I have served in diverse leadership roles including Chair of the Communications Task Force as well as on the Executive, Experiential, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Volunteerism, and… Show more

The National Alumni Board of Directors establishes the vision and oversees the strategic direction of the University of San Diego Alumni Association as it builds and maintains lifelong relationships that create meaningful impact for alumni, students and the university.

For more than two decades, I have served in diverse leadership roles including Chair of the Communications Task Force as well as on the Executive, Experiential, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Volunteerism, and Philanthropy Task Forces.

Additionally, I have chaired my Class Reunion and participated on the Homecoming and Family Weekend Committee. Show less

Established in 2001, the mission of the San Diego Children's Discovery Museum is to inspire and provide hands-on exhibits to young children to learn about the world through exploration, imagination and experimentation.

I was asked to join the board in 2021 and serve as Secretary of the Board as well as a member of the Executive and Governance Committees.

Established over 150 years ago, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce serves as the primary hub for connections and collaboration for the business community. The Chamber represents over 2,500 businesses and 300,000 employees in the San Diego region.

The San Diego Rotary (Club 33) is the 4th largest club in the world with more than 500 active civic, business and community leaders who meet each week to foster meaningful relationships, serve the community and make impactful change.

Currently, I am a member of the Membership, Finance as well as Welcoming / New Member Committees.

Founded in 1935, the mission of The Old Globe is to preserve, strengthen, and advance American theatre by creating theatrical experiences of the highest professional standards; producing and presenting works of exceptional merit, designed to reach current and future audiences; ensuring diversity and balance in programming; and providing an environment for the growth and education of diverse theatre professionals, audiences and the community at large.

National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is an annual event taking place each November that honors and recognizes the extraordinary contributions of philanthropy and those active in the philanthropic community. San Diego’s NPD is one of the largest and most successful in the country attracting up to 1,200 attendees including philanthropists; nonprofit, business and civic leaders; fundraising professionals and hundreds of others from throughout the community.

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of… Show more

National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is an annual event taking place each November that honors and recognizes the extraordinary contributions of philanthropy and those active in the philanthropic community. San Diego’s NPD is one of the largest and most successful in the country attracting up to 1,200 attendees including philanthropists; nonprofit, business and civic leaders; fundraising professionals and hundreds of others from throughout the community.

2022 marks the 50th anniversary of NPD in San Diego, and I was honored and humbled to have been selected as the event's keynote speaker. In 2023, I am proud to be chairing the Honorary Committee. Show less

Founded in 1929, The Junior League of San Diego is part of an international organization of women who are committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving their community through the effective action and leadership.

Based upon surveys and feedback from the League’s nonprofit partners, I co-founded a four-part webinar series in 2020 entitled "Fundraising and the Modern Nonprofit" which provided fundraising expertise as well as marketing and… Show more

Founded in 1929, The Junior League of San Diego is part of an international organization of women who are committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving their community through the effective action and leadership.

Based upon surveys and feedback from the League’s nonprofit partners, I co-founded a four-part webinar series in 2020 entitled "Fundraising and the Modern Nonprofit" which provided fundraising expertise as well as marketing and communication strategies to local nonprofit partners.

Also, I have served as a member of the Community Partner Outreach and Training Councils. This year (2023 - 2024), I will serve as a member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Council. Show less

The Advisory Board is comprised of alumni, parents and friends of the College who convene for the purpose of discussing critical issues impacting students and faculty, providing advice and strategic direction to the Dean, and contributing financially toward key initiatives.

Also, I serve as an ambassador for the College and am active in Giving Tuesday efforts.

The Symphony Notables are a dedicated and passionate group of diverse volunteers who serve as ambassadors in the community and raise funds to engage with and support local children who benefit from the San Diego Symphony's music education and community outreach programs.

Served on the 2023 Gala Committee which raised almost $2M to support the work and outreach of the La Jolla Playhouse.

The mission of the International Affairs Board (IAB) is to effectively promote the San Diego region's global identity, encourage cultural connections, and cultivate international economic competitiveness. The IAB advises the Mayor and City Council on how international issues and policies impact the City of San Diego. Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the San Diego City Council.

In 2020 - 2021, I was a member of the Executive Committee.

The College of Business Administration Professional Mentor Program connects current MBA students to executives from the business and nonprofit sectors in a one-to-one relationship to support the student's personal and professional / career goals.

Neighborhood Voices, San Diego was founded in 2020 for the purpose of a) empowering communities to come together to voice their support for an election map that keeps all neighborhoods intact; b) avoids splitting up of neighborhoods amongst multiple council districts so that each unique neighborhood has a full voice on the city council; and c) supports the possible expansion of city council districts that reflect the rich ethnic and cultural diversity that each community represents.

The mission of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is to advance philanthropy by enabling individuals and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising.

In my first year as a member, I was nominated and elected Vice President of Education. In this role, I was responsible for identifying, securing, programming and stewarding 50+ speakers each year for the organization's meetings, webinars, workshops, and special events.

Additionally, I served as a… Show more

The mission of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is to advance philanthropy by enabling individuals and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising.

In my first year as a member, I was nominated and elected Vice President of Education. In this role, I was responsible for identifying, securing, programming and stewarding 50+ speakers each year for the organization's meetings, webinars, workshops, and special events.

Additionally, I served as a member of the Executive Committee and National Philanthropy Day, a day set aside every November to honor and recognize the contributions of philanthropy and those active in the philanthropic community. Show less

Following my tenure as Vice President of Education, I was elected Vice President of Communications and Marketing, where I oversaw the chapter’s communications and public relations. Additionally, I worked with other committees to effectively publicize and actively promote AFP activities and events.

Also served as a member of the Executive Committee and National Philanthropy Day, a day set aside every November to honor and recognize the contributions of philanthropy and those active in the… Show more

Following my tenure as Vice President of Education, I was elected Vice President of Communications and Marketing, where I oversaw the chapter’s communications and public relations. Additionally, I worked with other committees to effectively publicize and actively promote AFP activities and events.

Also served as a member of the Executive Committee and National Philanthropy Day, a day set aside every November to honor and recognize the contributions of philanthropy and those active in the philanthropic community. Show less

The mission of the Cultural Arts Commission is to advise and make recommendations to the City Council and the City Manager on cultural arts issues affecting local residents.

The Commission identifies needs and supports activities / events which expand and enrich cultural arts city wide.

Founded in 1926, the Rotary Club of El Cajon provides leadership and an opportunity to connect with others who are working toward the common goal of improving their community as well as the world.

For two years, I served as the Vice President of Education where I was responsible for identifying, reaching out to, finalizing and stewarding speakers for 48 meetings each year.

During this time, I also served as a member of the Executive Committee and assisted with the planning and… Show more

Founded in 1926, the Rotary Club of El Cajon provides leadership and an opportunity to connect with others who are working toward the common goal of improving their community as well as the world.

For two years, I served as the Vice President of Education where I was responsible for identifying, reaching out to, finalizing and stewarding speakers for 48 meetings each year.

During this time, I also served as a member of the Executive Committee and assisted with the planning and hosting of the annual fundraising gala. Show less

The Rolando Community Council (RCC) is a grassroots neighborhood organization devoted to making life better in for the resident of Rolando Village.

In my role, I served as the (volunteer) arts and restaurant reporter for the local paper where I wrote and published a number of articles ranging from a preview of the upcoming theatre season to reviewing new restaurants that opened in the neighborhood.

The FBI Citizens Academy provides community leaders with an inside look at the FBI. The competitive and selective program seeks to foster a greater understanding of the role of federal law enforcement in the community through open discussion and education. All candidates must be nominated, and participants are selected by the special agent in charge of the local FBI field office.

The mission of the Fieldstone Leadership Network is to build, deepen and sustain personal and professional capabilities and relationships among community leaders so that they are better able to lead, collaborate and problem solve.

The Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to support and strengthen senior level nonprofit executives their lives and careers. The application process is competitive and only ten individuals are invited to… Show more

The mission of the Fieldstone Leadership Network is to build, deepen and sustain personal and professional capabilities and relationships among community leaders so that they are better able to lead, collaborate and problem solve.

The Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to support and strengthen senior level nonprofit executives their lives and careers. The application process is competitive and only ten individuals are invited to participate in the program each year. Show less

The mission of Advance is to elevate the talents and careers of women with the goal of making a substantive and measurable increase in the number of women in C-suite and community / civic leadership positions.

The Public Leadership Institute (PLI) is a comprehensive training program for individuals interested in either running for elected office, or being appointed to serve on regional or statewide boards or commissions.

PLI is nonpartisan and works in concert with the San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to make the San Diego region the best place to live and work by identifying and fostering the development of individuals.

LEAD San Diego is a year-long leadership development program designed to mobilize local business, community and nonprofit leaders by enhancing their knowledge and awareness of critical regional issues, strengthening personal leadership skills, and establishing strong community connections.

LEAD San Diego strives to create a network of strong leaders equipped with the skills, insight and passion needed to work collaboratively across all sectors to positively transform their communities… Show more

LEAD San Diego is a year-long leadership development program designed to mobilize local business, community and nonprofit leaders by enhancing their knowledge and awareness of critical regional issues, strengthening personal leadership skills, and establishing strong community connections.

LEAD San Diego strives to create a network of strong leaders equipped with the skills, insight and passion needed to work collaboratively across all sectors to positively transform their communities and country. Show less