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ollaboration between MANA de San Diego and SDG&E is transforming lives.
“When people find us, they want to be part of it because it's magical," said Dr. Inez Gonzalez, MANA de San Diego (MANASD) executive director. The magic set in for Gonzalez the first time she attended a MANASD meeting. "It's a grassroots movement of Latina professionals coming together to lift each other up."
Through education, leadership development, community service and advocacy, MANASD empowers Latinas to achieve upward mobility and a better quality of life.
“It's a grassroots movement of Latina professionals coming together to lift each other up."
Growing up volunteering in orphanages in Tijuana instilled in Gonzalez a strong sense of responsibility to give back. It was only natural that through her own growth and journey with MANASD, she stepped into a leadership role to live her purpose.
"Members in our programs go on to all kinds of success, from securing better careers for themselves to becoming leaders in the community," said Gonzalez.
Mary Salas, the first Latina mayor of Chula Vista, and Venus Molina, chief of staff to San Diego Councilmember Jennifer Campbell, are just a couple notable MANASD members who exemplify the positive effect and impact of the organization’s programs over the years.
"I participated in the MANASD Latina Success Leadership Program, which taught me leadership skills and boosted my confidence. It even helped me earn a promotion.”
“SDG&E has been with us almost three decades. We’re grateful for the holistic partnership we’ve developed,” Gonzalez said. “Not only do they invest funds, but their employees volunteer and participate in our programs. And they often hire our participants."
Leticia Cervantes, SDG&E planning manager, is a MANASD alumna and dedicated mentor. “I participated in the MANASD Latina Success Leadership Program, which taught me leadership skills and boosted my confidence. It even helped me earn a promotion,” she recalls.
Cervantes is proud to work for a company that's committed to help develop the next generation of diverse leaders in our community.
"I want to use my position to help others because I was very lucky to have mentors throughout my career."
"SDG&E has been with us almost three decades. We're grateful for the holistic partnership we've developed."
Through living our value to champion people, we launched a structured mentorship program to foster deeper relationships with our future leaders, beyond just a one-time touchpoint. MANASD was one of five non-profit partners selected to be part of the inaugural #BeThatGirl mentorship program, which pairs SDG&E's women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with underrepresented students interested in pursing a STEM future.
