Meet Time: 3pm-5pm, Second Wednesday, Kearny Mesa
Adriana Brunner, a Medellín, Colombia native, bringing over 26 years of expertise in banking, business development, marketing, PR, and partnership development. Over the past 16 years, Adri has played a pivotal role in championing business development, community relations, and partnership growth for the credit union.
With a B.S. in Economics, a Master’s in Strategic Management, and a Master’s in International Finances from Colombian Universities, Adri holds an MBA with a Minor in Marketing, along with graduate certifications in communications, social media, and clean energy.
Dedicated to community service, Adri volunteers on various boards and committees, focusing on positively influencing Latina middle/high school students, professionals, and business owners through her role at MANA of North County. She is a regular contributor to Hispanic publications and media channels, advocating for the Latino and Small Business Community.
Currently serving on multiple boards, including MANA de North County, National Latina Business Women Association, San Diego Colombian Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and more, Adri resides in North County San Diego with her husband, daughter, and pets. Her passions include traveling with her family and indulging in Latin American literature.
Meet Time: 3pm-5pm, Monday, Carmel Valley
Charles currently works as an engineering lead in Qualcomm’s Government Technologies division.
Previously, Charles was the Project Engineer for Qualcomm’s 5G base station modem development effort. The resulting modem was the largest Qualcomm has ever built.
Before that, Charles oversaw the software department for Qualcomm’s Research and Development division, including direct supervision of the Qualcomm robotics program, which included both aerial and ground vehicles. He founded the project that resulted in the development of the drone boards that power the Mars Helicopter Ingenuity.
Prior to his role as the research software department lead, Charles led Qualcomm software teams involved in the research and development of most of the modern cellular radio standards, including CDMA, UMTS, UMB and LTE.
Charles is a past board chair and treasurer for the Fleet Science Center and the current development committee chair. Charles is a past board chair of the San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering and a current board member.
Charles has a B.S. in Computer Engineering, and an M.S. in Computer Science, both from the University of California, San Diego.
Meet Time: 8am-10am, second Tuesday of every month, Carmel Valley
With a career spanning 20 years as a US Navy officer, followed by more than two decades as a business executive, Jim Ristuccia is deeply committed to the transformative power of leadership within organizations. Jim consistently champions leadership development by emphasizing integrity, accountability, and honesty to cultivate the leadership competency and success of his people.
Currently a Vistage Chair, Jim leverages his wealth of experience to guide leaders in expanding their excellence and fostering growth. Jim founded and chairs monthly peer groups of San Diego CEOs with annual revenues up to $75 million. In these monthly group meetings, Jim facilitates unbiased problem-solving, provides clarity on significant decisions, and fosters profound conversations.
Jim is a member of the NCPC Mentorship Committee and is excited to share his experience with growing leaders concerned about social impact in the San Diego community.
Meet Time: 10am-12pm, third Thursday of every month, Downtown San Diego
Kamaal’s passions are plants, arts & culture, building community and uplifting our region’s creative economy.
Prior to co-founding ArtPowerEquity, a social/cultural enterprise in 2020; his unique skill set and network come from a professional journey including roles as: Vice President of Networks and Initiatives (Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties), Director of Advocacy (California Charter School Association), Adjunct Faculty/Political Science (San Diego Community College District), Government Relations Specialist (San Diego County Regional Airport Authority) and multiple positions in state government ranging from Field Director, Special Assistant to the Speaker and District Director (California State Assembly).
A graduate of the University of Oregon, B.A. (History), M.A. (International Studies), Kamaal currently serves as a mayoral appointee to the City of San Diego’s Arts and Culture Commission and has served on numerous non-profit boards and advisory groups including Project New Village, Somali Youth United and the San Diego NAACP. He currently lives in Lemon Grove, CA, with his partner and daughters.
Meet Time: 3pm-5pm, third Tuesday of every month, Downtown San Diego
Grants Officer at Lifeline Community Services
An experienced Nonprofit Leader and Board Member with expertise in Development, Fundraising, Programs, DEI/IDEA, Expansion Projects, and Strategic Planning in San Diego, CA.
Nicole has a passion for nonprofits focused on housing, food security, education, access, equity, empowering girls, and uplifting underserved youth.