Join us for an informative webinar highlighting how local nonprofits and community-based organizations are leading the way in advancing sustainability.
Explore how local nonprofits are driving sustainability. This session will feature a panel discussion led by San Diego Community Power’s Senior Manager, Xiomalys Crespo, showcasing how grant-funded educational workshops are empowering individuals and communities to embrace clean energy solutions, explore workforce opportunities, and build pathways to a greener future.
Learn about the innovative programs making a difference at the local level and discover how these initiatives are inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices in their own work and communities.
About Our Moderator and Panelists:
Moderator: Xiomalys Crespo, Senior Manager Community Engagement, San Diego Community Power
Xiomalys (see-oh) Crespo is a public servant dedicated to advancing inclusive community engagement and fostering cross-sector collaboration. As the first English-speaking college graduate in her Puerto Rican family, she brings a deep personal commitment to equity and opportunity, aligning with San Diego Community Power’s mission to deliver clean, affordable energy that empowers communities and builds a sustainable future.
In her role as Sr. Community Engagement Manager, Xiomalys leads a team of outreach professionals and spearheads strategies to expand public awareness, accessibility, and participation in Community Power’s programs. Previously, at the City of San Diego, she directed a federally designated coalition that secured over $3 million in grant funding for Communities of Concern—supporting capacity-building for local nonprofits and enabling culturally competent outreach and over $12 million in financial assistance for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Xiomalys holds a Master of Public Policy from UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy and a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics and German from St. Lawrence University.
Panelist: Christiana DeBenedict, Senior Director, Environmental Initiatives San Diego Foundation
Christiana DeBenedict serves as Senior Director of Environmental Initiatives at San Diego Foundation (SDF) and oversees a portfolio of environment initiatives that support our most vulnerable communities facing air and water pollution, climate change impacts and lack of access to green spaces.
Since 2021, Christiana has managed SDF’s Climate and Outdoor Initiatives; led the establishment of the Binational Resilience Initiative; and co-founded the Climate Funders Collaborative (San Diego / Baja / Imperial). She oversees the Environment team that is serving as lead grant administrator for a Transformative Climate Communities grant of $22 million to advance community-driven climate projects benefiting the historic central barrios of San Diego.
Prior to her tenure at SDF, Christiana worked at The Nonprofit Institute at the University of San Diego, managing The Equinox Project and the Outdoor Leaders Initiative. She directed the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative, a network of cities and public agencies working to advance local climate solutions.
She previously served as Assistant Director of Climate Education Partners, a $5 million National Science Foundation funded project that engaged and informed government, business and community leaders on local climate impacts. As Director of Member Services and Operations at the US-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership, Christiana worked to strengthen philanthropy, leadership and collaboration in the US-Mexico border region.
Christiana graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Languages and Bilingual Issues and holds an International MBA from IE Business School in Madrid, Spain.
Panelist: Mauricio Torre, Executive Vice President, SBCS San Diego
Mauricio Torre, Executive Vice President, has been with SBCS San Diego since 1997, and has demonstrated a commitment to working with, and empowering, low-income and minority groups, particularly youth. He has spearheaded the Promise Neighborhood Initiative and it is under his direction that SBCS manages a cradle to career continuum of services for three underserved communities within San Diego County.
His experience working creatively and dynamically with at-risk youth and inspiring them to reach their full potential has enhanced his ability guide the agency in new and exciting directions.
Mr. Torre has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and is bilingual/bicultural: speaking, reading and writing Spanish as well as English.
Panelist: Elektra Fike-Data, Executive Director, Tree San Diego
Elektra Fike-Data is the Executive Director of Tree San Diego, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to increasing the density and sustainability of San Diego's urban forest. Overseeing an expert field team, she leads the organization in implementing projects that bring sustainable and natural solutions to the urban environment.
Prior to joining the nonprofit sector, Fike-Data worked as a sustainability associate in the environmental consulting industry, supporting projects in urban planning and design, sustainable business management, and climate adaptation strategy development.
Elektra is an EcoDistricts Accredited Professional and holds a Masters in Sustainable Tourism.
Registration
Registration is free for AWWEE members, who are also welcome to add up to two guests (new to AWWEE please).
Registration is $20 for non-members.