Staff

Staff

	Cath DeStefano, Executive Director Before coming to CDCSD, 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. Email Cath DeStefano Cath@SanDiegoDiplomacy.org
	Enrique Meza, Director of Programs 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 CDCSD'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. Email Enrique Meza Enrique@SanDiegoDiplomacy.org
	Kristina Leano, Program Coordinator Kristina Leano is a graduate of CSU San Marcos earning a BS in Business Administration with a Minor in Spanish. During her undergraduate career she studied abroad in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. She recently earned her MA in International Relations at Alliant International University in San Diego. During her last semester there, she interned at CDCSD, as the organization's mission and values fit perfectly with her studies. She is currently learning Brazilian Portuguese and also wishes to learn Tagalog, Italian, and Thai. She is looking forward to traveling throughout Latin America, Europe, and Southeast Asia in the future. Email Kristina Leano Kristina@SanDiegoDiplomacy.org
	Alexa Talbot, Director of Operations Alexa, a San Diego native, first became interested in international relations during her studies of French language and culture at the University of Michigan. After attending summer courses at both the Sorbonne in Paris and the DILIT language and art institute in Rome, she felt ready to take a larger step into the world. So, she spent the entirety of her junior year in Aix-en-Provence, France studying at the University of Cezanne and traveling throughout Europe and North Africa. Then, after finishing her final year in school back at Michigan, she decided that she hadn't had enough of living abroad and took a job as an English teacher recruiter in Shanghai, China. While there, she continued exploring the world, visiting many countries in Asia and Oceania. Now that she has returned to her roots in California, Alexa is thrilled to be working with the Citizen Diplomacy Council bringing the world to San Diego. Email Alexa Talbot Alexa@SanDiegoDiplomacy.org