Heidi Knuff
Executive Director
Heidi Knuff has over 20 years of experience working in international exchange and diplomacy. Prior to serving as Executive Director of SDDC, she has served as SDDC’s Director of Custom Programs and Services. She has also held positions at American Councils for International Education, the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, the MIT Center for International Studies, and Pacific Intercultural Exchange. Heidi is a native of San Diego and has a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of San Diego. She lives in Kensington with her husband, Ryan, and her son, Luca.
Jim Davis
Operations Director
Jim has been working in the nonprofit industry since 1988. He has lived in San Diego 11 years, where he was the Vice President of Operations at Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Executive Director for Kids Turn and the Regional Director for the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. With 28 years in the sector, Jim has experience in all aspects of non-profit management.
Jessica Frank
Program Director
Jessica is an experienced grant and project manager who has a passion for international politics, travel, and fostering personal connections that transcend borders. She spent eight years at CRDF Global, administering US Government grants awarded to international scientists in order to promote international scientific collaboration, institution building, and nonproliferation. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a Master’s Degree in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations from San Diego State University.
Lulu Bonning
Program Officer
Lulu’s passion for the diplomatic abilities of community empowerment lends itself to her role as Program Officer. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, she is an avid traveler and loves the richness that cultural experience offer to personal and professional growth. Lulu has completed a study abroad tour in Bosnia, volunteered in Cambodia, and done an international exchange in San Diego (leading to her involvement with us) whilst pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Relations at RMIT University, Australia.Read more
Prior to this position, she was an event intern at the San Diego Diplomacy Council. She is currently pursuing further studies and completing an Honors thesis, exploring how smart city strategies can foster empowerment-based approaches within San Diego. Lulu hopes to continue connecting people on a global scale to solve common issues and address conflicts of interest.
Tori Mullenix
Program Associate
Tori’s passion and interest for international exchanges is credited to her upbringing in both San Diego and Tijuana. The frequent change in cultural and language contexts from crossing back and forth between the U.S.- Mexico border became something familiar and comforting to her. She has dedicated her educational studies and professional experience to international topics like migration, international development, and cultural responsiveness. She received a Bachelor of Arts in International Security and Conflict Resolution from San Diego State University and will receive her Master of Arts in International Peace and Conflict Resolution with a concentration on localizing development from American University.
