Suela Bala
Executive Director
Suela Bala is an international development professional with 17 years of experience leading initiatives in economic growth, youth development, entrepreneurship, financial education, child rights, and governance across the Western Balkans, East Africa and South Asia. Prior to joining the San Diego Diplomacy Council, Suela served as an Economic Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, where she oversaw high-visibility federal grant portfolios, coordinated interagency initiatives, and advanced U.S. economic and public diplomacy priorities through engagement with government, private sector, and civil society. Previously, she was the CEO of Junior Achievement of Albania, where she transformed a small nonprofit startup into the country’s largest platform for youth entrepreneurship and financial education. She also held leadership roles with Save the Children International in Albania, guiding strategic positioning, multi-sector program development, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization.
Suela holds a degree in physics education from Middle East Technical University in Turkey and a graduate certificate in Humanitarian Leadership from Deakin University in Australia. A native of Albania, she contributes to San Diego’s civic life through her board and volunteer service at the Vision Museum of Textile Art of San Diego and the La Jolla Center for Pacific Strategy. She believes in the quiet, enduring power of diplomacy built through genuine people-to-people ties that outlast policies and help communities and countries thrive.
Isaac Finestone
Program Officer
Isaac brings a rich cross-cultural background in international relations and politics to the programs team at SDDC. Originally from San Francisco, he majored in political science and East Asian studies at Oberlin College before pursuing a master’s degree in Asia-Pacific studies and international relations at Taiwan’s National Chengchi University. Isaac previously worked in the diplomatic and think tank circles of New York, bringing practitioner experience to his academic background in the intersection of foreign policy and domestic politics. Now back in California, Isaac is excited to work with San Diego’s community to foster local engagement in international affairs and help global leaders better understand what this area has to offer the world.
Jess Mull
Program Officer
Jess brings a background in international development and international exchange programs, with experience working on government-funded programs at nonprofit organizations. During her internship at the International Rescue Committee, she provided educational support to refugee youth, an experience that sparked a lasting commitment to global engagement and international affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Dominican University and a master’s in International Development from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Jess has worked on the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) at World Learning in Washington, D.C., and most recently on USAID-funded workforce, youth, and entrepreneurship programs at Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC). She also brings teaching experience from California, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Originally from San Diego, she is passionate about peacebuilding to strengthen communities both locally and globally. She is dedicated to advancing diplomacy through international exchange and looks forward to contributing to this work in her hometown!
Jeniffer Espinosa
Program Assistant
Jeniffer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies, with a focus on Political Science, from the University of California, San Diego, where she served as vice president of the International Studies Student Association. Jeniffer is a first-generation college student pursuing a Master’s Degree in international relations at the University of San Diego. Currently, seeks to positively impact her community by means of research, citizen diplomacy, and contributing time and effort where needed. Jeniffer is inspired by engaging with different international aspects and cultures, such as languages, dances, customs, and cuisine. She is bilingual in Spanish and English, and working to become trilingual in Korean.
Kevin Kabore
Program Intern
Kevin Kabore is a Program Intern at the San Diego Diplomacy Council, where he helps drive the mission of fostering international dialogue and collaboration. Born in France with roots in Côte d’Ivoire, Kevin brings a global perspective shaped by academic and leadership experiences across Europe, Africa, and the U.S. He holds a Master’s in Business Analytics from Hult International Business School and has led diverse teams across corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial spaces. Passionate about connecting communities that don’t often cross paths and amplifying underrepresented voices, Kevin is committed to building bridges that spark new opportunities and understanding. Through his work with the Council, he strives to help create a more inclusive and interconnected world.
Sydney Armstrong
Program Intern
Sydney Armstrong is a Junior studying Political Science at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. Even though her passport is from the USA, she was born in Guatemala and loved growing up in the Dominican Republic. She is honored to serve as President of the Latin American Students Association at PLNU. She’s passionate about community building and creating spaces to talk about divisive topics. In her downtime, you’ll find her listening to bachata music, seeking out an amazing taco or pupusa, and chatting with friends in Spanglish.
Alexis Curtis
Communications Intern
Alexis Curtis is a senior Honors English major at San Diego State University with a minor in Digital and Social Media Studies. Growing up in North County shaped her commitment to creating cross-cultural understanding through storytelling. She brings experience in digital communications, narrative strategy, and community engagement through her work in student leadership, sports journalism, and digital humanities. Alexis is passionate about using communication as a tool for bridge-building, amplifying voices, and strengthening global connections. She hopes to contribute to the Council’s mission by crafting stories that highlight international exchange, human rights, and the power of people-to-people diplomacy.
Estevan Garza
Program Intern
Estevan Garza graduated from Point Loma Nazarene University in 2025, obtaining a degree in International Studies. He has a passion for international diplomacy and building cross-cultural connections to promote international collaboration and understanding. He is excited about the opportunity to foster and bring these values to his own community through his internship with SDDC.
Erin-Mae McKeon
Events Intern
Erin-Mae McKeon is a Master’s candidate in International Relations at the University of San Diego and an Events Intern with the San Diego Diplomacy Council. Her interests include public diplomacy, transnational security, and evidence-based policy.
She has conducted research with the BIED Society think tank in Washington, D.C. on cartel activity along the San Diego-Mexico border, supported political science research on public policy in San Diego, and has contributed to the City of San Diego in Mayor Todd Gloria’s office.
