By Kyla Guerrero, HR & Operations Coordinator
I’m excited to be joining SanDiego350 as the new HR & Operations Coordinator! This role feels like a natural step in both my professional and personal journey, combining my love for building strong organizations with my commitment to collective action for a more just and sustainable world.
Originally from the Philippines, I grew up in Chula Vista and later planted roots in Baltimore, Maryland and Whidbey Island, Washington. Living in these diverse communities shaped my worldview and strengthened my belief that healthy environments and thriving communities go hand in hand. Wherever I’ve lived, I’ve seen people come together to care for each other and for the places they call home. That sense of collective responsibility inspires the way I approach both life and work.
My academic path led me to the University of San Diego, where I earned a master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. Much of my work there focused on applied projects, like researching food insecurity among homebound populations and designing evaluation frameworks for community programs. Those experiences taught me that meaningful impact happens when strong systems and strong relationships are built together.
Before entering the nonprofit sector, I worked in finance as a tax analyst. That experience sharpened my attention to detail, strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills, and taught me how to navigate regulations and systems. Later roles in student affairs, program coordination, and consulting showed me how much I enjoy working at the intersection of people and process. I have also launched my own consulting practice focused on strategic operations and financial management for small businesses, where I help organizations align their systems with their goals. Through all these experiences, my goal is always the same: to create environments where people can thrive and organizations can carry out their missions with clarity and resilience.
A recent chapter of my journey took me to Southeast Asia, where I studied social-impact enterprises and NGOs in Cambodia and Vietnam. Witnessing how local communities lead with creativity, resilience, and collaboration in addressing challenges deepened my conviction that environmental justice is both a global and community responsibility.
I was particularly inspired to join SanDiego350 because of the organization’s people-powered approach to climate justice. Climate change is one of the most urgent issues of our time, but it is also deeply tied to questions of equity, justice, and community well-being. I believe that the way we structure and care for our internal teams is directly connected to the impact we can have externally. By supporting staff with strong HR practices and thoughtful operational systems, we strengthen our capacity to mobilize, advocate, and inspire action at the scale this crisis requires. At its core, my work will be about making sure our internal structures reflect the values we fight for externally.
Outside of work, you can usually find me outdoors whether it be camping, paddleboarding, hiking, or simply soaking it all in. Spending time outside restores me and reminds me why climate activism matters. Whether it’s the beaches of San Diego or the forests of Whidbey Island, being in nature fuels my dedication to protecting the ecosystems and places that sustain life.
As I step into this role, I feel grateful to be part of such a passionate and inspiring community. The staff, volunteers, and supporters of SanDiego350 embody what it means to turn concern into action and how to take the enormity of the climate crisis and respond with creativity, energy, and hope.”