MEET

Gina Lopez

Hi, I’m Gina Lopez. I currently serve as CEO of the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. I stepped into the role in early 2023, and since then, I’ve been focused on helping the organization regain its financial footing and reconnect with the community it serves. My path here has been anything but linear. I started out as a professional dancer, which eventually led me to founding a performing arts high school in Reno. Since then, I’ve found a passion for helping arts organizations find stability and purpose—especially during times of transition. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to support causes I care about. I help organize TEDxEscondido, serve on the board of the Escondido Chamber of Commerce, and stay involved in Rotary and the Burnham Center for Community Advancement. At the heart of everything I do is a belief in the power of the arts to inspire, connect, and create change.

Learn more about

Gina

Q: Hey! Thanks for taking the time to be here. Can you start by sharing a little bit about yourself and your family? *

I moved to North San Diego County with my beloved partner and our special needs son in 2023. My two amazing daughters, currently at attending universities outside the area, have always been my guiding light. My mother has always been an inspiration, a strong woman who instilled the importance of family, hard work and independence to myself and my two brothers. I feel very lucky to have a them and our large close nit families to share our lives together.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do? *

I’ve had a career in the arts as long as I have been alive. I got my SAG card at 13 years old and have been working in the arts ever since. I found that I love being an administrator more than performing because of the opportunity to profoundly enrich the hearts and minds of every community member from cradle to grave.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

18 months

Q: If you could go back in time what advice would you give yourself? *

Stay on mission.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? *

Doing the same thing that I am doing, leading an arts organization, preferably in the San Diego area because we have grown to love it in our short time here. I don’t think I ever see myself doing anything other than enriching communities through the arts.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

My family and my staff. I am always learning from them and try to support them the best way I can.

Gina & Our Community

Q: Ok, let's talk about our amazing community for a moment. What are a few of your local favorite spots? *

508 Tavern in Vista, Four Tunas and Frida’s Tacos in Escondido.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here? *

Jack Raymond. He has done so much for Escondido and the entire area and still works tirelessly for the betterment of the community and I don’t see him slowing down. He is an inspiration and I am trying to learn as much as I can from him.

Q: Give us a fun fact about yourself that people may not know. *

I was a Nevada State Champion baton twirler.

Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?

I admire grassroot organizations with committed volunteers that have an irrational passion for their cause. I support the arts (of course) and organizations that help the autistic community.

Connect with Gina

Gina

CEO

California Center for the Arts, Escondido

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