Professional background: Before joining CNC, Niña directed foundation relations and grant development at Includ(Ed) San Diego, an inclusive-education nonprofit, where she built the grants infrastructure (calendars, templates, and reporting workflows) from the ground up. She won foundation grants from $5,000 to $100,000 and helped lead a cross-functional team to $1M in federal funding.

Education & recognition: Niña holds a dual Master of Science in Teaching (MST) in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education from Fordham University and a grant writing certificate from UC San Diego Extension. She received the Colette M. Murray Scholarship for foundation relations and equity-centered program development.

What she loves about her work: Niña has a special interest in disability advocacy and is passionate about initiatives that expand access, strengthen communities, and create equitable opportunities for children and families.

Outside of Coastal Nonprofit: Niña is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego Chapter and a recipient of the Colette M. Murray Scholarship.

With a passion for storytelling and children’s literature, Niña was selected as a Kweli Scholar in the picture book writing category for the 2021 Color of Children’s Literature Conference, a national gathering celebrating and supporting children’s book writers and illustrators of color. Inspired by her son, she believes in the power of stories to help every child feel seen, valued, and represented.

As a mother and passionate advocate for children with disabilities, Niña believes that advocating for one child can help open doors for many. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, singing enthusiastically (if not always on key), dancing whenever the music starts, and turning ordinary weekends into memorable family adventures with her signature early-morning surprise road trips.