Leane Marchese
Life Science Cares San Diego
San Diego, CA USA
"Perfection is the enemy of progress."
Career Roadmap
Leane's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Business, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Back in the day, there wasn't a nonprofit leadership major or educational path and business degrees did not really include social innovation or social enterprise. Today they do. These are educational areas to explore. Also, working in the nonprofit arena really derives from your passion—once you follow that, you may find your calling.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Outdoor Recreation
California State University, Chico
Graduate Degree
Recreation Management
Clemson University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Executive Director:
Bachelor's Degree: Nonprofit Leadership
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
I grew up in Encinitas, California, and spent a lot of time working with kids in summer camps and at community recreation facilities.
2.
After high school, I went to community college and then transferred to a four-year university—I started as a business major but switched to outdoor recreation because it was a better fit for me.
3.
I worked for two years as a teen nightclub program director for the YMCA before going back to school for my master’s degree in recreation and leisure studies.
4.
After graduating, I built my career and gained experience managing various nonprofit community-based programs and organizations.
5.
I eventually made my way back to the YMCA and worked as an executive director building a brand new YMCA in San Diego’s Pacific Beach—at the time, I thought it was my dream job.
6.
When COVID-19 hit, raising funds for a new YMCA was no longer a priority and I had to give that job up.
7.
On the bright side, it allowed me to take on the executive director role for Life Science Cares San Diego.
8.
With Life Science Cares, I got to start a new, innovative way to engage with the community through corporate giving and volunteer engagement.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I had to give up my dream job at the YMCA when COVID-19 hit. The silver lining is that it led me to my current role, which allows me to engage with the community in a new way. I also have more flexibility to prioritize my family.
I've dealt with homophobic feelings from others through my journey, especially back when I was starting out in my career. My experience is part of the reason why I'm passionate about helping to break down walls to allow for more access and diversity.