Carmelina Herrera (she/they)

Program Associate, San Diego Diplomacy Council

Carmelina Herrera serves as a Program Associate at the San Diego Diplomacy Council. In this role, she collaborates with international leaders across diverse fields, facilitating connections with their counterparts in San Diego to collectively address global challenges. She implements U.S. Department of State funded programs that support the foreign policy goals of the United States and increase global understanding. Predominantly, she focuses on executing the International Visitor Leadership Program, a professional exchange initiative where participants engage with U.S. organizations in the public and private sectors relevant to the chosen project theme. Themes encompass topics such as Climate Change Approaches, Human Rights and Civil Rights Advocacy, and Social Entrepreneurship. 

Carmelina graduated Summa Cum Laude from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Business and possesses over four years of experience in International Business Research and Global Diplomacy. Since 2019, she has been an enthusiastic volunteer, dedicating her time to supporting marginalized communities in San Diego, including the LGBTQ+ community, women of color, and those affected by homelessness. Through her involvement with organizations such as Kitchens for Good, Monarch School, Boys and Girls Club, and San Diego Pride, Carmelina has nurtured a passion for creating impactful change through direct support and policy advocacy. She believes in the power of collective action and the importance of servant leadership. Originally from the Bay Area, Carmelina enjoys exploring new dining spots and discovering emerging music artists in her free time.