Our Chapters

Chapter Spotlight: WISE San Diego

Chapter President's Corner: Gema Tarango Deleon

What inspired you to lead WISE San Diego?
I’ve been involved with WISE San Diego since the launch in 2013. I was a part of the founding board. Fast-forward five years and I now serve as the chapter’s third president. I was honored to take over as the president of an organization that really helped shape my career in sports in San Diego. Being surrounded by incredible women on our board and in our membership keeps me inspired to lead.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being chapter president?
The most rewarding aspect has been meeting and connecting with our members. I never shy away from a conversation, coffee meeting or lunch with those who ask. I love getting to know them one-on-one and talking about how WISE or I could assist them in achieving their goals.

What's next for WISE San Diego?
WISE San Diego is focused on growing our membership, providing four to five signature events a year for our members and adding some fun meet-ups in between to keep things active and exciting. We are always looking for fun, new ways to engage with our members and corporate members, as well as engage new corporate partners/sponsors to assist us in achieving our main goal: to offer members the opportunity to gain valuable insights and connections that can provide them a competitive advantage in their current position and as they advance in their careers.

List three adjectives that best describe WISE San Diego.
Engaged. Attentive. Passionate.

Chapter Overview

Year Founded: 2013

Current Chapter President: Gema Tarango Deleon

Founding Chapter President: Alex Mallen

Founding Board Members: Alex Mallan, Gema Tarango Deleon, Shanna Bright, Kari Mills, Sherri Jennum, Jennifer Bower, Shana Medley, Reba Robinson, Andrea St. Urbain and Rachelle Silberg

Most Popular Event: Our Speed Mentoring Roundtables event, held annually, is one of our most anticipated and most attended events of the year. We pull such great mentors - both male and female - to participate from various fields of the sports industry. Our attendees enjoy the personalized time and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with this distinguished group. We have a great relationship with Dentons, and the company hosts us in its beautiful office space in the LA Jolla area. 

Most Interesting/highly Attended Speaker/Topic: 

• In 2017, "Be Your Own Boss: A Look Into Entrepreneurship," featuring Elisette Carlson, founder of SMACK! Media; Izzy Tihanyi, co-owner of Surf Diva; and Brooke Kentera, co-founder of ScoutingZone. The panel discussed building your own brand and turning your side hustle into your full-time job.

• In 2016, "managing Millennials," an interactive presentation to understand the changing dynamics of the workplace, move beyond generational stereotypes and reflect on the real data behind the newest generations, featuring Christine DiDonato, founder of Career Revolution. 

Approximate Number of Events Per Year: 7

Event Price Range: Free to $20 for members' $10 - $25 for non-members

Average Event Attendance: 45

Do you offer Speed Mentoring Roundtables? Yes