Krista Stellmacher

Ask Krista what has most shaped her career and she will say, “a passion for people and a drive to be useful.” For the past 15 years, Krista has collaborated with leaders across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, students, and community members to help build a more equitable San Diego. She currently serves as Director of Resource Development for the San Diego Mesa College Foundation and San Diego Mesa College, the leading college of equity and excellence.

Krista is pursuing a doctorate at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). She earned a Master of Arts in Social Innovation from the University of San Diego, a Bachelor of Arts in Literature/Writing from UC San Diego, holds a graduate certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University, and is an alum of the UCLA Women’s Community College Leadership Academy.
Committed to community engagement and lifelong learning, Krista is a San Diego Leadership Alliance Fellow and former board member, a Fieldstone Leadership Network Reading Circle Fellow, and an alumna of LEAD IMPACT (2019) and LEAD ADVANCE (2023) through the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. She also serves as Treasurer for the American Association of Women in Community Colleges.

Krista is the proud single mom of a strong-willed daughter, a resource parent for foster youth, and joyful caregiver to a rescue dog. She practices self-care through a commitment to sparkly nails, true crime podcasts, and early morning coffee.