Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Kitagawa.
Hi Alicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I actually started my career in the corporate and hospitality world — working at JPMorgan Chase, then at The Ritz-Carlton and later Howard Head Sports Medicine, where I learned the importance of operations, strategy, and above all, how organizations deliver value to people. But as I advanced, I realized I wanted my work to connect more directly with social impact.
That’s what led me to Columbia, where I pursued a master’s in social work with a focus on social enterprise administration. That experience really shifted my trajectory — it gave me both the technical skills in nonprofit management and the confidence to bring a business mindset into the social sector.
From there, I dove into philanthropy and social innovation — first at Social Venture Partners and Accion, then at Mission Edge, where I built programs to connect entrepreneurs and nonprofits with the capital, skills, and infrastructure they needed to grow. I also started teaching about social enterprise at the University of San Diego, which helped me distill what I’d learned about scaling impact.
At Qualcomm and later at United Way, I had the chance to work closely with corporate leaders on how to align business resources with community needs — whether through philanthropy, employee engagement, or impact investing. At United Way, I led a team that raised millions annually and launched initiatives like the COVID Worker Assistance Fund, which provided emergency relief to more than 10,000 San Diegans.
Today, as Executive Director of Life Science Cares San Diego, I feel like all of those experiences have come together. I get to build partnerships between the life science industry and the community, raise and distribute millions in grants, and elevate the role of philanthropy in addressing critical issues like education, economic opportunity, and basic needs. One of the highlights this past year was raising $320K in emergency relief to support organizations impacted by federal cutbacks and receiving recognition as the 2025 Philanthropic Organization of the Year.
As you know, we’re big fans of Life Science Cares San Diego . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Life Science Cares, our mission is simple but powerful: we activate the financial, human, and social capital of the life sciences industry to disrupt the cycle of poverty and inequality in our community.
The need across San Diego is urgent. A family of four now needs to earn more than $116,000 a year just to cover basic needs—yet nearly one in three households still can’t make ends meet.
That’s where Life Science Cares steps in. We harness the collective strength of our industry to fuel nonprofits, empower communities, and break cycles of poverty. Together, we’re not just a network—we’re a movement.
Since our founding, the generosity of our network has enabled us to award more than $4 million in grants and $90,000 in scholarships, while mobilizing over 19,000 volunteer hours for nonprofit partners working on the front lines every day.
Our nonprofit partners are the true innovators—expanding access to education, creating pathways to economic opportunity, and ensuring that basic needs are met for thousands of San Diegans.
This past year has been especially transformative. From the launch of our Meet the Moment campaign to the creation of new donor groups and expanded volunteer engagement, each milestone reflects what’s possible when this industry unites behind a shared purpose.
What truly sets Life Science Cares apart is the spirit of our community. The life science industry is full of brilliant minds and compassionate changemakers. Service is in their DNA. They’ve dedicated their careers to improving lives through science—and it’s inspiring to see them channel that same passion into strengthening our community.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I’m incredibly grateful for the Board of Managers at Life Science Cares San Diego. Their leadership, generosity, and strategic vision have been invaluable to me during my first year as Executive Director. They’ve been true partners — offering guidance, encouragement, and perspective that have strengthened both me and the organization.
I also have an amazing “village” of family, friends, and colleagues who have supported me every step of the way. As the mom of a two-year-old, I’m especially grateful to those who’ve helped me navigate the balance of leading an organization while raising a young family. Their encouragement reminds me daily that none of us does this work alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lifesciencecares.org/san-diego
- Instagram: sdlifesciencecares
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-science-cares-san-diego
