Volunteer of the Year, North County Philanthropy Council
Anne Daigle, CRC Former Board Member and Volunteer
Woman Who Inspires Award, 38th Senate District
Rebecca Nussbaum, CRC Chief Program Officer
Women of Impact Award – Community Service and Volunteerism Award, 77th Assembly District
Rebecca Nussbaum, CRC Chief Program Officer
40 Under 40 Next Top Business Leaders, San Diego Business Journal
Winner: Karen Gascar (Pictured), CRC Director of Social Services
Karen has worked with CRC for more than five years, serving as Director of Social Services for the past two years. Her nomination highlighted her strategic and compassionate leadership in strengthening CRC’s housing and supportive service programs, expanding programs, building team capacity and improving systems that help individuals and families move toward long-term stability, opportunity and self-sufficiency.
Finalist: Leah Gage, CRC Director of Social Services
The Indispensables Awards, San Diego Business Journal
Winner: Freddy Ramirez, CRC Assistant Resale Store Manager
Freddy’s nomination highlighted his steady leadership and essential role at CRC’s Encinitas Resale Store, where he oversees donation receiving and helps keep the store running smoothly. Often the first CRC contact for donors, Freddy brings professionalism, gratitude and care to each interaction. His work helps turn community donations into revenue for CRC programs, needed items for clients and fresh starts for local families and individuals.
Finalists: Patty Diaz and Cindy Collins
Leaders of Influence in Human Resources, San Diego Business Journal
Brianna DuPlessis, CRC Manager of People & Culture
Brianna was recognized as a thoughtful, mission-driven HR leader who has strengthened CRC’s people operations during a period of organizational growth. As CRC has grown from about 60 employees in 2022 to nearly 80 today, Brianna has helped improve HR systems, onboarding, recruiting, employee engagement, policies and leadership support. She implemented CRC’s first HR information system, BambooHR, transforming many paper-based processes into more efficient electronic workflows. Her people-centered leadership helps employees feel supported and equips CRC’s leaders to serve our mission more effectively.
April Hill, CRC Board Member
April Hill, Vice President of People & Culture at the Downtown San Diego Partnership, was honored for advancing workforce strategy, belonging and talent development.
One Safe Place North MVP of the Week Recognition
Recognized by Tracy Prior, Chief Deputy District Attorney and Chief Operating Officer for One Safe Place
Nelly Carreno, Elder Abuse Victim Advocate with Community Resource Center.
Nelly met an elderly survivor of abuse who had all but lost hope of finding stable housing and was certain she would end up on the street. Nelly assessed her needs, drafted options, and submitted her request for rapid rehousing support to the appropriate programs… and the good news arrived. The member was approved for two years of stable housing and was especially touched by Nelly’s own excited reaction to the positive news. We thank Nelly for taking the time to prioritize the needs of our members and ensuring they feel seen and heard especially our vulnerable older adults at risk of abuse and isolation. Nelly sets aside special time on Fridays just to call and check in on her elder members that are especially lonely, and it’s that extra ounce of compassion and heart that makes the great impact.
Karina Castro, Bilingual Domestic Violence Case Manager with Community Resource Center
Karina works offsite at CRC’s main headquarters and has provided tremendous support to members referred to the Rapid Re-Housing program for domestic violence survivors in need of immediate housing assistance following experiences of abuse. Recently, Karina supported a male survivor whose partner shattered his jaw, requiring reconstructive surgery. Due to the violence he experienced, he was forced to take leave from work, ultimately losing both his job and housing. Through Karina’s trauma-informed care and swift collaboration with the One Safe Place team, the member was approved for rapid re-housing and is no longer at risk of homelessness. We thank Karina for her dedication to providing critical support to our members.
