Donor/Volunteer Spotlight – Melody Padilla

Meet Melody Padilla. Melody cares about ending hunger and decided to do her part by becoming a donor and volunteer of San Diego Hunger Coalition. We're grateful for her support!

San Diego Hunger Coalition donor and volunteer Melody Padilla. Photo courtesy of Jax Connolly Photography.

How long have you lived in San Diego? 

I have lived in San Diego almost all of my life! I was born at University Hospital in Hillcrest and grew up in Oak Park, just a few miles east of Downtown San Diego. I went to Horton Elementary, Memorial Academy, and Morse High School. I went away to college and for several years afterward in my early-to-mid-twenties, but I've been back since late 2003 and have since lived in City Heights, Oceanside, and Encinitas.

What is your profession or occupation?

I have a financial education and services office in Carlsbad with two business partners. We offer free classes on all sorts of topics, from getting out of debt to saving for college and planning for retirement. Our passion is to share the strategies that the "one percent" have with everyone else. 

 How did you first hear about the San Diego Hunger Coalition?

I first heard about the San Diego Hunger Coalition when Anahid Brakke became the Executive Director there. She had hired me in her previous position as Director of Self Sufficiency at the Leichtag Foundation.

 Why do you donate to and volunteer with the San Diego Hunger Coalition?

I am inspired to donate to and volunteer with the San Diego Hunger Coalition because I believe so strongly in Anahid Brakke's leadership and the amazing team she has brought together, so I am confident that my efforts and contributions will actually make a difference in my neighbors' lives. I know that the Hunger Coalition is truly moving the needle on hunger in San Diego County, and I am excited to be part of this great work!

Why do you care about ending hunger in San Diego County?

I care about ending hunger in San Diego County in part because I have lived on humble wages as a single mom with three children, and I know how hard it can be to eat enough nutritious food and meet all of my other responsibilities at the same time. I know what it's like to need some help, and I'm so grateful that there were people and organizations in my life there to help me when I needed it.