We Champion
A community where every resident has a voice and a shared sense of purpose.
Who
We
Are
the Mira Mesa Community Champions
MMCC is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to celebrating and strengthening the Mira Mesa community through education, civic engagement, and collaboration.
MMCC engagement began in January 2024 and was officially incorporated in August 2025, with the purpose of bringing together residents, businesses, schools, and civic organizations to promote a connected, inclusive, and forward-looking community.
Our organization is guided by the belief that Mira Mesa thrives when all residents have a voice and a shared sense of purpose. MMCC serves as a hub for community partnerships.
Specifically, we want to develop and support initiatives that make Mira Mesa not only a great place to live but a vibrant destination to visit, work, and invest.
Our Mission
To empower residents through education, civic engagement, and collaborative partnerships that advance community-driven priorities, foster intergenerational connection, and champion Mira Mesa as a vibrant, inclusive community for all.
Our Purpose
MMCC operates exclusively for charitable purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Empowerment through Education
Provide resources, workshops, and forums that help residents understand and shape issues affecting Mira Mesa’s future.
Civic Engagement and Leadership
Encourage community participation in local planning, public safety, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood improvement.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Build bridges among civic groups, local businesses,
schools, faith and cultural organizations to achieve shared goals.
Celebrating Our Heritage & Culture
Highlight Mira Mesa’s diversity through public events, arts initiatives, and recognition of those who contribute to community
excellence.
Our Commitment
MMCC is a non-commercial, non-sectarian, and non-partisan organization. We do not endorse political candidates or commercial enterprises.
All revenues and assets are irrevocably dedicated to charitable and educational purposes that directly benefit the Mira Mesa community.
Leadership and Governance
MMCC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, responsible for setting policy, ensuring fiscal accountability, and guiding long-term strategy. Board members serve staggered terms to maintain continuity and diverse representation.
Founding Board Members
Lauren Kleinschmidt
Chairman
Lauren moved to Mira Mesa when she was in 2nd grade and has called it home ever since. She attended Mason Elementary, Challenger Middle School, and Mira Mesa High School. Before entering real estate, Lauren worked as a scientist and interned with the Escondido Police Department, gaining a deep appreciation for research, precision, and community service.
After starting a family, Lauren decided to pursue her passion for real estate, a career that allows her to balance family life while helping others find homes they love. She takes pride in guiding clients through one of the most important decisions of their lives with care, communication, and integrity.
Outside of real estate, Lauren enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and traveling. Whether she’s exploring a new trail or planning her next adventure, she brings the same energy and dedication that she gives to her clients and her community.
Karen Wilshe
Vice-Chair
Karen Wilshe has been a Mira Mesa homeowner since 1986.
A UC San Diego Triton and retired technology executive with decades of leadership experience in the financial, technology, and health services sectors.
She has been involved with Mira Mesa Community Champions since its inception and remains deeply committed to fostering community engagement and collaboration.
Karen actively supports local initiatives that strengthen connections, encourage volunteerism, and create meaningful
impact through collective action.
Pres Weaver
President
Dr. Carl P. Weaver, Jr., has been a Mira Mesa homeowner for 25 years. He is an Independent Consultant having most recently worked as a Principal Analyst, Human Factors Engineer, and Project Leader at Sonalysts, Inc.
Dr. Weaver is a 30-year retired U. S. Navy Fleet Master Chief. He graduated with a BA in Psychology from Eastern Connecticut State University, an MA in Government (Terrorism and Homeland Defense) and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University.
He is a July 1998 graduate (Class 82) of the U. S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy. He is also a June 2002 graduate of the Executive Business Course at the University of North Carolina.
Dr. Weaver is married to the former Emily Marie Billings of San Diego, California. They have four children and two grandchildren. He is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW).
Mark Carroll
Secretary
Mark Carroll has been a proud Mira Mesa resident since 1999. He is part of a family of San Diego teachers. His wife, Cristina, spent her career teaching in the San Diego public schools. Mark’s mom and dad were both S.D. City Schools teachers, as was one of his sisters.
Mark’s daughter is also a teacher, working here in Mira Mesa, at Hickman Elementary.
He recently retired from being an elementary school teacher for 30 years at San Diego City Schools.
He enjoys Zumba, line dancing, spending time at the beach, and participating in activities at the Mira Mesa Senior Center.
Yen Wong
Treasurer
Yen Wong and her family moved to Carmel Valley from the Boston area in 2000 and have lived in Mira Mesa since 2020.
Yen started working at The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego in 2001. She recently retired from SIO as a project manager.
When Yen moved to Mira Mesa, the two activities she enjoyed in Carmel Valley were not available: mahjong and pickleball. She launched a solo campaign to get these activities provided. She went to the Mira Mesa town meeting and requested tables and mahjong sets. Soon she was leading a weekly mahjong group at the Mira Mesa Recreation center. The work to get pickleball courts took much longer.
Her persistent work with the recreation center resulted in having the basketball court floor resurfaced and two pickleball courts painted. The center also provided net equipments and balls,
Yen currently volunteers at the Mira Mesa Senior Center, leading a large mahjong group every Tuesday.
In her free time, she enjoys participating in community activities, traveling, playing pickleball, and doing Zumba.
Robert Welstand
Board Member at Large
Robert has been a resident of Mira Mesa since 1999/2000 and worked in various telecom companies in Sorrento Valley and Carroll Canyon.
His affinity with neighbors and the community motivated him to serve on MMCC’s board.
He intends to apply technical skills to preserve Mira Mesa’s cultural identity while helping the community and local businesses unite to achieve common goals, propelling Mira Mesa into the future.
Dan Gruta
Board Member at Large
Dan Gruta first moved to Mira Mesa in 1972, attending Mason Elementary for 4th and 5th grades, and returned in 1989, where he still lives with his wife and two daughters.
He is a retired Deputy Program Manager from the Navy Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC), with more than 20 years of program management experience at the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). A Navy Veteran and retired U.S. Navy Reserve Captain (O-6), Mr. Gruta has a Bachelor of Science from the US Naval Academy and several advanced degrees, including a Master of Science in Environmental Management and an MBA in IT Management.
Mr. Gruta has been involved in the community as President and CEO of the Federal Asia Pacific American Council (FAPAC) Southwest Chapter and currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of the USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning Committee.
He helped lead efforts to name a Navy warship after the only Filipino American Medal of Honor recipient and is active with the Lions Club and the Filipino American Association for Developmental Disabilities.
Gloria Rickerd
Board Member at Large
Gloria is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She moved to Mira Mesa in 2010 after nine years in Phoenix, Arizona.
She enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, reading, walking, yoga, and hanging out with her grand-kitty.
Gloria’s professional background is as an occupational therapist, with extensive management and clinical experience including geriatrics, pediatrics, mental health, rehabilitation, acute care, forensics, hand therapy, and home health care.
Primarily a stay-at-home mom for several decades, she also worked as an office manager for several psychologists and as an instructional assistant for the Poway Unified School District.
A desire to give back led Gloria to involvement on multiple boards including San Diego Civic Dance Arts, Scott Township Public Library, Mosad Shalom Religious School and Temple Adat Shalom.
Since becoming involved with Mira Mesa advocacy several years ago, Gloria remains dedicated to supporting, facilitating and promoting our incredible neighborhood.
Mitz Lee
Board Member at Large
Mitz Lee has been a community leader, coalition builder, and advocate for over three decades. Her public service began as a military spouse and active parent volunteer—supporting youth sports, leading Scout activities, and serving as School Parent Volunteer Coordinator.
She later served on the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education and the San Diego City Human Relations Commission. She is also a cofounder of several nonprofit organizations and has served on their boards.
Mitz currently leads two neighborhood-focused initiatives as Executive Director of the Mira Mesa Senior Center and Board Member at Large of Mira Mesa Community Champions. She is also President and CEO of the Alliance for Quality Education, Chair of Parents for Quality Education, and Treasurer of the Asian Pacific American Coalition, which she co-founded.
Her long standing service has earned recognition from the Governor and First Lady, the U.S. House of Representatives, the California Legislature, and multiple local officials. She was named one of San Diego Magazine’s “Top 50 People to Watch” and the 2016 Woman of the Year for California’s 77th Assembly District.
Mitz holds a B.S. in Business Administration (Economics) from the University of the City of Manila and an MBA in Financial Management from National University. A proud San Diegan of 42 years, she lives in Mira Mesa with her husband, a U.S. Navy veteran, and is a proud mother and grandmother.
Board members serve without compensation and are guided by the fiduciary principles of care, loyalty, and integrity.
Committees and Community Participation
MMCC encourages public participation through volunteerism and community partnerships.
The Events and Programs Committee plans and oversees community celebrations, forums, and cultural events.
The committee is currently working on the Fourth of July Parade.
Join Us in Shaping Mira Mesa’s Future
Mira Mesa Community Champions invites all who care about our community to become involved.
Whether through volunteering, attending events, or serving on committees, your engagement helps ensure Mira Mesa remains a thriving, inclusive, and innovative community for generations to come.
Email: mmcchampions@gmail.com