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. connected, inclusive, and forward-looking community.
MMCC past activities started in January 2024 and 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. Our work centers on four core objectives:
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 organizations, and cultural associations 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 is a 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.
A recently retired elementary school teacher with 30 years of service in 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
I’m Yen Wong. My family and I moved to California from the Boston area in 2000 and have lived in Mira Mesa since 2020.
I am retired from The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, where I worked as a project manager.
I am currently volunteering at the Mira Mesa Senior Center, leading a mahjong group every Tuesday, and look forward to contributing to Mira Mesa Community Champions.
In my free time, I enjoy participating in community activities, traveling, playing pickleball, and doing Zumba.
Gloria Rickerd
Board Member at Large
My name is Gloria Rickerd, and I am honored and excited to serve as a founding board member of Mira Mesa Community Champions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I moved to Mira Mesa in 2010 after nearly a decade in Phoenix, Arizona.
After thoroughly exploring San Diego, I chose Mira Mesa as my home and I have never regretted that decision. The passion, kindness, and strength I see in our residents make Mira Mesa a truly special place to live.
Now I have retired from my career as an occupational therapist and having spent time as a stay-at-home mom, I’m grateful to have the time and freedom to help make our neighborhood an even better place to live.
I have been involved in community advocacy and support projects for several years and have served other boards, and I look forward to contributing my experience and enthusiasm to shaping Mira Mesa’s future.
Dan Gruta
Board Member at Large
Dan Gruta first moved to Mira Mesa in 1972, attending Mason Elementary, and returned in 1989, where he still resides with his wife and two daughters.
A retired Deputy Program Manager from the Navy Information Warfare Center Pacific (NIWC PAC), he has over 20 years of program management experience with the Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR).
Dan is Program Management Level III qualified and has overseen satellite communications programs, managed contracts as a Contracting Officer’s Representative, and led software and communications integration for major Navy
initiatives.
Before government service, he worked in the defense industry as a Maritime Operations Center Senior Systems Engineer and Enterprise Architect supporting NC3 LTS and FSBS programs. A Surface Warfare-qualified U.S. Navy Reserve Captain (O-6, retired), Dan served over 29 years in commissioned and enlisted roles, including multiple overseas deployments.
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and holds master’s degrees in environmental management and business administration (IT
Management), along with a National Security and Strategic Studies subspecialty from the U.S. Naval War and Joint Forces Staff Colleges.
Dan served as President and CEO of the Federal Asia Pacific American Council (FAPAC) Southwest Chapter and now serves as Chief Operating Officer of the USS Telesforo Trinidad Commissioning Committee, which helped secure the naming of a U.S. Navy warship in honor of the only Filipino American Medal of Honor recipient.
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.
Mitz Lee
Board Member at Large
Mitz Lee has been a community leader, coalition builder, and neighborhood advocate for over three decades.
Her public service began much like that of many others, first as a military spouse, then as a Youth Soccer and Little League Team Mom, Den Mother, classroom volunteer, and School Parent Volunteer Coordinator.
Mitz later served as an elected member of the San Diego Unified School District Board of Education and on the San Diego City Human Relations Commission. She is also a cofounder of several nonprofit organizations and has served on their Boards of Directors.
Currently, Mitz spearheads two neighborhood-focused projects as Executive Director of the Mira Mesa Senior Center and Board Member at Large of Mira Mesa Community Champions.
She continues to lead as President and CEO of the Alliance for Quality Education, while also serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of Parents for Quality Education and Treasurer of the Asian Pacific American Coalition, which she co-founded.
Her dedication has earned her numerous honors, including the Governor and First Lady’s Service Award, special recognitions from the U.S. House of Representatives, the California State Legislature, and several local elected officials. San Diego Magazine named her one of the Top 50 People to Watch in San Diego, and she was recognized as the 2016 Woman of the Year for California’s 77th Assembly District.
Mitz holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Economics from the University of the City of Manila and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Financial Management from National University, San Diego.
A proud San Diegan for 42 years, Mitz lives in Mira Mesa with her husband, a U.S. Navy veteran. Together, they raised two sons and are proud grandparents.
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 volunteer committees and community partnerships. Currently, we have one committee.
The Events and Programs Committee plan and oversees community celebrations, forums, and cultural events. The committee is 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 get 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