Gisela’s journey in the affordable housing field began with her graduation from CCRH’s highly successful and nationally recognized Rural West Internship Program for Diversity in Nonprofit Housing and Community Development in 2003. She holds a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of San Diego. Over the years, she has dedicated her passion and experience into leading the Rural West Internship Program, which continues to be a model of success, as well as playing a key role in spearheading CCRH’s racial equity process. Most recently, she spearheaded the development and launch of the Rural Housing Visionary Organizational Leadership Program, designed to prepare mid-career BIPOC professionals for leadership roles, enhance retention, and strengthen rural organizations. 

 

Before joining CCRH in 2005, Gisela worked as a project developer at Community Housing Works in San Diego County, where she successfully developed three properties with a total of 168 units. Fluent in Spanish and deeply rooted in her own immigrant and underserved community, Gisela is committed to creating better opportunities and improving the quality of life for underrepresented and marginalized groups. 

 

Gisela enjoys spending time with her family, dancing, traveling, and soaking up the sunshine of Southern California.