San Diego EMP Board Members

Mac is an arts organizer and emerging museum professional with roots in California’s DIY scene. She earned her History of Art & Visual Culture BA from UC Santa Cruz in 2025. Upon graduating, she studied fresco restoration with ARCIFS in Amelia, Italy. She believes in the interconnectedness of artistic, intellectual, and social life.

Mac is currently the San Diego Co-Lead for Rambler! Magazine, a non-profit international print-and-events collective. She is one of the collective’s longest-tenured members, founding the Santa Cruz chapter during her freshman year. Her passion for editing zines and hosting has guided her toward exploring curatorial work, conservation, and arts programming professionally.

Sophia Fuller is an emerging museum professional pursuing a B.A. in Art History, Theory, and Criticism at UC San Diego. Born and raised in San Diego, she brings a strong local perspective and a commitment to inclusive, community-rooted museum work. Her focus includes curation and conservation, and exhibition design– exploring how institutions can better serve diverse audiences. Sophia volunteers as a docent at the Mingei International Museum and works as a gallery attendant at Mandeville Gallery, engaging the public through accessible, connecting experiences.

With a background in early childhood education and experience supporting neurodiverse populations, she centers creative problem-solving and care in their practice. An advocate for diversity, accessibility, and the arts and humanities, Sophia sees museums as dynamic third spaces. She strives to reimagine what cultural institutions can be for the communities they serve and the professionals who shape them, making museum spaces more responsive, inclusive, and future-thinking.

Vee Nguyen (she/they) is a local creative director, curator, gallerist, and event coordinator with a decade's worth of experience within the luxury and fine art industry. She is a multidisciplinary visual and literary artist that has experience working with various mediums including: acrylic and watercolor paint, charcoal/ink/graphite illustration, and digital/DSLR photography. She is also the Founder of The Lil' Things where she currently hosts various creative pop-up events such as open mics for poets and musicians, artist and makers markets, live concerts and art exhibitions. With all of her events, she is dedicated to supporting the local and underrepresented community and curates with intention of reflecting DEIA principles. She hopes to be able to own her own art gallery one day to continue these intentions and expand her reach and uplift through the arts globally.

Ainsley Holt is in her third year of undergraduate at San Diego State University studying both her passions of art history and communications. At school, she is highly involved in various organizations. In addition to serving as publicity lead last year, Ainsley is excited to take on the role of president of the Art History club this year. Additionally, Ainsley is entering her third year in SDSU’s Look Magazine, serving on the board as workshop event lead.

Being born and raised in Orange County, Ainsley has volunteered in several OC based programs such as being a cast member of the Pageant of the Masters, a docent at the Laguna Beach Historical Society as well as a social media lead for the Moulton Museum. Ainsley’s professional goals include gaining more experience in museums as well as learning more about how publicity and events can encourage and enhance the museum experience.

Chris Gilpin is a veteran, advocate, and human-centered designer dedicated to driving structural impact at the intersection of arts, culture, and community engagement. Their recent work with the Maritime Museum of San Diego, the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the San Diego Craft Collective underscores a proven ability to connect with versatile audiences and design inclusive, community-driven experiences.

As a versatile marketing professional and program facilitator, Chris excels in fast-paced environments, using analytical, data-driven decision-making to manage impactful campaigns and spotlight authentic stories. They approach cultural stewardship as an active dialogue that bridges historical preservation with contemporary empathy. Seamlessly collaborating across sectors, Chris adapts to evolving needs, pushing creative output beyond the expected.

Guided by a deep commitment to ethics and equity, Chris views cultural advocacy as a moral imperative. They excel at navigating complex community dynamics and designing strategic initiatives that defend the spaces, skilled traditions, and impactful programs that empower individuals and elevate the common good.

Denise Ramirez holds a BA in Art History from San Diego State University and an AA in Arts and Sciences from San Diego Miramar College. She previously worked as an Art Handler and Exhibit Assistant for the Prison Arts Collection at SDSU, where she helped showcase underrepresented voices through powerful exhibitions. Currently, she works as an ASL Instructor and Illusion Expert at the Museum of Illusions, where she combines communication, creativity, and public engagement.

Denise believes art is one of the most powerful forms of expression, and she hopes to inspire people of all generations to discover their voice through creative experiences. Her goal is to help build museum spaces that are not only accessible and inclusive but also emotionally meaningful and deeply connected to the community. Through the San Diego EMP, she looks forward to supporting other emerging professionals, expanding her network, and championing fresh ideas in the arts field. In her free time, you’ll find her with friends and family at the beach, exploring new restaurants, or traveling.

Frances Naty Go is the founder of Goldlilys Media, a boutique web development company that transforms websites into digital masterpieces for museums, nonprofits, and community-centered organizations.

With over 15 years of experience, she combines creative design with technical expertise to build websites that educate, inspire, and connect people to diverse cultures. Deeply passionate about making learning accessible and engaging, Frances believes museums are vital spaces for storytelling, inclusion, and cultural celebration.

Juan A. Rodríguez is a museum professional with more than seven years of experience in visitor experience, operations, education, and team leadership across museums, science centers, zoos, and cultural institutions. Originally from Central California, he began his museum career in Nebraska, where he developed and led programs, supervised visitor-facing teams, and supported community engagement initiatives in informal learning environments.

Prior to relocating to San Diego, Juan held leadership roles at Kiewit Luminarium, where he was part of the inaugural team supporting the launch of visitor experience operations, and at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, where he contributed to educational programming and public engagement efforts.

Since moving to San Diego, he has worked in visitor experience roles at the San Diego Museum of Art, Mingei International Museum, and the San Diego Botanic Garden, supporting audience engagement, public-facing communication, and inclusive visitor experiences. His work is grounded in accessibility, mentorship, and the belief that learning begins with curiosity, exploration, and asking meaningful questions.

As a member of the San Diego Emerging Museum Professionals Board, he is excited to support professional development, networking, and collaboration while continuing to grow as a museum leader in the San Diego community.

Barbara Torres (She/ Her) is a museum professional and nonprofit leader with a focus in partnerships, fundraising, and community engagement. She transitioned from the private sector into the museum field, where she has helped strengthen donor relationships, grow memberships, and improve operations through digital and data-driven strategies.

She holds a background in Public Relations from the University of North Texas and is actively involved in her community through volunteer and nonprofit work. With experience across e-commerce, marketing, and management, she brings a grounded, collaborative approach shaped by a commitment to service and the belief that museums are powerful spaces for connection and learning that can inspire communities.

As a board member of EMP, she hopes to expand outreach and strengthen engagement by building relationships across the museum field and creating more accessible opportunities for networking and professional growth.

Faith Richardson is a Southeast San Diego native and emerging arts administration professional dedicated to civic engagement, creative sector policy, and community-centered program management. She is currently pursuing an interdisciplinary education in Political Science, Art History, and Museum Studies.

Faith’s commitment to cultural preservation is reflected in her volunteer work with the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art and the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians. An independent curator focused on cultural policymaking, she serves as the Curatorial Assistant for Onyx: A Black Artist Exhibition at Brokers Gallery.

Additionally, Faith interns with San Diego Art Matters, co-leading a research initiative on nonprofit arts internship opportunities. As a member of the SDEMP Outreach & Advocacy Committee, she leverages her background to champion emerging professionals and drive sustainable change across San Diego’s cultural landscape.

Kendyl Woodruff (she/her) is a Development Associate at the Timken Museum of Art in Balboa Park, where she manages comprehensive membership programs and cultivates relationships with donors and members. She brings a distinctive background combining fine arts and business, holding a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship for the Fashion and Design Industries and an Associate's in Business Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Before transitioning to museums, Kendyl gained valuable experience in luxury fashion and brand management, including roles at Christian Dior and Macy's, where she developed expertise in data analysis, relationship building, and strategic planning. Her analytical skills and passion for arts accessibility make her well-suited for museum work.

As a board member, Kendyl will contribute to both the Outreach & Advocacy and Events & Stewardship committees, where she hopes to leverage her business acumen and passion for the arts to help expand the organization's community impact and support fellow emerging professionals in building meaningful museum careers.

Hello my name is Nikolina Katanic and I am an emerging art historian and educator based in San Diego currently working in Public Art for the City of Escondido. For the past year, I have been building up a volunteer docent program at Queen Califia's Magical Circle, an outdoor sculpture garden in Escondido.

In my free time, I also docent at the Escondido History Center. I love connecting with people and spreading joy through art however and wherever I can.