We were lucky to catch up with Katie Khasim-San recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?

Fresh out of college, I launched my career in casino marketing. It was a great start—exciting, creative, and financially rewarding. But after just two years, I found myself burned out. I looked around and saw a culture of nonstop work, little to no vacation, and strained personal lives. That environment made it clear: this was not the path I wanted to stay on.

As I reflected on my life, I recognized a deeper calling—to help people, just as I had been helped. Nonprofits had shaped my journey in profound ways. As a child, with both of my parents working full-time, I often wandered the neighborhood alone until one day I walked into a Boys & Girls Club. That space became my sanctuary for the next two years. Later, I joined the Girl Scouts and learned the foundations of entrepreneurship. When my father fell ill, the Fisher House provided me with a place to stay, free of charge, while he received treatment. And when I was short on tuition during my final year of college, a scholarship made it possible for me to graduate. The community had always shown up for me—now it was my turn to give back.

That realization brought me to the YMCA of San Diego, where I began my nonprofit career as a PRYDE Director, teaching cultural programs in local school districts. I went on to spend eight years at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, leading in both program and development roles. Today, with more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, I serve as the Vice President of Philanthropic Strategies for United Way of San Diego.

I feel incredibly fulfilled to have discovered my purpose early on—to serve, uplift, and empower others. I remain committed to creating lasting change in our community and ensuring others have the same support and opportunities that shaped my own life.

Katie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Throughout my nonprofit career, I started in an entry-level role and worked my way up, driven by a clear desire to lead and make a deeper impact in the community. I was intentional about observing the CEOs I worked alongside, studying their leadership styles, and paying close attention to the broader operations of each organization—not just my own responsibilities.

Whenever a position needed to be filled, I stepped in to learn the role, gaining hands-on experience and becoming a more well-rounded professional. As is often the case in the nonprofit sector, I wore many hats, which allowed me to build a diverse and adaptable skill set.

I also invested in my professional growth by attending networking and industry events such as those hosted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the North County Philanthropy Council. Joining Rotary further strengthened my personal brand and allowed me to build lasting relationships within the community.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I love being part of a team and contributing to a mission larger than myself. Through my experience, I’ve learned that transparency is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use to build trust and foster true collaboration. Leadership is like steering a ship—if the crew doesn’t know the direction or destination, everyone risks being lost at sea.

I also believe deeply in the importance of communication and supporting each team member’s career growth. A strong leader takes the time to understand individual goals and creates opportunities for personal and professional development. When people feel supported, they’re more engaged—and organizations are more likely to retain passionate, committed staff.

Another value I lead with is never asking my team to do something I wouldn’t do myself. At the Boys & Girls Clubs, I remember our CEO stepping in to help carry boxes of backpacks alongside staff. That gesture stuck with me. Now, as a leader, I strive to do the same—whether it’s rolling up my sleeves or being the first to contribute to a fundraising campaign before asking others to give.

I believe that cultivating a strong team culture grounded in respect, shared purpose, and mutual support is priceless—and ultimately leads to a greater impact in the communities we serve.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2009, I lost my job due to the recession—a challenging time for the nonprofit sector. Like many, I was uncertain about the future and worried the industry might not recover. To stay afloat, I took a temporary part-time accounting position while continuing to invest in my professional growth and personal brand. I remained active in the community, attending networking events and seeking out development opportunities wherever I could.

Looking back, I believe it was that persistence and commitment to staying connected that helped me regain my footing after such a difficult period. That experience also taught me how to pivot effectively during times of crisis—skills that proved invaluable years later when supporting other nonprofits through the impacts of COVID-19.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiekhasim/