We’re sure you’re aware by now, but Ladies Get Paid has hit the ground running, hosting town halls and workshops across the country. We LOVE sunny San Diego, and our incredibly hard-working and vibrant ambassadors! They’ll be hosting the next town hall, Ladies Negotiate, on their own, so be sure to RSVP! It will be held on June 15th at Union Cowork, J Street, 6:30-9pm. 

Before you chat with them at the town hall, get to know a bit about them here first…And admire their stunning portraits by Ash & Arrow Photography from our kick off “Women & Money” town hall, hosted in March at Union Cowork, East Village.

Why did you want to be a Ladies Get Paid ambassador?

Megan: I had so much frustration and anger about what was going on [with the election] and was tired of sitting and spinning my wheels without actually contributing. I realized that these were the moments in history where individuals needed to contribute and rise to the occasion to combat whatever injustice they could, and I wanted to be a part of something that would give others the support that I wished I had at the time. 

Kelly: I wanted to become an ambassador because I knew in my life, it was time to get off the sidelines and get in the game to help educate, empower and support women to reach their potential in the face of adversity.  

Angela: I decided to become an ambassador so I could be an active agent of change and inspiration for women in San Diego. I left the Women’s March feeling motivated to take real action, and LGP is my way of doing that in a meaningful way.

Kelsey: Since moving back to San Diego, I’ve felt like I was missing my lady-crowd. We are geographically spread out city and it was hard to tap into the organized women empowerment that I needed. Also, let’s be real, making good friends as in adult is HARD! It meant so much to know I’d be connected with ladies in my city who care about changing things for professional women, too.

Why is it important to bring Ladies Get Paid to San Diego?

Megan: San Diego is one of the biggest cities in the nation, but I feel like up until now there isn’t much that unifies people, especially women, from the many diverse backgrounds we have here. I hope that LGP can act as a resource and safe haven for women that share similar values, as well as give all of us an opportunity to learn new things and expose ourselves to perspectives.

Kelly: I would love for LGP to be a bridging force for women’s groups in San Diego, and to be known for hosting a very diverse array of speakers with unique perspectives to appeal to a broad audience. 

Angela: In San Diego, I want to grow the industries and demographics we reach. Women, at all levels in their careers, need advice. I don’t care if you’re entry level or upper management, navigating the workforce as a woman presents unique issues that require dialogue and support. All of which can be provided by LGP.

What’s something you’re working to improve on?

Megan: Every day is an act of bravery when it comes to being a young woman in the workforce. Imposter syndrome is a very real thing and I hope by creating something to lift and empower others, I am in turn fulfilled and pushed to be my most badass self. 

Kelsey: Human time. Working remotely I really have to schedule in my normal human social interaction time since I don’t get that in the working hours. 

What’s something at work that you’re proud of?

Kelsey: I am so fortunate that my work brings me pure, unadulterated joy. I work for a reproductive health advocacy non-profit and it means so much to wake up every morning and know that I’m sticking to the current administration. It’s the best form of #resistance I can think of. 

Best advice you’ve received? 

Megan: While I’ve received some incredible advice throughout my life, I feel I am always most inspired by women who make things happen, learn to be comfortable with their reality, and are not trying to manufacture an unattainable experience through mediums like social media. 

Angela: The best advice I’ve ever received was to be empathetic in the workplace. As a brand account manager, I’m exposed to varying personalities in the workplace – from passive interns to aggressive CEO’s, depending on the day. Oftentimes, we forget that our colleagues are well, human… and going through their own life situations. Office micro-aggressions can be triggered by a personal event. By approaching people with empathy, compassion, and understanding, I’ve been able to make deeper, more authentic connections with colleagues, clients, and beyond.

I’m a tourist in San Diego…what MUST i do?

Megan: I love to eat, and I am so excited by the food culture in San Diego. I’ve lived in a few other cities, none as geographically large as San Diego, so it’s much more difficult to understand and create a citywide identity through food. I am excited to see the progress being made when it comes to locally sourced, ethically minded cuisine.

Kelly: Las Cuatro Milpas in Barrio Logan, aka the best tacos you’ll ever eat. Our Mexican food is second to none and so important in getting to know what San Diego is about. 

Angela: I’m a native San Diegan with a love for beaches, rooftop bars, and late-night treks across the border (for tacos, of course!). Start your day walking along the shoreline at Silver Strand beach in Coronado followed by a cocktail at The Nolen in the Gaslamp District. San Diego’s an international gateway so you’re a hop, skip, and a jump from the best tacos in the world, seriously. Head south and visit Cabanna for dinner. Order the quesito tacos and #thankmelater. Expired passport? Not a problem. Drive down the 805, Chula Vista-bound, for Tacos El Gordo (be prepared for a long line of locals with a deep appreciation for carne asada burritos).

Kelsey: This is a hard one because I really love this city. Spend time at the beach (Del Mar is one of my favorites), see the seals in La Jolla, try some of our incredible micro-brews (Culture Brewing in Solana Beach and Ocean Beach is my favorite), eat so many tacos (Oscars in Pacific Beach…. the taco especial is BOMB).