Cheli Mohamed
Founder
Araceli “Cheli” Mohamed is the Partnership Development Manager for National University's Public Safety Outreach. Former Director of Volunteer Services and Community Leadership Development at the San Diego LGBT Community Center and Chief Operations Officer for the United States Police & Fire Championships and most recently appointed as a Commissioner by California Governor Gavin Newson to California Volunteers.
As the former Leadership & Community Resources Director for San Diego’s LGBT Pride, a human rights and social justice organization that fosters respect for and pride in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities locally, nationally and globally. Cheli was responsible for overseeing all activities related to the organization’s volunteer programs, including recruitment, orientation, placement, supervision, development, retention, recognition and appreciation for approximately 1000 volunteers year round. She was the liaison to city, county, state and federal elected officials. As a member of the development team, she was responsible for identifying and creating sponsorship opportunities and corporate volunteer partnerships, as well as increasing community in-kind donations. Manage and increase festival and community partners. Develop field placement opportunities for interns from local colleges and universities. Head efforts to develop and train emerging volunteer leaders within the organization and community. Work with program coordinators to develop, manage, and train department volunteers.
Cheli is originally from Brawley, California, completed her undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego and has her Masters degree in Organizational Leadership from National University. She has spent 20 years in non-profit social services and 7 years working in local government. Her professional background includes program and corporate development, volunteer management, crisis intervention, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, fundraising, and special events.
A national speaker on Volunteer Development and Management, Cheli is a graduate of both LEAD San Diego’s EMBARK & IMPACT Classes and a finalist for the highly coveted Herbert G. Klein Award for Exemplary Leadership. In 2024 Cheli was named one of California's Pride Month Honorees by the California Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus. Cheli has been named Woman of the Year, by the San Diego LGBT Community Center for her tireless advocacy and activism and recognized by the City and County of San Diego for community leadership as well as named 2023 and 2024 LGBTQ+ Leader of Influence by the San Diego Business Journal.
Cheli is passionate about volunteering and devotes countless hours to community organizations. She is a firm believer in donating time, talent and treasure to cultural and educational organizations, and has sat on the board of directors for Diversionary Theatre, Bayshore Preparatory School and The Latino/a and Indigenous Peoples’ Unity Coalition, in addition to, Home Start, Inc., Lambda Archives of San Diego. Board of Directors for San Diego LGBT Pride.
Cheli lives in San Diego with her children Brianna and RJ.
Contact Cheli