Adrianna O’Donnell, MBA, CFRE, serves as the Director of Philanthropy at San Ysidro Health, where she leads a comprehensive fundraising strategy designed to bolster the organization’s mission of providing essential safety-net services and advancing healthcare access for underserved populations. With over 20 years of expertise in resource development, nonprofit management, and marketing, Adrianna is a recognized leader in the philanthropic landscape of San Diego County. She is known for cultivating genuine relationships grounded in open communication, empathy, and dedication to impact-driven initiatives.
Adrianna’s journey in the nonprofit sector is distinguished by key leadership roles across prominent organizations. She served as the Executive Director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Hawaii and later as Chief Marketing & Development Officer at Waikiki Health, where she played pivotal roles in expanding both organizations’ reach and resources. Her educational background includes an MBA with a focus on Not-For-Profit Management from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a Bachelor’s in International Business from Johnson & Wales University. Further solidifying her commitment to philanthropic excellence, she achieved the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2020, positioning her among a select group of Latina leaders globally who hold this distinguished designation.
In addition to her role at San Ysidro Health, Adrianna O’Donnell is a trailblazer within the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) San Diego chapter. As the first Latina President in AFP San Diego’s 50-year history, Adrianna is at the forefront of regional philanthropic advancement, driving the chapter’s mission to provide robust educational programs, professional networking, and leadership development for fundraising professionals across the county. Her commitment to professional development and mentorship is also evident in her roles on the boards of the National City Chamber of Commerce, Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation, and the Kim Center for Social Balance.
Adrianna’s dedication to service extends to her involvement with MANA de San Diego, the San Diego Rotary Club, and her ongoing mentorship of emerging leaders through the Chicano Federation of San Diego’s Leadership Training Institute Fellows Program. She is also an alumna of LEAD San Diego’s IMPACT and Advance programs, further illustrating her dedication to community leadership and empowerment.
Originally from Tocaima, Colombia, Adrianna’s background brings a unique and inspiring perspective to her work in philanthropy. Her life experiences fuel her passion for healthcare accessibility, human development, and the advancement of women’s rights. Through her ongoing efforts, she continues to make a meaningful impact on her community and beyond, embodying the values of compassion, inclusion, and resilience that define her career.
