Academy of Our Lady of Peace Names New Chair of the Board of Directors
The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (OLP), the oldest all-girls’ high school in San Diego, has named Danitza Villanueva as chair of the board of directors.
Born in San Diego, Villanueva spent her youth with family in Tijuana and grew up on both sides of the border. She has transferred her unique insight of cross-border culture, trends, and philanthropy to her business and community interests.
“We are deeply blessed to have Danitza as our new board chair,” said Dr. Lauren Lek, Head of School. “For the past several years she has co-chaired the OLP Women’s Symposium, an event that brings together women leaders across various fields and is focused on giving the next generation of women leaders the inspiration to see new heights for their future. As a high school graduate from The Academy of Our Lady of Peace (1998) and the first woman from her family to graduate from college, she brings experience and empathy along with a commitment to the progress for this generation of our students.”
Villanueva has two degrees, one from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Fashion Marketing, and a second from San Diego Christian College in Communications. She publishes several successful magazines, including Giving Back Magazine. Villanueva was elected the youngest member to ever sit on the board of directors of the San Diego Opera, and through her leadership, the Opera performed the world’s first Mariachi opera, “Cruzar la Cara de la Luna,” with Mariachi Vargas Tecalitlán, to sold-out houses. In 2011, she was chosen to participate in the HOPE Leadership Institute, a select group of Latina leaders in the State of California. Through the HOPE Leadership Institute, Villanueva traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with members of Congress and the Senate to advocate for Hispanics.
Villanueva has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego, where she initiated and co-chaired their first yearly event for the Hispanic philanthropic community. She has been honored by Girl Scouts San Diego as a Community Partner for her outstanding support of Girl Scouting in the region.
Most recently, The Salvation Army San Diego selected Villanueva as a 2020-2021 Woman of Dedication, honoring women who have exemplified outstanding leadership through their philanthropic efforts to empower their communities.
She and her husband enjoy the region and can be often found horseback riding or hiking with their dog, Winky.
Category: Business, Education, Local News, Nonprofit, School, Students
