North Park Main Street Board of Directors
Membership annually elects the Board of Directors of this organization. BID members and SED members shall participate in the election process.
A term of office shall run from election to two (2) years thereafter. Any General and Associate Member in good standing as of the preceding June 30th is an eligible candidate for election.
Meeting Time: The Board of Directors meets on the second Thursday of every month at 9:00 AM
Board Roster
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William holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing and a master’s and a doctorate in Education from Northwestern University-Chicago. He gained significant marketing and PR expertise during his tenure at such noted companies as Nordstrom’s, Enterprise Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, Nine West, and Planet Hollywood. Working with these companies gave William an inside look at everything from franchise-based organizations to national corporations, equipping him to know how to help businesses of every size succeed.
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Han and her husband have been small business owners since 2003, previously operating the now-shuttered Ebisu Sushi in Hillcrest for 17 years. They now continue to co-own and operate Shank & Bone, a modern Vietnamese restaurant, where they enjoy being among all of the rich diversity, culture, and arts here in North Park. Han and her family have enjoyed witnessing the growth and evolution of North Park over the years, and especially the deep sense of community that it has to offer.
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Ashley dedicated the first 20 years of her career to higher education, serving in executive leadership roles overseeing admissions and recruitment, student services, large-scale university events such as orientation and commencement, and the operational management of multiple campuses. Her work focused on building inclusive, engaging environments centered on community, connection, and experience.
A lifelong animal lover and long-time volunteer with local rescue organizations, Ashley blended her professional expertise with her personal passion to open Pure Pawsh in 2024. Located in the heart of North Park, Pure Pawsh is a one-stop shop and community hub for dog lovers, offering curated retail, grooming, doggy daycare, a self-service dog wash, and a dog-friendly bar. The space also hosts adoption events, wellness programming, and creative social experiences designed to support rescue organizations and bring people together through their shared love of dogs.
Ashley is proud to serve on the North Park Main Street Board and remains deeply committed to contributing to the vibrancy, inclusivity, and continued growth of this dynamic neighborhood.
Jasmine Bruder Treasurer
Branch Manager, U.S. Bank – North Park
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BIO
Jasmine holds a bachelor’s degree in social work, which has shaped her people-first leadership style and her passion for building meaningful connections with both clients and employees. She is deeply committed to employee development and takes pride in creating a culture of growth and inclusion. She also serves on the board of U.S. Bank’s Women’s Business Resource Group, where she helps drive initiatives that support professional development and equity for women across the company and throughout the San Diego community.
Outside of work, Jasmine enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt, and their energetic 2-year-old daughter. On weekends, they can usually be found at the Zoo, SeaWorld, or exploring the museums at Balboa Park.
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Nate’s expertise has led him to broker deals recognized as “Restaurant of the Year” for San Diego County in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2022. While he lives by the mantra “never not working,” Nate treasures spending time on the beach and in the mountains with his wife and two kids.
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Actively involved in the day-to-day operations of both businesses, Steve values the camaraderie and relationships built with fellow business owners, customers, and friends who make North Park a unique and thriving community. His commitment extends beyond his own establishments—Steve served eight years on the North Park Main Street Board of Directors, where he played a meaningful role in efforts to strengthen the neighborhood’s business district while honoring its heritage and history.
Driven by a genuine love for North Park, Steve continues to invest his time, energy, and passion into preserving the character of the community while helping it evolve for future generations.
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Maria is actively involved in community leadership and service as a previous Chair and current committee member of MANA de San Diego, an alumna of the LSLP Class of 2018, a member of the Chicano Federation Cohort Class of 2023, and a participant in the HOPE Leadership Institute Cohort 2026. Her work reflects a strong dedication to advancing inclusive economic initiatives, strengthening local partnerships, and supporting the continued growth and vitality of North Park.
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Before Revival, Jenna built a diverse career spanning academia, education, banking, and real estate. She holds degrees in Spanish and business management, along with two master’s degrees in language and culture, and spent over a decade teaching at the university and high school level. That background shapes the way she approaches eyewear today, educational, thoughtful, and deeply personal. They now have stores that span up the coast of San Diego, in La Jolla Bird Rock and South Oceanside.
Now a licensed optician, Jenna curates unworn vintage frames from the 1960s–2000s and helps clients find pieces that reflect who they are and how they want to feel. Revival was named Best of San Diego by San Diego Magazine in 2022 and best eyewear boutique in 2024 in the San Diego Reader.
Outside the shop, Jenna is involved in the North Park community, serving on the North Park Main Street Board and collaborating with other small businesses. She is also a part of the Small Business Advisory board with the City of San Diego. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling and hiking with her partner, Noor, and rewatching Golden Girls and Law & Order: SVU, usually with her dogs Goldie and Rudy nearby.
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Lialie’s restaurant started as a popup falafel stand at places like Milestone Running Store, The San Diego Velodrome and Vegan Food Popup. While she’s had a myriad of life experiences, opening a restaurant was an homage to her roots and a way of reconnecting with the rich food and culture of her upbringing.
Her early years were spent in San Francisco where she was born. Lialie studied and practiced two forms of journalism as an undergraduate and worked in youth development and education for underserved youth for 14 years. She has a master’s degree in sports business and multi-subject teaching credential. She’s active in both the running and biking community.
Lialie hopes to continue her relationship with North Park and beyond and share authentic food at Falafel Heights while serving the community as a board member.
Erin J. Minelli
Attorney
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Jim operates his mortgage business out of Granada House, a locally rooted gallery and art space that also functions as a community gathering place. Granada House supports North Park’s creative economy by hosting music, art, wellness and culinary events, and by providing a flexible venue for neighborhood events, small businesses and private events. Through his professional work and community involvement, Jim is committed to strengthening North Park’s local economy, cultural vitality, and sense of place.
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Christina Semmer
Employment Lawyer, GBG LLP
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Christina enjoys her career as an employment lawyer at a woman-owned law firm, GBG LLP. She represents employers throughout California in litigation, e.g., defending her clients against claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and alleged wage and hour violations. She also provides employment law advice and counsel to help her clients avoid and reduce litigation and liability risk. Christina regularly counsels clients on issues including employee discipline and termination, leaves of absence, and reasonable accommodations.
Christina attended college and law school in the Midwest. She graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota and received her law degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. After years of shoveling snow, Christina and her family returned to San Diego in 2014, with a renewed appreciation for America’s Finest City. Christina is proud to serve as a North Park Main Street Board Member and loves connecting with her neighbors through NPMS-related events.
Alan Simpson
Director of Partnerships and Operations at Walkabout
BIO
Maria is actively involved in community leadership and service as a previous Chair and current committee member of MANA de San Diego, an alumna of the LSLP Class of 2018, a member of the Chicano Federation Cohort Class of 2023, and a participant in the HOPE Leadership Institute Cohort 2026. Her work reflects a strong dedication to advancing inclusive economic initiatives, strengthening local partnerships, and supporting the continued growth and vitality of North Park.