MAHNOOSH ESLAHI – A visual artist and philanthropy specialist with over 15 years of experience, Mahnoosh has held key roles at York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, George Brown College, and the Toronto Arts Foundation. She currently resides in San Diego and is pursuing a Master’s in Communication Management at McMaster University.
Mahnoosh holds a postgraduate certificate in Philanthropy Management from Humber College and an undergraduate degree in Visual Arts from the University of the Arts. She brings expertise in strategic communications, with a talent for transforming nuanced advancement insights and creative narratives into clear, actionable strategies that drive organizational growth and impact. Her experience across the arts, culture, and higher education sectors has honed her collaborative approach to philanthropy. She has contributed to improved institutional processes and communication strategies aligned with advancement goals. Passionate about fostering organizational development, Mahnoosh leverages strategic thinking and clear communication to ensure every project delivers meaningful results.
OUTREACH & DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
CATHY PFISTER is devoting her time to helping nonprofit organizations after working as an electrical and software engineer for over 20 years. In addition to Vanguard Culture, she volunteers with a number of human rights and social justice organizations, including the local chapter of Amnesty International, for which she currently serves as co-coordinator. She also serves on the board of an all-volunteer US-based nonprofit working for Middle East justice and for several years has done one-on-one adult literacy and math tutoring through the San Diego Public Library’s READ/San Diego volunteer tutoring program. She earned a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences from Indiana University-Bloomington and two M.S. degrees, one in Biomedical Engineering and another in Electrical Engineering, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She hopes to use her writing and research skills to help Vanguard Culture succeed and thrive .
