Wednesday, January 15, 2025

10 Things About Wendy Urushima-Conn & Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County

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Every day is a great day to be alive.

One in ten people will experience a seizure in their lifetime and another one in twenty-six will be diagnosed with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County (EFSDC) leads the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. EFSDC provides all programs and services free of charge, including counseling, career development, advocacy information and referrals, community outreach, as well as support groups for individuals, caregivers and families, college scholarships and summer camps for children and teens. Wendy Urushima-Conn currently serves as the President & CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County.

Wendy Urushima Conn

#1 I grew up in Hayward, California.

 

#2 My favorite travel destination is Kauai. I would like to visit Japan and Montblanc, France.

 

#3 I run long distance ultramarathons ranging 50 to 100 miles, but I do not actually LIKE running – I like eating and meeting new friends on the trails.

 

#4 It is on my bucket list to become a percussionist in a rock band.

 

#5 Book Recommendations: “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins and “Courageous Aging” by Dr. Ken Druck

10 year and 2 year old German Shepherds Beckham and Bellatrix

#6I have 10-year- and 2-year-old German Shepherds, Beckham and Bellatrix.

 

#7 My Grandparents were successful Rose growers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite being sent to the internment camps during World War II, they came back to the Bay Area with positive attitudes, re-built their business and always gave back to the community in numerous ways. They exemplified hard work, grit, resilience and kindness.

 

#8 My Grandmother instilled in me as a young child it was always important to help others and I have never looked back. As an adult I realize as the giver we actually get the gift!

 

#9 Five years ago I was contacted by a colleague who was a recruiter. He was looking to place a strong CEO for an “amazing” non-profit. I was not looking to change jobs as I was happy running the Asian Business Association, a cause for which I was passionate and involved with for many years. How serendipitous that at the time the recruiter contacted me, my oldest daughter had recently suffered a major seizure and was being evaluated for epilepsy.

 

#10 The proceeds from GINGERBREAD CITY will fund our programs and services offered free of charge throughout San Diego County.

Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County EVENT

Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County
“Gingerbread City”
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
5 – 10 p.m.
San Diego Natural History Museum
http://www.EpilepsySanDiego.org

Lori Walton
Lori Walton
My love and appreciation for nonprofit work began in college when I was selected to represent UCLA’s undergraduate service organization. As a student, I didn’t have a lot of money to donate but I quickly learned that I could make an impact by giving my time. All you have to do to make a difference in someone’s life is care. For the last 30 years, San Diego has been my home. During this time, I have served on over 17 boards and chaired 27 fundraisers. No matter how much work I do with nonprofits, I am always amazed at the number of awesome causes and dedicated supporters out there. San Diego definitely has the best weather in the world but what makes San Diego America’s finest city are the people. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to live in a city that has so many kind and selfless souls who genuinely care about making our community a better place for everyone. As Giving Back Magazine’s Philanthropy Editor, each week, I feature a hero and the causes that are creating a positive difference in our world. Always remember that philanthropy is about more than giving money, it’s about caring enough to help others who are in pain. So, go out there and make every moment count!

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