A Chicago area native, Aria Pounaki is passionate about his newfound city and is determined to be a force for good to ensure that San Diego grows in an equitable and environmentally conscious way. With his recent work with the San Diego YIMBY Democrats and time spent in the Urban Land Institute's Young Leaders program, Aria is excited to become an even bigger advocate for issues such as housing affordability, homelessness, and transit.

Working in San Diego's booming Life Sciences industry as a Program Manager with Becton Dickinson, Aria uses his skills to contribute to the innovation cycle of some of the company's most advanced medical devices. Working towards the organization's goal of "Advancing the World of Health", he has the privilege of being a part of the solution to the important issues of medication management and opiate diversion avoidance in our healthcare system. Previous experience in the industry includes a background in international regulations, project management, business process development, and marketing.

A graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Aria has a double major in International Affairs and Spanish. The Jesuit school's emphasis on service and the importance of education were foundational in his commitment to moving our world forward and his motivation to "become a person for others." His education includes a 1-year Spanish Language program at Madrid's Universidad Complutense, a research internship with the Chesapeake Climate Action Network in the District of Colombia, and is an alum of the Les Aspin Center for Government, also in Washington, D.C.