Brendan Dentino works as an Americorps VISTA member within the City of San Diego’s Economic Development Department working to increase economic opportunity and decrease unemployment and poverty in the federally-designated San Diego Promise Zone.

A New Jersey native, Brendan received a BS in Exercise Science from the George Washington University, at which he participated in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC). After graduating, he accepted a commission in the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer.

Upon being stationed in San Diego, Brendan quickly fell in love with his new home and became increasingly aware of and interested in the economic injustices facing his fellow San Diegans. After coming across the literature of urban theorist Mike Davis in 2016, he decided to commit to a career path advancing progressive causes. Before transitioning out of active duty service in early 2018, he volunteered for progressive candidates running for the San Diego Community College District Board of Trustees, and attended many progressive training sessions and organizational meetings.

Brendan enjoys reading and writing about Southern California society and culture, doing crossword puzzles, working out, and listening to his holy triumvirate of favorite bands—Avenged Sevenfold, Bruce Springsteen, and David Bowie. He is currently working toward a Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology at the University of Southern California.