Silissa Uriarte Smith

With over 20 successful years in the nonprofit, political and public sectors, Silissa’s diverse and multifaceted career includes the areas of advocacy, fundraising, community engagement and public affairs. She has worked for organizations such as Planned Parenthood, the Feminist Majority Foundation, community-based organizations, numerous progressive political campaigns, and the City of Long Beach.

Born and raised in Orange County, California, Silissa has deep roots throughout Southern California. Her professional successes are the result of mentorship, hard work and an exceptional education: general education and theater coursework at Fullerton Community College, a B.A. in Political Science from Stephens College, and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Chapman University’s Brandman School. Her executive leadership training and professional development experiences include: MANA A National Latina Organization, AvanZamos Fellowship Program and HOPE’s (Hispanas Organized for Political Equality) Leadership Institute.

Silissa has served as a trustee for the College since 2015 and is a former member of the Stephens College Alumnae Association Board. She received the PLEN Leadership Award in 2015, the Stephens College Black Alumnae Association Award in 2008, the Californians for Justice, Racial Justice Hero Award in 2007, the MANA de Orange County Crystal Award for Advocacy in 2008, and the California Democratic Party JFK Junior, Community Service Award in 2003.

While at Stephens, Silissa re-energized the College Democrats chapter, was a Mortar Board member, and an editorial contributor for Stephens Life when it was the College’s campus newspaper. She served as an intern for retired Representative Vicky Riback Wilson in Jefferson City. In her senior year, she received the John Dekker Award for Social Sciences Student of the Year.

Silissa currently manages her business, 360 Collaborative Solutions, created in 2013, where she works with mission-driven nonprofits, political candidates, associations and chambers, small businesses, and local governments on advocacy, community engagement and fundraising development programs and projects throughout California. She recently added coaching to the business, where she coaches social change leaders and others making meaningful contributions to their communities. In her spare time, she serves as an active member and volunteer for the Congregational Church of Fullerton, spending time with family and friends, mentoring young professional women, butterfly chasing, camping, hiking, yoga, self-discovery and meditation.