We’re thrilled to welcome Myrian Solis Coronel as a new Program Officer at Prebys Foundation, where she will help shape a more inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all San Diegans.
Myrian is a passionate advocate for opportunity, access, and community voice. She brings to Prebys a deep and multifaceted career in public engagement and impact-driven leadership — along with a lifelong love for the region she calls home.
Before her time at Parks California, where she led equitable access programs through community engagement, storytelling, and public-private collaborations across the state, Myrian held a national role at REI Co-op, where she led the company’s Next Gen Marketing program. In that position, she was responsible for building national partnerships and launching experiential marketing campaigns designed to uplift the voices of younger and more diverse communities in the outdoor space. Her work helped transform how the outdoor industry connects with and supports the next generation of environmental stewards.
Earlier in her career, Myrian worked at KPBS, where she managed special events and orchestrated outreach campaigns that bridged media with community storytelling. Her career trajectory reflects a constant throughline: a commitment to creating platforms where historically underrepresented voices can be heard and celebrated.
A respected civic leader, Myrian has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including I Love a Clean San Diego and MANA de San Diego. She is also a co-founder of the Latina Giving Circle of San Diego, which supports and strengthens Latina leadership in the region. In 2013, Myrian was appointed to the California State Parks Commission, serving until 2019 — including two years as the commission’s first Latina Chair.
“Working at Prebys Foundation is an opportunity to co-create and uplift local organizations that are addressing the needs of our neighbors — San Diegans who live in this beautiful city we love,” said Myrian Solis Coronel. “Collectively, we’re trying to make it better for the people who live here.”
Myrian’s optimism is rooted in action. Whether designing grant programs, championing community-centered environmental work, or mentoring future leaders, she approaches her work with authenticity, warmth, and joy. People often describe her superpower as being able to create a comfortable space for open dialogue — a quality that has enabled her to build partnerships and trust across diverse sectors and communities.
Born and raised on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, Myrian holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from San Diego State University and is a proud SDSU alum. She brings a bicultural perspective that grounds her approach to community building, giving her a unique lens on what makes San Diego so dynamic and full of possibility.
“Myrian’s deep roots in San Diego and her wide-ranging professional experience make her an invaluable addition to our team at a moment when grounded and thoughtful philanthropy is more needed than ever,” said Chris Sichel, Vice President of Programs at Prebys.
Outside the office, Myrian is an explorer at heart. She loves traveling the world with her husband and two children, trying out new restaurants, and unwinding with a great book or podcast. Her happiest moments are spent outdoors, chasing water — a fitting passion for someone so committed to flow, movement, and connection.
We’re honored to have Myrian on the team as we continue investing in the people and places that make our region extraordinary.
