Joanna Sansoterra is a distinguished figure within the veteran community of San Diego, a city known for its significant military presence. With a rich background spanning almost thirty years, her expertise in leadership, organizing, and recruiting has made a profound impact.
In 2017, Sansoterra became a pivotal part of the Onward to Opportunity initiative, affiliated with the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. Her efforts were crucial in establishing O2O's presence in the Navy Region Southwest, fostering key relationships and collaborations with Navy and Marine Corps Installations West (MCI-West) bases, thereby strengthening the veteran network in San Diego.
Before her tenure with O2O, Sansoterra dedicated 33 years to serving in the Air Force, showcasing her commitment to her country and community. Her service extended beyond her military career as she actively participated on two nonprofit boards, advocating for combat wounded veterans and the LGBTQ+ communities alike.
Her contributions and dedication to service were honored when she was inducted into the San Diego LGBT Center’s Benjamin F. Dillingham, III and Bridget Wilson LGBT Veterans Wall of Honor. This accolade recognized her as an LGBT veteran with strong ties to San Diego who has served the country with honor and distinction, while also being a beacon of progress for equality.
Sansoterra is a proud alumna of the University of San Diego, where she earned her Masters in Nonprofit Leadership & Management.
She also takes great pride in being a graduate of the Veteran Career Transition Assistance Program (VetCTAP), attributing her smooth and less stressful shift from military to civilian life to the invaluable guidance received through the program. Her belief in the transformative power of VetCTAP has led her to join its board with a heartfelt commitment to contribute and make a significant impact.
A San Diego native, she is a passionate supporter of the Padres baseball team and believes this is their year!
