Homecoming 2024: How Kimberly Giardina’s SDSU roots propelled her to a top San Diego County health role

Kimberly Giardina ('04) is a vocal advocate for the positive influence San Diego State University has had on her life and career.

But this year’s homecoming holds special significance for the proud alumna who earned her master’s in social work two decades ago and has dedicated herself to improving the lives of children and families ever since. 

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Why did you choose SDSU for your master’s in social work? 

I always wanted to help, especially in finding a way to help children. After I got my dual bachelor’s in psychology and Spanish, I started working at the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency in what was then called the Children’s Bureau. I did not know much about social work or child welfare when I started, but I quickly grew to love the work. I decided to get my MSW (Master of Social Work) from San Diego State University because of its partnership with the county’s Title IV-E program. I planned on continuing my career in child welfare, so the SDSU Title IV-E program was a perfect fit. 

How did SDSU prepare you for your new role as deputy chief administrative officer? 

I worked in child welfare for a couple of years before returning for my MSW. But, during my program at SDSU, I found that combining theory, research, and applied learning helped me tremendously. I felt so much more confident in my assessments and my ability to help children and families, and it sparked a love for research and data.

What is something unexpected you gained from your SDSU experience? 

I expected to stay in child welfare for a while, thinking I’d eventually become a therapist. However, when I entered my field internship experiences, I quickly discovered that it was not my passion. I liked the clinical work experiences but was very drawn to macro-level social work. That is a big part of how I ended up in the role I am in today. I love influencing policy, funding, and environmental factors that can significantly impact our community. 

Is there something you’re most proud of as an SDSU alumna? 

I am most proud of the opportunity I have now to partner with SDSU’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) on the Live Well Center for Innovation and Leadership (LWCIL). This is the nation's first academic Health and Human Services Department that incorporates human services into its partnership. 

The SDSU-LWCIL partnership started two years ago. What’s happened since? 

We’ve already seen the benefits of improving the internship and hiring process for SDSU students and graduates while increasing research opportunities between the county and SDSU-CHHS. One of our key priorities is workforce development, which includes developing innovative roles for community health workers to ensure we adapt to San Diego’s San Diego’s diverse and expanding needs. 

What advice would you offer to current SDSU-CHHS students?  

Take the time to nurture your relationships with your classmates — many friendships will last. The professors and agencies/organizations that you meet throughout your studies will also be incredibly helpful to you as you move through your career. 

Also, enjoy homecoming. You never know when you’ll be back celebrating your journey and success.