San Diego Unified School District Facilities Planning & Construction

Alma Bañuelos is a communications and outreach professional with over 14 years’ experience working on public agency construction programs. As business outreach coordinator for San Diego Unified School District’s Facilities Planning & Construction Department, Alma plays a key role. Predominantly supporting the Capital Improvement Bond Program, she engages local, small and emerging businesses to ensure access to all construction contracting opportunities. Alma is bilingual and her experience engaging with Latino contractors has broadened minority business participation in the school district’s program.

Karen Linehan manages San Diego Unified School District’s business outreach program in support of its Facilities Planning & Construction department. She predominantly supports the Propositions S/Z and Measure YY Capital Improvement Bond Program, which have significant small and emerging business participation goals. The program’s objectives include promoting doing business with the district; informing contractors and subcontractors about bid opportunities; connecting contractors with each other and with projects; and developing a robust and diverse bidding environment. An important piece of this effort involves engaging traditionally underrepresented business communities like women and minorities, and small, local, and emerging business owners.

Karen is a public affairs professional with 30 years’ experience in the construction, engineering, and environmental sectors. Karen plans and implements strategic stakeholder assessment, outreach, education, and engagement programs. Her projects have involved a wide range of issues, including public works, community planning, energy and sustainability, environmental cleanup, transportation, facilities siting, water/wastewater, and more.