Meet Diane Zoura | Founder, Designer, and Non-Profit President

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diane Zoura and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diane, what matters most to you?

My greatest focus lies in making a meaningful difference in the world, particularly through the lives of children. To bring about lasting change in the future, we need to begin with the youngest generation. Children also have an incredible capacity to teach us valuable lessons and offer fresh perspectives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I decided to pursue a career in architecture with the intention of building an orphanage, driven by my deep desire to make a positive impact in the lives of children. During my time in college, I initiated the tradition of hosting fundraisers and assembling gift packages for orphans in Mexico. This annual tradition has continued for a decade, and I am thrilled to share that last year, we successfully prepared and distributed 4,000 gift bags to various recipients. Our efforts reached foster youth in San Diego and LA, hospitalized children in San Diego, Orange County, and LA, as well as less fortunate and disabled children in Mexico.

The joy of making a child feel cared for and loved is the core of my passion. Witnessing the collective support and participation from numerous individuals has been truly uplifting. Despite challenges along the way, such as raising sufficient funds to cover the cost of the gift bags, we have consistently surpassed our goals through determination and resourcefulness. Our ultimate aspiration remains to establish an orphanage, and we actively seek out locations in need of such a facility. I have dedicated the past few years to researching the healing potential of spaces, with the intention of incorporating this knowledge into the design of the future orphanage. If anyone reading this knows of a deserving community in need, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego, I would take them to yoga at the Rady Shell, followed by a nutritious meal at Parakeet Cafe. Additionally, I would make sure to take them to my favorite beach in San Diego, Coronado Beach. When it comes to dining, I have several recommendations in mind, including Din Tai Fung, Lumi, Siamo Napoli, Cesarina, Yasai, Plumeria, or Harumama. For a more casual lunch, Tacaliente for tacos or Casa Nori for sushi would be great choices. Another must-visit spot is the Salk Institute, which happens to be my favorite space in San Diego. We could then head over to the nearby Birch Aquarium. If my friend is feeling adventurous, we can even consider paragliding over the Pacific Ocean while in La Jolla. To top it off, we can have a fun time at the Mike Hess Brewery in IB, followed by enjoying the beautiful sunset at the beach. As you can tell, I absolutely love the beach!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been a few individuals who have guided, supported, and mentored me throughout my life. Among them, my parents have played the most significant role, consistently supporting my philanthropic endeavors and presenting additional opportunities for giving back. My siblings, who are also my best friends, have always had my back, even during our occasional moments of driving each other crazy. One of my high school teachers, Mrs. Anthony, also had a profound impact on my life. Lastly, the support and presence of my cousins and close friends have been instrumental in shaping me into the person I am today.

Website: https://www.heyoperation.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyoperation/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-zoura-assoc-aia-61620447/