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Gina Stephone Surgeon was born in Pontiac, MI and grew up on the Westside of Detroit. By the age of 7. She had experienced kinship, foster care, and finally adoption. Because of recurring internal challenges, she left home at 16 years of age, determined to find a better life. Through the mentoring of a loving family from her church and the encouragement of members of her community, she gained the inspiration to along a positive path.

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In 1986 she moved to San Diego, and by 1995 completed the challenging journey of completing her undergraduate education. She attained 3 Associate degrees at San Diego City College and received her Bachelor’s of Business Administration at the University of San Diego. Gina has enjoyed professional success in the fields of Internal Auditing, Accounting, and Government Management. Her private sector years were spent with Solar Turbines, Inc., a division of Caterpillar and the Golden Eagle Insurance Division of Liberty Mutual. Gina enjoyed 13 years of service with the County of San Diego, working in Audits, Cost Accounting, and finally as a Sr. Auditor & Controller Manager. During her county career, Gina had the pleasure of working on projects with the Health & Human Services Agency, Probation, Courts, and the Sheriff’s Department.

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Gina has a heart for community service and because of her background, a special concern for the advancement of children. She has served with the SDUSC CDC Governance Team, SDCCD Students in Free Enterprise Board, and the San Diego Delta Foundation. Her community volunteer work has supported the initiatives of St. Vincent de Paul, City of Hope, Salvation Army, Susan B. Komen, and the Urban League of San Diego County. She is a member of Women’s Inc., a San Diego organization for women empowerment, NCNW – San Diego Section where she has served as President, and has served as 2nd Vice-President of the San Diego Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her greatest joy was being Director and President of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral Sunshine Band Choir. In this role, she was able to combine her love for the youth with her passions for music and writing to author plays and direct children’s’ productions.

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Since childhood, Gina has always had a love for books, and is now the author of three books, including her biography, Never Say Die – The Positive FACE Story, which outlines her journey to Positive FACE. Her hobbies are travel and research, but she most enjoys time with her family. She is the proud mother of Jaree and Dominique, is blessed with two grands, Ayanna and Aleeyah. Her outlook on life centers on understanding the great blessing of being a victorious survivor. In spite of childhood abuse, she learned that the key to a successful life lies in having a positive mindset, believing in your personal greatness, and giving back so that others will benefit from your strengths.

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Gina’s Words to Live By:

• Psalm 37:24-26

• “If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” ~Audre Lorde