Welcome to The Gratitude Collective
Welcome to the home of The Gratitude Collective. I am excited to announce the launch of this new KPBS experience. If you have spent time with me or read my bio, you know that empowering women leaders is my personal and professional passion. For decades, I have witnessed women championing KPBS’ ideals by donating, volunteering and advocating for our trusted, inclusive and educational services. The Gratitude Collective is a new KPBS initiative that brings together a community of women who care deeply for KPBS’ mission and services and who prioritize their philanthropy in support of our commitment to local news, arts and culture, children’s programming and community engagement.
I hope you will join me in supporting women’s philanthropy and leadership through The Gratitude Collective, and I can’t wait to see you at an upcoming event.
Thank you for all you do to support KPBS and the communities we serve!
Yours,
Deanna Martin Mackey
KPBS General Manager
If you are currently a Gold+ Producers Club Member ($2500+ annually) and would like to join The Gratitude Collective, please email us at producersclub@kpbs.org to express your interest, and we will include you in upcoming events and other opportunities. Not yet Gold+? Click here to increase your support today to join The Gratitude Collective.
About The Gratitude Collective
For decades women have championed KPBS’ ideals by donating, volunteering and advocating for our trusted, inclusive and educational services. The Gratitude Collective is a community of women who support KPBS’ vision to connect, reflect and serve the San Diego region. Members of the Gratitude Collective are superfans of KPBS and prioritize their philanthropy in support of our commitment to local news, arts and culture, children’s programming, and community engagement and representation via dialogue and events. The Gratitude Collective provides a space for lifelong learning and connection via quarterly experiences such as speaking engagements with women leaders in various fields, social events and KPBS community meetings.
In addition to Producers Club benefits, members of The Gratitude Collective will also enjoy:
- Invitations to three exclusive events a year and additional KPBS event invitations, including those with KPBS partners
- The Gratitude Collective events will feature women leaders as keynote speakers and panelists on a wide range of topics
- Networking with women leaders and philanthropists from across the community
- Knowing you stand with a powerful circle of women leaders, united in strengthening public media for the benefit of our entire community.
Co-Chairs
Valerie Attisha
Co-Chair
Valerie Attisha serves as vice president of client and community relations at PNC Bank and leads PNC’s community footprint across the San Diego region, overseeing the bank’s charitable and corporate sponsorships as well as its philanthropic investments; directing community engagement and employee volunteerism; building the bank’s visibility and brand; and fostering relationships with leaders from across business, government, and the nonprofit sectors. Prior to joining PNC Bank, Valerie was a seasoned and respected fundraising professional and nonprofit executive who raised and facilitated gifts totaling $100M. Throughout her career, Valerie has been deeply committed to making meaningful and impactful change in the community through her involvement with San Diego Rotary (Club 33), the Junior League of San Diego, and the University of San Diego. Currently, Valerie serves on the Boards of Directors at the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, The Old Globe and LEAD San Diego.
Nishma Held
Co-Chair
Nishma Held is a distinguished corporate counsel in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, where she leverages deep legal acumen to help drive innovation at the forefront of life sciences. Most recently, she played a key role in shaping legal frameworks that supported Mirati Therapeutics’ transition from a clinical-stage biotech to a commercial enterprise, and then on through an acquisition by Bristol Myers-Squibb. Nishma actively contributes to the city's cultural and civic landscape, serving on the Board of Directors of The Old Globe and on the Community Advisory Board of KPBS. Her leadership in these roles reflects a broader commitment to supporting institutions that hold a transformative power to enrich and connect communities.
Upcoming events
- August – KPBS Next (8/26/25)
- December – Holiday Tea Party
- March – Women’s History Month Event
Past Events
The Gratitude Collective Inaugural Event
June 17th, 2025
On June 17th, we celebrated the unique collective of women who believe in KPBS's news and community service, and prioritize their philanthropy in support of the organization. This inaugural event marked the launch of a bold initiative that recognizes KPBS' role as San Diego's storyteller and your support of our mission.
The event included a champagne reception and toast, lunch and a keynote presentation, "Women’s Philanthropy: Gratitude, Collectively" by Jacqueline Ackerman, interim director of the Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Click here to learn more about Jacqueline.
This presentation was a research-based look at how women are reshaping philanthropy through intentional giving, community connection and values-driven leadership. The session was followed by a panel discussion with Ms. Ackerman and The Gratitude Collective co-chairs Valerie Attisha and Nishma Held, moderated by KPBS General Manager Deanna Mackey.
If you have any questions about The Gratitude Collective, please contact: Kait Hahn at khahn2@kpbs.org or (760) 207-0188.