About Minola

Minola Clark Manson is a military child who lived in France and Thailand and traveled to England, Ethiopia, Singapore, and India before the age of 26. These early experiences shaped her understanding of community, the importance of different perspectives, and belonging, long before “belonging” became an idea for discussion. She is a long-time San Diego County resident, community leader, and advocate for inclusive, person-centered policy.  

Minola moved to San Diego in the 1980s to pursue graduate studies, intending to return to the East Coast. She met her life partner and husband of 36 years –she stayed. She built her life here, raising a child, living for many years in North Park before buying in Lemon Grove in 2021 — a community she proudly calls home.

Professionally, Minola has dedicated her career to workforce development, with a strong focus on behavioral health, including substance use and mental health services. She has worked both within county government and alongside contract agencies in San Diego and Riverside Counties. Throughout her career, she has championed leadership development, helping individuals, teams, and communities grow stronger and more effective.

Minola has also spent years working in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training and education, supporting organizations and leaders in building more equitable, culturally responsive, and inclusive environments. Her work has consistently centered on creating space for new voices, strengthening leadership capacity, and ensuring systems work for all people.

Minola believes that thriving communities require inclusion, accountability, and continuous growth. She brings this philosophy to her work in Lemon Grove, where she remains committed to building a city that works for everyone.