Staff: Kalina King

Kalina joined Friends of the Children SF Bay Area as Program Manager in May 2026. A San Francisco native and East Palo Alto College Track alum, she discovered early her passion for service. She earned her Criminal Justice degree from San Francisco State University, inspired by her grandmother’s program, Hearts for Homeless.

Kalina began her career at Huckleberry Youth Programs and served as a case manager at CARC, supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system and their families. She then joined Success Centers, first as a Leadership Program Coordinator and later as Program Manager for the Credible Messenger Life Coaches program. There, she built program structures, managed grants, and led a dedicated team providing mentorship and life skills to youth in San Francisco’s juvenile hall.

Kalina thrives in work that blends creativity, reflection, and thoughtful problem‑solving. She enjoys brainstorming, shaping ideas, and guiding others through organized, decisive leadership. These strengths continue to shape her commitment to building impactful programs and empowering youth. In her free time, Kalina loves to cook, bake cakes, spend time with family and friends, and leave thoughtful Yelp reviews.