BioContact
Mara Leong-Maguinez
Executive DirectorAs Executive Director of the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House, Mara advances the mission of providing comfort, care, and support to children and families receiving specialized treatment in the Pasadena area. Working closely with a dedicated Board of Trustees, Mara leads the Pasadena House by motivating engaged communities of support, upholding organizational values, and ensuring effective program delivery. Prior to joining the Ronald McDonald House Charities family, Mara served as Chief Development Officer of Youth Policy Institute and Director of Development at the Downtown Women’s Center. A Pasadena native, Mara spent several years as Development Director at Families Forward Learning Center (previously Mothers’ Club). She holds a Master’s of Public Administration and Nonprofit Management from California State University, Northridge and received her B.A. from USC. Mara is deeply committed to providing all families in need with a warm and welcoming “home-away-from-home.”
