We’re a small team working on big change.
Our Team
Christina Yoon
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Christina Yoon is a civil engineer with nearly two decades of experience in construction, engineering, and the skilled trades. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Girl Buildrs, where she combines technical expertise with hands-on learning to advance gender equity and empower the next generation of builders.
Her passion for youth and STEM education began at California State University, Long Beach, where she earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering and helped lead engineering programs for girls. She has since worked on major infrastructure projects across North America and is currently an engineer at HNTB in Southern California.
With a background in woodworking and custom fabrication, Christina brings real tools and real projects into Girl Buildrs programs. A former club soccer player and lifelong maker, she is committed to helping girls build confidence, creativity, and leadership through hands-on experiences.
Bethany Tipton Gillingham
BOARD DIRECTOR
Bethany Tipton Gillingham is an experienced educational leader with over a decade of experience in special education, instructional coaching, and inclusive education. She is passionate about teacher effectiveness and dedicated to supporting educators and improving student outcomes.
She currently serves as Instructional Coordinator for Inclusion at Logan Memorial Educational Campus, where she leads professional development, mentors teachers, and advances equitable practices. Previously, she was Assistant Director of Special Education at Julian Charter Schools and has extensive experience mentoring and inducting new teachers, as well as teaching courses on reading instruction and case management.
Bethany holds a Master’s in Special Education from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor of Science from Point Loma Nazarene University. A passionate soccer enthusiast, she brings the values of teamwork and perseverance into her work while continuing to develop innovative strategies that strengthen inclusive education for all learners.
David Gillingham
BOARD DIRECTOR
David is a passionate educator, builder, and lifelong learner dedicated to inspiring curiosity through hands-on, project-based learning. With a background in low-voltage electrical work, he brings real-world problem-solving into the classroom.
He is currently a Middle School Director in San Diego and has taught 7th and 8th grade math and life science. His work has included leading projects such as student-designed zoo enclosures for the San Diego Zoo and steel marble roller coasters to explore physics, as well as co-directing a Summer Bridge Program for incoming 6th graders for five years.
David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, a teaching credential in math and science, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and an Administrative Credential. Outside of education, he enjoys traveling, boogie boarding, playing the drums, and working on his golf game.
Jacqueline Licardie
BOARD DIRECTOR
Jacqueline Licardie has dedicated more than 20 years to expanding equitable access to high quality afterschool and expanded learning opportunities for youth across California. Shaped by her own experiences in afterschool programs, she believes deeply in the power of belonging and youth voice to create lasting change for young people and communities.
Jacqueline began her career working directly with youth through Girl Scouts of America and LA’s BEST, supporting both students and expanded learning staff. She later joined After School All Stars, Los Angeles, where she served in multiple leadership roles over more than a decade, including Interim Chief Executive Officer. She holds a degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Northridge.
Today, Jacqueline serves as Area Vice President for Los Angeles and Orange County at Think Together, where she provides regional leadership focused on program quality, team development, and sustainable growth. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking for her family and spending quality time with her husband and two teenage daughters.