Natasha Bliss serves as Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Partnerships within San Diego State
University’s Division of Research and Innovation. In her role, she leads internal operations for the
division and has direct oversight of undergraduate research, research communications, and signature
events such as the annual SDSU Student Symposium.

In addition, Natasha plays a leading role in advancing innovation initiatives for the campus, including the
development of public and private partnerships for the SDSU Mission Valley Innovation District. As
director of strategic partnerships, she also holds an extensive corporate and foundation portfolio,
supports relations with trade associations, and directs university-wide efforts to deepen holistic
engagement with companies.

Prior to joining SDSU in 2013, she held senior-level roles within startups and in the nonprofit sector,
where her work focused on literacy and international development. Her background includes significant
experience in business development, fundraising, and advocacy. She is highly active in the community,
currently serving on the boards of the EDC Foundation, Smart Border Coalition, and Downtown San
Diego Partnership. She is a 2023 grad of LEAD San Diego and has been a member of the San Diego
Women’s Foundation since 2019. She has been active with the San Diego Track Club since moving to San
Diego in 2008 and has competed internationally in the marathon at the professional and subprofessional level.
Natasha graduated magna cum laude from Rosemont College / Villanova University with a degree in
Psychology and minor in Political Science. She holds a Master of Public Health degree with a
concentration in Epidemiology from San Diego State University.

Natasha thanks her sponsors Joyce Gattas, Patti Roscoe and Nikki Clay.