Executive Director

Yvette Letourneau is the Executive Director of the Vision of Children Foundation, bringing more than 15 years of nonprofit experience within the Rancho Santa Fe and greater San Diego philanthropic community. Prior to her work in the nonprofit sector, Yvette spent a decade at TaylorMade Golf, where she held roles in service, corporate marketing, and corporate sales. This corporate background continues to influence her strategic, relationship-focused approach to leadership.

Before joining the Vision of Children Foundation, Yvette served as Executive Director of The Country Friends, where she oversaw operations, cultivated meaningful donor relationships, strengthened community partnerships, advanced innovative fundraising initiatives, and served as a key executive contributor to the organization’s digital presence, storytelling, and engagement strategy, expanding philanthropic impact across the community.

Born in Houston, Texas, Yvette moved to Carlsbad in her teens, where she quickly developed a strong appreciation for community involvement and service. As a young adult, she actively participated in the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce’s new business engagements and volunteered in efforts to help revitalize the Village of Carlsbad. She is a graduate of Carlsbad High School and studied business at the University of Phoenix.

Yvette is married to her husband, Jeff, and is the proud mother of two sons, Brett and Mike, and GG to Henry and Tommy. She enjoys playing golf, which brings her both joy and perspective. With gratitude and a strong sense of purpose, she is honored to be part of the Vision of Children Foundation’s continued growth and service to children and families.

Philanthropy & Grants Consultant

I began my fundraising career 28 years ago as a Grant Writer for a small San Diego nonprofit. After 8 years, I expanded my knowledge by working with additional nonprofit organizations and venturing into fundraising areas, including special events, direct mail appeals, donor relations, and marketing and communications. I earned my Certificate of Fund Raising Management (CFRM) in 2009 and became a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) in 2017. I continue to build on my nonprofit fundraising knowledge year after year.

I'm passionate about fundraising and supporting issues related to children/youth, education, people with disabilities, mental health, medical research and the environment. I have raised over $25 million for social causes in San Diego since 1997.

Marketing & Communications Manager

Larissa Shoup is a mission-driven professional with a diverse background in nonprofits, marketing, events, social media, education, and health care. She earned a Sociology degree from UC Santa Barbara, where she began nonprofit work as a health care provider at San Felipe Supported Living.

After receiving her TEFL certification, Larissa spent three summers teaching English in Italy, fostering cross-cultural connections through education.

Her passion for service grew through Delta Gamma's Service for Sight and led her to the Vision of Children Foundation, whose mission to cure childhood hereditary blindness strongly resonates with her. She began there as an Events & Marketing Associate and now serves as Marketing & Communications Manager, overseeing marketing, social media, and event strategy.

In her free time, Larissa enjoys traveling, golfing, paddle boarding, reading, and starting her weekends with a matcha latte.