Faces of San Diego 2023

San Diego is a city of leaders—in health care, finance, real estate, fitness and more. This elite crop of innovators and influencers use their expertise to elevate their fields and bring big ideas to life. They bring energy and experience to their respective professions and drive their industries forward. Meet the 2023 Faces of San Diego.

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The Face of Health/Wellness

Margo Aura Emami, AURAE MD

Compassionate and intuitive by nature, Dr. Margo Aura Emami embodies the art and science of natural beauty. “True beauty begins at the cellular level and is intimately tied to our physical and mental health,” she explains. This Harvard-trained physician with 30 years of experience and fellowships in aesthetic, regenerative, and anti-aging medicine, founded AURAE MD as a comprehensive center for preventive
and restorative therapies.

Known for her warm bedside manner, Dr. Emami performs each procedure herself, including nonsurgical face and neck lifts, radio frequency micro needling, IPL, lasers, fillers, and Botox (she is one of the first to offer Daxxify, the new wrinkle relaxer that lasts for six months).

“Patients desire minimally invasive, comfortable treatments with little to
no downtime and natural results. It’s important to not only use the most highly proven and effective technologies, but to know how to choose the right treatment in the right combination for each patient.”

AURAE MD also offers effective body contouring that decreases fat, tightens skin, and tones muscle all without surgery. Additional services include everything from state-of-the-art skincare, Hydrafacials, and acne management to nutritional support.

Dr. Emami is a frequent expert contributor on the San Diego Localist, and her extensive knowledge and advanced techniques attract not only world-class athletes and celebrities, but anyone looking to feel vibrant, healthy, and youthful. What sets her serene La Jolla clinic apart is the time and care that she devotes to understanding each patient to ensure truly transformative results and a sense of overall well-being and confidence.

Genesee Avenue, Suite 840 La Jolla, CA 92037 | 858-461-8543 | auraemd.com

The Face of Biotechnology Development

Krithi Rao Bindal, PhD, MBA Aroga Biosciences, Inc. 

The president and founder of Aroga Biosciences, Inc., Krithi Rao Bindal, PHD, MBA, has over 15 years of experience in the biotech and pharma industries. Dr. Bindal’s three-year-old global company is comprised of a team of scientists who proudly stand by their motto, “strength from science,” by providing accurate scientific data to drug development regulators. Aroga’s team of scientific regulatory writers develop preclinical and clinical research submissions, which are critical to the biopharma industry in drug development. In 2022, Dr. Bindal and the Aroga team were selected as Top Leader of Influence in Life Science by the San Diego Business Journal. A shared passion for contributing to the progress of therapeutic medicine, providing high-quality services for patients with debilitating diseases, maintaining long-lasting relationships with their clients, and expanding their expertise and services to different regions have all contributed to the growth of the Lauren Radack Aroga team, as not only experts in science, but as one big family.

6496 Weathers Place Suite 200 San Diego, CA 92121 | 858-925-6145 | arogabio.com

The Face of Cosmetic Dentistry

David Landau, DDS, AAACD Igor Lanstberg, DDS Art of Dentistry 

The art of dentistry is San Diego’s premiere destination for extraordinary dental care. Known for his expertise in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. David Landau is one of only 570 dentists in the world who have earned the credential Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Landau is sought after by patients pursuing cosmetic, restorative, preventative, and oraI hygiene care. He shares the practice with Dr. Igor Lanstberg, a Magna Cum Laude graduate from Stony Brook Dental School who also completed an advanced dental residency at the Long Beach VA.

Respected by their peers, the doctors at Art of Dentistry are collaboratively consulted by other dental specialists seeking their knowledge on complex cases. This Bankers Hill boutique practice offers personaIized service, state-of-the-art technoIogy, and optimaI aesthetic outcomes. Driven by their dedication to the art and science of dentistry, this exceptional team gives patients so many reasons to smile.

2840 Fifth Avenue, Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92103 | 619-291-4325 | sandiegoartofdentistry.com 

The Face of Real Estate 

Joel Blumenfeld, Blumenfeld Group

Joel Blumenfeld of the Bulumendeld Group is a native San Diegan committed to providing understanding and confidence to first-time sellers and buyers. The luxury real estate broker has grown with the same brokerage since 2010 and is now team leader with agents working beside him not just from San Diego County but surrounding counties as well. Blumenfeld has earned numerous prestigious awards, including the Circle of Excellence Platinum Award from The San Diego Union-Tribune and San Diego MLS; the America’s Best Real Estate Agents Award from RealTrends; and numerous accolades from RISMedia, including the Five Star Professional Award. As the leader of the Blumenfeld Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, he has achieved the Chairman’s Circle Diamond Award.

Helping people attain their dreams is what drives Blumenfeld’s passion and that passion is what puts him in the top percentile of realtors in San Diego County.

2355 Northside Drive, Suite 180 San Diego, CA 92108 | 619-508-2192 | theblumenfeldgroup.com

The Face of Finance, Wealth Management 

Elisabeth Dawson, Copia Wealth Management & Insurance Services

Elisabeth Dawson’s mission is to help as many people as possible plan their financial future with confidence. As a comprehensive financial advisor for 24 years, she is the founder of Copia Wealth Management and Insurance Services.

Her commitment is to reduce taxes, prepare for life’s “what ifs”, create retirement income streams that last a lifetime, and so much more. “We want our clients to make as much money as possible, but we want them to keep it so they can live their ‘dream financial life’, take care of their families and achieve their goals”.

Elisabeth aspires to make the conversation about money fun and exciting. With openness and transparency, she helps clients overcome financial fears and hurdles, empower them to realize their financial dreams, and provide the strategies to create a “Dream Retirement”.

2333 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 240 San Diego, CA 9210 | 619-640-2622 | copiawm.com

Amanda Holden, MD, Holden Timeless Beauty

Turn back the clock without needles or downtime? Amanda Holden, MD, founder, owner, and medical director of Holden Timeless Beauty says “yes!” Holden Timeless Beauty is the first in the area to offer EMFACE, the FDA- approved non-surgical facelift device that is proven to result in 37% fewer wrinkles, a 30% improvement in facial tone, and a 23% lifting effect resulting in a more youthful appearance. “This treatment is ideal for patients who are not yet ready for a surgical facelift.”

Dr. Holden also touts the benefits of Emsculpt Neo, the non-invasive body-sculpting technology that increases muscle mass and eliminates fat without breaking a sweat.

Dr. Holden is double-board-certified in aesthetic medicine and emergency medicine and is the cofounder of The Academy of Medical Aesthetics. “We’re proud to offer life-changing services in a welcoming environment devoted to your safety and comfort.”

711 Center Drive, Suite 106 San Marcos, CA 92069 | Satellite offices in Fallbrook, La Jolla, La Mesa, and Oceanside | 760-652-3953 | holdentimelessbeauty.com

The Face of Psychiatry AND Psychology

Ankur Bindal, MD Randi Maples, PsyD KAB Medical Group Inc (KMG Psychiatry)

AB Medical Group Inc (KMG Psychiatry) strives to heal it’s patients with high-quality care and with a passion for helping individuals to heal, energize and become aware of their inner strengths. Dr. Bindal, and his team at KMG Psychiatry, offer state-of-the-art technology to meet the needs of San Diego. Dr. Bindal is a board-certified psychiatrist, a sleep specialist, and the Founder & President of KAB Medical Group, offering mental health services to three locations in greater San Diego, and one location in the Hollywood area.

Dr. Bindal has over 16 years of experience and is appointed to the Structural Pest Control Board by the Speaker of California State Assembly. His work has earned him the Diamond Circle Provider for three straight years, which is awarded to the highest volume TMS practices, the Outstanding Leadership Award, and Outstanding Corporation Award by Health Conference 2.0, and currently serves on the boards of leading digital AI companies.

6496 Weathers Place, Suite 100 & 110 San Diego, CA 92121
 | 858-925-6137
 | kmgpsychiatry.com

The Face of Party Entertainment 

Liquid Blue

When you are ready to get your groove on, Liquid Blue® is your choice for non-stop, top tier entertainment. The San Diego based ensemble is the most accomplished and highly acclaimed party band in the event business. Their official slogan – “Music to Move You”® – is guaranteed to deliver sounds that keep your audience pumped up and excited from the first number until the finale. Locally recognized as the Best Cover Band at the San Diego Music Awards, the band covers over 600 songs including a multitude of musical styles. Far from your typical cover band, Liquid Blue is an internationally acclaimed ensemble that will intrigue your guests and leave them wanting more. The group has performed at sold-out, ticketed shows worldwide and received more accolades, awards and recognition than any other cover band in the music industry.

San Diego, CA 92107 | 619-795-3737 | liquid-blue.com

The Face of Insurance Services 

Chris Williams Principal & CEO – West Region, Marsh McLennan Agency 

For Chris Williams and Marsh McClellan Agency, the most important responsibility is to be there in the moments that matter for clients, colleagues, and the community. “As our clients experience drastic changes and the needs of today’s workforce evolves, it’s our job to support them and help build a limitless future. And the same goes for our own colleagues.” Williams believes that today’s work environment begs for innovation, the prioritization of new ways to connect, and opportunities to pair passion with purpose through giving back to our community. Marsh McLennan Agency combines local specialists with global resources to provide innovative business insurance, employee health and benefits, and retirement solutions to organizations across California. They serve local non-profits through the work of the Barney & Barney Foundation, named in honor of their region’s founding agency.

9171 Towne Centre Drive, Suite 100 San Diego, CA 92122 | 1-800-321-4696 | marshmma.com

The Face of Weight Loss and Integrative Medicine 

Dr. Melinda Silva

At 57 years old, Dr. Melinda Silva began bodybuilding to cope with the despair of losing her loving father. Now with 11 championship titles, including Masters Fitness and Bikini, she works to inspire her patients to be the best versions of themselves. She is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, of 24+ years, who specializes in Integrative and Functional Medicine and uses bio hacks and plant-based bioidentical hormones to help patients reach their optimal health and slow down the aging process. Dr. Silva is a testament to her clinic’s success—her own health journey started after her fourth baby at 40 years old.

Dr. Silva’s compassion-centered practice focuses on wellness and weight loss and using the latest medical devices, such as EMFACE, for noninvasive facelifting. Dr. Silva emphasizes, “If you do not pay for your wellness, you will pay for your illness! Watch Dr. Silva’s fitness journey on TheDoctorsTV.com and get her best-selling book Aging Gracefully and Strong on Amazon.

890 Eastlake Parkway, Suite 103 Chula Vista, CA 91914 | 619-761-1574 | drmelindasilva.com

The Face of Plastic surgery 

Raja Nalluri, MD, Nalluri Plastic Surgery & Laser Center

How do you select a plastic surgeon for anything from a slight appearance tweak to a complete makeover? Board certification, experience, results, word of mouth and reviews all help, but so does a reputation for personal attention. Meet San Diego’s face of plastic surgery, Dr. Raja Nalluri.

Dr. Nalluri personally performs each procedure, skillfully utilizing advanced technologies to achieve natural-looking face and body results. Demand for his quality and workmanship is high in San Diego and beyond. Accolades have appeared in Castle Connolly Ltd, U.S. News & World Report, San Diego Top Doctors, Best of La Jolla Readers Poll, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Good Housekeeping and Woman’s Day.

Respected by his patients and peers, a fellow doctor recently told him, “You’re very personable, and most surgeons I’ve met are not.

You treat your patients like each one is the most important person in the world.”

1025 Prospect Street, Suite 160 La Jolla, CA 92037 | 858-299-8999 | nalluri.com

The Face of Audiology and Hearing Aids 

Linda Oliver, AuD, Oliver Audiology and Hearing Aid Services

Dr. Linda Oliver has been providing hearing healthcare with a personal touch since she founded Oliver Audiology & Hearing Aid Services in 1996. By utilizing the latest technology and expertise coupled with compassionate care her office has become the benchmark for best practices in hearing health. Always on the leading edge, Dr. Oliver is the first hearing care provider in San Diego to use 3D digital ear scanning technology. Dr. Oliver believes there are moments in life you don’t want to miss, and you should hear your best when the moment matters.

3990 Old Town Avenue, Suite C-207 San Diego, CA 92110 | 619-297-3131 | oliveraud.com 

The Face of Fitness 

Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory fitness offers science backed, technology-tracked, coach inspired group training. In one hour, you’ll experience a high-intensity workout designed to produce results from the inside out and to ultimately enjoy a longer, more vibrant life. Each class is led by a certified, motivational coach emphasizing heart-based intervals and functional training incorporating power, strength, and endurance! Whether it’s your first class or 500th, Orangetheory provides a welcoming environment where like- minded individuals can become their best selves. With a stellar team of female coaches blazing new fitness trails throughout San Diego County, Orangetheory empowers you more than ever to take on any challengeand reach higher heights of vitality and wellness.

Bankers Hill, Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Del Sur, Eastlake, Encinitas, La Costa, La Jolla, La Mesa, Point Loma, Poway, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Mission Valley, UTC. Coming Soon – Pacific Beach and East Village. 

orangetheory.com 

The Face of Family Law

Sarah T. Schaffer, Schaffer Family Law Group

As the founder of Schaffer Family Law group, APC in Del Mar, California, Sarah Schaffer has built her practice and reputation on one sure foundation: results. Certified by the State Bar of California as a Family Law Specialist, Schaffer is one of a select handful of attorneys who can identify themselves as “certified” specialists in California. This means she provides clients with the highest level of expertise when representing challenging child custody issues as well as high asset clients in complex division of community property matters. With a well-earned reputation in the legal community for her meticulous, thoughtful and effective representation, Schaffer has also served as Judge Pro Tem for the San Diego Superior Court. “Our honesty, integrity, thorough understanding of family law and sincere desire to help families successfully move forward are the cornerstones of our firm and the values that are embraced by our attorneys.”

12520 High Bluff Drive, Suite 380 San Diego, CA 92130 | 858-509-7907 | schafferfamilylaw.com

The Face of Divorce Law

Christopher J. Sunnen, Esq., CFLS Sunnen Law 

Since dispute resolution rarely happens overnight, Certified Family Law Specialist, Christopher J. Sunnen, founder of Sunnen Law, knows that his clients need a trusted and zealous advocate to help them navigate the complex and emotional process of family law issues. Our Attorneys and Staff understand you are going through one of the most difficult times in your life and our goal is to simplify the divorce process in every way we can and to deliver exceptional service to our clients so they may move forward. Whether your matter can be resolved amicably or calls for litigation, you can rely on any of our Attorneys or Staff Members at our firm to apply the passion, skills, and resources you need to move forward. Call us today at 619-255-9551 for your complimentary consultation.

2121 5th Avenue, Suite 205 San Diego, CA 92101 | 619-255-9551 | sunnen-law.com