Richard LeCoultre (aka Momo) – President
Richard moved to San Diego from Missoula, Montana, in 2014 and works in the biotech industry. He attended his first regional burn, YOUTopia, in 2017 and has been an enthusiastic participant every year since. As a founding member of the theme camp Wonderland, Richard has contributed to creating memorable experiences at YOUTopia and Burning Man. He attended “big burn” in 2019, 2021*, 2022, and 2023, camping with Wonderland, Burny Manders, and Gypsy Nebula camps. Richard’s dedication extends to leadership and volunteerism. He served as a producer for YOUTopia in 2022-2023, helping to bring the event back to life. In 2024, he joined the SDCAP Board as Treasurer, where he continues to support the vibrant and creative burn community.
Anila Madiraju (aka Ziptie) – Treasurer
Anila (aka Ziptie) is a physiologist and preclinical scientist who devotes her time to building community and to understanding how to bring people together. She moves fluidly between analytical rigor and creative expression, guided by a deep curiosity about how communities form, evolve, and thrive. Across academic, cultural, and experimental spaces, she has cultivated environments where ideas spark, relationships deepen, and collective imagination takes root.
As President of the Yale South Asian Graduate Association, Anila worked with her team to curate events that bridged disciplines and perspectives, inviting voices from diverse academic spheres and producing vibrant cultural festivals with the university community.
Within the San Diego Burner community, she has contributed as: YOUtopia Ranger support volunteer, providing delicious meals throughout the event; City Planning Lead (2023), working with all lead departments to design the event map; Center Camp Co-Lead (2024), creating the central communal space for expression; Director of Logistics & Operations for the SDCAP Board, strengthening the backstage processes that make magic possible.
Anila is guided by her focus on both structure and spirit. She is passionate about cultivating spaces where people feel seen, collaboration feels alive, and diversity is celebrated. She hopes that her work invites others to participate, to co-create meaning & connection, and to share a sense of wonder.
Jesse Karras (aka Coconut) – Secretary
Jesse is originally from Wisconsin and has lived in San Diego since 1981. He has been in the local Burning man scene since 2004 and enjoys the creative and playful culture it supports. He is a photographer and graphic designer by trade and designed the SDCAP logo and website. He is also the creator of the Mushroom Lounge art space and YOUtopia theme camp.
Lesa Hudspeth (aka Whispurr) – Director of Communications & Marketing
Lesa brings a dynamic blend of professional skills to the board, combining her current work as a professional content creator with an extensive background in reputation and social media management, public relations, and project management. Her journey into the burn community began just a year ago with her first trip to Burning Man, followed closely by her first regional burn, YOUTopia. Immersing herself in such a wonderfully welcoming environment of unique artists and contributors sparked a profound desire to give back. In her role as Director of Communications & Marketing, Lesa’s vision is to support and foster the spirit of community and collaboration. She serves as a dedicated liaison, working to gather and provide valuable resources while nurturing meaningful connections across the community’s many eclectic circles.