Mara James, Founder and CEO of Extraordinary Lives Foundation, received the Silver Telly award for Social Video/Art Direction in the 45th annual Telly Awards. The short-animated film “Piggie Bear and The Lost Star” was selected from over 13,000 entries and deemed as one of the most innovative stories being told across all screens.

Mara was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.

Gus Valdespino, President and CEO of Valley Presbyterian Hospital, was honored by The Partners in Care Foundation for his Vision and Excellence in Healthcare Leadership recognizing his great work throughout his career as well as highlighting the impact both he has made at VPH and the impact that VPH has had on the community.

Read Gus's interview from the Partners in Care Foundation here.

Gus participated in the 2008 Executive Learning Group.

Congratulations to LaVal Brewer, President & CEO of South County Outreach, who was recognized by the Greater Irvine Chamber as the Inspirational Leader of the Year at their Celebrate Irvine event.

LaVal participated in the 2017 Executive Learning Group.

Waymakers received the Greater Irvine Chamber "Nonprofit of the Year" Award! Through its annual event, Celebrate Irvine, the Chamber acknowledges and honors businesses and individuals who exemplify the principles of community service, volunteerism, and the finest traditions of good corporate citizenship.

Ronnetta Johnson, CEO, participated in the 2017 Executive Learning Group, was coached in the 2021 Executive Coaching Program, and was a member of the 2022 and 2023 Leadership Reading Groups.

Congratulations to Working Wardrobes for receiving the distinction of Best Places to Work by the Orange County Business Journal. The effort to create a Best Place to Work was led by Derek Benson, Chief People and Operations Officer. Derek's commitment to "keeping it real, keeping it fun, and keeping the mission alive" embodies the spirit of Working Wardrobes.

Derek is currently a member of the summer Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

The Wooden Floor was also honored with the distinction of Best Places to Work by the Orange County Business Journal for the second year in a row! This award is made possible by the strategic efforts to focus on values, culture management, professional development, and staff engagement.

Dawn Reese participated in the 2007 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2012 Executive Coaching Program, and became a Coach in 2013.

HomeAid Orange County celebrated the groundbreaking of their La Veta Village project in Orange. Once complete, there will be three restored historical bungalows and three ADU's. HomeAid OC is excited to bring more affordable housing to the inventory of Orange County to support our most vulnerable communities.

Gina Cunningham, Executive Director, participated in the 2002 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2014 Executive Coaching Program, was member of the 2019 and 2020 Leadership Reading Groups, and participated in the 2021 Executive Learning Group.

Iliana Soto, consulting under her own company, Community Institute for Change, was recently appointed as co-chair of the Office of Health Equity Advisory Committee with the California Department of Public Health. Its mission is to advance the health and well-being of California's diverse people and communities.

Iliana participated in the 2009 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and the 2022 Executive Learning Group.

The City of Santa Ana City Council approved $2.2 million in financial support to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for the construction and development of six affordable ownership units in Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez’s Fifth Ward.

Michael Valentine, CEO, participated in 2024 Executive Learning Group, and will be coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program.

For the first time in First Tee - Orange County history, a player has been selected to attend and compete at the most prestigious First Tee National Opportunity. Sarah B. (2023 Player of the year) was chosen for the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links. A four-year participant of FTOC, Sarah will be a senior at Beckman High School where she plays on the Varsity Golf Team and learned of the exciting news on her 17th birthday!!

Wendy Cullen, CEO, participated in the 2024 Executive Learning Group, and Jason Reddick, Program Director, is a member of our Summer Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Congratulations to Shireen Varga, Chief Program Officer of The Priority Center! After receiving the California Commendation Medal last year, she was awarded the California Medal of Merit by the National Guard’s 1-160th Infantry Battalion, where she served for the past four years as a Behavioral Health Officer. This honor recognizes her “exceptionally meritorious service” in significantly reducing behavioral health stigma and fostering a culture of trust.

Her proactive suicide prevention efforts and mental health support resulted in zero self-harm incidents among soldiers from 2020-2024. Her dedication greatly contributed to the battalion's readiness and resilience, reflecting great credit upon herself, the 160th Infantry Regiment, the 79th IBCT, the California Army National Guard, and the United States Army. Shireen, we thank you for your service!

Shireen participated in the 2023 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

South Coast Repertory announced Suzanne Appel as the theatre’s new managing director following a national search. Appel joins Artistic Director David Ivers as Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Tony Award-winning theatre. She succeeds Paula Tomei, who stepped down last November after 30 years in the position.

Paula participated in the 1996 Executive Learning Group.

We extend a warm welcome to Justin Llata, the new Chief Operating Officer | Vice President of Real Estate Development of Innovative Housing Opportunities. As vice president of real estate development, he oversees all aspects of development including acquisitions, business development, and real estate finance. We hope to see Justin in a learning group soon!

The Robins had a great time mega-mixing at the Orange County Grantmakers Mega Mixer! This event brought together OC nonprofit leaders for a lively experience, allowing everyone to reunite, reacquaint, and celebrate community—core values that Fieldstone embodies!

Taryn Palumbo, Executive Director of OC Grantmakers, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.