Adita Ayra, Executive Director of The Afghan Literacy Foundation (ALF) was featured on CBS Sunday Morning. In the episode, she was interviewed by renowned CBS correspondent Tracy Smith. This was a remarkable opportunity for ALF to gain significant exposure and showcase the impactful work they’ve been doing. The segment highlighted ALF’s 15 years of dedication to preventing child labor and promoting literacy among impoverished children in Afghanistan.

You can watch the entire interview here.

Adita participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group, was coached in the 2023 Executive Coaching Program, and was a member of the 2023 Leadership Reading Group.

We are excited to welcome Anne Grey back in Orange County as the new President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and Inland Empire. Anne brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership having held prominent positions at organizations such as Vivalon, Alzheimer’s Association, and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. At Vivalon, Anne successfully led the organization through a critical period of growth. Under her leadership, Vivalon saw a significant financial turnaround and was recognized as the Best Nonprofit Organization by the Marin Independent Journal. In 2020, Anne was named one of OC Register’s Most Influential People, a testament to her leadership and impact in the community.

Anne participated in the 2001 Executive Learning Group and the 2017, 2019, and 2020 Leadership Reading Groups and will re-join the 2024 group.

Angie Rowe, President and CEO of Beyond Blindness,

was recently nominated as an LA Times C-Suite Visionary by the Los Angeles Times B2B Publishing team! This nomination celebrates leaders recognized by their peers and colleagues for their intuition, resilience, and exceptional leadership.

Angie’s vision and guidance have enabled Beyond Blindness to grow their innovative programs over the last year to reach over 1,500 children and families. 

Angie participated in the 2021 Executive Learning Group and the 2021 Leadership Reading Group.

Pathways to Independence recently collaborated with the Department of Mental Health (DMH) to win an award of $150,000 to launch their in-house therapy services. Executive Director, Diana Hill, stated, "Creating RFQ for Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) has been a rewarding learning experience. We look forward to continuing our partnership with DMH. This funding will significantly impact our organization, allowing us to serve eight new clients and reach the highest number of clients we have served in 2019."

Pathways was also one of only six local nonprofits chosen to be the recipient of the

Joe Jost Day of Giving for their 100th anniversary raising $5,500.

Diana participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

Orange County Community Housing Corporation (OCCHC/SteppingUP) announced the receipt of a $1 million grant from Citi Foundation as part of the fourth cohort of the Community Progress Makers initiative. OCCHC/SteppingUP will use the grant to expand its mission, working in the areas of affordable housing and access, economic development and financial health. It was one of nine organizations awarded in Southern California and the only nonprofit awarded in Orange County.

Nora Mendez, Executive Director. participated in the 2006 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Orange County Grantmakers' Housing Issue Table, a program that offers funders educational opportunities on various topics while promoting cross-sector learning and collaboration with nonprofits, recently toured the Bungalows in Costa Mesa. This new 8-unit affordable housing development is located in a primarily multi-family residential area and is managed by Families Forward and will provide permanent housing and supportive services for up to eight households.

Taryn Palumbo, Executive Director of OCG, participated in the2023 Executive Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

Mayra Martin, Corporate Engagement Manager, Girls Inc. of Orange County, was recognized by Greater Irvine Chamber as a 2024 ‘40 under 40’ honoree. Through its 40 Under 40 awards program, the Greater Irvine Chamber recognizes next-generation business and community leaders making strides in their industries and the Orange County community.

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

Derek, a My Day Counts program participant, is the seventh to earn his High School Diploma in partnership with North Orange Continuing Education and New Opportunities Organization. Only 3% of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities graduate from high school with a diploma, yet 90% of employers now require one for employment. Additionally, 32 participants were recognized for their achievements, which included contributing over 100 volunteer hours in the community, earning college course completion certificates, and one participant passing the DMV written test.

Under Michael Galliano's leadership, My Day Counts has tackled the 80% unemployment rate among this population through its Access to Higher Education and Workforce Development Initiatives, celebrating significant achievements along the way.

Mike participated in the 2020 Executive Learning Group, and Pamela Sailor, their Director of Development, participated in the 2008 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Congratulations to WISEPlace on its new healthcare program! Through their new partnership with Healing to You and Families Together of Orange County, they will bring mobile medical services to those who need it the most. These monthly clinics provide free medical, dental, vision, and mental health services all in one easy-to-access location.

Healing to You provides medical and mental health services to children and adults impacted by domestic violence. Families Together of Orange County offers medical experts and services to all of their patients regardless of income or ability to pay.

Brateil Aghasi, CEO, participated in 2013 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Habitat for Humanity of Orange County broke ground on its newest home development project on West Washington Avenue in Santa Ana. This was made possible by a $2.2 million grant from the City of Santa Ana. The site will offer six new affordable ownership opportunities for low-income families including three farmhouse-style duplexes with one unit constructed as an accessible unit for veterans and/or the disabled. The groundbreaking event brought together 80 members of the Orange County community including leaders, supporters, and volunteers to support Habitat OC’s mission to provide safe and affordable homeownership for families in Orange County.

Michael Valentine, President & CEO, participated in the 2024 Executive Learning Group.

Affordable Housing Clearinghouse partnered with OC Conservation Corps to launch the FLY SoCal Program, empowering 16- to 24-year-olds in Orange County and Long Beach with essential financial skills. Targeting justice-involved, foster, emancipated, and out-of-school youth, the program offers bilingual workshops on financial management and one-on-one counseling. FLY SoCal aims to reduce crime by addressing economic challenges and fostering community responsibility, featuring speakers who provide valuable resources and tailored advice for participants' success.

Brenda Rodriguez, Executive Director, participated in the 2015 and 2022 Executive Learning Groups, was coached in the 2017 Executive Coaching Program, and is a Creative Encounters by Fieldstone facilitator.

Casa Youth Shelter was recognized as Nonprofit of Distinction for 2024 by Congresswoman Michelle Steel. Their mission is to serve and nurture youth in crisis with shelter, counseling, and support services, empowering them to come through their crisis with increased confidence, stability, and tools for continued growth.

Jessica Hubbard, CEO, was coached in the 2018 and 2024 Executive Coaching Programs, participated in the 2019 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and the 2023 Executive Learning Group.

American Family Housing secured $29 million in state funds to convert a Costa Mesa motel into a 78-unit affordable housing complex for residents at risk of becoming homeless. The California Department of Housing and Community Development awarded the Project Homekey grant to remodel the Travelodge by Wyndham Orange County Airport/Costa Mesa. The $45 million project includes a $4 million contribution from Costa Mesa and $3 million from neighboring Newport Beach. 

Plans call for revamping the motel into 78 homes, including two market-rate units for managers and 76 permanent supportive homes. The affordable units will include 36 studios and 40 one-bedroom apartments.

Milo Peinemann, Chief Executive Officer, participated in the 2019 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2020 Executive Coaching Program, and Lauri Reveles, board Vice Chair, participated in the 2016 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and the 2017 Leadership Reading Group.

It was Draft Day at Angels Stadium, but not for baseball players with big MLB dreams. Instead, more than 140 students from Cristo Rey Orange County High School were "drafted" for an innovative work-study program. As part of the program, 42 companies in Orange County, including banks, law firms, hospitals, engineering companies, and nonprofits, will provide hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities to students who may not exactly have access to the corporate world.

ABC7 news covered the event, and you can watch the full coverage here.

Founding President, Steve Holte, is currently being coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program and Elizabeth McKibbin, VP of Advancement, participated in the 2024 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes, and Chief People and Operations Officer Derek Benson, had the privilege of presenting and exchanging valuable insights on empowering employees to drive organizational success with the San Diego HR Forum. Working Wardrobes' mission to uplift their communities and help people find gainful employment.

In addition, Working Wardrobes has been named one of the 2024 Best Places to Work by the OC Business Journal—an honor recognizing companies that foster a positive and inclusive culture, prioritize employee well-being, and offer opportunities for professional growth.

Bonni participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program. Derek is a current member of our Summer Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Newport-Mesa Family YMCA and our very own Robin Sinclair, Executive Director of FLN, were featured by ABC News for the grass roots aqua aerobics program that works out to build community, while building muscles. Aqua aerobics, deep water workouts or aqua fit can all be found at a community pool, but at the Newport-Mesa Family YMCA, the community is in the pool and they call themselves "The Mermaids."

You can watch the entire coverage here.

We are so fortunate to have Greg Campbell, former EVP and Partner of Coldwell Banker Corporation, as a valued member of the Fieldstone Leadership Network Board of Directors!

Greg was recently interviewed by Joe Muratore of Graceda Partners on the subject of leadership. He shares valuable insights on leadership, focusing on the importance of understanding the “why” behind actions, the concept of the “both and,” and the critical role of culture, listening, and affirmation in effective leadership. He also recounts his experience turning around Coldwell Banker, illustrating the power of intentionality and cultural influence in driving business success.

You can listen to the entire interview here.