Farrell Hirsch, CEO of The Muckenthaler Center, was unanimously elected to the Governing Board of California Presenters. This esteemed organization is dedicated to enhancing the professional touring and presentation of performing arts across California and beyond. California Presenters envisions a vibrant, inclusive performing arts community where every individual in California and neighboring regions has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of the arts.

Farrell participated in the 2019 Executive Learning Group.

Brenda Rodriguez, Executive Director of Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, successfully hosted a credit and budgeting workshop for the National Guard at the prestigious Los Alamitos military base. Attendees gained valuable insights into developing and maintaining healthy credit profiles, alongside mastering effective budgeting techniques—crucial steps towards building wealth through homeownership.

Brenda 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.

Debora Wondercheck, CEO & Founder of Arts & Learning Conservatory, was featured in the Los Angeles Sentinel for her work with Gospel Voices of OC! This recognition highlights their remarkable journey in celebrating the rich heritage of gospel music and its profound influence on Black culture. Debora expressed, "Leading Gospel Voices of OC has been an honor, and I am deeply proud of the platform we’ve created to showcase diverse artistic talents and honor trailblazing women."

You can read the entire article here.

Debora was a member of the 2021 Executive Coaching Program.

Team Kids hosted an inspirational community breakfast featuring keynote speaker Arshay Cooper, an award-winning author, motivational speaker, and activist. His powerful story of resilience and hope epitomizes the determination and empowerment that drives their community forward. This event was more than just a charity breakfast—it was an opportunity to make a lasting impact in the local community, all set against the stunning backdrop of one of the world's most impressive car collections at the Segerstrom Shelby Event Center.

Julie Hudash, Founder and CEO, was coached in the 2005 Executive Coaching Program, and Michele Rinehart, Chief of Staff, participated in the 2020 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, and was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.

Sarah McClellan, Senior Director of Programs of Pathways of Hope recently delivered an insightful presentation at the Child Support Directors Association of California (CSDA) conference on “Empowering Families in Crisis: Navigating the Homelessness System.” Established in 2000, CSDA is a non-profit organization representing local child support directors across California’s 58 counties. The association is dedicated to supporting local child support agencies (LCSA) in their mission to provide children and families with the financial, medical, and emotional support needed to thrive as productive and healthy members of our society.

Sarah participated in the 2023 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Shakoya Green-Long, CEO of Thomas House Family Shelter, on earned a new certification from the Housing & Houselessness Leadership Network (HHLN) through Coro Southern California. Coro, renowned for training ethical and diverse civic leaders nationwide, equips its participants with essential skills and tools to engage and empower communities. Coro leaders gain invaluable experience across government, business, labor, and non-profit sectors, and actively participate in specialized community and political problem-solving processes.

Shakoya was a member of the 2022 Executive Learning Group.

HomeAid Orange County has done it again! They have collected over 1.1 million diapers, wipes, and baby food items to support families in need throughout Orange County. Families experiencing homelessness face daily struggles to access essentials like diapers, wipes, and baby food for their little ones. HomeAid’s nonprofit partners report a constant need for thousands of diapers to support those in their programs. The importance of providing diapers is often overlooked, but the impact of the Diaper Drive on Orange County families experiencing homelessness is truly life-changing. Thanks to the generosity of HomeAid’s numerous partners, donors, and volunteers, the Diaper Drive remains a vital source of support for families facing or at risk of homelessness each year.

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

MECCA received an award of over $2MM from CalOptima through their Housing Homelessness Innovation Project Fund.  This funding will enable the organization to establish a new enhanced housing navigation model specifically designed to assist older adults in navigating housing options, accessing supportive services, and leveraging community resources to remain in settings that best meet their preferences and requirements. Additionally, they will develop a screening and assessment tool to help Housing Navigators better understand the unique and evolving housing and supportive service needs of older adults. This tool will be culturally responsive and available in all threshold languages to ensure equitable access and effective long-term support.

Yesenia Ochoa, Executive Director, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group, and Rhiannon Doscher, Director of Programs participated in the 2023 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Maricela Rios, CEO of Human Options participated in a significant film project last year produced by OC World titled "Surviving the Trauma of Relationship Violence." This documentary illuminates the journeys of survivors who have endured cycles of violence, delving into the intergenerational impacts of abuse on victims and their families. This impactful project was honored with the Bronze award in the General-Public Interest & Awareness category at this year's Annual Telly Awards!

You can watch the film here.

Maricela participated in 2007 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2010 Executive Coaching Program.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Nithin Jilla, Executive Director of Dreams for Schools, for his invaluable expertise shared during our recent Fieldstone@4 event! His insights were truly inspiring and enriching.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to Sunwest Bank for their generous sponsorship. Their steadfast support is invaluable to us at FLN and the greater OC nonprofit community!

Fieldstone@4 brings our leaders together quarterly, fostering a supportive environment for mutual learning and growth. Here’s to continued knowledge sharing and advancement!

Nithin participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group.

Working Wardrobes proudly announces Sandra Davidson as its new Development Director! Sandra brings extensive experience in strategic philanthropy and fundraising leadership, specializing in addressing the distinctive challenges of the nonprofit sector. She excels in mobilizing community resources and cultivating collaborations that drive impactful change. Sandra's track record includes securing significant funding for nonprofits across Southern California, Las Vegas, and South Carolina. Her expertise spans Development Planning, Donor and Major Gift Cultivation, Corporate Partnerships, and securing Public and Private Grants, all while maintaining a commitment to legal, ethical, and best nonprofit practices.

Sandra holds a Juris Doctor with a Public Interest Law certification from Western State College of Law, a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Social Work from Bennett College for Women. Her professional affiliations include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Junior League of Orange County, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and the Grant Professionals Association.

We look forward to welcoming Sandra to a learning group soon!