Jessica “Jessie” Joy Rees was honored posthumously at the inaugural Orange County Sports Commission Sports Awards Gala where the Jessie Rees Foundation received the Philanthropist of the Year award.  Jessie, diagnosed at age 11 with two inoperable brain tumors, and while undergoing outpatient treatment, noticed many kids weren’t able to leave the hospital. Moved to action, Jessie began delivering paper lunch bags with toys and small gifts to other children fighting cancer.



Just 10 months after diagnosis, Jessie lost her battle with cancer, but her parents were compelled to keep her mission going with JoyJars. The foundation that bears her name continues today under the banner of her motto: NEGU—Never Ever Give Up and over 500,000 JoyJars have been given to children fighting cancer.

Erik Rees, Founder, participated in the 2026 Executive Learning Group; Shaya Rees Frum, Director of Program Advancement, participated in the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program.

Elizabeth Andrade, Executive Director of 211OC, was one of 15 who were recognized by Orange Coast Magazine in the Under 40 Crowd. From gifted creatives to savvy entrepreneurs and up-and-coming captains of industry, Orange County is teeming with young talented professionals who are driving the region into the future. Elizabeth is one of the flourishing power players!

You can read the article here.

Elizabeth participated in the 2015 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.

Orange County Community Housing/SteppingUP hosted its 4th annual Housing EXPO at Santa Ana College in recognition of National Homeownership Month, addressing the critical need for homeownership education in one of the nation's most expensive real estate markets. The expo aimed to demystify the home buying process, offering workshops and resources to educate attendees on financial planning, mortgage options, and the importance of building credit. By empowering individuals with knowledge and tools tailored to navigating the challenging housing landscape, OCCHC/SteppingUP seeks to promote financial literacy and enable more residents to achieve the dream of homeownership, ultimately contributing to economic stability and community growth.

Nora Mendez, Executive Director, is a current member of the 2025 Executive Learning Group and participated in the 2006 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Dreams for Schools is reaching an exciting milestone with the launch of its first-ever paid high school internship program—a bold step in youth leadership development. By hiring high school students as STEAM Education Assistants, they’re building a powerful talent pipeline that supports both the organization’s mission and the students' futures.

These interns aren’t just participants—they’re aspiring educators committed to careers in education. This program invests in the next generation of leaders while they’re still in high school, cultivating their skills and passion at a critical time.

Nithin Jilla, Founder and Executive Director, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group.

Working Wardrobes partnered with the Marine Corps. Family Member Employment Assistance Program to support the annual MilSpouse Career & Hiring Symposium aboard Camp Pendleton. Through their Power Up for Success initiative, they delivered their signature wardrobe experience to 100 military spouses, providing each with a complete interview-ready outfit tailored, professional headshots, and gained valuable insights during a “Power of Your Image” presentation, which offered personal branding tips to help them stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Bonni Pomush, CEO, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach proudly celebrated the grand re-opening of the Dream Play Yard at the Canyon Enrichment Center with a joyful ribbon cutting ceremony. Thanks to the incredible support from the community and generous donors, this new outdoor space includes new play structures, turf for soccer and games, and irrigation for youth gardening. This transformation empowers them to support the physical, emotional, and social growth of the youth they serve.

Pam Estes, CEO, participated in the 2003 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2006 Executive Coaching Program, and participated in the 2009 Executive Learning Group.

United Way of Orange County, United for Financial Security celebrated 641 volunteers who made this year’s OC Free Tax Prep program possible. Together they served 13,751 community members. Services were offered in 18 languages, helping families get the refunds and credits they earned.

Total impact: $26.8 million, including:

• $14.8 million in federal and state refunds

• $8.6 million in tax credits

• $3.4 million in preparation fees saved

For every $1 invested in the OC Free Tax Prep program, $27 is returned to the Orange County community!

Andrew Fahmy, Executive Director, is currently participating in the 2025 Executive Learning Group.

Congratulations to Shana Buxser on acquiring her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy certification. Buxser Consulting enters its 4th year, and her goal is to help donors and families find their true philanthropy and help them focus their efforts on that passion. Having clarity and focus is what will make the biggest impact on charity and on the donor. Going through this exercise as an individual, a couple or a family is a huge first step in a donor’s giving and personal journey.  

Shana participated in the 2011 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2013 Executive Coaching Program and was trained to be a Coach in 2017.

Jessica Hubbard is the new Executive Director of Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano, part of a national movement supporting 1st gen students from middle school through college graduation with tuition-free, college access programming.

And also a BIG thank you to Jessica for a fantastic Fieldstone@4 presentation From Meh to Magnetic: Building an Annual Impact Report That Actually Works.

Jessica was coached in the 2018 and 2023 Executive Coaching Programs, participated in the 2019 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and was a member of the 2023 Executive Learning Group.

Mychael Blinde is the new Senior Director of Operations & Administration of WISEPlace. She brings 10 years of experience in Orange County’s nonprofit sector and a strong commitment to social justice—both of which will help advance the mission to end homelessness for unaccompanied individuals through housing solutions and supportive services that promote self-reliance.

Mychael participated in the 2019 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

From left to right: Lupita Gutierrez, Casa Youth Shelter; Andrew Fahmy, Orange County United Way; Donella Cecrle, The Purpose of Recovery; David Wetzel, SPIN OC - Serving People in Need; Adita Arya, Afghan Literacy Foundation; Kendra Crusco, Newport-Mesa Family YMCA; Marissa Tang, OneVine Foundation; Christine Sanchez, Delhi Center; Nora Mendez, Orange County Community Housing; Andy Robles, Simon Scholars; Maribel Marroquin-Waldram, Orange County Sheriff's Advisory Council; and Robin Sinclair, Fieldstone Leadership Network.