Network members Andrew Fahmy, Executive Director for Financial Security, Orange County United Way, Ronnetta Johnson, CEO of Waymakers, and Angie Rowe, CEO of Beyond Blindness, were named to the Orange County's 125 Most Influential people in 2025 in the Orange County Register. This recognition honors leaders across sectors who are helping shape the future of our region and who played vital roles in Orange County’s story in 2025.

You can read the entire article here.

Andrew participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group; Ronnetta participated in the 2017 Executive Learning Group, became a coach in the 2021 Executive Coaching Program, and has been a member of the Leadership Reading Group since 2022; Angie participated in the 2021 Executive Learning Group.

Dreams for Schools is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) education nonprofit based in Santa Ana that aims to bring more access to computer science technology and engineering to kids in underserved communities through K-12 after-school programs. They were recently featured in the Orange County Business Journal highlighting their partnership with Johnson & Johnson MedTech. The article spotlights how J&J MedTech employees spent two days of their Volunteer Week assembling more than 1,500 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) kits for Dream for Schools.

You can read the entire article here.

Nithin Jilla, Founder and Executive Director of Dreams for Schools, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and has been an AI subject matter expert for our Network.

Working Wardrobes was recognized as an honoree at the Second Annual HR Givers Awards Gala - an inspiring evening celebrating purpose-driven HR leaders, nonprofits, and community champions who are making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Hosted by myTOD, the gala brought together an incredible community of professionals who lead with heart, generosity, and a deep commitment to service.

Bonni Pomush, CEO, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program; Derek Benson, COO, participated in the 2024 Senior Management Learning Group.

Two years ago Rickie Redman co-founded The Orange County Deathworkers Alliance as a way to build community for professionals and volunteers who support people who are navigating a terminal illness or facing their mortality. This year, the alliance is hosting free monthly Death Cafés in order to provide a sacred space to discuss the often avoided topic of death and was recently featured in the OC Register. Rickie is the Director of Aging in Place Services and is an End of Life Practitioner at the Susi Q in Laguna Beach. 

Rickie was coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program and is currently participating in the 2026 Senior Management Learning Group.

Nishtha Mohendra was named the new CEO of Friendship Shelter in Laguna Beach. Nishtha succeeds Dawn Price who will retire after more than 17 years of dedicated service. Nishtha brings more than 16 years of experience spanning public policy, community-based service and executive leadership across India, Canada and the United States. At the forefront of regional homelessness leadership, Nishtha serves as vice chair of the Orange County Continuum of Care Board, chair of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program Board, and vice chair of the People for Housing, strengthening systems and driving meaningful outcomes across the county.

You can read the full press release here.

Nishtha participated in the 2020 Senior Management Learning Group and was coached in the 2022 and 2023 Executive Coaching Program. Dawn participated in the 2018 Executive Learning Group and became a coach in the 2021 Executive Coaching Program.

Brenda Walters is the new Executive Director of Associacion de Emprendedoras. The mission of AdE is to educate, motivate, empower, and develop the leadership and business skills of Hispanic entrepreneurs and micro-entrepreneurs in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. The organization was recently recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) as one of the most innovative county government programs in San Bernardino County. Programs have graduated over 1,400 entrepreneurs since 2016, with 55% establishing successful businesses.

Brenda participated in the 2022 Senior Management Learning Group.

Jennifer Ramirez was promoted to Director of Development at Casa Youth Shelter. Casa Youth Shelter supports youth in crisis through shelter, counseling, and supportive services, empowering them to emerge with greater confidence, stability, and tools for continued growth. Their vision is a community where all adolescents in crisis have a safe, supportive place to stay - one that fosters personal growth and healthy development.

Jennifer participated in the 2025 Senior Management Learning Group.

Julie Siebel was promoted to Executive Vice President with CCS Fundraising. In her new role, she will focus on supporting the professional development of fellow team members and strengthening relationships with their clients. Since 1947, their strategic consultants have partnered with nonprofit worldwide to advance important causes no matter where the organization is along the fundraising journey.

Julie participated in the 2009 Senior Management Learning Group.

Dr. Vince Beresford is the new CEO of Dream Center in Los Angeles. Born in a shelter and beginning life in foster care, he carries a personal understanding of the struggles many at the Dream Center face daily. His lived experience has given him an empathy that goes far beyond professional training. It fuels a conviction that hope, healing, and restoration are always possible. Vince approaches leadership not as replacing the past but strengthening its foundation for the future. His focus is on alignment; staff, volunteers, and partners moving together in shared mission.



Vince participated in the 2015 Executive Learning Group and is a Creative Encounters by Fieldstone facilitator.

Our own Robin Sinclair has recently joined the the board of YMCA of Orange County. The YMCA’s vision is to improve lives and strengthen character by fostering youth and family development, healthy living, and social responsibility - work made possible by passionate staff and volunteers.

Robin is excited and honored to serve an organization with which her family has shared deep ties for four generations.