Rochelle Mills, President & CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities served as a panelist at the InterFace Affordable Housing Southern California conference.

The conference brought together key decision-makers from across the affordable housing sector, including developers, owners, investors, brokers, lenders, architects, and housing authority executives. Discussions focused on current market trends, new legislation, evolving financing strategies - including shifts in LIHTC and private-developer participation, and operational best practices aimed at addressing California’s ongoing housing shortage.

Rochelle participated in the 2019 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2020 Executive Coaching Program.

Chris Simonsen, CEO of Orangewood Foundation, was recognized by the LA Times Studios Business OC Executive Forum & Leadership Awards for his leadership and impact across Orange County. For over nearly two decades, he has guided Orangewood’s growth while keeping its mission focused on supporting young people through housing, education, workforce development, and life-skills programs. His emphasis on collaboration among nonprofit, government, and private-sector partners has helped advance transitional housing and strengthen long-term housing strategies for young adults. The recognition highlights his vision, collaboration, and commitment to creating a stronger future for Orange County’s youth.

Chris participated in the 2017 Executive Learning Group.

Child Guidance Center’s 2026 Board & Leadership Retreat concluded with an inspiring conversation led by Brian Driscoll, Jr., former Acting Director of the FBI, on moral courage, integrity, and leadership in high-stakes moments. The retreat also celebrated a successful year, reflected on progress, and explored future opportunities and challenges. It was a day of inspiring conversation, and a great reminder that the decisions we make today shape the future of the children, veterans and families we serve.

Lori Pack, CEO participated in the 2010 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2011 Executive Coaching Program.

Christine Sanchez, CEO of Delhi Center, was recognized by Senator Tom Umberg as the 34th Senate District’s Constituent of the Month, alongside her team. This recognition comes as a testament to their collective efforts in addressing the pressing needs of the Delhi community.

Christine participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2026 Executive Coaching Program.

Aaron Reyes has been named Executive Director of Toberman Neighborhood Center, a historic Los Angeles nonprofit serving the Harbor community for more than 120 years. Previously Associate Executive Director at Project Kinship in Santa Ana, Reyes expressed gratitude for his experience supporting people and families affected by incarceration, violence, and systemic barriers. At Toberman, he will lead programs focused on education, youth development, violence prevention, family support, and community services.

Aaron participated in the 2025 Senior Management Learning Group.

Madelynn Hirneise was named one of Modern Luxury’s 2026 Dynamic Women. As the new CEO of Meals on Wheels Orange County, she's spent her career helping people thrive at every stage of life and now carries forward a legacy grounded in a simple conviction: aging is a privilege, one we should all be fortunate to experience. Her leadership of high-performing teams rests on optimism, authenticity and curiosity, qualities she wields deliberately. She believes success is shared and that the best leaders are generous with opportunity.

Madelynn participated in the 2019 Senior Management Learning Group, was coached in the 2020 Executive Coaching Program, and participated in the 2021 Executive Learning Group.

Congratulations to Sarah Pena, Senior Director of Programs at Pathways of Hope, who just celebrated her 10th year of service helping Pathways lead the community effort to provide access to food, shelter, and housing to those experiencing hunger and homelessness in North Orange County.

Sarah participated in the 2023 Senior Management Learning Group.

After taking a break from nonprofit work, we welcome back Kevin Wong, the new Director of Grants and Strategic Partnerships at Project Kinship. PK's mission is to provide support and training to lives impacted by incarceration, gangs, and violence through hope, healing, and transformation. Kevin stated, "I took a little break after Solidarity and tried something new, but it's good to be back in the nonprofit sector again."

Kevin participated in the 2020 Senior Management Learning Group and was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.

Thank you Natalie Moser, Executive Director of Robyne’s Nest, for sharing the latest impact of their work supporting high school students experiencing homelessness at Fieldstone@4, our quarterly hosted happy hour.

We’re grateful for her leadership, heart, and the difference Robyne's Nest is making for young people in our community.

Natalie is a current participant in the 2026 Executive Learning Group.

Thank you Nishtha Mohendra, CEO of Friendship Shelter, and the entire staff for a fun and productive day of team building by Creative Encounters by Fieldstone.

Friendship Shelter is dedicated to ending homelessness in South Orange County, one person at a time, and operate a full spectrum of services, including outreach, shelter, housing navigation, financial assistance, and permanent housing with supportive services.

Nishtha participated in the 2020 Senior Management Learning Group, was coached in the 2022 and 2023 Executive Coaching Program and is a current participant in the 2026 Executive Learning Group.