September 2024

Leaders in the Field

Ronald McDonald House Orange County recently celebrated the completion of a two-year, $15.7 million expansion project in Orange. The facility will serve as “home away from home” for more than 5,000 families annually while their children receive medical care from nearby Children’s Hospital of OC. For nearly 35 years, Ronald McDonald House Orange County has aimed to provide solace and respite for families of children who are undergoing medical treatments at local hospitals.

This project will now be able to serve twice the amount of families each year and offer more help and resources than ever before!


Click here to read the OC Register article.


Noel Burcelis, Executive Director, participated in the 2014 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and the 2023 Executive Learning Group.

Susan Parmelee, Executive Director of the Wellness & Prevention Center (WPC) announced the commencement of the build-out for allcove San Juan Capistrano. The drop-in center for youth ages 12-25 will provide services that include mental health, physical health, peer support, family support, substance use, and supported education and employment.


After an extensive journey to secure a location and subsequently applying for a conditional use permit, the team will now proceed with design and construction. The location will house both WPC headquarters as well as allcove San Juan Capistrano, with a soft launch slated for May 2025. 


Susan participated in the 2024 Executive Learning Group and board member Bill Carson is a member of the 2024-2025 Leadership Reading Group.

Tami Thompson, Vice President, Development at Orange County United Way, recently moderated a conversation on "The Rising Wealth of Women" with Nicole Quinlan-Yerkes for

Local, Global and Me, a partnership with Bank of America and Orange County United Way. Together they create a space where ideas flourish and our community grows stronger through guest speakers and impact discussions. Last week they learned that over the next decade, $30 trillion in U.S. wealth is expected to transfer to younger women.


Tami participated in the 2009 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and the 2020, 2021 and 2024 Leadership Reading Group.

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens will officially open their main salon to the public on October 1st- a huge milestone for their rebuild after the landslides. They are eager to welcome the public back into the historic space with new displays, curated antiques and their own permanent art collection for the first time.


Kylie Travis, Executive Director, Operations and Programming, participated in the 2020 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Katie Binkley joined the board of Leadership Tomorrow, whose mission is to cultivate, inspire, connect and empower an effective community of leaders. They believe that business people are better prepared to lead and serve a community when they know its inner-workings and their needs. Each year nearly 30 community leaders participate in the Leadership Tomorrow program. A nonprofit organization, Leadership Tomorrow serves the communities of Costa Mesa, Irvine, Newport Beach and Tustin, and is supported by many community-minded organizations.


Katie is a current member of the 2024 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

HomeAid Orange County celebrated their 35th Anniversary with their annual Project Playhouse event, bringing together some of their homebuilding industry partners to create one-of-a-kind custom playhouses to raise money toward their mission to end homelessness in Orange County. The playhouses are on display at Irvine Spectrum Center through October 5 with weekend tours available.


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 Group, and participated in the 2021 Executive Learning Group.

Mara James, Founder & CEO of Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF), partnered with American Red Cross Southern California Region during September’s National Preparedness and Children’s Emotional Wellness Month. ELF generously donated Piggie BEAR toolkits that will be distributed across their four chapters to support young children displaced by home fires and other disasters.


Mara was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.

Shakoya Green-Long, Chief Executive Officer of Thomas House Family Shelter had the privilege to meet with the National Women's Shelter Network Board and Acting Secretary of HUD, Adrianne Todman in Washington, D.C. to advocate for critical shelter funding for women and children. She stated, "It’s truly a blessing to collaborate with leaders who not only understand the vital work we're doing but recognize that we are, indeed, 'doing the Lord's work!' Together, we’re making strides toward ensuring safety, dignity, and hope for those in need."


Shakoya participated in the 2022 Executive Learning Group.

Child Creativity Lab recently sparked a partnership with the SoCal Edison Women’s Leadership Group during their Season of Service!  Their energy made a powerful difference — together they created 613 STEAM kits! The group also made a generous financial donation to CCL to help them continue fostering STEAM and creativity education in the community. 


Katy McInnes, Director of Partnerships, participated in 2023 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

The Fly SoCal initiative, led by Brenda Rodriguez, Executive Director of Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, empowers California youth by teaching essential financial literacy and planning skills through seminars and guest speakers.


In partnership with Orange Country Conservative Corps, the program recently completed its first successful 4-week course. By equipping students with the knowledge to become future homebuyers, Fly SoCal is making a meaningful investment in California's future.


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

Leaders in the Field is a monthly communication highlighting Fieldstone Leadership Network member organizations and their

achievements in the community.


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