Holly Hagler, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels Orange County, was a featured speaker at Orange County United Way's Cultures United discussing how to work together to bring connection and joy to older adults experiencing isolation and loneliness during the holiday season. 

Holly participated in the 2014 Executive Learning Group, was coached in the 2015 Executive Coaching Program and became a coach in 2021.

Dreams for Schools was the recipient of a Helping Hands Grant through Anaheim Community Foundation that helps bring their workshop model to Anaheim students and community through the Anaheim Libraries. The program focuses on strengthening youth and residents through supporting community-based organizations. Named after founding Executive Director of Anaheim Community Foundation, the Helping Hands grants honors the memory of Chris Jarvi, a strong advocate for youth and the Anaheim Community, who passed away April 22, 2013.

Dreams for Schools also kicked off their Coding, Robotics & Engineering programs at over 20+ schools for the winter season.

Nithin Jilla, Founder & Executive Director, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Groups and was a speaker at a recent Fieldstone@4.

The Youth Center is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its marketing internship program, welcoming six talented students from Los Alamitos High School. These young leaders will play a key role in amplifying their vision, mission, and programs through their unique voices, bringing a fresh perspective to their outreach efforts. By supporting programs for kids, these interns are giving back to their community while gaining invaluable skills and hands-on experience in marketing and advocacy. This mutually beneficial initiative not only empowers students with real-world training but also strengthens The Youth Center’s ability to connect with more families and expand its impact. Together, they are building a brighter future for youth; led by youth.

Lina Lumme, CEO, participated in the 2018 Executive Learning Group.

CIELO, alongside First 5 Orange County, celebrated the graduation of CIELO’s Childcare Entrepreneurship Cohort with 21 empowered women. Under-resourced, immigrant, and BIPOC communities are lacking quality childcare services that focus on child development while creating meaningful work for the business owners. CIELO offers a 4-week interactive course, followed by ongoing client navigation and support to help individuals launch licensed in-home childcare businesses.

Iosefa Alofaituli, CEO and Co-Founder, participated in the 2013 Executive Learning Group; Jessica Escalante, Director, Childcare Business Incubator, is a current member of the 2025 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group; and Alex Alvarez, Director, Business Education and Funding is currently being coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program.

Alison Edwards, CEO of Groundswell, was featured on the Critical Mass Business Talk Show Podcast with Ric Franzi. Groundswell tracks and reports hate activity for the County of Orange and produced their annual hate activity report for 30+ years. The nonprofit now focuses its work on bringing diverse people together to co-create belonging in classrooms, courtrooms, board rooms living rooms and beyond.

You can listen to the entire podcast here.

Alison participated in the 2008 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, and was coached in the 2013 Executive Coaching Program.

Jessie Rees Foundation: NEGU partnered with Ingram Micro to stuff 300 Joy Jars for Courageous Kids and had so much fun in the process! They celebrated their year-end success by giving back to kids with cancer, enjoying food trucks, music, and lots of holiday fun.

Shaya Frum, Director of Program Advancement, participated in the 2024 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, and is currently being coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program.

Lucy Santana-Ornelas, CEO of Girls Inc. of Orange County joined President & CEO, Brent Finlay of Anaheim Family YMCA for a new episode of Game Changers. Lucy shared her powerful insights on empowering women in sports, closing the gender play gap, and creating more opportunities for women in college and careers.

You can hear this inspiring conversation about building a more inclusive future here.

Lucy participated in the 2002 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2004 Executive Coaching Program, and became a coach in 2021. Brent participated in the 2021 Executive Learning Group.

Each year, the Orange County Register releases its list of the 125 Most Influential People, honoring individuals for their local impact, nationally and internationally. The 2024 list was said to be particularly competitive, with more than 360 reader submissions and nominations from reporters and editors. We are happy to recognize the following Fieldstone Leadership Network Members for this recognition: Madelynn Hirneise -Families Forward; Taryn Palumbo - Orange County Grantmakers; Dawn Reese - The Wooden Floor; Nicole Suydam - Goodwill of Orange County, and

Kylie Travis, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

Congrats to our Network Super Stars!

You can find a complete list here.

Ronnetta Johnson, CEO of Waymakers, was featured in an episode of "The Art of Good," Planting Seeds of Hope. The episode highlights Ronnetta’s journey and is a testament to the power of leadership, resilience, and the ripple effect of hope. From her roots in the Rocky Mountains to leading an organization that impacts over 35,000 individuals annually, her story is one of purpose and passion.

She reminded us that planting “seeds of possibility and change” can transform not just individuals but entire communities.

Tune in here to learn how Waymakers began as a pilot project in the 70s and evolved into a cornerstone of support for youth, families, and crime victims.

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

Crystal Tosello recently joined the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County team as Director of Annual Campaign. Crystal brings nine years of nonprofit experience including directing nonprofits, managing teams, fundraising, solidifying corporate sponsors, managing budgets, facilitating grants, and cultivating donor, major stakeholder and community relationships.

Crystal participated in 2023 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Farewell to Kathleen Mellon, who after 20 years with the

Jewish Federation Orange County, is moving to the east coast to be nearer to family. At the Federation’s Annual Meeting, she was honored with the inaugural Steven Fainbarg Memorial Tikkun Olam Award. This award, named in memory of Steven Fainbarg—a visionary leader and philanthropist who passed away in August—recognizes outstanding contributions to "tikkun olam," a Hebrew concept meaning "repairing the world." She had the privilege of working closely with Steven throughout her 20-year tenure with the organization, making this recognition especially meaningful.

Kathleen participated in 2018 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Good Day LA's Bob DeCastro from FOX 11 Los Angeles - KTTV visited Working Wardrobes Career Success Center, where one of their clients shared his inspiring success story. What many don't know is that their wrap-around services include resume building, soft skills training, mock interviews, and ongoing coaching— and a session with a personal stylist is the cherry on top! You can watch the coverage here.



Bonni Pomush, CEO, also shared powerful insights about creating inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive at University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education hosted Brilliant People: We’re Better Together, a gathering of business and community leaders united by a shared commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and innovation.

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

In the wake of the widespread and deadly Palisades and Eaton Fires countless donations have poured in. They include much-needed food, water, clothing and every day essentials. Becky Firey, Executive Director of American Red Cross of Orange County was featured on ABC7 Los Angeles sharing the need for blood donations.

You can view the full feature here.

Becki participated in 2024 Executive Learning Group.

Nishtha Mohendra, Chief Program Officer with Families Forward, stepped into the role of Vice Chair for the Continuum of Care (CoC) board. The CoC plays a vital role in uniting resources, policy, and strategic action to ensure no one in the community is left behind. As someone deeply committed to advancing equitable, innovative, and community-driven approaches, this marks an exciting new chapter in Nishtha’s journey of working to create systemic solutions for homelessness prevention and housing stability. 

Nishtha participated in 2020 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and was coached in the 2022 and 2023 Executive Coaching Program.

Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group - 1

Pictured Top Row (left to right): Robin Sinclair, FLN; Gagandeep Mann-Saechao, Groundswell; Chris Huyett, Child Guidance Center; Anna Medina, Meals On Wheels Orange County; Paige Medina, Multi-Ethnic Collaborative of Community Agencies; Beatriz Rojas, Families Forward; Marla Kennedy, Purpose Driven Connection; Lana Erlanson, Radiant Futures; Bottom Row: Aaron Reyes, Project Kinship; Manija Ahmed, 211 Orange County, United Way; Sara Brown, First 5 Orange County; and Kimberly Hernandez, The Wooden Floor.

Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group - 2

Pictured Top Row (left to right): Kiersten Parrales, Pathways of Hope; Ryan Legrone, Laura's House; Katie Szymczak, Families Forward; Chelsea Smith, Casa Teresa, Inc.; Kristine Peters, Orange County United Way; Jessica Escalante, CIELO; Robin Sinclair, FLN; Bottom Row: Emerald Archer, Girls Inc. of Orange County; Jonathan Miranda, California Family Institute; Sara Tienda, Human Options; Jennifer Ramirez, Casa Youth Shelter; and April Van Ligten, California Conference for Equality and Justice.

Executive Coachees

Pictured (left to right): Robin Sinclair, FLN; Shaya Frum, Jessie Rees Foundation; Stephanie Witkowski, 7000 Languages; Terra Pickett, Gloves 4 Grief, Inc.; Amber Rizkalla, Hope Builders; Michael Valentine, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County; Yvette Ahlstrom, HomeAid Orange County; Alex Alvarez, CIELO; and Rose Bermudez, Families Forward. Not pictured: Catharine Quinn, Concern America.