Gina Cunningham, Executive Director of HomeAid Orange County|Los Angeles, was nominated by Supervisor Sarmiento to become the Chair of the Commission to Address Homelessness. She has been a member of the Commission for the past 2.5 years, serving in the Affordable Housing position.

Gina stated, "I am here to listen if you have an idea, because we need everyone in our community to love thy fellow neighbor, and help them have a safe place to call home."

Gina participated in the 2022 Senior Management Learning Group, was coached in the 2014 Executive Coaching Program, participated in the 2021 Executive Learning Group and was a member of the 2019 and 2020 Leadership Reading Groups.

Alycia Capone, Chief Advancement Officer for Radiant Futures, and Sara Brown, Vice President of Health Services for First 5 Orange County, received the Women of Distinction Award from Senator Tom Umberg, in the Nonprofit and Health Services categories respectively. Together, they exemplify a strong network of women driving positive change in our region.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this award shines a spotlight on leaders making a real difference in Senate District 34.



Alycia participated in the 2023 Senior Management Learning Group and Sara participated in the 2025 Senior Management Learning Group.

Former United States Health Secretary Xavier Becerra visited the Child Guidance Center for a tour and discussion on the vital role of community mental health. This visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the team's daily efforts to support the emotional well-being of children, families, and veterans in our community. Access to quality mental health services can transform lives, and it's encouraging to see ongoing interest and engagement in this area.

CGC was also featured in a recent PBS special about children’s mental health.

You can listen to the entire episode here.

From left to right in the picture are Rubi Lopez-Becerra,'23, Chris Huyett '25 and 2026 Executive Coaching cohort, Lori Pack, 2010 ELG and 2011 Coachee, Xavier Becerra, and Rudy Gomez, 2022 Learning Group, and '22 and "23 Leadership Reading Groups.  Nancy Guardado and Lynda Akiyama are currently part of the 2026 Senior Management Learning Groups. 

Brenda Walters, Executive Director of Asociacion de Emprendedor@s has been selected for the 2026 Spring Cohort of Octane's Nonprofit Accelerator Program. This program invites nonprofits aiming to expand their community impact, strengthen their organization, and increase funding opportunities. Adapted from Octane’s award-winning LaunchPad Accelerator for commercial companies, participating nonprofits will become more capable of sustainable growth, better positioned for funding, and more empowered to enhance the lives and communities they serve.

Brenda participated in the 2022 Senior Management Learning Group.

Amanda Benedetti, Volunteer & Community Engagement Manager at Families Forward, is strengthening partnerships with business leaders to positively impact Orange County. She organized a collaboration with Easy Street Capital to refresh and beautify three affordable housing communities linked to Families Forward. Additionally, she secured matching donations for Families Forward’s Help Them Home Giving Day campaign!

Amanda is a current participant in the 2026 Senior Management Learning Group.

The Wooden Floor received the Spirit of Volunteerism Nonprofit Innovative Impact Award from OneOC this year. They were chosen for their strong presence in Orange County, their connection to OneOC’s partners, their significant community impact, and their innovative approach in creating new programs and services annually to further their mission.



Dawn participated in the 2007 Senior Management Learning Group, was coached in the 2012 Executive Coaching Program and became a coach in 2013; Tianna Haradon, Kimberly Hernandez, Payal Avellan, and Vanessa Rodriguez all participated in Senior Management Learning Groups.

Andrew Fahmy, Executive Director United of Financial Security at Orange County United Way published an article on family planning in Parenting OC.

You can view the digital version here on pages 10 and 11.

Andrew participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group.

Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of Laguna Art Museum, was recognized as a Woman Making a Difference by Katrina Foley, Orange County Vice Chair.

Julie participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group.

After raising $15.6 million, the Orange County Sheriff's Advisory Council began construction on the STAR facility. This facility features approximately 7,500 square feet of interior training space across two floors and a usable rooftop, all reconfigurable for various scenarios. It provides a safe environment for Academy Recruits, Deputies, and Tactical Units to train for basic service calls, active shooter situations, and tactical responses. Tactical units like the SWAT team will also train for high-risk search warrants, hostage and barricade situations, crisis entry, night vision operations, rappelling, and door breaching.

Maribel-Marroquin-Waldram, Executive Director, participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group.

Working Wardrobes recently held their first event, "The Power Within: What Resilient Leadership Looks Like in Practice." In today's leadership world, resilience is often seen as a necessary trait for handling challenges. However, true resilience is more than just enduring tough times; it's about adapting, leading genuinely, and paving the way for others.

This was highlighted by five women - Victoria Cabot, Lindsay Oglesby, Monica Olmos, Jeanne Pepper, and Kara Trebs - who shared pivotal moments that shaped their leadership styles. Their stories revealed common principles that provide valuable insights for leaders in various fields.

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

Jeff Ahlberg, Executive Director of My Safe Harbor and FLN Board Member, represented FLN at the First Annual Anaheim Human Services Network Vendor Fair. This invitation-only event brought together agencies and organizations that serve Anaheim residents to share information, build partnerships, and strengthen the collective impact of human services in the community. The event drew 90-100 organizational leaders from across the Anaheim Human Services Network.

Jeff mentioned, "Some leaders at the event were already familiar with and loved FLN, while others were learning about it for the first time and were eager to learn more about the program's offerings. Overall, it was a wonderful day and a delightful event."

Jeff participated in the 2019 Executive Learning Group and is a Creative Encounters by Fieldstone facilitator.