Lucy Santana, CEO of Girls Inc. of Orange County, was inducted into the Santa Ana College Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Alumna!

Lucy began her educational journey at Santa Ana College as an 18-year-old, unsure of what her future held. SACC became the foundation that allowed her to learn, discover, and grow.

Reflecting on her journey, Lucy shared, “never would I have imagined this would happen — or that I would grow in my career to become CEO of Girls Inc. of Orange County. I’m so grateful to be part of such an impactful network of purpose-driven organizations, serving alongside incredible leaders in the county where I grew up."

You can read the entire article here.

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

Kristi Perez, Founder and CEO of Inspire Life Skills Training, recently celebrated the organization’s 20th Anniversary.

Founded with the mission to support foster youth on their journey to independence, Inspire Life Skills Training provides essential resources, guidance, and mentorship to help young adults successfully transition from foster care to self-sufficiency. Their personalized approach focuses on each individual’s strengths, goals, and needs—empowering lasting success in personal, academic, and professional life. At their gala, they shared an incredible video capturing the heart of Inspire’s mission through the voices of their youth.

Kristi participated in the 2008 and 2015 Executive Learning Groups, was coached in the 2014 Executive Coaching Program, and was a member of the 2017 Leadership Reading Group.

Inclusivity is key at Disneyland Resort, ensuring all who come to The Happiest Place on Earth feel welcome. This sentiment extends into the community where, alongside My Day Counts, the resort continues to invest in their Workforce Development Initiative. 

Mike Galliano, CEO & President, shared, “Our partnership with Disneyland Resort supports our Workforce Development Initiative, which prepares adults with disabilities to succeed in the workforce and compete alongside their non-disabled peers. While earning a high school diploma is an important step, this initiative goes further—providing training, mentorship, and real-world experience to help participants build the skills, confidence, and independence employers are looking for. Together, we’re leveling the playing field and creating a more inclusive, accessible community.”

Mike participated in the 2020 Executive Learning Group.

We love seeing our Executive Learning Group members connecting and supporting one another beyond our sessions!

At a recent Simon Scholars event, several members came together to show their encouragement and support, including (pictured) Andrew Fahmy, Orange County United Way; Christine Sanchez, Delhi Center, Andy Robles, Simon Scholars; Maribel Marroquin-Waldram, Orange County Sheriff's Advisory Council; Lupita Gutierrez, Casa Youth Shelter; and Adita Arya, Afghan Literacy Foundation.

Adita stated, "It was so inspiring to watch Andy in his element playing such a pivotal role in so many young adults’ lives. Thank you for including me in the event. I was very impressed with the level of maturity displayed by your Simon Scholars."

The Orange County Business Council brought together community and business leaders to celebrate the extraordinary courage and dedication of local first responders and frontline heroes at the OCBC 2025 First Responders Dinner. Team Kids Founder and CEO, Julie Hudash, was proud to stand side-by-side with her nominated honorees Anaheim Police Department & Anaheim Fire and Rescue - Police Chief Rick Armendariz and Fire Chief Pat Russell for their commitment and partnership with Team Kids and unwavering commitment to our youth. 

You can view the entire article here.

Julie was coached in the 2005 Executive Coaching Program.

The Arab American Civic Council led a statewide coalition to educate policymakers on how the lack of accurate data has impacted Middle Eastern and North African communities. Their advocacy paid off with a historic victory — Governor Newsom has signed the MENA Inclusion Act (AB-91) into law.

For the first time in California’s history, residents will be able to identify as “Middle Eastern or North African (MENA)” on state forms that collect demographic and ethnic data.

This landmark legislation corrects decades of misclassification and invisibility that have left nearly one million Californians underrepresented and underserved. With AB-91, state agencies can now deliver more equitable services, allocate resources fairly, and better reflect the rich diversity of our state.

Rashad Al-Dabbagh, Founder and Executive Director, was coached in the 2021 and 2023 Executive Coaching Program and participated in the 2022 Executive Learning Group.

Congratulations to several of our Network Members who received Samueli Foundation Build OC Fund grants!

These awards — ranging from $500,000 to $1 million — will help organizations renovate, expand, modernize, and replace essential infrastructure.

You can view the list of awardees here.

Congratulations are also in order for the 29 Network Member organizations that received Breakaway Fund grants of $50,000 to $100,000 to support basic needs programs.

You can view the list here.

A $350,000 grant from the Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation, has enabled Casa Youth Shelter to launch Casa Cares: a trauma-informed, real-time response program that bridges the space between mandated reporting and meaningful intervention for youth ages 12–17 in the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD).

Lupita Gutierrez, Executive Director shared, "as someone who went through every grade in the LBUSD, I know how urgent it is for Long Beach youth to have immediate help in their darkest moments. Thanks to the Josephine S. Gumbiner Foundation, Casa Youth Shelter can respond quickly in times of crisis, not only for young people, but also for the teachers, counselors, and caring professionals who are often the first to reach out for help. Together, we are making sure no child in Long Beach faces crisis alone.”

Lupita participated in the 2022 Senior Management Learning Group and is a member of the current 2025 Executive Learning Group.

Shakoya Green Long, CEO at Thomas House Family Shelter received the JP Morgan’s ICON Award. The Community ICONS program is an annual recognition initiative created by JPMorgan Chase to celebrate exceptional leadership and business excellence. The awards honor leaders and organizations across several categories — including small and mid-sized businesses, innovative leadership, community impact, service-oriented leadership, nonprofit excellence, and philanthropy.

These honorees exemplify growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making their communities stronger, more equitable, and more prosperous.

Shakoya participated in the 2022 Executive Learning Group.

Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of Laguna Art Museum and Brenda Rodriguez, Executive Director of Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, attended the Laguna College Arts and Design Center soft opening of Listen Louder.

The exhibition is one of the many ways Orange County’s art community is amplifying diverse voices and perspectives.

In Listen Louder, the ocean — “the one true border, constantly shifting between land and sea, water and air” — serves as the central theme in the powerful work of artist Ana Teresa Fernández.

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

Working Wardrobes has been named Partner of the Year by Simon Scholars. Their partnership expands over a decade, supporting rising scholars through workforce readiness training and professional wardrobe experiences. This year, Working Wardrobes welcomed 200 Simon Scholars, staff and alumni, equipping them for interviews, internships, and career opportunities with confidence and polish.

View the award video here.

Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program; Andy Robles, Executive Director of Simon Scholars is currently in the 2025 Executive Learning Group.

It was an honor to represent Fieldstone Leadership Network at AFP-OC’s Costumes + Coffee + Connections Brunch & Learn! Seeing so many Fieldstone network members stop by and join the conversation on strengthening board engagement was a true highlight. The event was filled with collaboration, learning, and plenty of laughter—everything we love about our nonprofit community!

Thank you to LaShanda Maze (pictured) and Duane Rohrbacher (2025 Leadership Reading Group member) for the invitation!