Mary Cappellini, Executive Director of Save Our Youth - SOY, (SOY), spoke at the Costa Mesa State of the City Luncheon. Since 1993, SOY has empowered over 15,000 at-risk youth in Newport Mesa Unified School District with mentoring, enrichment, and college counseling.

Mary was a member of the 2023 and 2024 Leadership Reading Groups and participated in the 2024 Executive Learning Group.

Vivian Clecak, founder of Human Options, received the Legacy Award at the Women’s Journey Foundation "The Tea That Stirred a Revolution" event. The Foundation celebrates the journey of every woman and acknowledges the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. The event featured music by Kelly Fitzgerald.

Vivian participated in the 1995 Executive Learning Groups and became a coach in the 1998 Executive Coaching Program.

Andy Robles, Executive Director of Simon Scholars and Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes were featured on KCAL News for their collaborative partnership.

You can watch the news segment here.

Working Wardrobes was also named an Orange County Business Journal Best Place to Work 2025!

Andy is a current participant in the 2025 Executive Learning Group; Bonni participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

Pathways to Independence held its first Pathways Art Show, where 11 clients displayed artwork and met artist Bob Senske. Over 120 guests attended, supported by the Long Beach Port and LBCC Foundation.



Diana Hill, Executive Director, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

Debbie Finster, Vice President at Pacific Marine Mammal Center was named 2025 Women of the Year for Laguna Beach by Assemblymember Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach).

Debbie participated in the 2017 Senior Management Learning Group.

This summer, Dreams for Schools partnered with EXP to host interns Nima, Cristian, and Kaitlyn. They actively supported programs, contributed fresh ideas, and made a significant impact. Their inspiring final presentations reflected their achievements.

Nithin Jilla, Founder & Executive Director, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group.

Stephanie Witkowski, Assistant State Director, California with Save the Children, was featured in an interview with KABC to share strategies for parents supporting their children as they enter school for the first time. 

You can view the news segment here.

Stephanie participated in the 2024 Executive Learning Group and is currently being coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program.

Roberto Reyes represented the US and Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center with great artistic talent and honor at the 2025 International Special Music & Art Festival, Special Olympics in Seoul, Korea. Roberto has been a student at the organization for almost 18 years and is a great example of how people with special needs can also accomplish great things in their life.

Ana Jimenez, Founder and Executive Director, participated in the 2006 Executive Learning Group, was coached in the 2010 Executive Coaching Program.

South County Outreach and Tanaka Farms bring fresh, local produce to WISEPlace on Broadway twice a month. The women they serve enjoy a FREE Farmer’s Market right at their doorstep.

Another great example of Network members collaborating!

LaVal Brewer, Executive Director of South County Outreach, participated in the 2017 Executive Learning Group and Brateil Aghasi, CEO of WISEplace, participated in the 2013 Senior Management Learning Group.

This summer, 125 high school girls explored careers through Girls Inc. of Orange County Girls Meet the Workforce program. They completed over 40 hours of professional development and externships with local companies, celebrating their achievements with mentors and peers at an inspiring reception.

Lucy Santana, CEO, participated in the 2002 Senior Management Learning Group and was coached in the 2004 Executive Coaching Program and became a coach in 2021.

Congratulations to Lisa Fujimoto, the new Executive Director of the Tustin Public Schools Foundation. With over 35 years of leadership in nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate sectors—she has raised over $100 million for capital campaigns, grants, scholarships, and transformative programs.

Lisa participated in the 2021 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.