Dreams for Schools won 1st place at Octane’s Nonprofit Accelerator Pitch Lab; an event that brought together local nonprofits to pitch their missions and showcase their impact to a panel of industry leaders. It is an incredible opportunity to share work in expanding access to STEM education and to connect with others who are passionate about making a difference. They were honored to have been recognized and will use this momentum to continue empowering students as they kick off summer programming, bringing hands-on STEM learning to students across Orange County.

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

Affordable Housing Clearinghouse (AHC) attended the July Business Mixer hosted by the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and co-hosted by Community Health Initiative of OC, Project Kinship, First 5 OC, and MECCA. Brenda Rodriguez, AHC’s Executive Director attended in her role as a Board Member of MECCA, which is led by Yesenia Velez-Ochoa. The event showcased strong cross-sector partnerships advancing health and social equity.

Brian Bui, AHC intern and participant in the B BOLD BOLDER program through Clearinghouse CDFI, gained firsthand exposure to how local organizations collaborate to uplift communities—reflecting AHC’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.

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. Yesenia participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group.

Network members Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes and Lucy Santana, CEO of Girls Inc. of Orange County had the honor of participating in the Success with Purpose Giving Circle. Working Wardrobes was honored as the primary grant recipient at the gathering.

The Giving Circle brings together generous leaders who are committed to living richer, purpose-driven lives—and to inspiring others to do the same. This event saw a record turnout, welcomed 11 new members, and raised over $8,500 to support the participating organizations.

Bonni participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program; Lucy participated in the 2002 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2004 Executive Coaching Program and became a Coach in 2021.

Congratulations to Pathways to Independence, who partnered with the Orange County Community Foundation for a one-day peer-to-peer giving day. Pathways was the top giver out of 27 nonprofits.



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

Anne Grey, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire joined the Norris Group Hard Money & Real Estate Investments podcast to share how one wish can change a life. Anne shared the powerful mission and impact of Make-A-Wish through moving stories of hope, healing, and community connection. She highlighted the different types of wishes granted, how families are involved in the process, and what qualifies a child for a wish—including the urgency behind rush wishes. She also covered fundraising strategies, Make-A-Wish’s financial goals for 2025, and the essential role volunteers play in bringing these life-changing experiences to life.

You can listen to the entire podcast here.

Anne participated in the 2001 Executive Learning Group and the 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2024 Leadership Reading Groups.

Orange County Children's Therapeutic Art Center (OCCTAC) partnered with University of California, Irvine for a creative and uplifting community event centered around Neurographic Art; a relaxing, meditative drawing technique known to help calm the mind and support mental well-being. In this hands-on session, they used watercolors to explore this unique art form that connects creativity with mindfulness.

After the workshop, a "Brushstrokes of Belonging" exhibition showcased the artwork of young artists who have explored a variety of mediums throughout the year, guided by the dedicated and passionate teaching staff of OCCTAC. Students of OCCTAC are either neurodiverse or live with a disability.



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

Network members Lina Lumme, Executive Director/CEO of The Youth Center and Brenda Rodriguez, Executive Director of Affordable Housing Clearinghouse actively participate in the Orange County Executive Directors Forum—a collaborative network of nonprofit and mission-driven leaders dedicated to strengthening community impact through peer learning, strategic dialogue, and innovation.

Lina participated in the 2018 Executive Learning Group. 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.

Congratulations to The Wooden Floor, named an Orange County Business Journal Best Place to Work 2025 for a third year in a row. Founded in 1983 by Beth Burns as Saint Joseph Ballet in downtown Santa Ana, The Wooden Floor has evolved over the decades. As the student population grew, the organization has expanded beyond its dance program to offer tutoring, college prep, counseling and crisis intervention to help youth achieve long-term success. Dawn Reese joined the organization in 2009 with the mindset of "people first" and rolled out a suite of employee-centered perks that go well beyond standard corporate benefits.

You can read the full article here.

Dawn participated in the 2007 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2012 Executive Coaching Program and became a coach in 2013. Staff members Tianna Haradon, Kimberly Hernandez, Payal Kumar, and Vanessa Rodriguez have participated in various Nonprofit Leaders Learning Groups.

HomeAid Orange County|Los Angeles dedicated La Veta Village, a new six-unit affordable housing community for families and seniors at risk of homelessness. The project is located in the City of Orange and added 20 beds, renovated three houses and added three ADU's.

Coverage of the dedication by ABC7 Eyewitness News can be viewed here.

Gina Cunningham, Executive Director, participated in the 2002 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, was coached in the 2014 Executive Coaching Program, and was a member of the 2019, 2020 and 2021 Leadership Reading Groups.

We love to hear when past Learning Group members come together to reconnect! Julie Perlin Lee, Executive Director of Laguna Art Museum shared, "we met for a couple of hours and through our discussion I was astounded at how much has happened over the last few years!"

Julie, Iliana Welty with Community Institute for Change, and Brent Finlay with Anaheim Family YMCA all participated in the 2022 Executive Learning Group.

Andrew Fahmy, Executive Director, Advancing Financial Security & Workforce Development with Orange County United Way,  joined a panel at the Corporate Impact Mixer to discuss why affordable housing isn’t just a benefit—it’s a necessity.

For a family of four in Orange County, the median household income is around $115,000 per year. But the actual cost of living here is closer to $127,000. That $12,000 shortfall—roughly $1,000 each month—means many families are forced to make painful trade-offs: cutting back on groceries, skipping preventive medical or dental care, buying used essentials, and setting nothing aside for emergencies.

When families have access to affordable housing, they’re able to breathe a little easier. They can save for the future, work toward homeownership, build generational wealth, and rest easier knowing they’ll be able to cover their monthly bills.

Andrew is currently participating in the 2025 Executive Learning Group.

The Robins brought some fun to the OC Mega Mixer with a lawn game that sparked laughs and great conversations! Nonprofit professionals and local funders from across Orange County gathered to connect, collaborate, and build new relationships. A big shoutout to Brent Finlay, CEO of the Anaheim Family YMCA, who won the business card drawing! And heartfelt thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello—you truly made our day.