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Affordable Housing Clearinghouse (AHC) continued its commitment to expanding homeownership opportunities through community outreach and professional development. At Guild Mortgage's Homebuyer Readiness Event in Los Alamitos, Executive Director Brenda Rodriguez educated prospective homebuyers about the homebuying process and introduced AHC's HUD-approved Homebuyer Education Certification Course, highlighting the organization's counseling and education services that help individuals prepare for successful homeownership.
Brenda also represented AHC at the HomeFree-USA Affiliate Capacity & Growth Institute, where affiliate leaders from across the country explored strategies to strengthen organizational sustainability. The training focused on financial management, operational effectiveness, strategic partnerships, revenue growth, and long-term planning, providing practical insights to help AHC expand its impact and better serve the communities it supports.
Brenda participated in the 2015 Executive Learning Group, was coached in the 2017 Executive Coaching Program; and is a Creative Encounters by Fieldstone facilitator.
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Ronnetta Johnson, CEO of Waymakers, brought a powerful nonprofit perspective to the Orange County Community Leadership Summit, hosted by the Institute for Community Impact. With the theme “The Wisdom is in the Room,” the summit united dynamic voices from arts, business, education, healthcare, government, faith and nonprofits. Ronnetta shared a candid look at the mounting challenges facing nonprofits in Orange County and issued a call for collective action. She stated, "When nonprofits, businesses, public agencies, and philanthropy move in alignment, we don’t just respond to challenges; we reshape what’s possible."
Ronnetta participated in the 2017 Executive Learning Group, became a coach in the Executive Coaching Program, and has been a member of the Leadership Reading Group since 2022.
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Over the past 50 years, Radiant Futures has overcome economic challenges, a global pandemic, changing funding environments, and political shifts while remaining steadfast to its mission. Despite periods of both growth and uncertainty, it has continued working toward a future free from domestic violence and human trafficking, where every survivor has access to safety, support, and hope.
CEO Mark Lee participated in the 2020 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2021 Executive Coaching Program.
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Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes, received the 2026 Outstanding Community Leadership Award from Leadership Tomorrow in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to workforce development. Under her visionary guidance,Working Wardrobes has expanded its programs, strengthened community partnerships, and increased employment opportunities, empowering thousands of individuals each year to achieve economic independence. Bonni credits the organization's staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters for the collective impact of helping transform lives through the power of work.
Bonni participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program.
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The Wooden Floor was named one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Orange County for the fourth consecutive year, earning the #2 ranking in its category. The recognition, based largely on employee feedback, reflects the organization's strong workplace culture centered on collaboration, innovation, and its mission of transforming young lives through dance, education, and family support. CEO Dawn Reese credited the dedicated team for fostering an environment where employees and students alike can thrive.
Dawn participated in the 2007 Senior Management Learning Group, was coached in 2012 in the Executive Coaching Program and became a coach in 2013.
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A remarkable connection has been forged through Fieldstone Leadership Network, uniting Sarah McClellan Pena, Director of Programs at Pathways of Hope, and Christy Weissmann, Executive Assistant/Project Manager at Be Well Orange County. This collaboration not only allowed them to delve deeper into each other’s services but also to explore promising partnership opportunities that could significantly benefit the community. Both leaders expressed heartfelt gratitude for Fieldstone’s pivotal role in nurturing such meaningful relationships and fostering collaboration. Their enthusiasm and shared commitment to serving the community stand as a powerful testament to the potential of synergistic partnerships.
Sarah and Christy participated in the 2023 Senior Management Learning Group and Christy participated in the 2024 Leadership Reading Groups.
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Families Forward announced the appointment of Christy Cornwall as its new Chief Executive Officer following a nationwide search. Previously serving as Chief Program Officer, Christy brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofit, healthcare, and local government sectors. The Board selected her for her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to preventing and ending family homelessness as the organization continues to expand its impact across Orange County.
Christy was a member of the 2025/26 Leadership Reading Group.
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After concluding his tenure at Orange County United Way, Andrew Fahmy announced he has moved into the role of President and CEO of NeighborWorks Orange County. Reflecting on his time at United Way, he highlighted the growth of programs, partnerships, and community investments, while emphasizing that fostering a positive, collaborative culture was key to achieving meaningful results. In his new role, he looks forward to addressing Orange County's housing affordability challenges by bringing people together to expand housing and homeownership opportunities.
Andrew participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group.
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Friendship Shelter welcomed Emerald Archer as its new Chief Operating Officer. A leader, strategist, educator, and advocate, Emerald brings extensive experience in building programs and partnerships that strengthen communities. She expressed her enthusiasm for joining the organization and advancing its mission of serving individuals with compassion, dignity, and practical support.
Emerald participated in the 2025 Senior Management Learning Group.
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Girls Inc. of Orange County celebrated another successful Smart Ups Shark Tank Showcase, where elementary students demonstrated creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial skills by pitching their business ideas to a panel of community leaders. The event highlighted the impact of donors, volunteers, staff, and partners who help empower girls to build confidence, think innovatively, and develop leadership skills for the future.
FLN Board Member, Sam Tang, was one of the Sharks!
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Leaders in the Field is a monthly communication highlighting Fieldstone Leadership Network member organizations and their
achievements in the community.
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We want to celebrate YOU!
If you would like to share a personal or organizational accomplishment
in upcoming Leaders in the Field
publications, please direct your email here.
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