April 2023

Leaders in the Field

Congratulations to Network members Deborah Levy, Executive Director of Alzheimer's Association, Orange County Chapter and Nicole Suydam, President & CEO of Goodwill of Orange County, who were honored at the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce Women of Influence awards. Deborah received the Lifetime Achievement of the Year and Nicole was awarded the Game Changer of the Year. These remarkable women have made outstanding contributions to their fields and communities.


Deborah participated in the 2005 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2006 Executive Coaching Program. Nicole participated in the 2010 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2012 Executive Coaching Program

Michael Howard, Executive Director of Operation Clean Slate, just completed his 1,500th mural at DeAnza Elementary School in San Jacinto, CA. Since 1993, after surveying youth, Michael used public art as an alternative to graffiti. Engaging students to create something artistic that enhances the area while also providing the connection and recognition they so eagerly sought, was the start of Operation Clean Slate; clean the slate by not participating in destructive behavior (graffiti) and literally help clean the walls, or wipe the slate clean!



Mike was coached in the 1998 Executive Coaching Program and participated in the 2000 Executive Learning Group.

Friends, supporters, and the fastest growing sport in the U.S., helped raise $37,000 for Project Access Resource Centers to support low-income families throughout California and the country. The Tennis and Pickleball Club in Newport Beach swung into action for a good cause as it staged its first-ever charity fundraising pickleball tournament.


Kristin Byrnes, CEO & President, participated in the 2006 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

We love when our Network members come together and give us a shout out! Gina Cunningham, Executive Director of HomeAid Orange County posted on LinkedIn, "I’m grateful to have these amazing, strong and beautiful CEO’s in my life, who support each other with grace and kindness through our journey as leaders. Thank you Fieldstone Leadership Network  for bringing us together!"


Pictured: Rochelle Mills, Innovative Housing Opportunities, Kendra Chandler, Urban Land Institute OC, Gina Cunningham, Lisa Wood, Casa Teresa, Madelynn Hirneise, Families Forward, and Amy Behrens, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens.

Congratulations to Erika Enz, Director of Program Operations at Simon Scholars, and Emilie Dang, Community Impact and Programs Director of Innovative Housing Opportunities, who were recognized by Senator Tom Umberg, of the 34th Senate District as Women of Distinction Honorees. These remarkable women continue to thrive and we are proud to celebrate their achievements!


Erika participated in the 2018 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Emilie Dang also had the privilege of participating as "Principal for a Day" at Northam Elementary School and met with the incredible staff, teachers and students including touring classrooms, speaking with students, attending an award assembly and learning about the school's goals to ensure student achievement.



Emilie participated in the 2020 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Congratulations to Mary Ann Soden for starting a new position as Director of Corporate And Foundation Relations at University of California, Irvine School of Law.


Mary Ann participated in the 1998 Executive Learning Group while working at Orangewood Foundation.

Carrie Logue, Executive Director with the Los Alamitos Education Foundation joined the Board of the AFP - Association of Fundraising Professional CA, Orange County Chapter. She was recommended by the professor of a grant writing and administration certificate program she completed through Cal State Dominguez Hills. Carrie shared, "I'm excited to dig in and learn more fundraising best practices to serve our mission even better! I'm excited to connect with more amazing Orange county nonprofit colleagues."


Carrie participated in the 2019 Executive Learning Group.

It was great to see so many Network members at the 47th Annual OneOC Spirit of Volunteerism Awards where volunteers were recognized for their outstanding contributions in our nonprofit community- celebrating the theme of Together, We're Better.


Pictured (left to right): Robin Sinclair, FLN, Mara James, Extraordinary Lives Foundation, Katy Vandermost, Child Creativity Lab, and Jessica Hubbard, Casa Youth Shelter.

Paula Garcia-Arsenault, Vice President, Community Manager with JP Morgan, Chase & Co. received the 2023 National Hispanic Business Women Association's Woman of the Year. The NHBWA recognizes extraordinary women for their excellence, outstanding professional achievements, and contributions to the nonprofit sector and educational development of Orange County.

Paula participated in the 2019 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group while at Habitat for Humanity of Orange County.

Debora Wondercheck was recognized by Senator Janet Nguyen of the Thirty-Sixth Senate District as a Woman of Distinction Honoree for her contributions as founder of Arts & Learning Conservancy. Their mission is to provide students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels the opportunity to learn and excel in an immersive environment of world class performing arts.


Debora participated in the 2021 Executive Coaching Program.

Laguna Beach has entered into a partnership with Be Well Orange County for mobile mental health services. The Be Well OC mobile response program is expected to lighten the load on law enforcement and emergency medical service members. It will interface with the community and provide crisis intervention support when matters don’t require emergency personnel to handle a call for service.


Christy Weissmann, Executive Assistant/Program Manager is a current participant in our 2023 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Innovative Housing Opportunities celebrated the groundbreaking of The Aspire in the city of Riverside. The project will provide stable housing for young adults aging out of the foster care system and unhoused young people in Riverside community colleges. With an anticipated completion date of fall 2024, The Aspire’s thoughtful design, community programs, and access to local amenities will position future residents to rise to their full potential and ultimately give back to their community.


Rochelle Mills, President & CEO, participated in the 2019 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2020 Executive Coaching Program.


Save the Date for our upcoming Fieldstone@4!


June 6, 2023


Details to Follow

Leaders in the Field is a monthly communication highlighting Fieldstone Leadership Network member organizations and their

achievements in the community.


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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