At the Pathways to Independence Annual Client Retreat, PTI was honored to receive a grant from the OneVine Foundation, along with special recognition of one of its alumni from 20 years ago.

Angelica was presented with the Ruth Grace Award from OneVine, which honors individuals who embody the spirit of the Ruths of Today. Her journey reflects the resilience, growth, and leadership that Pathways strives to nurture.

This meaningful partnership not only advances Pathways’ work, but also celebrates those who have transformed their own lives and, in turn, positively impacted the lives of others.



Diana Hill, Executive Director at Pathways, participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group and was coached in the 2024 Executive Coaching Program; Marissa Tang, Executive Director of OneVine, is currently being coached in the Executive Coaching Program.

Brenda J Rodriguez, Executive Director was pleased to lead the Affordable Housing Clearinghouse’s recent Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) convening, which brought together leaders from housing, finance, and community development for a focused and timely discussion.

The convening highlighted key CRA priorities, including the increasing role of artificial intelligence in strengthening data analysis, compliance, and community impact. The strong engagement reflected a shared commitment to advancing innovative and effective approaches that support equitable outcomes for the communities served.

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. 

Best wishes to Brent Finlay on his retirement as Chief Executive Officer of Anaheim Family YMCA following an extraordinary 40 years of dedicated service. Brent’s journey with the Anaheim YMCA has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as a commitment to serve the community grew into a lifetime of leadership rooted in compassion, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every person who walks through their doors. Over four decades, Brent has helped shape the Anaheim Family YMCA and other YMCA Associations across Ohio, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Illinois, and Texas during his career, creating environments where children are inspired, families are supported, and community truly comes to life.

Brent participated in the 2022 Executive Learning Group.

Anne Grey, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Orange County|Inland Empire was recently appointed to the Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce newly formed Nonprofit Advisory Council, a group of highly respected nonprofit leaders in Orange County. The mission of this advisory group is to help the Chamber expand and strengthen its support for the nonprofit sector.

Anne participated in the 2001 Executive Learning Group and was a member of the 2017, 2019, 2020, 2024 and 2025 Leadership Reading Groups.

Andrew Fahmy, Executive Director United of Financial Security, Orange County United Way spoke at a meeting of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, where he accepted a resolution recognizing January 30 through February 6 as California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) Awareness Week.

The resolution highlights the importance of raising awareness about both the CalEITC and the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which provide critical financial support to working families. An estimated one in five eligible households do not claim these credits, leaving money unclaimed. In some cases, families may be eligible to receive as much as $8,000 back, but are unaware they qualify or need help filing to access these funds.

Andrew participated in the 2025 Executive Learning Group.

Orange County United Way's second annual 211 Day – The Pulse of Orange County event brought together nonprofit, public sector, and community leaders for a thoughtful conversation about the changing needs of Orange County residents.

Using shared data and cross sector insights, attendees examined the increasing complexity of the challenges facing the community and identified opportunities to improve coordination, strengthen partnerships, and build more connected systems of care to better serve those in need.

You can view the full report here.

Elizabeth Andrade, Executive Director of 2-1-1- Orange County, participated in the 2015 Senior Management Learning Group and was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.

Extraordinary Lives Foundation Founder and CEO, Mara James has released her new book, Unconditional: Mental Health Redefined. While the Foundation’s primary focus is children’s mental health and emotional wellness, Mara is equally passionate about supporting parents.

Her commitment comes from personal experience. Mara has faced her own mental health challenges and has also raised two children with challenges of their own. Those experiences became a powerful catalyst for founding Extraordinary Lives Foundation.

As the Foundation celebrates its 10 year anniversary in 2026, the release of Unconditional feels especially meaningful.

Mara remains deeply committed to raising awareness about the importance of young children’s emotional wellness and providing practical tools to support it. Through her book and her ongoing work, she hopes to help children and parents build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create lives grounded in well being and joy.

Mara was coached in the 2022 Executive Coaching Program.

Susi Q volunteers teamed up with kids from the Boys and Girls Club kids of Laguna Beach for a joyful Valentine’s card making party. Together, they created handmade cards for local seniors enrolled in Lifelong Laguna, the Susi Q’s aging in place program.

More than 200 colorful Valentine’s cards were mailed to seniors throughout the community, bringing smiles and a reminder that they are cared for and remembered.

“This was such a special collaboration,” said Rickie Redman, Director of Aging in Place Services at the Susi Q. “The Boys and Girls Club is an essential nonprofit in Laguna Beach. Our volunteers loved spending time with the kids, and the kids were so excited to send cards to a secret Valentine. One of my favorite messages simply said, ‘Love Matters.’ And it really does.”

Read the full article here.

Rickie was coached in the 2025 Executive Coaching Program, is a current member of the 2026 Senior Management Learning Group and will speak at our next Fieldstone@4.

Christy Cornwall, MPH, has joined Families Forward as its new Chief Program Officer. She brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience focused on housing stability, community health, and systems change.

Throughout her career, Christy has driven meaningful community impact through leadership roles at Providence St. Joseph Health and the City of Irvine. She is known for strengthening systems of care and improving outcomes for vulnerable populations.

In her new role, Christy will lead program strategy and oversee service delivery, ensuring Families Forward continues to expand its impact in preventing and ending family homelessness across Orange County.

Christy is currently a member of the 2025 Leadership Reading Group.