Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes shared a powerful example of the "transfer of energy" through intent on the last episode of The Savage Leader. Working Wardrobes empowers and prepares individuals for the dignity of work and have helped over 120,000 clients overcome barriers to employment and The Power of a Paycheck™.

You can view the entire podcast here.

Bonni participated in the 2023 Executive Learning Group, and is a member of our 2024 Executive Coaching Program.

Brenda Rodriguez, Executive Director of Affordable Housing Clearinghouse, along with their Advisory Committee, convened the 2024 Community Reinvestment Forum. The invited panelists shared insights, expertise, and dedication in the dialogue of advancing homeownership and empowering communities, sparking meaningful discussions and strategies with lasting impact. Together, they are creating opportunities for equitable homeownership and stronger communities.

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.

We are thrilled to spotlight Adita Arya, Executive Director of Afghan Literacy Foundation and a dedicated member of our Fieldstone Leadership Network community, for her recent role in honoring an extraordinary philanthropist, Mohannad Malas, at AFP’s Philanthropist of the Year Awards. Adita’s commitment to advancing education and opportunity within underserved communities, particularly in Afghanistan, is deeply inspiring.

Adita had the privilege of nominating Mohannad Malas for the *Philanthropist of the Year* award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Recognized for his transformational impact, Mohannad’s generosity has been instrumental in uplifting initiatives like the Afghan Literacy Foundation and online education programs for girls. Together, they attended the AFP awards ceremony, celebrating his recognition and the ripple effect of his philanthropy across multiple communities.

Adita was a member of the 2023 Executive Learning Group, was coached in the 2023 Executive Coaching Program, is going to participate in the 2025 Executive Learning Group, and was part of the 2023 Leadership Reading Group.

Team Kids' CEO and Founder, Julie Hudash was honored at the 9th Annual OC Influencers for Good. This prestigious award, presented by the Institute for Community Impact, a program of the Passkeys Foundation, celebrates exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions to the Orange County community. Julie was recognized for her remarkable impact and dedication to advancing the institute's service values, particularly in Family & Social Services. Her inspiring leadership and commitment continue to set her apart in making a difference!

Julie was coached in the 2005 Executive Coaching Program.

Iosefa Alofaituli, Executive Director of CIELO, presented at the CAMEO Network's 30th Anniversary Celebration, Equity in Action: Innovating the Small Business Ecosystem in San Diego. CIELO is the go-to small business support system for Orange County’s under-resourced communities, immigrants, and people of color. They have touched the lives of over 4,000 people and helped 450 launch businesses or become launch- ready. Through individualized entrepreneurial training and coaching, they provide resources where there are none, connections where they are scarce, and support where it’s hard to find. Iosefa highlighted CIELO’s recent recognition with CAMEO's Ecosystem Award for Culture.

Iosefa participated in the 2013 Executive Learning Group and is sending two leaders to our 2025 cohorts.

Congratulations to Fieldstone Leadership Network members, LaVal Brewer - South County Outreach, Alison Edwards - Groundswell, Holly Hagler - Meals on Wheels Orange County, Becks Heyhoe-Khalil - United to End Homelessness, Madelynn Hirnese - Families Forward, Jessica Hubbard - Casa Youth Shelter, Ronnetta Johnson - Waymakers, Antoinette Naddour - Veterans Legal Institute, Taryn Palumbo - Orange County Grantmakers, Bonni Pomush - Working Wardrobes, Maricela Rios-Faust - Human Options, Angie Rowe - Beyond Blindness, Lucy Santana - Girls Inc. of Orange County, and Debora Wondercheck - Arts & Learning Conservatory for their recognition in the Los Angeles Times list of Orange County Visionaries.

You can read the entire article here.

Antoinette Naddour, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Veterans Legal Institute, was named 2024 Attorney of the Year by the Celtic Bar Association of Orange County. The association was formed to unite the descendants of the various Celtic nations, to honor the contributions the Celts have made to American life in general, and the American legal system in particular.

In addition to this honor, Veterans Legal Institute held its 10 year anniversary celebrating 12k veterans served! The event was sold out with over 500 people, two medal of honor recipients, two World War II veterans, a two star general as the emcee that raised over $540,000.

Antoinette participated in the 2015 Executive Learning Group.

Hayley Cooper wrote a book Sow, Grow Lead about her time starting a nonprofit in Malawi. In Sow, Grow, Lead: Strategies for Growing Nonprofit Leaders, Haley shares her inspiring journey of co-founding a nonprofit and building a peanut butter factory in Malawi. Blending personal stories with practical strategies, Haley reveals how innovation, community engagement, and cultural sensitivity transformed a simple idea into a thriving social enterprise that fuels economic development.

Hayley participated in 2021 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.