Becky Sutter graduated with her Master of Public Administration from San Diego State this May. We are excited for her to continue and expand her role at Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego. Beginning in June, she will take on the role of Program and Communications Manager, so you will be hearing from her a lot more!



Additionally, Becky will graduate from the Leadership Reading Group in June.

Four Fieldstone Leadership Network members were nominated in San Diego Business Journal's CEO of the Year Awards! Congratulations to , Rakesh Patel of Neighborhood Healthcare, Laura Tancredi-Baese of Home Start, Tonya Torosian of Promises2Kids, and James Wright of A Step Beyond.

Rakesh serves as a Fieldstone Coach.

Laura is a graduate of the Executive Learning and Leadership Reading Group.

Tonya received a Clare Rose Sabbatical in 2021 and is a graduate of our Executive Learning Group and Coaching Program.

James is a graduate of our Executive Learning Group.

Congratulations to Walden Family Services' CEO, Teresa Stivers, for her recognition during this year's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by Council Member Chris Ward. Theresa received the award during the Night at the Cabaret Fundraising event in San Diego which celebrated Teresa's commitment to uplifting foster children, youth, and families across California.

Teresa is a graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Leadership Learning Group.

Bridget Strickland, Director of Donor Services, was awarded the "Spirit of the Foundation" during San Diego Foundation's annual employee retreat. The winner of this award exemplifies the values of the San Diego Foundation in their work.

Bridget will graduate from the Leadership Reading Group in June.

Congratulations Bridget!

Safe and happy travels to Nao Kabashima and everyone working at Karen Organization as they begin their Clare Rose Sabbatical experience on June 6th.

Nao and her team have been preparing for this capacity building exercise since last June. Nao will also graduate from the Leadership Reading Group this June.

Congratulations to Jen Nation, Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center and Ben McCue, Outdoor Outreach, on receiving a Clare Rose Sabbatical grant for their organizations!

These outstanding leaders have been selected to receive a fully funded sabbatical experience, designed not only to provide them with a period of personal renewal but also to support a comprehensive capacity-building experience for their entire organizations. The grant includes funds to provide salary and benefits for the leader for the three months they are away, development opportunities for those leading in the absence of the executive director, additional compensation for those leading, and a consultant to help with the planning, execution and return phases of the program. Jen and Ben were selected from a rich candidate pool by a committee comprised of past Clare Rose Sabbatical-Takers, including Fiona Chatwin, Tanya Danielly, Renato Paiva, Pauline Martinson and Barbara Reuer. Past sabbatical-takers also participated in the surprise announcements to welcome the newest members of our Clare Rose Sabbatical Community.

Both Jen and Ben are graduates of our Executive Learning Group program and have participated in other offerings from the Network.

Congratulations to Melinda Forstey as she assumes the role of President and CEO at Serving Seniors.

Over the past 15 years with the organization, she has led numerous affordable housing initiatives across San Diego County and significantly expanded Serving Seniors’ nutrition program, increasing annual meal service from 650,000 to more than 1.4 million within the last three years.

Melinda is a graduate of our Learning Group program and participated in our Coaching program as well.

Welcome to Access Granted, the brand-new podcast from Access Youth Academy! Hosted by CEO Renato Paiva and Development Director Michael Castro, this storytelling series dives into the powerful turning points that shape lives. From personal breakthroughs to professional milestones, our guests share what happened when access was granted in their lives, how it transformed everything and how they are opening doors for others.



Renato is a long-time member of our Network, having the distinction of participating in each program we have offered. He serves as a Fieldstone Coach and Creative Encounters Facilitator. He received a Clare Rose Sabbatical in 2019.

🔥 Episode 1 is LIVE now — listen wherever you get your podcasts!

United Through Reading has been named one of Military.com’s Top Military Spouse Employers for 2025!

Congratulations to Sally Zoll and the team at UTR for creating opportunities for military spouses by offering flexible, meaningful career opportunities that support their unique journeys—and to stand alongside other organizations doing the same. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gW7Pcjjt



Sally is a graduate of our Executive Learning Group and a long time member of our Network.

From among nearly 300 nominations, Ramah Awad was one of two community leaders selected as a recipient of the 2025 Nancy Jamison Fund for Social Justice awards. Ramah and Pedro Rios will each receive a $50,000 unrestricted grant to further their groundbreaking work in advancing racial equity and social justice.

Ramah's dedication to the establishment and growth of Majdal: Arab Community Center of San Diego, has created a cornerstone community institution, building voice, visibility, and belonging for San Diego’s Arab refugee, immigrant, and newcomer communities. Ramah graduated from our Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group in 2023.

The Nancy Jaminson Awards for Social Justice where founded to honor Nancy's leadership as the President of San Diego Grantmakers, now Catalyst. The fund was established by David Lynn, Linda Spuck, Sharyn Goodson and Janine Mason to carry on her legacy.

LEADERS WHO READ: This June, the 9th cohort of the Leadership Reading Group turned the final page on another impactful and inspiring year.

Over the course of ten months, this thoughtful group of readers came together to explore leadership through the lens of powerful literature. Each book served as a catalyst for deep reflection and courageous conversation, pushing participants to examine the values, mindsets, and behaviors that shape inclusive and effective leadership.

As they close this chapter, we celebrate their curiosity, commitment, and willingness to challenge themselves and one another in pursuit of growth. The insights and relationships they’ve built will continue to ripple outward, enriching the organizations and communities they serve.

Leaders in the Field: Kathy Wilder and Kristin Fogle, Writers Ink. Kathy and Kristin are both currently participating in the Fieldstone Circle but decided to take their friendship from Zoom to IRL! Kristin visited Kathy with her family to enjoy the sunshine and nature at Camp Stevens, where Kathy serves as Executive Director. Thus, they literally were Leaders in the Field!!

Kathy graduated from the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and participated in the Coaching program.

Kristin also participated in the Coaching program and graduated from the Leadership Reading Group.

Sue Carter Kahl is facilitating a session on community-centered volunteer impact at the Points of Light Conference on June 5th. In her session, she will identify volunteer data that reflect the needs of those closest to the mission using a live case study with someone in the audience. Included in her session will be time to apply the lessons to your own agency and determine how to put the new data to use.

Sue is currently facilitating our Fieldstone Circle. She also serves as a Fieldstone Coach and Creative Encounters Facilitator for us and is a graduate of our Learning Group and Coaching programs.

Janine Mason was recently recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as a Nonprofit Board Leader of Influence for 2025. The recognition is presented annually to honor the valuable service provided by members of the San Diego community to local nonprofit organizations. Honoree’s are nominated for consideration. Janine was nominated by Will Peterson, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego. Janine has served as a trustee of the CCFSD since 2020.