Mark your calendars! This May, Sarah Buchanan will serve as both a speaker and tour guide at the Women’s Affordable Housing Network Summit in San Diego. The summit brings together leaders from across the country who are shaping housing policy and advancing solutions, and this year’s gathering is expected to be the largest to date.

As Executive Vice President of the San Diego Housing Federation, Sarah is widely recognized for her leadership in strategy, policy, and coalition building in sustainable housing. Her work continues to influence how communities approach affordability and equity, making her a natural fit to help guide conversations and experiences at this year’s summit.

Sarah is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and the Circle.

Recognition from external organizations is always worth celebrating, but there is something especially meaningful about being honored by the people you work alongside every day. Douglas Flaker, Associate Vice President at Health Center Partners of Southern California, was recently awarded the Impact Award for Excellence at the organization’s annual staff meeting.

A trusted and dedicated leader, Douglas shared that the award reflects not only his efforts, but also the commitment and hard work of his team. Congratulations, Douglas, on this well-deserved recognition.

Douglas is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and a member of the Circle.

Rakesh Patel recently brought the voice of community health to Capitol Hill, meeting with elected officials to discuss the future of the 340B program and the potential impact of HR 1. As the CEO at Neighborhood Healthcare, Rakesh is helping ensure that national policy conversations remain grounded in the real needs of safety-net providers and the communities they serve. His advocacy highlights the critical role policy plays in expanding access to care, supporting population health efforts, and addressing the root causes of health disparities.

This kind of leadership reflects a broader commitment to standing up for communities that are often underrepresented in national conversations. By showing up, building relationships, and speaking on behalf of both patients and providers, Rakesh is helping shape a future where care remains accessible and community voices are heard.

Rakesh is a Fieldstone Coach.

Sean Spear, President and CEO of Community HousingWorks, has been named one of the 2026 Housing California Housing Justice Award Honorees. This recognition celebrates leaders who have made a lasting impact in advancing housing equity, and Sean’s career reflects a sustained commitment to that mission across San Diego County and California.

Sean has consistently worked to expand access to affordable housing and strengthen communities. Known for his ability to shape policies, programs, and partnerships that create meaningful change, Sean's leadership is far-reaching in the state. This honor is a testament to the impact of his work and we are proud to celebrate this huge accomplishment!

Sean is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group.

Steve Dilley, Founder of the Veterans Art Project, has been named a recipient of the 2026 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) Outstanding Achievement Award.

Presented by the NCECA, this national honor recognizes individuals whose work has made an extraordinary contribution to the field through a singular project or body of work. Steve’s impact reaches well beyond ceramics. Through the Veterans Art Project, he has created a meaningful space where veterans, active duty service members, and military families can find connection, purpose, and healing through creative expression.

This recognition speaks to both his artistic vision and his unwavering commitment to serving others. Congratulations, Steve, on this well-deserved honor!

Steve is a current member of the Executive Learning Group.

We are proud to celebrate Kwofi Reed, President and CEO of San Diego Habitat for Humanity, on being named one of the San Diego Business Journal’s 2026 Black Leaders of Influence. This recognition highlights leaders who are making a meaningful impact across the region, and Kwofi’s work continues to stand out as a powerful example of purpose-driven leadership.

Through his expertise and commitment, Kwofi has helped expand access to affordable homeownership and opportunity for working families throughout San Diego County.

Kwofi is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group.

Congratulations to Sara Napoli, President and CEO, on being named a 2026 Legacy Leader Award recipient in the field of Community Impact and Social Change by the University Club San Diego. This recognition honors leaders whose work creates lasting, meaningful change in their communities, and reflects a sustained commitment to service, vision, and impact.

Sara’s leadership continues to shape and strengthen the nonprofit sector through her dedication to developing people, organizations, and communities.

We celebrate this well-deserved recognition and the continued influence of Sara’s work in advancing community impact and social change.

Sara is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group, Coaching Program, and a Retreat participant.

A Step Beyond (ASB) and Project Next are joining forces to expand support for high school students, bringing together their shared commitment to their community. By integrating Project Next’s Future Center programming into ASB’s holistic model, known for its tuition-free dance education, academic support, and family services, students will gain access to personalized coaching, workshops, and guidance in college and career planning.

This partnership highlights the power of collaboration in creating a greater impact. By combining their strengths, ASB and Project Next are building a more connected network of support that helps students turn their talents and aspirations into clear pathways forward. Together, they are not only preparing young people for life after high school, but also strengthening the community that surrounds and uplifts them.

Many Project Next and ASB employees have attended Fieldstone's programs, including both of their CEOs who are graduates of the Executive Learning Group.

Congratulations to Villa Musica on an incredible milestone and exciting new chapter. As the organization celebrates 20 years of teaching, performing, and inspiring the San Diego community, the opening of a new Fletcher Hills campus marks an exciting new chapter. Their new location will be the home of a thriving program serving hundreds of students.

The new East County location will bring high-quality, accessible music education to even more families, while continuing Villa Musica’s commitment to community, creativity, and inclusion. With expanded space for lessons, ensembles, and community programs.This growth ensures that more students and teaching artists can benefit from the joy and opportunity that music provides. It’s a meaningful achievement and a testament to the lasting impact Villa Musica has built over the past two decades.

Fiona Chatwin, Executive Director of Villa Musica, is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group, Leadership Reading Group, Coaching Program, and was a recipient of a Clare Rose Sabbatical.

Congratulations to Valerie Attisha on being named one of this year’s Cool Women, an honor that celebrates exemplary leaders who are making a lasting impact in their communities. As the Cool Women Celebration marks its 25th year, this recognition highlights not only Valerie’s leadership and influence, but also her role in inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

This milestone event brings together outstanding women and Emerging Leader Girl Scouts (ELGS) in a powerful display of connection and mentorship. From practicing networking skills and engaging with industry leaders to sharing the stage with honorees like Valerie, these young leaders gain invaluable experience and insight into future career pathways. Valerie’s recognition as a Cool Woman reflects the spirit of the celebration, where leadership, community, and intergenerational connection come together to create a brighter future.

Valerie is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, Coaching Program, and Leadership Reading Group.

We’re excited to wish Jen Nation, Executive Director of Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center, bon voyage as she begins her three-month sabbatical. Jen was one of last year’s recipients of the Clare Rose Sabbatical, an award designed not only to give executive directors well-deserved time to rest and recharge, but also to support the broader organization during their absence.

A key part of what makes this sabbatical so impactful is Fieldstone and Clare Rose’s whole-organization approach. While Jen is away, support extends to staff stepping into leadership roles, including Jennifer Walker, Olivewood’s Development Manager, who is currently participating in our Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group. We’re grateful to be part of this journey and look forward to hearing all about Jen’s time away. Safe travels, Jen!

Jen is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group and a member of the Circle.

Stephanie Segal Ortega, Chief Operating Officer of Promises2Kids, recently celebrated her 20th anniversary with the organization. Reaching this milestone is a remarkable achievement and a testament to her dedication to serving foster youth and strengthening the community around them.

Since joining Promises2Kids in 2006, Stephanie has helped guide the organization’s growth and deepen its impact. Her journey from program coordinator to Chief Operating Officer speaks to both her dedication and the trust she has earned as a leader. Her compassion and steady presence have touched countless lives, and her influence continues to be felt across the organization and the community it serves.

Stephanie is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and Coaching Program.

We are excited to celebrate Lucy Eagleson as she steps into her new role as Director of Arts and Education Initiatives at Price Philanthropies. Lucy’s transition marks an exciting next chapter in a career dedicated to expanding access to arts and education for young people across San Diego.

Previously serving as Executive Director of A Reason To Survive (ARTS), and with eight years at Outside The Lens, Lucy has been a driving force in youth arts engagement and experiential learning. Her leadership has consistently centered creativity, storytelling, and opportunity for young people. In her new role, she will help advance initiatives such as School in the Park, continuing her work to connect communities with arts and cultural resources. We look forward to seeing the impact of her leadership in this new capacity and congratulate her on this well-deserved opportunity.

Lucy is a graduate of LAUNCH.

We are pleased to share that Lisa Stout has joined the Board of Directors for the San Diego North Economic Development Council (SDNEDC). This appointment reflects her ongoing commitment to regional leadership and her investment in the long-term success of North County.

Through her new role, Lisa will collaborate with fellow leaders to help strengthen the local economy, support workforce development, and shape the future of the region. Her involvement with SDNEDC highlights the important role nonprofit and community leaders play in driving economic vitality and fostering meaningful connections across sectors.

Lisa is a graduate of the Coaching Program and Executive Learning Group.

Congratulations to Elijah Bonde who was recently named the new President of Nativity Prep! Elijah began his career as an AmeriCorps volunteer teacher at Nativity Prep, so this exciting advancement represents an exciting return to the organization for Elijah.

Elijah’s experience and steady leadership position him well to guide Nativity Prep into its next chapter. With a background that includes system-level leadership in Catholic education, he brings a thoughtful, strategic perspective to the role. We congratulate Elijah on this well-earned appointment and look forward to the impact he will continue to make.

Elijah is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group