This June, Nancy Batterman published The Nonprofit Manifesto. In her book, Nancy offers a guide for nonprofits leaders who struggle to translate business-level strategic thinking to the unique needs of the nonprofit world.

Nonprofits are built on passion. Whether it's feeding families, providing shelter, or advocating for change, the work of a nonprofit is rooted in a deep commitment to making the world a better place. But as inspiring as that mission may be, it's not enough to sustain an organization. If you're a nonprofit leader who feels burned out trying to pay salaries, keep the lights on, and create long-term impact, you're not alone.

Grab Your Copy!

Nancy is a graduate of Fieldstone's Reading Group.

Kelli Loper is sharing her knowledge and wisdom about the sector by joining the board of two local nonprofits: Girls on The Run San Diego and The San Diego Civic Youth Ballet!

Kelli's journey to joining the board of SDCYB started in Fieldstone's Nonprofit Leaders Learning group where she connected with Marissa Shoten, SDCYB's Director of Philanthropy. When their group concluded, Kelli accepted a position as a board member, showing Fieldstone's spirit of reciprocity in action!

As a recent graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, Kelli is well equipped to support these organizations and we are confident she will be an invaluable member of both boards!

The Chula Vista Rotary Club had the pleasure of welcoming Kristen Fogle, Executive Director of San Diego Writers, Ink, to speak at their meeting. Kristen shared insights from over a decade of leading one of San Diego’s most vibrant literary nonprofits, San Diego Writers, Inc. The organization supports writers of all levels through classes, workshops, and community programs and Kristen spoke about the importance of her nonprofit's mission to the club in July.

Kristen is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group, Reading Group, the Coaching Program, and was a member of the Fieldstone Circle.

One of our most recent group of graduates from the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group has remained committed to their monthly meetings even after their official Fieldstone curriculum has ended. This dedicated bunch of leaders have taken fieldtrips to each other's offices across the county so they can stay updated on the great work of each member and the organizations they represent.

Recently, Carie Rodgers from PsychArmor was featured in an interview with The San Diego Voyager. In the interview, Carie shares how her work with Veterans shaped her path, the lessons she’s learned navigating large systems, and how she now supports organizations and leaders through training, consultation, and strategic advising. Carie’s story is a powerful example of service-driven leadership in action. It’s an inspiring read that highlights the meaningful work happening in our sector.

Read The Article Here

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

San Diego Housing Federation's Executive Vice President and graduate of Fieldstone's Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, Sarah Buchanan, was invited to speak at this year's Queer Housing Summit. The theme of this year's summit was “Resistance Through Queer Joy: Our Collective Action.” 

Sarah spoke as part of a panel that brought 2SLGBTQIA+ leaders in housing into conversation. They covered the challenges, barriers, and successes experienced by queer professionals in their fields. The panel highlighted the queer spaces created within and outside organizations, reflect on past changes, and look forward to future opportunities for 2SLGTBQIA+ professionals, ultimately emphasizing that ‘You’ are not alone and can bring your authentic self to work.

Sarah is graduated from the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group in 2025 and participated in the inaugural Fieldstone Circle.

CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County, Tina Rose, has been nominated for San Diego Magazine’s 2025 Celebrating Women Pioneer Award. For over two decades, Tina has led with heart, championing youth mentorship, advocating for girls' empowerment, and building a stronger San Diego

Tina is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Nancy Maldonado, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Rady Children’s Hospital was a speaker at the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives 8th Annual Leadership Summit in San Antonio, Texas.

The National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives is where leadership meets opportunity.  Leaders in the healthcare industry investigated the future of healthcare with visionary leaders and pioneering solutions. The NALHE Summit serves as a powerful platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, equipping leaders to work with boldness and purpose. Nancy inspired summit attendees to speak with purpose and intention in her session: Dialogue in Divisive Times: Turning Difficult Conversations into Meaningful Change.

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

We’re excited to celebrate Wendy Moore, Executive Director of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, who has been nominated by San Diego Magazine for the Military + Public Service Pioneer Award!

For more than 15 years, Wendy has championed San Diego’s first responders, leading the Foundation in raising essential funds for lifesaving equipment, advanced training, and wellness programs that support the firefighters and lifeguards who protect our community.

Thanks to her leadership, countless first responders have the tools and support they need to run toward danger when others cannot. Her impact is felt across San Diego every single day.

Wendy is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group.

In honor of their 60th anniversary, Mayor Todd Gloria Presented a proclamation to honor and recognize MAAC's contribution to the city of San Diego.

For six decades, this organization has advanced opportunity in our region by helping San Diegans access affordable housing, early education, job training, and health services. Their work has uplifted generations and continues to create pathways toward stability and success.

Many current and former employees of MAAC have participated in Fieldstone's programs throughout the years, and we celebrate their dedication and hard work that led to the success and tenure of MAAC.

We’re excited to share that Renato Paiva recently had the opportunity to meet with Brazil’s Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin. Their conversation highlighted the important work of Access Youth Academy, alongside broader discussions on youth development and education. This incredible visit underscores the global relevance of investing in young people and the power of education to transform lives and communities.

Renato is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group, Reading Group, Coaching, and received a Clare Rose Sabbatical. Renato also serves as a Creative Encounters Facilitator for Fieldstone.

After a remarkable career devoted to strengthening the nonprofit sector, Sue Schaffner has announced her retirement. For the past seven years, Sue has been an integral leader at Serving Seniors, guiding the organization as Chief Financial Officer with wisdom, dedication, and heart.

Beyond her professional role, Sue has generously shared her gifts as a Fieldstone coach and Creative Encounters facilitator, walking alongside countless nonprofit leaders in their own journeys. We are deeply grateful that she will continue to give back in these ways, even as she steps into this next season of life.



Congratulations, Sue! Your legacy of service and impact will continue to inspire us, and we can’t wait to see the joy and adventures your next chapter brings.

REMEMBERING BETTE HOFFMAN

This month we lost a true Leader in the Field and dear friend, Bette Dell Hoffman.

Bette devoted her career to philanthropy and community building. She led The Alexis de Tocqueville Society at United Way of San Diego, worked alongside Junior Seau to grow his foundation, and played a vital role in establishing the Junior Seau Chair at UC San Diego for traumatic brain injury research. She also provided fundraising support to many nonprofits in San Diego, including Center for Community Solutions, Canine Companions, UPAC and the Council on Literacy.

But Bette was more than her work or her titles. She was a connector, a mentor, and a friend. She had a gift for bringing people together, for making every event feel purposeful and joyful, and for generously sharing her knowledge so that others could grow. Many nonprofits in San Diego and beyond are stronger today because of her influence and love.

Bette is survived by her three children, four grandchildren and her rescue dog, Ruth.

Bette asked that, instead of flowers, we honor her by supporting the causes we each care about most. For those looking for guidance, the Hospice Giving Foundation was especially meaningful to her.

We remember Bette today with gratitude for her vision, her friendship, and her extraordinary heart. She will always be remembered as a leader in the field and, most importantly, in life.