We’re thrilled to celebrate Alex Villafuerte on the incredible success of the 26th Annual San Diego Asian Film Festival. Over ten days, the festival screened 151 films, welcomed thousands of guests, and hosted more than 80 filmmakers sharing their work and perspectives.

Thanks to Alex's leadership, the hard work of his team at Pacific Arts Movement, and the support of the community, SDAFF continues to create intentional, accessible cultural spaces that celebrate diverse storytelling and ensure our communities’ voices are seen and heard. We can’t wait to see what’s next in 2026!

Alex is a graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group and current member of the Fieldstone Circle.

Congratulations to Risa Bell and the incredible milestone achieved by Paddle for Peace, which has been awarded $1 million through the Alliance Healthcare Foundation i2 Challenge.

Under Risa’s visionary leadership, Paddle for Peace’s Blue Prescription Framework, which integrates nature-based healing, mental health, and ocean access, will now reach youth, families, and communities across San Diego in powerful new ways. Risa's dedication to learning, sharing, and collaborating with other nonprofits in San Diego has been inspiring and with the resources available from this grant, we look forward to seeing the positive impact Paddle for Peace will have in the community and in San Diego's nonprofit sector.

Risa is a graduate of the LAUNCH Program.

Jessica Baron, founder and Executive Director of Guitars in the Classroom, was recently named San Diego Arts Advocate of the Year for her impactful advocacy with Guitars and Ukes in the Classroom. This recognition honors Jessica’s deep commitment to ensuring young people have access to high-quality arts education and creative expression.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Jessica has helped elevate music education as a vital tool for learning, connection, and confidence-building in classrooms. Her work reflects a belief that the arts are an essential part of a well-rounded education and a powerful way to support students academically, socially, and emotionally. This award serves as recognition of Jessica’s dedication to arts access and symbolizes her positive impact on San Diego’s creative and education communities.

Jessica is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group.

Jennifer Oliver, Chief Artistic Officer at A Step Beyond, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors for the North County Arts Network. The Network champions arts organizations and artists across North County San Diego, elevating the essential role the arts play in our communities and local economy.

As A Step Beyond’s representative, Jennifer brings deep artistic leadership and a strong commitment to arts access, and we’re thrilled to see her helping amplify the importance of the arts throughout the region.

Jennifer is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, Coaching, and was a member of the first Fieldstone Circle.

Executive Director, Allison Ohle, was honored with the Collaborative Award for Literacy on behalf of Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP) by the San Diego Council on Literacy. Allison’s dedication to advancing literacy through partnership and innovation is helping learners across the region thrive, and this recognition is a testament to the impact of her leadership.

We’re also proud to recognize Jose Cruz who was inducted into the San Diego Literacy Hall of Fame for his more than 40 years of service to the San Diego Council on Literacy. The Council of Literacy has a mission to improve literacy rates through advocacy, partnership, and sharing resources. Jose’s lifelong commitment to literacy has shaped countless learners’ lives and strengthened the local community.

Allison is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group, Leadership Reading Group, and was a member of the first Fieldstone Circle.



Jose is a graduate of the Executive Learning Group and our Coaching program.

Congratulations to The Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, led by network member Jessica Toth and supported by several staff members who are also part of our network, on being awarded the 2025 Climate Leader Award by the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative. This recognition reflects the organization’s steadfast commitment to climate solutions, community stewardship, and sustainable practices across San Diego County.

We are excited for the entire Solana Center team whose collective dedication made this achievement possible. We’re proud to see our network members driving such meaningful environmental impact in our region.

Jessica was awarded the Clare Rose Sabbatical in 2024.

Kathryn Clauzel was recently appointed as Director of Operations & Strategy at The Kinship Fund!

With more than 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Kathryn brings a deep commitment to building thoughtful, equitable systems, strengthening partnerships, and creating the strong organizational foundations that allow nonprofits to grow their impact. We’re thrilled to see her step into this new leadership role and make a difference for families and communities. Congratulations, Kathryn!

Kathryn is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

We’re proud to recognize Kevin O’Neill as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement from his role as Vice President of Community Engagement at SAY San Diego. Over decades of service, Kevin strengthened partnerships, expanded access to resources, and helped ensure SAY’s programs were deeply integrated throughout the community. His leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact on San Diego youth and families, and his legacy will continue to shape the organization for years to come.



We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kevin and wish him all the very best in this next chapter.

Kevin is a graduate of the Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and has attended a Fieldstone Retreat.

The San Diego Business Journal recently announced their 500 Most Influential People in San Diego and the finalists for Business Women of the Year. We are so happy to see that so many Fieldstone members are included in both lists and would like to take a moment to pause, appreciate, and celebrate each of you for this well deserved recognition!

San Diego's 500 Most Influential People:

Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group.

Cori Austin, CEO of Community Housing Solutions, Graduate of Fieldstone's Coaching Program.

Valerie Attisha, VP of Client & Community Relations at PNC Bank, Graduate of Fieldstone's Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Casey Castillo, CEO of San Diego Food Bank, Graduate of Fieldstone's Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Donnie Dee, President & CEO of San Diego Rescue Mission, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group.

Lori Holt Pfeiler, President & CEO of San Diego Building Industry Association, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group, Coaching Program, Reading Group and retreat attendee.

Michael Hopkins, Retired, CEO of Jewish Family Services of San Diego, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group.

Kathie Lembo, CEO of SBCS, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group, Coaching Program, Fieldstone Retreat attendee, and Fieldstone Coach.

Arnulfo Manriquez, CEO of MAAC, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group.

Drew Moser, CEO of Lucky Duck Foundation, Graduate of Fieldstone's Coaching Program.

Rakesh Patel, CEO of Neighborhood Healthcare, Fieldstone Coach.

Elizabeth Ramirez, CEO of Chicano Federation, Graduate of Fieldstone's Coaching Program.

Wendy Robinson, Executive Director of SD Fire & Rescue Foundation, Graduate of Fieldstone's Coaching Program.

Danny Sherlock, Retired, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Greater San Diego, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group.

Sean Spear, President & CEO of Community Housing Works, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group.

Laura Tancredi-Baese, Retired, President & CEO of Home Start, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group.

Tonya Torosian, CEO of Promises2Kids, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning and recipient of the Clare Rose Sabbatical.

Sara Wilensky Napoli, President & CEO of San Diego Police Department Foundation, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group, Coaching Program, and Fieldstone Retreat attendee.

Business Women of the Year Finalists:

Sarah Buchanan, Executive Vice President of San Diego Housing Federation, Graduate of Fieldstone's Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group.

Tonya Danielly, Executive Director of Ivey Ranch Park Association, Graduate of Fieldstone's Executive Learning Group, Reading Group, and recipient of the Clare Rose Sabbatical.

Lucy Eagleson, Executive Director of A Reason to Survive, Graduate of Fieldstone's Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group and LAUNCH Program.

Congratulations to everyone included in both categories. Fieldstone is so proud to be part of your leadership journey and look forward to supporting you and cheering you on in 2026!