A Quiet but Long-Lasting Impact

Coming to San Diego to take a position as a first time Executive Director of a start-up non-profit was a big leap of faith for me. I soon realized that the ED position is challenging in so many ways! At that point, I found out about Fieldstone Leadership Network, which has been crucial in so many ways in my 17-year career.  It is clear that Janine Mason has created the perfect environment for non-profit leaders to be safe and to share experiences while learning.

I am a huge Fieldstone fan! I think I have been part of most of the programs offered, starting with the Executive Learning Group, taking part of the incredible retreat, enjoying many Fieldstone@4, sharing ideas at our Leadership Reading Group, and being a coach for the Executive Coaching Program and a facilitator of Creative Encounter by Fieldstone, an experiential learning program.

One of the best experiences of my entire career was being part of a life-changing sabbatical offered by Fieldstone and the Clare Rose Foundation. All these programs have transformed me in different ways, all to the benefit of the students and family we serve at Access Youth Academy.

I am deeply thankful and grateful for Fieldstone! This is the type of organization that has a quiet but long-lasting impact on all the leaders and the organizations they work with. The work that they do should be replicated and modeled all over the world!

Congratulations on 40 years of impactful history!

And, thank you for being a beacon of light in my life!

Renato Paiva, Executive Director, Assess Youth Academy

Renato Paiva has served as the Executive Director of Access Youth Academy since it began. During the past 17 years, he has ably led Access to produce outstanding results and has helped Access to be regarded as one of the leading urban squash and youth development programs in the nation. During that time, Access students have achieved 100% college graduation rates, secured$9.7 million dollars in scholarships, and 13 national squash titles. Working closely with the Access Board, he led the design and construction of state-of-the-art education and squash facility located in a federally designated Promise zone in Southeastern San Diego that opened in June 2021.

A native of Brazil, Renato became an internationally ranked squash player and competed in several countries. Prior to Access, Renato coached in several colleges, including serving as Assistant Squash Coach at Harvard University and a Head Coach at USC. In 2010, Paiva was named Development Coach of the Year by U.S. Squash and was honored as 2011 Coach of the Year by the U.S. Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports in Washington, DC. Renato and his staff are supported by a dedicated board of directors, mentors, and volunteers.

 

Each week during our 40th anniversary year, a member of our Network will share what Fieldstone means to them and how being a part of this learning and leadership community has impacted them and the work they do to serve the community.

If you have a story you would like to contribute to our collection, please contact Janine Mason.