A Space to be Supported and Challenged

I participated in the Fieldstone Leadership Network during one of the most seminal times in my life.

It was 2020. The world had shut down due to a global pandemic. There was civil unrest across the country. And I had made the very difficult decision to leave my job – rather my career – in the nonprofit sector after 20 years. It was a time of uncertainty and instability. And it was the Fieldstone Leadership Network that provided me the time and space to think about what was next and walked with me on a journey that led toward a path of transformative growth and change.

My cohort of dynamic, smart, and committed individuals – Erin, Jeff, Julia, Natalie, Laura, Natalia, Amy, Jennifer, and Jessica – not only listened to me but heard me. They challenged me, inspired me and pushed me. They encouraged me to get out of my career comfort zone and to think about my WHY. They asked to envision what the next 20 years of a new career would look like. They provided me with unwavering support but offered to hold me accountable via our monthly Zoom check-ins, emails and texts.

And hold me accountable they did. Every single one of them.

At our check-ins, they asked me to share my progress and updates. They cheered me on, commiserated with my frustrations and gave me the encouragement and insights to keep moving forward.

A little over a year after leaving my 20 year career and participating in Fieldstone, I got my dream job working with a dream team at a dream company. I have never worked harder or been happier or felt more fulfilled. It has been life changing.

Thank you to Janine, Tom and my incredible cohort of leaders for allowing me the time and space to be supported and challenged, and congratulations to the Fieldstone Leadership Network on 40 years of developing our region’s nonprofit (and for-profit) leaders!

 

Valerie Attisha, Vice President of Client and Community Relations, PNC Bank

Valerie is a mission-centered leader who spent 20 years as a fundraiser and nonprofit executive and facilitated $100M in charitable giving before joining PNC Bank in 2021 as vice president of Client and Community Relations. The daughter of immigrants, Valerie is a DEI and gender diversity champion who is deeply committed to creating change and meaningful impact in the community. Currently, she serves on the National Alumni Board of Directors of the University of San Diego as well as the Boards of Directors of the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum and The Old Globe. Additionally, she is an active and engaged member of the Junior League of San Diego and San Diego Rotary, Club 33. Valerie participated in the Fieldstone Leadership Network’s Nonprofit Leaders Group and The Equity Journey series in 2020.

 

 

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.