If you would like to share an accomplishment or contribution of yours or of your colleagues in upcoming Leaders in the Field publications, please email Janine at [email protected] .

Mason Recognized as Nonprofit Board Leader of Influence
Janine Mason was recently recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as a Nonprofit Board Leader of Influence for 2025. The recognition is presented annually to honor the valuable service provided by members of the San Diego community to local nonprofit organizations. Honoree’s are nominated for consideration. Janine was nominated by Will Peterson, Executive Director of the Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego. Janine has served as a trustee of the CCFSD since 2020.
Janine’s feature in the SDBJ reads as follows:
“With extensive board service and leadership, Janine Mason is a recognized champion of nonprofit excellence. She serves as a trustee for the Catholic Community Foundation of San Diego and the Erik & Ese Banck Clinical Research Center. Committed to strengthening board governance, she founded the Nonprofit Board Exchange to expand and diversify board service and established the Kaleidoscope Award for Excellence in Board Governance, presented annually by USD. As co-creator of the Clare Rose Sabbatical Program, she has fostered leadership renewal across the sector. Formerly Executive Director of Fieldstone Foundation, she has also consulted with the Weingart and Clare Rose Foundations, directing resources to advance organizational impact. Janine holds an MA from USD, executive education certificates from Notre Dame and Stanford, and professional certifications from BoardSource, the Centers for Creative Leadership, and Courage & Renewal. Through board leadership and strategic initiatives, she has significantly shaped the nonprofit landscape.”
In addition to her two current board roles, Janine has served on the board of the San Diego Blood Bank Foundation, BIA Cares, Harmonium, The Children’s Initiative, The National Society of Fundraising Executives (San Diego), San Diego Grantmakers (Catalyst) and The Nonprofit Institute. She also served on the Alumni Board for the University of San Diego and board of the Notre Dame Club of San Diego .
We understand that board service to a nonprofit organization is a significant way to support an agency’s mission and work towards its success. We applaud all of the honorees and thank them for their unselfish and inspired service.
Read More

Leaders in the Field
Recognizing our Network Members
Members of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego are some of the most accomplished leaders in our community. And we are proud of them!! Thus, we offer Leaders in The Field, a quarterly communication highlighting Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego members, their contributions to and achievements in our community. Leaders in the Field seeks to recognize and celebrate our members while increasing the awareness of their work and accomplishments.
If you would like to share an accomplishment or contribution of yours or of your colleagues in upcoming Leaders in the Field publications, please email Janine at [email protected]
Read More

Network News February 2025
A Look Back at February with Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego
February was a month filled with growth, connection, and inspiration at Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego! From transformative leadership programs to meaningful gatherings that foster collaboration and renewal, our community came together in powerful ways.
Whether you’re a longtime member of our network or just discovering the work we do, we invite you to reflect on the past month with us. Read on for highlights, insights, and stories from February—you won’t want to miss what unfolded!
Read More

Network News January 2025
We are welcoming 2025 with new learning groups, coaching partnerships, a Fieldstone Circle and more. Learn all about it HERE
Read More
Introducing The Fieldstone Circle: Grounding and Connection to Meet the Moment
Come as you are. Leave grounded, connected, and strengthened.
In these uncertain times, leadership can feel both lonely and overwhelming. That’s why we’re excited to introduce The Fieldstone Circle: Grounding and Connection to Meet the Moment, a new program designed to support nonprofit leaders as they navigate challenges, process emotions, and build meaningful connections with peers who share similar experiences.
A Timely Response to Community Needs
This program is being offered in response to insights from Fieldstone’s Meeting the Moment survey, where over 85% of respondents expressed a strong desire and need for such an offering. Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego has a well-earned reputation for responding to community needs in a timely and relevant manner, and The Fieldstone Circle is no exception.
A Courage & Renewal Approach
Rooted in the Courage & Renewal approach, The Fieldstone Circle provides a safe space to pause, reflect, and find resilience in community. Each month, we’ll gather to explore a leadership reflection tailored to foster grounding, insight, and encouragement—all in a supportive and welcoming environment.
A nonprofit leader, holds space for so many: their staff, clients, donors, and community members. We recognize the need to hold space for them, so they can feel fortified to continue their important work.
Meet Your Facilitators
The Fieldstone Circle will be co-hosted by Courage & Renewal Facilitators Sue Carter Kahl and Janine Mason. With their expertise and warmth, they will guide each session with care and intention, ensuring every participant feels seen and supported.
Program Format
This program will be offered in a hybrid format, combining in-person and online sessions. All gatherings—including virtual ones—are thoughtfully designed to encourage personal reflection and group interaction. Participants will engage in breakout rooms and large group discussions, creating opportunities for meaningful connection and shared learning.
Touchstones for Trustworthy Space
To cultivate a space of mutual respect and understanding, our sessions are guided by these Touchstones:
- Give and receive welcome.
- Be present as fully as possible.
- What is offered in the circle is by invitation, not demand.
- Speak your truth in ways that respect other people’s truths.
- No fixing, saving, advising, or correcting each other.
- Respond to others with honest, open questions.
- When the going gets tough, turn to wonder.
- Observe deep confidentiality.
Program Details
- Dates:
- January 16: In Person at Fieldstone’s office
- February 20: Online via Zoom
- March 20: Online via Zoom
- April 17: Online via Zoom
- May 15: Online via Zoom
- June 19: In Person at Fieldstone’s office (final date to be confirmed)
- Time: 12:30 to 1:45 PM
- Cost: $75 for the series
(This program is offered below cost to ensure accessibility. If cost is a barrier, please let us know.)
Due to the nature of this program, space is limited. We encourage you to register quickly to secure your spot.
Read More

Network News
Network News: Fall Highlights and Exciting New Beginnings
As the seasons change and 2024 comes to an end, we’re reflecting on an incredible fall filled with impactful programming, meaningful events, and inspiring activities from our team. From workshops and gatherings that strengthened connections to moments of celebration within our community, it’s been a season to remember.
Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce The Fieldstone Circle, a new program launching in January 2025. This initiative, crafted in response to our survey feedback, will provide a dedicated space for shared learning, deep connection, and transformative grounding — all rooted in the core values of our Network.
Read on for highlights from our fall season and a glimpse into the exciting future we’re building together!
Read More

Leaders in the Field December 2024
“Leadership, when exercised well, deserves to be acknowledged”.
We are pleased to present and acknowledge the exceptional leadership of the members of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego in our last LEADERS IN THE FIELD for 2024. We do so with deep gratitude for all of the ways they show up and contribute to our communities.
Read LEADERS IN THE FIELD here
Read More
Post Election Leadership
As we navigate the conclusion of this year’s election cycle, many of us find ourselves balancing personal reactions with our role in supporting others. This time calls for us to exercise leadership with thoughtfulness, resilience, and care. To assist you, I’m pleased to share an outline offered from FLNSD Alum Kevin Keenan, designed to guide you in crafting clear and compassionate communication with your team and other stakeholders. As a sector rooted in care and resiliency, our work and our leadership must reflect these values. In that spirit, I’m also sharing a few “third things” – poems and songs and quotes – that can be used to encourage dialogue, connection and inspiration. I hope they help to bring comfort and a sense of peace to you and your constituents in the days ahead. Following the theme of the song, I encourage you to be mindful of both offering and seeking the sanctuary called for at this moment. Please know that we are here to provide a safe space for learning, consultation, and reflection on how to lead your organization through these times. Executive leadership can feel isolating, particularly during periods of profound communal change. Our Network offers a wealth of wisdom and resources, so please reach out if we can support you in any way. Remember that caring for others begins with caring for yourself, and we are committed to helping you do just that. Please use the link below to access the resources |

Leaders in the Field – September 2024
At Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego, we are honored to work alongside some of the most dedicated and inspiring nonprofit leaders in our community. These individuals embody the values of collaboration, innovation, and service, and their commitment to making a difference is what drives the impact of our entire network.
Our Leaders in the Field are shaping the future of the social sector through their visionary leadership, tireless dedication, and belief in the power of relationships to create lasting change. Whether they are building organizational capacity, fostering community connections, or advocating for equity and inclusion, their work leaves a ripple effect, benefiting not only the organizations they lead but the broader community as well.
We are proud to recognize and celebrate their achievements, and we remain committed to supporting their continued growth through our leadership development programs and partnerships. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient nonprofit sector, one that is equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Thank you to all of our Leaders in the Field for your passion, your perseverance, and your unwavering commitment to serving others. Your leadership is an inspiration to us all.

Network News – Fall Registration is Open
We’re thrilled to share the latest edition of Network News, packed with exciting opportunities and updates! In this issue, you’ll find registration details for our 2025 Learning Groups and Coaching programs—the perfect chance to develop your leadership skills and connect with peers. We’re also launching LAUNCH, a new program designed specifically for early-career executive directors, and introducing our 9th Leadership Reading Group, where leaders will dive deep into books that provide opportunities to study impactful leadership.
Plus, we’re proud to highlight Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego’s partnership with Fund the People on the California Talent Justice Initiative, a statewide effort to invest in California’s nonprofit workforce and promote equity across the sector.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities to grow, learn, and lead. Stay connected and read the full details in Network News!
Read More