Announcing our 2025 Clare Rose Sabbatical Recipients
Investing in Leadership. Strengthening Organizations. Building a Vibrant Nonprofit Community.
Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego and the Clare Rose Foundation are proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Clare Rose Sabbatical Program:
Jen Nation and Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center
and
Ben McCue and Outdoor Outreach.
These outstanding leaders have been selected to receive a fully funded sabbatical experience, designed not only to provide them with a period of personal renewal but also to support a comprehensive capacity-building experience for their entire organizations. The grant includes funds to provide salary and benefits for the leader for the three months they are away, development opportunities for those leading in the absence of the executive director, additional compensation for those leading, and a consultant to help with the planning, execution and return phases of the program. Jen and Ben were selected from a rich candidate pool by a committee comprised of past Clare Rose Sabbatical-Takers, including Fiona Chatwin, Tanya Danielly, Renato Paiva, Pauline Martinson and Barbara Reuer. Past sabbatical-takers also participated in the surprise announcements to welcome the newest members of our Clare Rose Sabbatical Community.
Since its inception, the Clare Rose Sabbatical Program has recognized that the sustainability of nonprofit leadership requires intentional rest, distributed leadership, and organizational resilience. By focusing on both the individual leader and the wider organization, the program strengthens the leadership bench, fosters innovation, and enhances long-term effectiveness. Fieldstone and the Clare Rose Foundation joined forces in 2014 to offer the Clare Rose Sabbatical Program as part of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego. To date, we have provided nearly 40 sabbaticals to nonprofit leaders across San Diego, resulting in stronger, more adaptive organizations and communities.
Meet the 2025 Recipients
Jen Nation
Executive Director, Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center
Located on a 7.85-acre historic property in National City, Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center has been a hub for health, environmental, and community education since 2008. Under Jen’s leadership, the organization has deepened its commitment to its mission to nourish communities and cultivate a deep connection to the environment through nutrition education, sustainable urban agriculture, collective advocacy, and intergenerational leadership.
This work supports a bold vision of a community free of diet-related health conditions and a thriving environment.
Jen brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience to her role and holds degrees in nonprofit administration and nonprofit leadership. She is dedicated to building healthy, engaged communities and fostering long-lasting relationships, both locally and beyond. The sabbatical will allow Jen and her team to further develop leadership capacity within the organization and continue Olivewood’s tradition of community-rooted impact.
Ben McCue
Executive Director, Outdoor Outreach
Since 1999, Outdoor Outreach has provided life-changing experiences to more than 20,000 San Diego youth, connecting them to the transformative power of the outdoors. The organization’s mission is clear:
To connect youth to the transformative power of the outdoors, with a vision for an outdoors for all that inspires and sustains healthy, vibrant communities.
Ben joined Outdoor Outreach in 2013, bringing his passion for environmental equity and youth development to the organization. Under his leadership, Outdoor Outreach has expanded its reach and strengthened its commitment to making nature accessible to all youth, regardless of background or barriers. His recent recognition with the Prebys Leadership Award affirms the impact of his work.
Through the sabbatical, Ben and his team will focus on enhancing leadership throughout the organization, investing in professional growth and long-term sustainability, and ensuring Outdoor Outreach continues to thrive as a platform for youth empowerment.
Looking Ahead
The next application cycle for the Clare Rose Sabbatical Program is anticipated to open in January 2027. During this interim period, Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego and the Clare Rose Foundation will undertake a thoughtful evaluation and restructuring of the program to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of nonprofit leaders and organizations.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jen Nation and Ben McCue, and to the entire teams at Olivewood Gardens and Outdoor Outreach, for their remarkable leadership and deep commitment to community. We expect that their sabbatical journeys will strengthen not only their organizations but the entire fabric of San Diego’s nonprofit sector.
For more information, please visit our website
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Fieldstone Leaders Share Their Stories on Spotlight on the Community
Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego recently had the privilege of joining Drew Schlosberg on his long-running podcast, Spotlight on the Community, for a conversation about leadership, mission, and the power of connection.
This special appearance follows Janine Mason’s earlier visit to the podcast in January of this year, where she discussed Fieldstone’s work in strengthening nonprofit leaders and building a vibrant network of support throughout San Diego. For this latest conversation, Janine returned to the studio — and this time, she brought along several inspiring members of the Fieldstone Leadership Network to share firsthand how being part of FLNSD has shaped their leadership journeys and empowered their organizations to better meet their missions. We are grateful to Jen Nation, Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center; Fiona Chatwin, Villa Musica, Rhea Van Brocklin, Christie’s Place and Valin Brown, Alliant Educational Foundation for sharing their experiences so generously.
For nearly two decades, Spotlight on the Community has been amplifying the voices of social impact organizations, social entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community champions who are working every day to shape the culture, creativity, and connectivity that drive San Diego forward. As the longest-running community podcast in the country, now in its 19th year and proudly supported by Mission Fed Credit Union, Drew and his guests continue to shine a light on the people and projects making a difference.
We are grateful to Drew Schlosberg for his unwavering commitment to elevating local voices and to our Fieldstone leaders for sharing their lived experiences, insights, and stories on this platform. Their conversation is a reminder that nonprofit leadership is both deeply personal and deeply communal — and that together, we are always stronger.
🎧 We invite you to listen in and be inspired.
👉 Spotify: https://buff.ly/htb8Z2Z Apple: https://buff.ly/toEDgzg
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.
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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]
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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!
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Network News January 2025
We are welcoming 2025 with new learning groups, coaching partnerships, a Fieldstone Circle and more. Learn all about it HERE
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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.
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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!
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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
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Post Election Leadership
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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 |