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Gave Me the Ability to Envision Possibilities

Participating in the Fieldstone Leadership Network over the years has allowed me to strengthen my knowledge and network within the non-profit sector and has allowed me to move my career forward as a result. My leadership skills increased through the deep learning and safe space created in the emerging and executive learning groups. Every aspect of those programs was carefully curated and relevant to my day-to-day work, keeping me focused and clear on how to improve my leadership skills, problem solve more effectively, and promote a culture I am proud of within my organization. It gave me the ability to look ahead, set goals, and envision possibilities.

A few years after completing the executive learning group, our founding director was awarded a sabbatical through Fieldstone, which propelled me into leading the organization for four months in his absence. During this time, I never felt alone, as I leaned on my former cohort of trusted colleagues and friends. I was simultaneously participating in the Fieldstone coaching program. My coach provided a unique perspective and invaluable, regular conversations that allowed me to process challenges, have a sounding board, and celebrate my successes in a meaningful way.

Now l am leading the organization as the Executive Director and CEO. The Founding Director is passing the torch to a new Artistic Director, and that transition challenged me and allowed me to fully appreciate how leadership can affect positive change personally and organizationally. Being able to plan strategically and manage operations is important, but cultivating trust, confidence, and enthusiasm has been a huge takeaway from my participation in Fieldstone. The alignment I feel with my Board and team continues to motivate and inspire me. I know this ripple goes through every individual who is touched by our programs and that means the world to me. I am grateful for the individuals in my learning groups, the network of support, and my very special coach, who will forever remain one of the most impactful models of humble leadership I have had the pleasure of knowing.

Molly Puryear, Executive Director, Malashock Dance

Molly Puryear is the Executive Director/CEO of Malashock Dance. She has held the role of student, instructor, Education Director, Managing Director and Executive Director over her 17 year tenure. She participated in the Emerging Leaders Group, Executive Leadership Group, and Coaching Program.

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.

A Beacon of Light

As the Fieldstone Leadership Network celebrates its 40^th anniversary, I am honored to have the opportunity to reflect on my personal journey with them! Fieldstone’s legacy to the San Diego Community has been marked by untold accomplishments, and it will undoubtedly impact social change for generations to come.

My participation with Fieldstone exceeded my initial expectations, and has played a transformative role in my own development as a nonprofit leader. I gained access to a wealth of knowledge, tools, resources and expert guidance. This continued education has had, and will continue to have, a direct impact on how I guide and lead my TKF team. It has allowed me space to work ‘ON’ our organization, as it coincided at a very crucial time in our evolution.

I also gained a deeper understanding of my strengths, values and leadership style. More importantly, I had space to reflect on my own ‘developmental needs’ and where I needed to do the deeper work within myself to be a more effective leader. Being on this journey of growth with our highly experienced and compassionate facilitator, allowed us to benefit directly from his wealth of lived experience, and helped set a supportive environment for the cohort.

In addition, the benefit of working side by side with a diverse group of trusted participants, allowed me to express my own vulnerability. A strong theme covering the importance of balancing leadership responsibilities and personal well-being, something we all struggled with, often became a topic of conversation. The bond our group shared gave me a sense of relief that I am not alone, and that we were able to find support in our unity. This further allowed me to develop my own inner resilience and compassion for self. This self-awareness and inner work have inspired me to lead with confidence and authenticity, which in turn, has positively impacted my organization, as well as the children and adults we serve.

Tasreen, front left, with her Executive Learning Group in 2022

One of the most profound impacts of my involvement with the Fieldstone Leadership Network is the sense of community that has been nurtured within the Learning Group. Our cohort of 2022 has stayed connected to this day, providing a brave and safe space as leaders, allowing us to share both highs and lows as we continue to serve San Diego County and beyond. The opportunity to connect, collaborate and learn from each other has been invaluable. In a world where nonprofit leaders often grapple with the weight of their responsibilities, the support found within the Learning Group has been a beacon of light.

The world needs more of what Fieldstone stands for – lifting each other up, growing as leaders, and building a community that believes in the power of positive change. The nonprofit sector is driven by a collective mission to make the world a better place. By nurturing a culture of support, Fieldstone has helped us amplify our impact on the community. I am deeply grateful to be a part of the Fieldstone family.

Tasreen Khamisa, Executive Director, Tariq Khamisa Foundation 

Tasreen is the Executive Director of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF). Founded after the senseless murder of her brother, Tariq, TKF is an educational organization with roots in San Diego, CA, and is dedicated to the goal of creating safer schools and communities. Its character-building programs teach children the restorative principles of accountability, empathy, compassion, forgiveness, and peacemaking, to set them on a firm path towards opportunity. For over twenty-five years, TKF has partnered with over 350 schools and numerous public and private community organizations and has successfully reached more than 1,000,000 children, and guided them in making healthy, nonviolent choices.

Tasreen is a proud mom of 3 kids, Shahin (19), Khalil (17) and Miya (12).  Through her commitment, perseverance, and leadership qualities, Ms. Khamisa has led TKF in becoming a nationally acclaimed and recognized organization. Being true to her brother Tariq’s philosophy of “living by giving,” Tasreen has found her path of forgiveness, joy, love and peace by living her passionate purpose to serve children.

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.

Understanding and Practicing Shared Leadership

Many say that the position of CEO is a lonely position and that you often walk the leadership journey alone.  Before I took the Clare Rose Sabbatical, I too shared this belief, but this experience has taught me that shifting to a culture of shared leadership, is a better way to lead.

This is difficult shift to make because it requires the vulnerability of its leader and the entire team’s trust of each other.   But, if you can live  and lead from this place, you will find that your role as CEO is never lonely has better results for everyone.

Fieldstone leadership Network helped me understand shared leadership and put it into practice at Promises2Kids.

My sabbatical was the ultimate exercise in letting go, to help our organization grow.  The preparation and work that my entire team did helped us trust each other and learn to share responsibility and meaningful decision making.  We spent a year preparing and growing as a team, learning about our individual and collective strengths and using this approach, run the most impactful organization we can furthering our mission to support foster children.

While I was away I had the faith in my team to fully operate and lead the org..  I never doubted their abilities or worried about decisions that they would make while I was away. This was a message that I had not truly conveyed to the team prior to the sabbatical, but one that is essential for me to express with my team.

Tonya with Anne Vincent (l) and Janine Mason (r) on the day she received her Clare Rose Sabbatical in 2021

This trust allowed me to grow personally in ways that changed my life and my family. I was able to focus on my life with my wife and son, being fully present. I connected with my son at a critical time in his life, that I had not been able to do while I was so focused on my work.  I learned that creating space for all aspects of my life, helps me not only at home , but it helps me be a better leader at work.

This is what I see as the ripple effect of The Clare Rose Sabbatical Program as part of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego. They invested in my personal and professional growth which inspired leadership of the team, and growth of the organization.

Today, Promises2Kids is stronger than ever, making an even deeper impact in the community and where it counts the most, with our foster children and youth who rely on us.

As a commitment to this growth, we established a staff development fund and continue to invest in our staff, providing leadership opportunities for others across the agency to help them share in the joy of personal and professional growth.

Thank you, Janine Mason and Michael Carr for coaching me through this entire experience over the past two years. I am grateful to Fieldstone Leadership Network  San Diego and to Anne Vincent and the Clare Rose Foundation who understands the impact that this has not only on the individual on sabbatical, but on those around that person, the organization and then entire community.

Tonya L. Torosian, MSW, CFRE, CEO, Promises2Kids

Tonya Torosian is the Chief Executive Officer of Promises2Kids, a non-profit founded over 40 years ago.  Best known for building the Polinsky Children’s Center, launching Guardian Scholars in San Diego and starting Camp Connect, the first camp on the west coast specifically for siblings who are separated in foster care. Promises2Kids is dedicated to creating a brighter future for foster children. 

Tonya has led Promises2Kids for the past 10 years, expanding its annual budget from $1.8M to $6.9M, and increased services to foster youth across each of its programs, and today, Promises2Kids has become the leader in support for foster youth pursuing community college or university education with over 200 youth served annually.

Torosian’s work in child welfare and nonprofit management spans nearly 30 years and three states. She developed programs and policies for child and youth-based organizations in Illinois, Arizona and California. A tireless advocate for children and youth throughout her entire career, Torosian began her career first as a social worker, then as an executive charged with developing strategic alliances and implementing processes, systems, and policies.

Tonya is a certified fundraising executive and received her Master of Social Work degree from Arizona State University with an emphasis in Planning, Administration and Community Practice. She serves as a Board Member of LEAD San Diego and The San Diego Women’s Foundation. She is a past President of the San Diego chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 

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.

Leaders in the Field September 2023

Being Better

After more than 25 years in the for-profit world, I was somewhat new to the nonprofit world when I reluctantly accepted the position as CEO/Executive Director of ElderHelp of San Diego. I had served on boards and volunteered for many nonprofits, but running a nonprofit was a different side of the coin. My passion for aging and strong belief in ElderHelp’s Mission quickly overrode my concerns about a mid-life career change. And so, it began…

During my first two years with ElderHelp we faced several critical issues including a tenuous financial position. While these were by no means easy tasks to resolve, I was fortunate my background provided a solid foundation for which to address the most pressing items. Nonetheless, I had a healthy appreciation for the uniqueness of running a social services nonprofit and knew I needed the experience and support of others to help ElderHelp flourish. Throughout my early days at ElderHelp, the names “Fieldstone Leadership Network” and “Janine Mason” name came up often in multiple conversations with my new nonprofit colleagues. I studied the website and signed up for emails determined to learn more about these highly regarded resources.

Deborah, on left, with her coaching family. Shirley Cole, third from right, has coached each of these nonprofit leaders through Fieldstone.

After a year had passed, I felt ready to address the gaps in my knowledge. My first call was to Janine to learn more about the coaching program. She listened to me carefully, asked insightful questions, and offered up some ideas. Peer-to-peer coaching for one year sounded perfect, and I jumped at the opportunity. Fieldstone works hard to make great, meaningful matches between coaches and coachees and it showed. I was incredibly fortunate to be paired with Shirley Cole who patiently guided me through the nuances of running a nonprofit, working with the Board, strategy planning, and finding new partnerships to support our Mission. I fit perfectly with Shirley’s direct, no-nonsense, and pragmatic approach – not to mention her terrific sense of humor. She provided this new Executive Director with a valued partnership to ensure we were putting ElderHelp on the right course. Most importantly, I didn’t feel so alone and so uncertain about some of the steps I was taking. Shirley made me believe all things were possible. I still use Shirley’s lessons and advice to this today and credit Fieldstone for providing this critical support at a critical time.

Since that first wonderful coaching experience, countless ElderHelp team members have participated in the Fieldstone Leadership Network coaching programs over the last ten years. Other Fieldstone programs that have benefitted ElderHelp include our entire Board and staff completing the Equity Journey series facilitated by FLN, and the Clare Rose Sabbatical program of which I am a grateful past recipient. The sabbatical program is one of the only programs of its kind geared towards retaining leadership AND building new and future leaders within an organization. Lastly, I am now a coach myself, eager to share the same positive experience with others I had with Shirley. In my experience, Fieldstone is the only organization focused solely on the development, retention, and recognition of current and future nonprofit leaders – a resource so desperately needed if we are to keep good talent.

The ElderHelp team and I are significantly better leaders due to the lessons we have gleaned through our Fieldstone work and through our relationship with Janine. We are better at managing stress so as not to burn out, we are better at delegating to give others a chance to lead and grow, we are better as marshalling resources to solve problems and create opportunities, we are better at leading with intention and focus, and we know to call Janine when we need thoughtful counsel. As a result, ElderHelp is serving more aging community members than ever before and is on sound financial footing with 11 months of reserves. We credit Janine and the Fieldstone team with being an important part of our “success” journey and we believe San Diego is a better, healthier community due to Fieldstone’s many years of exemplary service to the San Diego nonprofit sector. Thank you Fieldstone and congratulations on 40 years!

Deborah Martin, Executive Director, ElderHelp

Deborah has always been passionate about issues and advocacy related to seniors and ElderHelp is a perfect place for that passion.  As Executive Director, Deborah’s role includes overseeing all aspects of ElderHelp’s operations which include services for seniors in their home, intake and referral, transportation, SRO case management, and a shared housing program. Under Deborah’s leadership, ElderHelp has become the local authority on aging, and has created successful collaborations with several local agencies and nonprofits. In addition to multiple TV and print interviews, Deborah has presented four times at the National Aging in America conference, and has spoken at the Jewish Funders International Conference, the annual Legislative Breakfast at St. Pauls/PACE, and at the Annual California Senior Injury Prevention Educational Forum. For the last six years she has been President of the San Diego Senior Alliance, a consortium of senior service agencies focused on collaboration, public policy and creating new service delivery models for healthcare. Deborah’s advocacy for seniors and visibility with lawmakers earned ElderHelp the California Nonprofit of the Year award in 2018 from Senator Toni Atkins’ District 39. Her strategic work with policymakers earned her the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Award, also in 2018. Her reputation is well known throughout the community as a dedicated thought leader as she continues to work tirelessly as an advocate for older adults.  Deb currently serves as a Fieldstone Coach and was a 2021 recipient of the Clare Rose Sabbatical. 

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.

Safe Havens and Lightbulb Moments

I am in a wonderfully full-circle moment regarding my place of leadership in the San Diego nonprofit arts sector. I founded Malashock Dance thirty-six years ago, and have been part of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego for thirty of those years. Now I am poised to hand the Artistic Director reins to my successor (Christopher K Morgan), who was once a dancer in our company back in the 90’s, when I was still fairly new to Fieldstone. Christopher is a very experienced leader in his own right, and I greatly look forward to introducing him to the important world of Fieldstone Leadership.

It is no secret that being in a leadership position can sometimes be a lonely endeavor. While relationships with my dance colleagues and staff might be friendly enough, they are not usually friends one can be fully open and vulnerable with. In the ever-expanding network of leaders connected through Fieldstone, I have found numerous kindred spirits over the years with whom I can truly be friends, and discuss issues (problems) without worrying about stoking the fires of the gossip or rumor mills in my particular field. A safe haven with other leaders who ‘get it’ has been, for me, one of the most incredibly valuable aspects of the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego.

John, with his Fieldstone coach Kathie Lembo

In the arts, there is often a big divide between the creation of art and the business of art. Right brain. Left brain. I remember one time during a Fieldstone Executive Leadership Group, I was sharing a particular issue that was happening in our office between some staff members. Some great solutions were shared by the other leaders around the table when it suddenly dawned on me that I was already using the same concepts to problem solve during my creative process in the dance studio. I just had never seen quite so clearly that, for me, creativity and business could be two sides of the same coin. It was a lightbulb moment that has guided me for years.

Something else that I find very cool is that when I go to FLNSD events now, I am amazed at how many names I DON’T recognize. It means the ripple effect is really doing its thing, creating a constant pipeline of new leaders choosing to become involved. It is not just a testament to Fieldstone’s model being sustainable. It is proof that the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego is solidly making our vital nonprofit sector more sustainable.

And throughout it all, our dear friend Janine has remained a bellwether of faith that the work we all do is the heart and soul of our community. I am forever grateful.

John Malashock, Artistic Director (and Founder), Malashock Dance

John Malashock brings 48 years of experience in dance, theater, opera, television and film to his role as Artistic Director of Malashock Dance. As a choreographer and director, he has created more than 100 choreographic works for stage and screen. John founded Malashock Dance in 1988, after a distinguished performing career with Twyla Tharp’s company in New York, where he performed worldwide; appeared in the Academy Award-winning film AMADEUS; and performed in concerts with Mikhail Baryshnikov. Malashock has choreographed productions at La Jolla Playhouse, the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego Symphony, La Jolla Music Society, San Diego Museum of Art, UCTV, KPBS, and San Diego Opera. John has garnered six Emmy Awards for his dance films, which have aired on over 30 PBS affiliate stations nationwide. John is a graduate of Fieldstone’s Learning Group program, coaching program and a recipient of a Clare Rose Sabbatical.  John served as a Fieldstone coach for over 20 years.

A Network of Deep Relationships & Reciprocity

Recently, I was on a Zoom call that truly represented what Fieldstone Leadership Network (FLNSD) means to me. In the “boxes” were Janine Mason; Founder of FLNSD, Anne Vincent; President of Clare Rose Foundation, and Chris Rutgers Founder of Outdoor Outreach & the Trauma Foundation. Three of my closest and most important colleagues and friends – and none I would have known without FLNSD.

I met Janine in 2003 when I was at a low point in my life and desperately trying to launch my new nonprofit, A Reason To Survive (ARTS). At the time Fieldstone was a foundation providing both grants and leadership development programs. I desperately needed both! Janine and I connected immediately and bonded over our shared experience of losing a parent. She saw my passion, invested in me, and she also encouraged me to go through their coaching program. I was paired with Jan Giacinti, and it was a life saver. Jan was way more than a coach – she was a friend, confidant, cheerleader, and surrogate “mom” for me. I remember hoping I could someday reciprocate what I received by becoming a coach myself to help others like me. Little did I know that would be the beginning of a 20-year journey with Janine/FLNSD. I would participate in all the programs she offered, becoming a yearly Coach as well as a facilitator for Creative Encounters, and whatever other role Janine called and needed me to play!

Matt, left, with Chris Rutgers, center and Serge Dedina, right, at a 2013 Fieldstone @4 sharing their sabbatical experience with FLNSD members at the San Diego Botanic Garden. September 2013

I met Chris when we were in the Fieldstone Executive Learning Group in 2005. We were both struggling founders of youth development organizations, and we became fast friends and colleagues supporting each other over the years through the ups and downs of running our organizations. We witnessed in each other the toll our work had taken in our personal lives. We both took sabbaticals in 2010, and then helped each other through our founder transitions as we left our organizations and began new paths in serving our communities. Even after Chris moved to the Pacific Northwest, we have remained close through our monthly Zoom calls and in-person visits. We support each other’s projects, are strategic thought partners, and we are constantly trying to solve issues in the nonprofit and philanthropic communities. Most importantly, we are there for each other as friends.

Matt with Anne Vincent, center and Janine Mason, left at National Philanthropy Day 2015.

I met Anne Vincent in 2013 when she began exploring the idea of a Sabbatical Program for nonprofit leaders. She was introduced to Janine and formed a partnership with FLNSD to run the program. Janine brought me in as an advisor since I had taken that sabbatical a few years earlier. I quickly hit it off with Anne and her brother Ted. They soon became dedicated supporters of ARTS and trusted partners – unlike many funders I had experienced. When I made the decision in 2016 to leave ARTS and focus on addressing some of the systemic issues and inequities facing organizations like ARTS, Anne made an offer I couldn’t refuse – let’s do it together! I have been working with Clare Rose since 2017 to strengthen the field of Creative Youth Development.

I share these histories with you because I think they show the true, unseen power of FLNSD. The direct programs FLNSD run are incredibly impactful but the conditions Janine creates for deep, long-term relationships to flourish are even more powerful. These relationships create a ripple of impact that is often hard to see and measure because they happen beyond the walls of FLNSD. They are happening in all corners of the community – new friendships, partnerships, collaborations, programs, projects…all because people met, connected, and bonded through FLNSD.

The Zoom last week was a perfect example of that . . .

Chris had called me a few weeks earlier with an amazing opportunity and idea for a leadership development program. We bounced some thoughts around and, rather than trying to run the program himself, he offered maybe it could “live” at Clare Rose / FLNSD. It’s that spirit of reciprocity that powers the Fieldstone Network. Those who have greatly benefitted from FLNSD are always coming back to give back and pay it forward for others.

No one could have predicted 20 years ago when I met Janine, 18 years ago when I met Chris, or 10 years ago when I met Anne, that we would be in the deep relationships we are in and sitting on a Zoom planning a new program for the greater good of nonprofit leaders in San Diego. But that’s the power of FLNSD – A ripple of deep relationships and reciprocity that allows for these partnerships to emerge and take flight.

Matt D’Arrigo, Director of Creative Youth Development, Clare Rose Foundation

Matt D’Arrigo has dedicated the past 20 years of his life to being a champion and advocate for the arts and young people. He is the Director of Creative Youth Development at the Clare Rose Foundation and the Co-Founder of The Clare Rose Center for Creative Youth Development (CYD) in San Diego, CA. With a small team, D’Arrigo oversees local, regional, and national strategy, investments, advocacy, coalition building, and field building activities.

Prior to joining Clare Rose Foundation, D’Arrigo was the Founder and CEO of A Reason To Survive (ARTS), a nationally recognized CYD organization based in National City, CA. His work with ARTS was the subject of the 2013 Academy Award winning documentary short “Inocente”, featured on the Today Show, was a case study in the New York Times best-selling book “Decisive” by Chip and Dan Heath, and profiled in Darius Graham’s book “Being the Difference: True Stories of Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things to Change the World”. His work in philanthropy with Clare Rose was recently featured in the New York Times.

D’Arrigo is co-founder of the National CYD Funders Forum and Arts Amplifying Youth (AAY!). He sits on the boards of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, Catalyst of San Diego and Imperial Counties, and is Vice-Chair of the San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition. He also sits on the National Partnership for Creative Youth Development and the Arts Ed Impact Group for Grant Makers for Education. Matt is a gradutate of Fieldstone’s Executive Learning Group and Coaching programs and now serves as coach and Creative Encounters facilitator for the Network.

He lives in Point Loma with his wife Hulya, kids Tessa and Andrew, and their dog Max.

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.

We Are Hiring!

A Rare Opportunity to Become Part of our Fieldstone Team

Are you looking for an opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the nonprofit sector? If so, consider joining our team.

We are currently looking to hire for our Program Coordinator position. The Program Coordinator will work:

• Coordinating and managing various programs designed to support nonprofit leaders.
• Providing exceptional hospitality and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all participants.
• Independently managing tasks and proactively addressing challenges as they arise.
• Maintaining a high level of organization and effectively multitasking to handle multiple programs simultaneously.
• Collaborating with a diverse network of nonprofit professionals to facilitate connections and collaborations.

We are looking for an individual with significant technology/computer skills who is passionate about the nonprofit sector. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A strong passion for community engagement and the nonprofit sector.
• A commitment to providing exceptional hospitality and creating an inclusive environment.
• The ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Strong computer and organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple programs effectively.
• Excellent multitasking abilities and the capacity to adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with a diverse group of nonprofit leaders.

This position provides:

• Flexible, part-time, and hybrid work schedule to accommodate work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development programs and experiences to enhance your skills.
• Engagement in broad and impactful work within a network of hundreds of nonprofit leaders.
• A positive and collaborative work environment that values diversity and inclusivity.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter to [email protected]

Full job description can be found HERE

Clare Rose Foundation/Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Gained a Sense of Wonder

I first connected with Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego in March of 2021 participating in the Equity Journey 1.0 and Equity Journey 2.0 series back to back. This country was still dealing with the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd in May of 2020 and the trial of the person placed in the position to be a protector, not to mention the numerous protests.

I had recently joined a new agency, The Corporation for Supportive Housing, CSH,  where my supervisor offered me the opportunity to engage with equity work. On my 3^rd day at CSH, there was an all-staff monthly meeting known as the Racial Equity Call. These calls commenced at the agency in 2019 as a safe space to build connection and community with “CSHers” on our collective and individual journeys of anti-racism practice and to learn how to apply a critical race equity analysis to all aspects of our work. This was all new to me, a commitment at this level.

In the Equity Journey series, the focus was on personal learning, then agency impact, and lastly, social justice (Equity Journey 3.0). What can I do to enhance racial equity and social justice within my work, my agency? It was in one of the Equity Journey 2.0 sessions when I realized I was not learning this material for my edification. I now found myself entrenched in a journey that greatly moves me to my core when discoursing, the issues of racial equity.

Bernie, back row on right, with his 2023 Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group

After the experience of the Equity Journeys, I took the opportunity to enroll in the Fieldstone Nonprofit Leaders Learning Group where I got the chance to meet Janine in person for the first time in 2 years (we had only been in programs together on Zoom).  The leadership groups and the equity journeys are designed to enhance leadership skills and promote understanding and action around equity and social justice issues. The process that unfolded over the next six months was transformational. Key takeaways for me include:

• Increased self-awareness in my leadership approach by reflecting on my own values biases and assumptions. The leadership program helped me to understand how my background and perspectives shape my leadership approach.
• Enhanced leadership skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and decision-making.
• Understanding of equity and social justice gaining a deeper understanding of discrimination, privilege, power dynamics, and their impact on individuals and communities.
• Empathy and perspective taking, learning to value and respect different viewpoints, and gaining a better understanding of the experiences of marginalized individuals and communities. Coming at the issue with a sense of wonder as Janine might say.
• Action-oriented mindset taking action to promote positive change by applying the learning and insights to a personal and professional context. The problem-solving skills of this cohort were a master class.

I believe I have greatly increased my leadership abilities in the short time I have engaged with Fieldstone.  I frequently look at challenges from a different perspective. I come with a sense of wonder and work to promote a positive outcome for all stakeholders involved.  Thank you Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego.

Bernie Miles, Senior Program Manager, Corporation for Supportive Housing

Bernie sees himself as a transformational leader with a strong emphasis on solution focus approach to problem solving.  He believes communication, teamwork and the ability to laugh are essential components to dynamic, successful teambuilding. He is currently serving as the Senior Program Manager for the Corporation for Supportive Housing.  In the past, he has lead teams as Veterens Village, Episcopal Community Services, Fr. Joe’s Villages and Case de Amparo.  He has served as a high school wrestling coach for more than eight years.  Bernie graduated from Fieldstone’s Nonprofit Leaders Group in June 2023 and participated in The Equity Journey series from 2020-2022.  

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.

An Incredible Base and Network of Colleagues

I was first introduced to the Fieldstone Leadership Network when I accepted the position of Executive Director for HomeAid Orange County in 1998.  One of the first things that Mike Lennon (my predecessor and founder of HomeAid) said I needed to do, was to get involved with Fieldstone.  He said it would be a base of people that would help me as a new executive director. I dove right in, not only did I join a peer learning group, but I also ultimately became a coach and participated in as many programs and retreats as I could.  Fieldstone gave me an incredible base and network of colleagues that to this day are a part of my professional career. However, nothing could have prepared me for the indescribable and life (and organization) changing gift it was for being chosen as one of four executive directors, awarded the Fieldstone Clare Rose Sabbatical in 2019.

It was truly a priceless gift of time to reflect, renew, and build into myself personally and professionally that in turn, helped me build into others.  I could not have asked for a more effective use of the opportunity and the lessons that I have learned along the way.  In the end, I have grown as an individual and as a leader, and so has (at the time) my interim executive director and long-term colleague Gina Cunningham and the board of directors and staff of HomeAid Orange County. As I reflect on my Fieldstone Clare Rose Sabbatical and look at the program Logic Model and desired Outcomes, I clearly see movement in the key areas outlined.  The Clare Rose Sabbatical strengthened me as well as Gina Cunningham and HomeAid overall. An unexpected outcome is that I am the Chief Executive Officer of HomeAid America, and Gina Cunningham is the Executive Director of HomeAid Orange County. The purpose and intent of the sabbatical was fulfilled and truly multiplied its initial impact and I could not be more thankful for the Fieldstone Leadership Network San Diego.

Courage stone from a Fieldstone retreat left on the Camino by Scott

I was renewed physically and emotionally as well as in my mental health.  I understood, pursued, and experienced a work/life balance and I clearly improved my personal relationships with my wife and three daughters. The ability to intentionally take a break from work and even household tasks and other responsibilities allowed me to connect with my family members in meaningful ways of rest, relaxation and to engage and be present with them in activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. The sabbatical offered me the chance to disconnect from external distractions, focus on each other, and engage in meaningful conversations, meals, and other activities that strengthened our relationship as a family ultimately creating a sense of belonging and support.

Organizationally, I saw an increase in HomeAid’s capacity.  Human capital was increased not only with staff but the board of directors through this process in their decision-making as having a broader understanding of the organization.  We saw an increase in social capital as leadership was not only shared but passed on and there was an increase in communication and collaboration between staff, the board of directors, and the interim executive director.  As a result, there was a stronger commitment to the organization by not only myself but everyone involved.

In the end, there was an increase in structural capital (intangible assets and resources such as infrastructure, systems, processes, and intellectual property) as a result of my pursuing and accepting the position of CEO of HomeAid America and Gina being offered and accepting the position of Executive Director of HomeAid Orange County.

I am truly humbled and will forever be grateful for this opportunity and the gift of the Fieldstone Clare Rose Sabbatical and all that the Fieldstone Leadership Network has built into my life.

Scott Larson, CEO, HomeAid America

Scott Larson, has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 30 years.  He serves as the CEO of HomeAid America, a role he took after completing his Clare Rose Sabbatical.  Prior to this role, Scott was the Executive Director of HomeAid Orange County for 21 years.  Leading the founding chapter, Scott is credited with uniting builders, community leaders, service providers and government officials to lead the development of 33 housing projects, valued at $64 million, and adding 975 beds to the region.  Scott earned his Bachelor of Science at Biola University and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.  He has participated in learning groups, served as a Fieldstone coach, participated in our leadership retreats and taken a Clare Rose Sabbatical.  

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.