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] .

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 |

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!
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Network News August 2024
Here is the latest news from the Network, including registration for our 2025 Learning Groups and Coaching Programs and our September Fieldstone@4.
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Network News July 2024
- Leadership Reading Group 9 is Full!
- 2025 Learning Group and Coaching applications available in August
- Spaces added to LAUNCH to accommodate interest
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Leaders In the Field June 2024
Leaders in the Field:
Celebrating Exceptional Leadership
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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The Latest News from our Network
Network News is presented each month as an easy way to stay updated on the programs and resources offered by us. This month, we feature information on registering for our Leadership Reading Group and about our newest program LAUNCH, designed for early career executive directors. Also included are updates on Fieldstone @ 4 and the Clare Rose Sabbatical program. The Nonprofit Board Exchange, The Nonprofit Resource Exchange and the Nonprofit Career Exchange are included as resources to help you lead and manage your nonprofit organization as effectively as possible.
Read NETWORK NEWS Now.
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New Program to Support Early Career Executive Directors
Because Beginnings Matter
As San Diego experiences a wave of leadership transitions in the nonprofit sector, many newly appointed executive directors are stepping into this role for the first time. While this evolution often results in a loss of long-term experience, it also presents opportunities for innovation, fresh perspectives and renewed energy. Recognizing the need for critical support at the beginning of an Executive Director’s career, we have created “LAUNCH”, a nine-week program designed to empower early career Executive Directors with the tools, knowledge, and support network necessary to excel in their role and drive positive change within their organization and community.
Research underscores the critical importance of continuous learning for sustained leadership success within nonprofits, making a commitment to ongoing education through LAUNCH not just beneficial for an individual’s growth, but also for the resilience and impact of the organization they lead. Moreover, LAUNCH emphasizes the value of building meaningful relationships within the sector, especially with those also beginning their Executive Director careers. Because we understand that these leaders and their relationships could prove influential for decades to come, we felt it was important to take the time to create a new program to serve these leaders. Knowing that how one starts an endeavor is critical, it feels necessary for us to invest in them early in their executive director careers.
Led by seasoned executives renowned for their expertise and success in the nonprofit sector, each weekly session delves deep into essential topics such as governance, finances, fundraising, HR, and organizational planning. Drawing from their personal experiences, as well as contemporary practices and theories, the facilitators will provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the program. Each session will be led by a pair of leaders, ensuring diverse perspectives and deep expertise are shared. Our team includes:
- Torrie Dunlap
- James Halliday
- Lesslie Keller
- Sharon Lawrence
- Janine Mason
- Sue Schaffner
- Donald Stump
- Karen Terra
- Rhea Van Brocklin
- Ismena Valdez
The Fieldstone website has detailed information on each of the 9 sessions.
The program kicks off on September 25th with a cohort gathering aimed at community building. The first academic session will follow on October 2 and continue through November 20th. Each session will take place at Fieldstone’s offices in University City.
By prioritizing the professional growth of early career Executives during this critical juncture, we are confident we will cultivate a robust foundation for sustained success not only for individual leaders and their respective organization, but also for the advancement of our sector. Our investment ensures that those who have embraced executive leadership are equipped to tackle challenges effectively, build trusted relationships with other leaders, and find personal fulfillment in this significant role” said Janine Mason, Fieldstone’s Founding Director.
Applications for our premiere cohort are being accepted now. Due to the large interest list, the program is expected to fill quickly. Thus, interested leaders are encouraged to apply early.
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