Builders of the Field – PIMCO
Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community.
PIMCO’s Legal and Compliance team took part in games and mentorship activities with students from the Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast, in Santa Ana.
PIMCO is one of the world’s premier fixed income investment managers. Launching in 1971 in Newport Beach, California, PIMCO introduced investors to a total return approach to fixed income investing. Today they have offices across the globe. They believe in operating globally but also in supporting local organizations in the communities in which they live and work. Since establishing the PIMCO Foundation in 2000, they have worked to support hundreds of local nonprofits. They have foundations in the U.S., U.K., and Germany, and support local communities via local grant programs. Their focus is on hunger, gender equality, homelessness and college and career readiness.
We recently asked Amber Skalsky, Vice President of the PIMCO Foundation, the following questions:
Why do you give back to non-profits?
At PIMCO, we’ve always believed in giving back; it’s a value woven into the fabric of our culture. Our colleagues and executives have a long history of giving time and talent as it’s just something we’ve always believed was the right thing to do. Through our community engagement platform, Purpose at PIMCO, we seek to not only deliver on our commitment to strengthening communities, but to driving impact alongside our nonprofit partners.
What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
We understand that if we are to achieve real outcomes and positive social change, we must support the leadership and development of those who are at the helm of our partner organizations. We must arm our nonprofit leaders with the tools they need to build strong teams, impactful programs, and sustainable change in the community. Fieldstone allowed us to play a small part in helping local leaders build networks, strengthen capacity, increase confidence, and more…
What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?
Too often we hear that organizations have to choose between investing funds in either their programs or staff. Fieldstone helps solve that problem by offering leaders access to knowledge and peer networks on a monthly basis. Participants are able to take advantage of self-learning opportunities and curriculum which helps them become stronger problem solvers, strategically agile, and helps members bring back those learnings to their organizations and teams. Fieldstone Leadership Network has a vast impact on the Orange County community, and across Southern California.
Do you have any personal stories you would like to share as the result of working with or benefiting from the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
As a funder, I have not had any personal interaction with the programs, however, we have many partners who have taken part in Fieldstone programs, and we’ve heard firsthand the positive and lasting impact programming has had on them both personally and professionally. This feedback was one of the key reasons we felt compelled to invest.
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Builders of the Field – Christopher Weil & Company
Builders of the Field highlights philanthropic leaders who financially partner with the Network to support our work in the nonprofit community.
Chris Weil formed The Weil Company (now dba Christopher Weil & Company, Inc.) in 1989 to provide a platform to do his own investing and to advise and manage wealth for others; and investing “for our own account” remains an important component of what they do. The principals of CWC co-invest alongside their clients in all recommended investments.
Why do you give back to non-profits?
What people call “giving back” seems as natural to us at Christopher Weil & Company, Inc. as breathing out after breathing in. It would be unhealthy to the extreme to live by taking in only. All of life is characterized by taking in and giving out. Philanthropy is simply an instance of this. It is a healthy way to live.
What motivated you to make a gift to the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
I have known Janine Mason for many years and have admired her work in the various venues in which we have collaborated. Therefore, when she asked to talk with me about Fieldstone and to support its work, it was an easy and informed decision.
What impact do you think the Fieldstone Leadership Network makes on our community?
I am not a graduate of a Fieldstone program, but I know a number of people who are. In discussions with them there is a sense that the Fieldstone Leadership Network has allowed them to make material contributions, not just to their own institutions, but to their communities as well.
Do you have any personal stories you would like to share as the result of working with or benefitting from the Fieldstone Leadership Network?
It turns out that I know three Executive Directors who are beneficiaries of Fieldstone’s Clare Rose Sabbatical program. Each has testified to a radical improvement in their leadership skills when returning to work. I don’t think it is just coincidental that, in all three cases after their sabbaticals, their organizations experienced demonstrable improvements in operations, service delivery, development and employee satisfaction.
First Republic Bank and Fieldstone @4
First Republic Bank Partners with Fieldstone Leadership Network to Sponsor the 2019 Fieldstone@4 Series
The Fieldstone Leadership Network (FLN) is proud to announce its partnership with First Republic Bank as the official sponsor of the 2019 Fieldstone@4 events in San Diego and Orange Counties. “This is a partnership with great synergy because we both share the core belief of investing in our nonprofit leaders,” said FLN Executive Director, Janine Mason.
First Republic Bank is committed to developing deeper relationships with non-profits. They believe that donating time, money and knowledge to those who are best placed to make a difference to the lives of many is the right thing to do. They also uphold a key focus in creating inclusive opportunities for our community.
The 2019 Fieldstone@4 events will be held quarterly in San Diego and Orange Counties. Based on the theory of the Third Place, each event features members of the Fieldstone Leadership Network sharing their personal wisdom and experience on a topic relevant to nonprofit leadership. Each event is open to all participants of the Fieldstone Leadership Network. For a calendar of events and topics, please visit our website at www.fieldstoneoc.org
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Dave Langlois: A Life Well Lived
The rain to the wind said,
“you push and I’ll pelt.”
They so smote the garden bed
That the flowers actually knelt.
And lay lodged – though not dead.
I know how the flowers felt.
Robert Frost
This week, we lost a dear and important member of the Fieldstone Family. David R. Langlois, original board member of the Fieldstone Foundation passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Dave Langlois
Dave was the first person recruited by Peter Ochs and Keith Johnson to join them as they established The Fieldstone Company in 1981. Dave was responsible for the building operations of the Orange County region and served on the company’s foundation board since its inception. He was the foundation president for 29 years before he stepped down in 2012 as part of his retirement plans.
During his time as President of the foundation, Dave served with a clarity of vision and a purity of heart. He understood the deep impact a grant from the foundation could have on the agency and the clients it served. Dave also recognized the importance of human capital and volunteered as a board member for Habitat for Humanity, International. As part of his work with Habitat, Dave coordinated Fieldstone’s support of the first multi-family Habitat community to be built in Rancho Santa Margarita located in south Orange County in the late 1980’s. Dave also recruited others to support the effort, which resulted in 48 families having a forever home. Former President Jimmy Carter came to the community groundbreaking to celebrate.
Dave and his wife, Luana, were also active with The Wooden Floor in Santa Ana, California. The Wooden Floor is a creative youth development nonprofit that helps underserved children achieve success in all parts of their life using the vehicle of dance. Dave was thrilled and impressed by the young people and how hard they worked to perform in their shows and to do well in school. His love of this work was the inspiration for Fieldstone’s gift to A Step Beyond, which was made to honor Dave for his various contributions to our communities. Based on the model of the Wooden Floor, A Step Beyond is located on the campus of the Center for the Arts, Escondido. The agency is currently building the Dave Langlois Youth Center, which will house much needed space to expand its services. A matching gift from Fieldstone enabled A Step Beyond to raise the necessary capital quickly and the building is expected to be completed and opened in October 2018.
Groundbreaking for the Dave Langlois Youth Center – 2018
Dave was a gifted and talented man. He was a fighter pilot in the Navy, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a business leader and a faithful servant. He was a man of deep integrity, generous compassion and unwavering faith. He loved his routines, disliked wearing a tie and looked forward to his beer at the end of the day. In all of his roles and activities, Dave was respected and admired by those he encountered. He inspired people to do and be their best. He made Fieldstone better for being part of the family.
Today we “know how the flowers felt.” But we also know, as Dave would remind us, that he is in a better place. So slowly, we will rise again and continue our work in the world. The way Dave would want us to.
Not being a man who liked too much attention, no services are planned at this time. But you are invited to grab a beer, say a prayer of thanksgiving in whatever way feels good to you, and toast to a very good man.
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Adding to our Coaches Toolbox
This month, we hosted our Orange County and San Diego County coaches for a joint meeting at Casa Romantica in San Clemente. Gathering at this half-way point, both geographically and programmatically, we exchanged information on how our 2018 matches are proceeding and gave the coaches time to learn from each other about resources which may be helpful to them as they continue to coach a fellow nonprofit leader. Included in our full day together, was a training on Immunity to Change Theory. Led by Jeff Schneider of Partners in Thought, the training provided time for our coaches to focus on their own personal leadership practice while adding to their toolbox to support others on the same developmental journey.
The Fieldstone Leadership Network Coaching Program is in its 22nd year. Applications are available on our website each September and the year-long program starts in January each year. In 2018, FLN is coaching over 30 nonprofit leaders in Orange and San Diego Counties.
Fieldstone Coaches 2018
Overcoming Barriers to Change: A Crossroads and Turning Points Program
The Gift of Coaching
“One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own.” ~John O’Donohue
This year, The Fieldstone Leadership Network will coach 30 nonprofit leaders from Orange and San Diego Counties. This month, we have spent time together getting to know each other and sharing information to get them ready for the year ahead. The goal of the orientation meeting is to lay out the road map for their leadership development experience and empower them with knowledge to make the most of this unique opportunity. Each coachee is currently participating in a 360 Degree Review and will spend personalized time with a certified feedback facilitator to understand the results once they are returned. This process will be completed by February. Combined with our own personal and professional assessment tools, the 360 will complete a library of instruments which will serve to guide the coach and coachee in their work together. We are so excited to welcome them and excited to see the gifts that will unfold as they receive the encouragement and support from a Fieldstone Coach.
Fieldstone Coaching has been serving nonprofit leaders for more than 20 years and has coached over 260 nonprofit leaders. Applications for the program are available on our website and accepted each September. The program begins in January each year.
2018 San Diego Coachees: Ana Melgoza, San Ysidro Health Center; Anahid Brakke, SD Hunger Coalition; Kasey MacNair, Girls on the Run, Kathy Wilder, Pro Kids/The First TEe of SD; Kim Bauman, The One Love Movement; Kristen Fogle, SD Writers Ink; Mia Roseberry, Wounded Warrior Homes; Barbara Reuer, Resounding Joy; Carolyn Griesemer, Children’s Legal Services of SD; Jessica Munoz, Voices for Children; Sarah Carter, Urban Life Ministries; Patrick Stewart, Words Alive; Carolyn Zollars, SD Botanic Gardens; Fabienne Perlov, SD Diplomacy Council, Jesus Gonzales, SDSU, Wesley House; Mona Terry, Identity Theft Resource Center, Megan Storer, 211 San Diego; Megan Blair, SD Public Library Foundation; Judi Holder, RI International.
2018 Orange County Coachees: Chris Baiocchi, Habitat for Humanity, OC; Ellen Roy, Mary’s Shelter; Greta Nagel, Museum of Teaching and Learning; Helen O’Sullivan, Neighborworks OC; Stephannie Bobadilla, The Muckenthaler Cultural Center; Bonnie Sala, Guidelines International Ministries; Bret Babos, The Ecology Center; Jessica Hubbard, Girls Inc of OC; Kareem Marashi, Chapman University, Dodge College; Lynn Dobosy, International School Project; and Michele Wanner, Chapman University.
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Four Learning Groups Start in January
Joining a Network of over 2,000 nonprofit professionals, the 45 new members of in our 2018 Learning Groups represent agencies focused on youth, environment, health, faith, arts and culture, literacy, homelessness and housing, drug prevention and treatment, community development, peace building, education, and military veterans. Their reach is wide and deep, and it is almost impossible to find an area of the nonprofit sector they do not impact. We are hopeful about the trusted relationships that will be developed and the natural collaborations that will occur as a result.
Learning Groups, which start each January, are designed as a six-month peer learning experience. Each group of between 10 and 12 leaders participate in a curriculum developed to support dynamic and candid exchange and provide access to cutting edge tools for nonprofit management and leadership. The program also includes the study of real life case studies guided by a problem solving methodology that empowers participants to envision feasible solutions and craft action plans while providing an intimate and confidential environment to learn and developed trust relationships with other leaders. The program starts with an energetic experiential learning component which gets the group out of the conference room, jumpstarts the team building process and enlightens the participants on their own leadership styles.
In 2017, the University of San Diego concluded a five-year study of the Fieldstone Learning Group program and found that the program is providing critical leadership development for both executive and senior nonprofit leaders. Five years of data show consistent positive impacts in 1) strengthening leaders, 2) building organizational capacity and 3) sustaining a vibrant nonprofit sector. In addition, the study found that 98% of participants would recommend the Learning Group to their peers, which may account for the program operating each year with full cohorts and a waiting list. To see the full report please visit the IMPACT tab on the website.
Welcome to our 2018 Learning Groups:
Orange County Executive Group:
Dawn Price, Friendship Shelter; Natalie Julien, Thomas House Family Shelter; Amy Lakin, Casa Youth Shelter; Lina Lumme, The Youth Center; Heather Miner, North Long Beach Christian Church; Tim Rogers, Boys Hope Girls Hope; Sheila Romanski, Crystal Roses, Inc.; Cathy Seelig, Friendly Center, Inc.; Andrew Simone, Providence Speech and Hearing Center; Clyde Taber, Visual Story Network; and Lisa Wood, Casa Teresa.
Orange County Nonprofit Leaders Group:
Jessika Ahlberg, My Safe Harbor; Alex Del Castillo, Families Forward; Erika Enz, Scholars’ Hope Foundation; Sarahi Franco, CIELO; Christina Garcia, Casa Youth Shelter; Gladys Hernandez, Habitat for Humanity Orange County; Sally Lawrence, CFRE, Orange County Council, Boy Scouts of America; Kathleen Mellon, Jewish Federation & Family Services; Jazmin Monterrosa, Laura’s House; Angie Rodriguez, Taller San Jose Hope Builders; and Katie Russell, Ronald McDonald House-Orange County.
San Diego Executive Group:
Patty Cowan, Coronado Schools Foundation; Laura Ann Fernea, City Heights Community Development Corporation; David Gereghty, Recreational Music Center; Shaina Gross, Susan G Komen San Diego; Margarita Holguin, Chula Vista Community Collaborative; Kristianne Kurner, New Village Arts, Inc.; Keturah Lane, Emmaus Today, Inc.; Claire O’Leary, STAR/PAL; Molly Puryear, Malashock Dance; Brian Richter, Special Olympics Southern California-San Diego; and Katie Sawyer, San Diego Women’s Foundation.
San Diego Nonprofit Leaders Group: 
Vanessa Davis, Just In Time for Foster Youth; Jeremy Haman, BAME Community Development Corporation; Javier Islas, Accion San Diego; Kristine Jansen, Mama’s Kitchen; Alexander Kim, KPBS; Kirsten Kinney, Kids for Peace; Tomoko Kuta, The New Children’s Museum; Joe McLeod, Outdoor Outreach; Christina Meeker, Words Alive; Danielle Prince, Access Youth Academy; Susan Quinn, Alzheimer’s San Diego; and Marisa Varond, McAlister Institute for Treatment & Education, Inc.
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