Monthly Speaker Series
Laguna Beach Community Foundation provides a free speaker series every third Thursday of the month to engage residents and organizations, help facilitate the strengthening of networks and build the community. Join us for our next Speaker Series!
December Speaker Series (POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBD)
Debra Chargois, Employee Benefits Expert, CalNonprofits Insurance Services
Nonprofit Employee Benefits - Your Questions Answered
Debra Chargois has more than 12 years of nonprofit HR experience and has worked as the Director of Human Resources at a large nonprofit in southern California overseeing 300 employees. Her knowledge and commitment to helping nonprofits navigate the complexities of the insurance world is an incredible resource to everyone in the field.
CalNonprofits Insurance Services is a subsidiary of the California Association of Nonprofits, providing exclusive and cost-savings insurances including medical, dental, liability, workers’ compensation, directors & officers and more. Many insurance coverages are available exclusively to members of CalNonprofits and have saved thousands of dollars to participating nonprofits. For more information on CalNonprofits Insurance Services, click here.
CalNonprofits Insurance Services is a subsidiary of the California Association of Nonprofits, providing exclusive and cost-savings insurances including medical, dental, liability, workers’ compensation, directors & officers and more. Many insurance coverages are available exclusively to members of CalNonprofits and have saved thousands of dollars to participating nonprofits. For more information on CalNonprofits Insurance Services, click here.
November Speaker Series
Colleen Lazanich, CEO, CalNonprofits Insurance Services
Nonprofit Insurance Requirements - Your Questions Answered
Thursday, November 17th, 2016 - 12:15pm-1:00pm - 303 Broadway, Suite 212, Laguna Beach
Colleen Lazanich joined CalNonprofits Insurance Services as CEO in August 2016. CalNonprofits Insurance Services is a full-service insurance broker providing employee benefits, workers comp, and property/casualty insurance to more than 800 California nonprofits. She has more than 30 years of experience across the insurance field, and brings an expert, energetic and warm approach to this too-often overlooked topic (despite the fact that insurance is typically a nonprofit's third biggest expense).
CalNonprofits Insurance Services is a subsidiary of the California Association of Nonprofits, providing exclusive and cost-savings insurances including medical, dental, liability, workers’ compensation, directors & officers and more. Many insurance coverages are available exclusively to members of CalNonprofits and have saved thousands of dollars to participating nonprofits. For more information on CalNonprofits Insurance Services, click here.
CalNonprofits Insurance Services is a subsidiary of the California Association of Nonprofits, providing exclusive and cost-savings insurances including medical, dental, liability, workers’ compensation, directors & officers and more. Many insurance coverages are available exclusively to members of CalNonprofits and have saved thousands of dollars to participating nonprofits. For more information on CalNonprofits Insurance Services, click here.
October Speaker Series
Bo Glover, Executive Director, Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach
Native Plant Exploration with Bo Glover
Thursday, October 13, 2016 - 12:15pm-1:00pm - 303 Broadway, Suite 212, Laguna Beach
Bo Glover will explore native plant education and how the use of hands-on, immersive programs has helped to leave a lasting impact on ENC visitors, campers and program recipients. Time will be available for Q & A.
Founded in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center is a fascinating combination of 15 California native plant communities (ranging from desert, to oak woodland, to fresh water marsh, to redwood forest); wildlife habitats; walking trails; and sustainably designed, LEED Platinum certified learning center. Serving over 21,000 students and thousands of visitors annually, the ENC is recognized as a leader in science and social science education providing opportunities for increasing our community’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the natural world. For more information on Environmental Nature Center, click here.
Founded in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center is a fascinating combination of 15 California native plant communities (ranging from desert, to oak woodland, to fresh water marsh, to redwood forest); wildlife habitats; walking trails; and sustainably designed, LEED Platinum certified learning center. Serving over 21,000 students and thousands of visitors annually, the ENC is recognized as a leader in science and social science education providing opportunities for increasing our community’s knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the natural world. For more information on Environmental Nature Center, click here.
May Speaker Series
Wendy Marshall, Director of Education, ExplorOcean, Newport Beach
What The Ocean Teaches Us About Leadership
Thursday, May 19, 2016 - 12:15pm-1:00pm - 303 Broadway, Suite 212, Laguna Beach
ExplorOcean Director of Education, Wendy Marshall, will discuss how they were able to exponentially extended their reach by strategically investing their time in developing key relationships that would move the needle on:
- Their validity and scientific accuracy (Coastal Commission, Department of Fish and Wildlife)
- Their rigor and academic significance of their educational programs (CA Dept of Education)
- Their resources that contribute to their mission (USC, Hubbs of Sea World, Irvine Ranch Water District, Aquaponics USA)
- Reaching both local and high=need students to fulfill our mission
April Speaker Series
Patricia Jo Mayer, Director Exempt Organizations, Moss Adams LLP
Navigating Through the Form 990
Thursday, April 21, 2016 - 12:15pm-1:00pm - 303 Broadway, Suite 212, Laguna Beach
Join our session April 21, 2016 to gain insight on the Form 990. Key trigger items will be discussed. So whether you evaluate your grantees using the Form 990 or submit your organization’s 990 you’ll have a better understanding of the layout, marketing opportunities, and more. For more information on Moss Adams LLP, click here.
March Speaker Series
Tom Davis, Founder & Principal of Davis Law
Nonprofit Board Infrastructure
Thursday, March 17, 2016 - 12:15pm-1:00pm - 303 Broadway, Suite 212, Laguna Beach
Tom Davis, Chairman of Laguna Beach Community Foundation and Founder and Principal of Davis Law will join us on March 17th to share his expertise on Board Infrastructure. Not only has Tom served on numerous philanthropic boards, he has also worked with nonprofit clients on nonprofit governance and problem solving. This is one you don't want to miss. Get your board related questions answered in a safe and casual environment by one of the best. For more information on Davis Law, click here.
February Speaker Series
Theresa Lu, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, MissionQuest, Inc. (Previously Lu & Associates)
Top Tips for Grant Writing Success
Thursday, February 18, 2016 - 12:15pm-1:00pm - 303 Broadway, Suite 212, Laguna Beach
Theresa Lu, Ph.D., founder and CEO of MissionQuest, Inc. has developed a firm that successfully combines the compassion of community service with the drive of a corporate business model. She is involved in every aspect of the firm, with her primary roles including strategic planning, marketing, talent development, and fiscal management. Dr. Lu is a highly regarded consultant and educator, with 25 years of experience in the fields of organizational development and management. Well-known for her engaging leadership and training style, she holds both a master’s and doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Dr. Lu is also an associate professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and an adjunct professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is the author of Total Domination: Millions from Grants.
Since 2002, MissionQuest, Inc. has been guiding government agencies, universities, private sector firms, and nonprofit agencies to great success. Dr. Lu’s national consulting firm offers services including grant writing, program evaluation, and program development. They have raised millions for dollars for their clients. They also provide transformative organizational development services including team building, leadership development, and strategic planning. For more information, please visit www.missionquestinc.com.
Since 2002, MissionQuest, Inc. has been guiding government agencies, universities, private sector firms, and nonprofit agencies to great success. Dr. Lu’s national consulting firm offers services including grant writing, program evaluation, and program development. They have raised millions for dollars for their clients. They also provide transformative organizational development services including team building, leadership development, and strategic planning. For more information, please visit www.missionquestinc.com.
January Speaker Series
Edwin D. “Ed” Fuller, President & Chief Executive Officer, Orange County Visitors Association, Irvine, CA
Thursday, January 21, 2016 - 12:15pm-1:00pm - 303 Broadway, Suite 212, Laguna Beach
Internationally recognized hospitality industry leader, educator and best-selling author, Ed Fuller is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Orange County (California) Visitors Association. He is also President and Co-Founder of Irvine-based Laguna Strategic Advisors, a global consortium providing opportunities and services to independent providers of business consulting services.
Mr. Fuller recently concluded a dynamic career with Marriott International that culminated with his being the Company’s President & Managing Director of International Lodging for nearly 22 years. His distinguished, performance-driven corporate career spanned four decades. His experience included roles as chief sales and marketing officer; global leader in crisis management situations, future business assessment, top-level customer relationship management, sales and marketing leadership; and long-term strategy development that applied corporate philosophies, delivered on brand promise and enabled ethical decisions. His results included the creation of 80,000 new jobs worldwide, the formation and operation of 555 hotels in 73 countries, $8 billion in annual sales, and the implementation of multiple environmental, youth and educational initiatives.
Mr. Fuller’s colorful and real-world experiences are recounted in his top 20 best-selling business book, “You Can’t Lead with Your Feet on the Desk,” He is a regular contributor to www.forbes.com where his semi-monthly blogs focus on business trends in Asia, the global lodging industry and social commentary; and contributes quarterly to www.globalhotelnetwork.com on hotel industry trends. Join Mr. Fuller at LBCF as he discusses the global market and the potential for Laguna Beach.
Mr. Fuller recently concluded a dynamic career with Marriott International that culminated with his being the Company’s President & Managing Director of International Lodging for nearly 22 years. His distinguished, performance-driven corporate career spanned four decades. His experience included roles as chief sales and marketing officer; global leader in crisis management situations, future business assessment, top-level customer relationship management, sales and marketing leadership; and long-term strategy development that applied corporate philosophies, delivered on brand promise and enabled ethical decisions. His results included the creation of 80,000 new jobs worldwide, the formation and operation of 555 hotels in 73 countries, $8 billion in annual sales, and the implementation of multiple environmental, youth and educational initiatives.
Mr. Fuller’s colorful and real-world experiences are recounted in his top 20 best-selling business book, “You Can’t Lead with Your Feet on the Desk,” He is a regular contributor to www.forbes.com where his semi-monthly blogs focus on business trends in Asia, the global lodging industry and social commentary; and contributes quarterly to www.globalhotelnetwork.com on hotel industry trends. Join Mr. Fuller at LBCF as he discusses the global market and the potential for Laguna Beach.
October Speaker Series
Geeta G. Singh, MSPT, Integrated Physical Therapy, Inc.
October 15, 2015 - 12:15pm-1:00pm - 303 Broadway, Suite 212, Laguna Beach
"A Day at the Office" - Do you find yourself sitting most of the day in front of your computer? Whether you’re at your home office, work office, or even working at the local coffee shop chronic sitting is the new norm in our society. Join me and learn a few tips on changing your sitting habits. This talk will focus on workstation ergonomics, improving sitting posture, and interrupting your day with 60-second exercises. More movement throughout your day can offset health risks associated with prolonged sitting and make you feel more energetic and less fatigued. Now who doesn’t want that! Join us on October 15th to meet Geeta! In the meantime, check out her website here.
September Speaker Series
Jeanne Meyers, The MY HERO Project Co-Founder & Director
Join MY HERO Project Co-Founder and Director, Jeanne Meyers, for a highlight reel of the Laguna Beach Eco Heroes documentary. The film, now available on COX Cable, celebrates environmental activism in Laguna Beach. Featured heroes include: Greg MacGillivray from One World One Ocean, Nancy Caruso otherwise known as "the Kelp Lady," Chip McDermott from Zero Trash Laguna, Wyland and more...
After the clip, Jeanne will share about the making of the film, give a brief history about their exceptional 20 years of work, what's ahead for MY HERO Project and will then open the floor for Q&A. Congratulations to the filmmakers and heroes for being awarded with a Merit of Awareness at the 2015 Awareness Film Festival. To view the short stories, art, and films produced by The MY HERO Project, visit their website here.
After the clip, Jeanne will share about the making of the film, give a brief history about their exceptional 20 years of work, what's ahead for MY HERO Project and will then open the floor for Q&A. Congratulations to the filmmakers and heroes for being awarded with a Merit of Awareness at the 2015 Awareness Film Festival. To view the short stories, art, and films produced by The MY HERO Project, visit their website here.
August Speaker Series
Tyler Russell, Founder and Program Director & Monica Silva, Development Director, KX93.5
Tyler Russell is trying really hard to wake up before the sunrise to bring you a local, community, grassroots radio program on KX 93.5. Listen for cool indie music, artist/celebrity interviews, and the most-up-date goings-on of Laguna. Tyler and Monica told the story of KX 93.5, why they do what they do, and what services they hope to continue to bring to Laguna Beach (and how they can help). To listen to KX93.5 live or find out more, click here.
July Speaker Series
Renae Hinchey, General Manager & Christopher Regan, Assistant General Manager,
Laguna Beach Water District
Renae Hinchey and Christopher Regan of the Laguna Beach Water District reviewed the history of the Laguna Beach County Water District prior to addressing the following topics:
For more information, visit the Laguna Beach County Water District website here.
- The impacts of the drought.
- The Governor's Executive Order for California mandating a statewide water reduction of 25%.
- The District's efforts in implementing the State Water Resources Control Board's regulatory emergency regulations.
- The District's water budget rate structure that encourages customers to use water efficiently.
- What we all must do to ensure a reliable drinking water supply.
For more information, visit the Laguna Beach County Water District website here.
June Speaker Series
Brian Ross Adams, Trusted Messenger
In part two of a two-part series on increasing your online footprint, Brian Ross Adams, Founder of Trusted Messenger Marketing (TMM), an Online Branding and Social Media Consultant Specializing in political campaigns, nonprofits, small businesses, artists, advocacy campaigns and public figures, taught attendees how to capitalize on their outreach efforts to grow their organization. TMM's social media program focuses on dramatically increasing a client's social media account size and "engagement rates" by "hyper micro-targeting" and community building through listening and inquiry
May Speaker Series
Shaena Stabler, Stu News Publisher & Co-Owner
In part one of a two-part series focused on enhancing your community outreach through a robust social presence. Shaena Stabler, Co-Owner and Publisher of local online newspaper StuNewsLaguna and up-and-coming Songwriter/Indie Artist, talked about the tremendous role social media can play in growing your non-profit or business's brand and revenue, and how everyone (yes, everyone!) ought to be participating in it.
April Speaker Series
Sharyn Church, Children Now Los Angeles Director
Too many of Orange County's children lack the basic building blocks to ensure success - high quality early learning experiences, rigorous K-12 academics, enriching afterschool and summer programs, and access to critical health care services. Sharyn Church, the Los Angeles Director for Children Now, shared Orange County local data from the 2014 California County Scorecard of Children's Well-Being to illustrate where children are doing well and how philanthropy, nonprofits and other stakeholders can come together to prioritize well-being and improve outcomes for children. To learn more about the 2014 California County Scorecard of Children's Well-Being, visit here.
March Speaker Series
Geoff Shester, OCEANA California Campaign Director
Drowning marine mammals and turtles snagged in gillnets - a challenge nagging ocean conservationists - was the topic as Dr. Geoff Shester told us about the California swordfish industry and its drift gillnets. The international conservation organization Oceana has recently identified the California swordfish drift gillnet fishery as among the dirtiest "bycatch" fisheries in the nation. Geoff discussed these issues, as well as new emerging concerns with whale entanglements in fishing gear off the west coast, while identifying opportunities for ocean conservationists and enthusiasts to further engage in west coast fishery management. To learn more about OCEANA's bycatch campaign, visit their webpage here.
February Speaker Series
Nancy Berlin, CalNonprofits Policy Director
"Causes Count is the first report of its kind to examine the nonprofit sector's scope, activities and economic impact in the state of California. Our study gives the nonprofit community the information in needs to advance its cause." - CalNonprofits. Nancy Berlin made a fascinating presentation on the Causes Count report which can be viewed here.
January Speaker Series
Peter Kote, LBCF Founding Trustee & President of Professional Fiduciary Services
As LBCF marked their 10-year anniversary, Founding Trustee, Peter Kote, recounted the history of the Laguna Beach Community Foundation. He and other founding members believed in the philanthropic nature of the community and felt that a community foundation would be an irreplaceable pillar of strength.