Sandra Coufal (member at large), Monica Perlman, Ann Brizolis, Dana Korey, Jennifer Janzen
(Photos by Dana Korey)
Colleen Peterson, Amy Hobert, Lynn LaRue ( volunteer co-chair), Dana Korey, Lisa Hwang, Debbie Torbati, Nikki Ostrem
(Photos by Dana Korey)
Guest speaker Dr. Mark D. Milliron
(Photos by Dana Korey)
Mary Consalvi (president and board chair)
(Photos by Dana Korey)
Nikki Carmody Ream (past president /nominations and governance chair), Dana Korey, Ann Brizolis (event sponsor)
(Photos by Dana Korey)
Marina Pastor, Marian Benassi
(Photos by Dana Korey)
Karina Lion, Jennifer Steber, Mary Consalvi, Anne Thorson, Laura Froelich, Dana Korey
(Photos by Dana Korey)
Staci Fournier and Laura Froelich (grant committee co-chairs)
(Photos by Dana Korey)
Mara Buchholz (member at large/incoming president), Anne Thorson (volunteer co-chair) Marina Smith, Jacqueline Lukich, Ann Brizolis, Nikki Ostrem (technology chair), Jennifer Steber, Dana Korey
(Photos by Dana Korey)
Shani Judd, Jess Swann, Lisa Hwang, Marilyn Tedesco (membership chair), Geri Savitt (publicity co-chair), Dana Korey, Cheryl Salmen (member at large), Fatima Arrieta
(Photos by Dana Korey)
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Sandra Coufal (member at large), Monica Perlman, Ann Brizolis, Dana Korey, Jennifer Janzen
(Photos by Dana Korey)
The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund (RSFWF) kicked off its 2026-2027 membership year on Sept. 17, welcoming more than 80 members and guests to a private home in Rancho Santa Fe. The evening was sponsored by Ann Brizolis and Jennifer Janzen, and organized by Programs Chair Amy Myers. Guests enjoyed wine, champagne, light bites, and social time before the featured program.
Board Chair Mary Consalvi introduced guest speaker Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University and one of the country’s leading voices on innovation in higher education. In an entertaining and enlightening talk titled “Toward a New Possible in Education,” Milliron discussed how current trends and technologies — including cell phones, AI, robotics, design thinking, and collective intelligence — are opening up new opportunities and exciting innovations for education, learning, and student engagement in the years ahead, according to a news release.
Milliron described education’s path as a journey “from novel to normal,” illustrating just how transformational education can be. The wide-ranging talk also described National University’s 54-year history of serving nontraditional, working, and military students through access and success innovation, and shaping the future of education by championing next-generation learning, Whole Human Education, and value-rich education experiences, the news release stated.
The RSFWF grant cycle is now in full swing, with all organizations seeking grants having submitted their proposals. This year’s focus areas are children and youth services, and women’s services, and organizations typically request grants of approximately $25,000 to $75,000 for projects that respond to an urgent and/or critical need, are a bold new venture, or offer a new approach to a time-worn problem.
The grants committee, co-chaired by Laura Froelich and Staci Fournier, will review letters of intent and proposals; RSFWF members will attend site visits; finalists will make presentations to the membership; and grants will be awarded in May 2027, the news release stated.
As the new membership year begins, now is the perfect time for those interested in learning more about the RSFWF to get involved. Several events are planned that give prospective and new members the opportunity to learn more about the organization, its processes and activities, and meet and mingle with other members.
Since its inception in 2004, the RSFWF has donated over $6.2 million to 179 local nonprofit organizations and projects. Members give back to the greater San Diego community through informed philanthropy, member-led grantmaking, and volunteerism, while also enjoying social connection through interesting programming and fun events.
To learn more about the RSFWF, membership opportunities, grantmaking, or making a donation to the Fund, visit www.rsfwomensfund.org or contact admin@rsfwomensfund.org.