Members of the California Stewardship Network gather in Southern California
By Ish Herrera and Deblina Pakhira
On November 19-21, the California Stewardship Network held their second learning exchange of the year in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, co-hosted by CSN Members UNITE-LA and Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). Priorities and outcomes for 2025 were assessed and used to inform the development of a CSN Workplan for the coming year.
Priorities for 2026 include:
- Expanding the CSN’s collective advocacy around critical issues, such as durable regions-up economic development
- Ratifying an updated CSN Charter
- Supporting ongoing joint fundraising activities between the CSN and CA FWD
- Implementing Cohort 5 of the Becky Morgan Steward Leadership Program (Morgan Fellows)
The CSN Members participated in a Morgan Fellows Program input session facilitated by Deblina Pakhira and Ish Herrera of CA FWD and Leslie Hansen of Applied Wisdom. The CSN received updates on the status of the program’s structure and curriculum and identified elements of the program where they will lend their knowledge and expertise to implementation.
Topics and potential locations were also identified for two CSN Exchanges in 2026. Susan Seaman of Redwood Region Rise was confirmed as the Chair of the CSN Exchange Committee for the coming year, and Steve Frisch of the Sierra Business Council was thanked for his year-long service as 2025 Committee Chair.
Peer-to-peer learning sessions began with an encore presentation of the “New Revenue Models” panel that initially presented at the June 2025 CSN Exchange in San Francisco. Bruce Stenslie of Economic Development Collaborative, Kristin York of Sierra Business Council, and Estevan Lopez of Bay Area Council led the group in discussion about the current funding landscape and the creative ways organizations are having to pivot and diversify their revenue models to achieve sustainability. A second peer-to-peer session was facilitated by Stephen Cheung of LA County Economic Development Corporation and included the participation of Shawna Traver, Donna Blackwell, and Marek Helstrom from Insperity. They facilitated an engaging discussion with the group regarding 21st Century talent acquisition and management strategies.
Learning, networking, and discussion in progress at the CSN Exchange
A key focus of the Exchange was a regional deep dive into the extensive infrastructure and social investments currently occurring in LA County, driven by the anticipation of large sporting events occurring over the latter half of the decade. In addition to hosting November’s CSN Exchange at the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center and learning about the history of Los Angeles International Airport, CSN Members heard from Erin Trapp of Los Angeles World Airports. She outlined the massive $30 billion investment transforming the airport (LAX) to ensure an experience that is more welcoming, efficient, and memorable. The group was also joined by Ken Billups of AECOM who delivered remarks related to regional transportation planning, facility upgrades, and community investments associated with the LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. John L. Reamer, Jr. from the City of Los Angeles provided an overview of the City’s inclusive business contracting process and platform, and invited CSN Members to encourage their respective businesses to consider procurement opportunities related to upcoming regional sporting events and beyond.
CA FWD would like to thank all the CSN Members in attendance at November’s CSN Exchange and give special recognition to the teams at UNITE-LA and LAEDC for helping provide a memorable experience in the Cities of Manhattan Beach and El Segundo. Your hospitality is appreciated!
