On August 21, leaders from across Orange County’s nonprofit and business sectors gathered for a powerful morning of connection and conversation at the OC Forum event, Mission Meets Momentum: Leading Nonprofits in Today’s OC. The sold-out program highlighted how mission-driven organizations are adapting to meet modern challenges—and how their momentum is shaping the future of the region.
Moderated by Taryn Taddeo Palumbo, Executive Director of OC Grantmakers, the panel featured an all-star lineup of Orange County nonprofit CEOs:
Bonni Pomush, CEO of Working Wardrobes
Claudia Bonilla Keller, MPA, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank
Jennifer Friend, CEO of Project Hope Alliance
Madelynn Hirneise, CEO of Families Forward
Together, these leaders explored what it means to operate for purpose in today’s ever-changing landscape—and why strong nonprofits are essential to building strong communities and thriving local economies.
Resilience Through Collaboration
A major theme of the discussion was resilience, not just at the individual level, but as an organizational and community-wide effort. The panelists emphasized that resilience is not forged in isolation—it’s built through deep collaboration, shared values, and partnerships that allow for flexibility, innovation, and mutual support.
Throughout the conversation, panelists pushed back on the notion that nonprofits must operate from a mindset of scarcity. Instead, they offered a vision of abundance—where nonprofits, businesses, and government act as co-creators of a more equitable future.
The Power of Partnerships
Attendees also heard how cross-sector partnerships are essential to building scalable and sustainable solutions to local challenges. Whether through shared space, pooled funding, or joint programming, the panelists highlighted the importance of leaning into collaboration over competition.
From Second Harvest’s expansive food access network to Families Forward’s work with housing stabilization and Working Wardrobes’ career readiness programs, each leader underscored how their organization’s impact is amplified by strong business and community partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The Mission Meets Momentum event was a reminder of the critical role nonprofit organizations play in creating a thriving Orange County—and how much more powerful we are when we work together. As Working Wardrobes continues its mission to help people overcome barriers and achieve the dignity of work, we’re proud to be part of this ecosystem of changemakers and innovators.
We extend our sincere thanks to OC Forum, the panelists, and everyone who attended this inspiring morning. We look forward to continuing the conversation and building a future rooted in purpose, progress, and partnership.
