The ALF Women/Femme Leaders Space meets quarterly to strengthen bonds among women and femme-identifying Senior Fellows while creating opportunities for both offering and receiving support. Facilitated by ALF Senior Fellows, the group welcomes any women or femme-identifying individuals who would like to join.

The newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” will slash $1 trillion in federal healthcare spending over the next decade. In Santa Clara County, this translates to more than $1 billion in lost funding over the next few years. Community health leaders warn that thousands of residents could lose access to care, while the region’s social safety net faces one of its most serious threats in decades.

While we are no longer facing a global pandemic, our communities are facing a new crisis: massive cuts to the systems that we have built over the past decades. Santa Clara County is expected to have a $1 billion shortfall in its health and hospital system, which will send shockwaves through multiple systems of care, including county hospitals.

As a new presidential administration took office and a wave of executive orders began to reshape the civic landscape, a group of eight ALF Insights faculty and contributors came together on Zoom to reflect on what it would take to stay engaged in the work of change-making over the long haul.

The mission of YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley (YWCA-GGSV) has always been clear, bold, and declarative: eliminate racism and empower women. In an era where these fundamental values are increasingly under threat, Adriana Caldera, Chief Executive Officer, and Aime McClane, Chief Operating Officer of YWCA-GGSV, are steadfast in their commitment to leading the charge. Recently, YWCA-GGSV partnered with ALF Insights to reshape the experience and function of its board of directors—an effort rooted in the organization's broader commitment to social justice and equity.

As nonprofits, government agencies, and philanthropic institutions—still reeling from a global pandemic—are called to be resilient and responsive, we must prioritize collective resilience. We cannot simply plug holes in the dam; we must build something stronger together. Let us stand firm, find joy, and embrace rest as a revolutionary act.

We’re all aware of how uncertain the current economic climate is, especially when it comes to fundraising for nonprofits. Many organizations are dealing with the lingering financial effects of COVID-19 and a noticeable reduction in corporate and foundation-based philanthropy. As donations become scarcer, having a solid strategic plan in place is more critical than ever. A clear vision and well-thought-out strategy can guide organizations through tough times, allowing them to make smart, focused decisions.

My introduction to Jerry Colonna came through an online event hosted by the Modern Elder Academy (MEA). He joined Chip Conley and Hermina Ibarra—two other authors I admire—in a discussion about career reinvention. Jerry's practical advice and emphasis on self-awareness immediately resonated with me, so I decided to pick up his book Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up.