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CEO Swears into City Human Relations Commission

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons signs paperwork as she swears into the Human Relations Commission as a 2025 Mayoral appointee.
January 2025.

ECS’ declared purpose is to cultivate a strong, vibrant, and just San Diego region. This purpose is demonstrated through ECS’ work, but also through the individual advocacy efforts of the ECS community, including our CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons. This week, Elizabeth demonstrated this effort through her appointment to the City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission.

The Human Relations Commission’s mission is to “conduct and promote activities that foster mutual respect and understanding, protect basic human and civil rights, and create an atmosphere that promotes amicable relations among all members of the San Diego community.” By working with various groups throughout the city, sharing educational resources, mediating discrimination disputes, and advising the Mayor and Council, the Human Relations Commission is able to achieve their mission.

Elizabeth smiles with Chida Warren-Darby, Director of Appointments/Boards and Commissions for San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. January 2025.

ECS’ values go hand-in-hand with the work of the Human Relations Commission, particularly the values of Belonging, Respect, and Empowerment. ECS’ vision to have an abundant and equitable society where all have unlimited potential requires the efforts of groups like this commission.

Appointing nonprofit leaders to civic positions invites fresh, humanitarian focused perspectives which is crucial when it comes to advocating for human relation issues involving understanding and inclusion. Chida Warren-Darby, the Director of Appointments/Boards and Commissions for San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, commented on the significance of Elizabeth’s appointment. “Nonprofit leaders like Elizabeth bring a wealth of experience and compassion that is vital to the mission of the Human Relations Commission,” she said. “Their commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse communities not only enhances the Commission’s work but also enriches our collective pursuit of equity and justice.”

Congratulations to Elizabeth on her appointment to the City of San Diego’s Human Relations Commission! We’re proud to have a leader committed to advancing equity and inclusion in our community.

CEO Participates as LEAD Advance Mentor

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons speaks to the women of the LEAD San Diego Advance program. July 2024.

SAN DIEGO — Authentic leadership shines through mentorship and guidance.

Our CEO, Elizabeth Fitzsimons, is among the respected mentors for the LEAD San Diego ADVANCE program, an initiative of the San Diego Regional Chamber.

The ADVANCE program, designed to elevate women to the highest levels in the workforce, fosters growth and resilience within our community. Through personalized coaching, mentorship, and skill-building, ADVANCE aims to increase the number of women in C-suite and leadership positions across business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Thank you, Elizabeth, for your commitment to guiding the next generation of women leaders.

Advance supporting the growth of women leaders. July 2024.

Community leaders like Fitzsimons offer guidance to other women through the Advance program.
July 2024.

Inspiration at the BeYOUtiful Conference

Fitzsimons poses for a picture with BeYOUtiful attendees. April 2024.

SAN DIEGO — Building the leaders of tomorrow starts today. ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons had the opportunity to be a part of that legacy at Academy of Our Lady of Peace’s (OLP) eighth annual BeYOUtiful Conference. 

ECS is proud of Fitzsimons for delivering an inspiring keynote speech. April 2024.

OLP’s BeYOUtiful Conference is a day dedicated to empowering young girls and strengthening their leadership skills. This year, over 200 girls from second to seventh grade registered for the event.  

Fitzsimons was invited to be the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the conference. She embraced BeYOUtiful Magazine’s 2024 theme “The Sky’s the Limit” and shared the power of possibility with the girls in attendance. Her address encouraged the blossoming leaders to believe in themselves and their potential.  

“Raise your hand means step up, speak up … and take up the space that is rightfully yours in this world,” said Elizabeth. 

OLP’s BeYOUtiful conference allows young girls to build their leadership skills and interact with community leaders like Fitzsimons. April 2024.

Inspired by her words, the girls shared their commitment to “raise their hands” to empower themselves and others. 

After Fitzsimon’s speech, the girls engaged in workshops focused on empowerment, leadership, and possibility, and crafts and games. 

BeYOUtiful Magazine works to inspire young women with the stories of other women leaders in their community, like Fitzsimons. ECS is proud to see our CEO building young leaders up with vulnerability and encouragement. 

CEO Advocates in D.C.

SAN DIEGO — San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce organized their 16th annual Mission to Washington, D.C. This year, 174 delegates from the San Diego region attended, including ECS’ CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons.  

Fitzsimons and other San Diego leaders traveled to D.C. and engaged in meetings and discussions with federal leaders, advocating for the needs of our community. She’s making valuable connections and advocating for critical issues in homelessness, childcare, and healthcare policies. 

Taking part in Mission to Washington, D.C. allows San Diego leaders to foster relationships with our country’s key decision-makers and directly represent the needs of San Diego citizens. These efforts are crucial for ECS’ commitment to breaking barriers and transforming communities.   
 
ECS is thankful for Fitzsimons championing our organizational vision to have an abundant and equitable society where all have unlimited potential. 

CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons in D.C. April 2024.

Delegates from San Diego travel to the capital for advocate for their community. April 2024.