ECS Attends the San Diego Girl Scouts Cool Women Event

Elizabeth Fitzsimons, ECS CEO, pins a Girl Scout Emerging Leader at the Cool Women event. March 2023.

On March 24, Girl Scouts San Diego held their annual Cool Women Celebration to honor exemplary women who serve as role models for girls. The event included a mentoring session, luncheon, and ceremony, where these female leaders shared the spotlight with Emerging Leader Girl Scouts who were recognized for their outstanding achievements.

The event was a huge success, and ECS proudly supported nine exceptionally cool women leaders who were delighted to have a Girl Scout at the table. The event was a great opportunity to empower even more girls to use their voices, develop a strong sense of self, step outside their comfort zones, and build resilience.

Girl Scouts San Diego plans to bring the event back in spring 2024, so stay tuned for next year!

Nine ECS women leaders attended the Girl Scouts Cool Women event. March 2023.

UTSH Residents Showcase Talents at Art Exhibition

The ECS Board President, Jessica Ripper, and IT Consultant, Nimer Saikaly, enjoying the art show. March 2023.

The Healing Power of Art was a powerful event that showcased the incredible talent of the residents of Uptown Safe Haven (UTSH). On Friday, March 17, attendees gathered at St. James Gallery by-the-Sea to witness the transformative power of art and support the work of ECS UTSH, which provides food, shelter, and wrap-around support services to chronically homeless single adults with mental health issues.

The exhibition was a resounding success, with an estimated 75 people attending and showing their support for the UTSH residents and their incredible artwork. Attendees had the chance to connect with the artists and purchase art, directly supporting the residents and their journey toward independence.

The event highlighted the incredible impact of art in transforming lives and creating a supportive community. We extend our sincerest thanks to everyone who came out to support UTSH and the healing power of art.

We look back on this event fondly and are grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.

ECS Uptown Safe Haven Clients showing off their group artwork. March 2023.

San Diego Loyal Women's Appreciation Night

Event attendees listening to the panelists share their experiences and career insight. March 2023.

Navy service members and professional women leaders on the field for the San Diego Loyal’s Starting XI for Women's Appreciation Night. March 2023.

The San Diego Loyal Women's Appreciation Night, held on Sunday, March 19, was a great success! Attendees were treated to a panel discussion featuring accomplished professionals, including our very own CEO, Elizabeth W. Fitzsimons, Stefani Polonia and Shannon MacMillan from the San Diego Loyal, Elizabeth Ramírez from the Chicano Federation, and Amber Fielder from BluPeak Credit Union. As part of Women's History Month, the event was focused on celebrating the achievements of women and empowering attendees to pursue their own goals.

The panelists shared inspiring stories of success, reflecting on lessons learned along the way and offering valuable insights on what they would have done differently. They covered a range of topics, including career advancement, work-life balance, and overcoming obstacles.

The event provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to network with other like-minded individuals, building valuable connections and supporting one another. It was great to see so many women come together to celebrate their achievements and inspire each other to reach new heights.

Overall, it was a fantastic event, and we are proud to have been a part of it. Congratulations to all the amazing women who were honored at the San Diego Loyal Women's Appreciation Night. Here's to breaking barriers and achieving greatness!

ECS Sunday at Christ Church Coronado

Angel Ibarra, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government Affairs, and Rev. Regan M. Schutz, Rector of Christ Church. March 2023.

On March 5, the ECS team had the pleasure of visiting Christ Episcopal Church in Coronado to celebrate ECS Sunday. The event was a huge success; Angel Ibarra, Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government Affairs, delivered a thought-provoking sermon that explored the relationship between faith and social justice. Attendees were able to see how their beliefs and actions could positively impact their community.

After the service, the ECS team was available to meet and chat with attendees. They discussed the work that ECS does to promote positive change in San Diego and answered questions from those who were interested in learning more. It was a fantastic opportunity for the community to learn more about the organization's mission.

Overall, ECS Sunday at Christ Church Coronado was a great success, and the ECS team was grateful for the warm welcome and appreciated the chance to engage with the community.

Ibarra delivering the sermon to Christ Church Coronado parishioners. March 2023.