The annual event, “Common Ground for the Common Good,” took place Aug 6 and 7 at the Riverside Convention Center.

In an era when differences can overshadow common goals, one of the summit’s goals is to offer opportunities to find a shared purpose during complex times. By creating room to “listen, learn, and work toward solutions that reflect the diverse voices of our communities,” IECF’s summit gave Inland Empire leaders time to engage in dynamic discussions and find meaningful connections.

Topics from housing and education to health and the idea of belonging were discussed at the event, which also illuminated strategies and partnerships that are transforming the Inland Empire into “a more vibrant, equitable, and resilient region.”

“We have the leaders, the vision, and the will to create lasting change in the Inland Empire,” said Michelle Decker, IECF president & CEO. “Our goal was simple: to find common ground and use it as a foundation to build stronger, more connected communities.”

Angela Glover Blackwell was the keynote speaker.

“It seems that this is a moment in which common ground is hard to get to,” Blackwell said. “And those kinds of moments are exciting. They’re exciting because people have to talk to each other, spend time and pull apart what’s going on. We have to stretch and allow that vision to be the thing we organize around.”

Blackwell, who speaks on equity and opportunity, is the founder in residence of PolicyLink, a research and action institute that strives to redesign the nation in ways that allows it to “govern for all.”

PolicyLink has been driving strategies aimed at advancing a new design of the nation’s laws and regulations, and new values that shape customs and norms.

This kind of “big picture” thinking is key at an event designed to unite people who want to make a difference.

IECF was quick to note its appreciation to several sponsors, including the Gates Foundation and the Randall Lewis, Janell Lewis & The Lewis Group of Companies for their support as presenting sponsors. Title Sponsors included U.S. Bank and Wingate Foundation.

Founded in 1941, the IECF is the oldest and largest community foundation in the region. The foundation partners with individuals, families, and corporations to help them achieve their unique charitable goals.

Since its inception, the foundation has distributed more than $100 million in grants and scholarships.

For inquiries about sponsorship opportunities, contact Brie Griset Smith, CSPG, chief development officer, at bgrisetsmith@iegives.org or visit www.iegives.org/policy-platform.

Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy. Visit iegives.org for more information.

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Don Stolan

Mortgage Banker

Based in Newport Coast, Don Stolan brings over two decades of leadership in mortgage lending, helping families achieve their dream of homeownership. He is also a co-founder and board member of several successful enterprises, including an insurance agency, an art and framing manufacturer, and a property investment fund. A longtime community advocate, Stolan has contributed his expertise to nonprofit boards for the past 10 years, most recently serving as Chairman of an Endowment Fund. An adventurer at heart, he is also a licensed private pilot, certified dive master, real estate broker, and insurance broker. Stolan lives in Newport Coast with his wife and four children, and he’s eager to lend his entrepreneurial mindset and network to support wish families across the region.

Michael Krouse

President & CEO, Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau

Michael Krouse is a hospitality and tourism industry veteran, serving as Regional Vice President for ASM Global, where he oversees operations at 12 convention centers and multiple venues across North America. As President and CEO of the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau, Toyota Arena, and Ontario Convention Center, Krouse has helped generate more than $100 million in annual economic impact for the region. He brings decades of executive leadership from roles at the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board and Hilton Hotels Corporation. Krouse is a recipient of the CalTravel Advocacy Award and continues to serve on several key travel and tourism boards. A Rancho Mirage resident, Krouse shares his life with his husband Daniel and their three children.

David Ronco

Senior Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager, Whittier Trust

David Ronco serves as Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager at Whittier Trust in Newport Beach, where he guides investment strategy and asset management for high-net-worth families. His career includes leadership roles at Farmland Partners Inc., Lazard Asset Management, and Alesco Global Advisors, the firm he co-founded. Ronco holds both CFA® and CTFA® designations and earned degrees from Stanford University and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, Ronco enjoys coaching youth sports and spending time outdoors skiing and biking with his wife and three sons.

These dynamic leaders embody the Make-A-Wish spirit of hope, resilience, and generosity. Their unique talents and perspectives will help propel the chapter forward in its work to deliver joy and healing to children and families across Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

For more information, visit wish.org/ocie.

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