SEPTEMBER 24, 2026–12:00 PM

The Rancho Santa Fe Women’s Fund (RSFWF) kicked off its 2026-2027 membership year on Sept. 17, welcoming more than 80 members and guests to a private home in Rancho Santa Fe. The evening was sponsored by Ann Brizolis and Jennifer Janzen, and organized by Programs Chair Amy Myers. Guests enjoyed wine, champagne, light bites, and social time before the featured program.

Board Chair Mary Consalvi introduced guest speaker Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University and one of the country’s leading voices on innovation in higher education. In an entertaining and enlightening talk titled “Toward a New Possible in Education,” Milliron discussed how current trends and technologies — including cell phones, AI, robotics, design thinking, and collective intelligence — are opening up new opportunities and exciting innovations for education, learning, and student engagement in the years ahead, according to a news release.

Milliron described education’s path as a journey “from novel to normal,” illustrating just how transformational education can be. The wide-ranging talk also described National University’s 54-year history of serving nontraditional, working, and military students through access and success innovation, and shaping the future of education by championing next-generation learning, Whole Human Education, and value-rich education experiences, the news release stated.

The RSFWF grant cycle is now in full swing, with all organizations seeking grants having submitted their proposals. This year’s focus areas are children and youth services, and women’s services, and organizations typically request grants of approximately $25,000 to $75,000 for projects that respond to an urgent and/or critical need, are a bold new venture, or offer a new approach to a time-worn problem.

The grants committee, co-chaired by Laura Froelich and Staci Fournier, will review letters of intent and proposals; RSFWF members will attend site visits; finalists will make presentations to the membership; and grants will be awarded in May 2027, the news release stated.

As the new membership year begins, now is the perfect time for those interested in learning more about the RSFWF to get involved. Several events are planned that give prospective and new members the opportunity to learn more about the organization, its processes and activities, and meet and mingle with other members.

Since its inception in 2004, the RSFWF has donated over $6.8 million to 188 local nonprofit organizations and projects. Members give back to the greater San Diego community through informed philanthropy, member-led grantmaking, and volunteerism, while also enjoying social connection through interesting programming and fun events.

To learn more about the RSFWF, membership opportunities, grantmaking, or making a donation to the Fund, visit www.rsfwomensfund.org or contact admin@rsfwomensfund.org.