Find out who we’re celebrating as this month’s Community Champion
Our featured champions are dedicated leaders working in nonprofits who have been nominated for their innovation, resilience, dedication and empathy in the face of a complex and ever-changing world. Find out more about this month’s Community Champion:
Would you like to nominate someone for our Diligent Community Champions? Nominate them here!
Find out who our 2024 Community Champions were here.
June’s Community Champion
Name: Belinda Loke
Title: Board Director for QEC and Kids Hope Australia and is the Founder and Principal Lawyer of Legalexa
We’re proud to spotlight Belinda Loke as one of our Community Champions for June!
Belinda serves as Board Director for QEC and Kids Hope Australia and is the Founder and Principal Lawyer of Legalexa. She brings both compassion and expertise to nonprofit governance—exemplifying the kind of thoughtful, future-focused leadership that drives meaningful change.
With a career dedicated to strengthening mission-driven organizations, Belinda understands that governance isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about leading with purpose.
“Good governance goes beyond compliance and box-ticking,” Belinda says. “It’s about intentional, forward-thinking leadership that elevates organisations from good to exceptional. It requires strategic foresight, a global outlook, and the wisdom to ask the right questions, respectfully and constructively challenge assumptions, and make decisions that balance mission, innovation, and long-term sustainability.”
In every space she leads, Belinda works to build psychologically safe, high-trust boardrooms, to make them places where diverse voices are welcomed and values are at the core of every decision. For Belinda, accountability is more than a metric; — it’s a mindset.
Please join us in congratulating Belinda on this well-deserved recognition. We are honored to have her as a part of the BoardEffect community and excited to continue learning from her in the months ahead.
May’s Community Champion
Name: Scott Owens
Title: Executive Assistant to the President and Board Liaison
Organization: California Health Care Foundation
We’re proud to recognize Scott Owens, Executive Assistant to the President and Board Liaison at the California Health Care Foundation, as our Community Champion for May! Scott exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, strategy, and heart—driving real impact through governance, technology, and a deep commitment to equity in health care.
Scott supports strategic initiatives aimed at improving health care access for millions of Californians. He leads critical board operations—managing communications, compliance processes, and strategic relationships on behalf of the CEO and Board of Directors.
One of his standout achievements is spearheading the foundation’s digital governance transformation and providing ongoing support to internal teams and partner organizations. He also serves as co-chair of the Community Action Fund committee, helping align daily work with the foundation’s mission to serve underserved communities.
Scott, thank you for your meaningful contributions and the example you set in mission-driven leadership. We’re thrilled to celebrate your work!
April’s Community Champion
Name: Elizabeth Paucar
Title: Manager, Association Management Services
Organization: Hilton Grand Vacations
Elizabeth Paucar embodies the principles of good governance through her dedication to transparency, clear communication and empowering others. Overseeing projects for 250 associations, she ensures that board members are well-prepared and equipped to succeed, leaving a lasting impact on her community.
Elizabeth describes good governance as “creating a transparent and effective framework,” where clear communication enables trust and meaningful participation. Her emphasis on financial stewardship and collaborative decision-making reflects her deep understanding of what it takes to build strong, effective associations. By ensuring every voice is heard and every decision is supported by trust, Elizabeth sets a powerful example for others to follow.
March’s Community Champion
Name: Nidia Castañeda
Title: Senior Executive Administrator to the CEO
Organization: The Conrad Prebys Foundation
We are pleased to recognize Nidia Castañeda for her dedication to supporting her community and fostering positive connections. Nidia believes in the importance of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. As she shares, “To me, good governance means creating a foundation of trust through transparency, accountability, and fairness. It involves making decisions that prioritize the collective good, guided by ethical leadership and a commitment to inclusivity.”
Nidia has over seven years of experience in executive support and more than five years in political campaigns and business development, bringing valuable skills and insights to her work. Growing up in San Diego after moving from Tijuana, Mexico, at the age of five, her personal experiences have shaped her commitment to bridging communities and creating opportunities for others.
In her role at the Prebys Foundation, Nidia works closely with leadership while remaining actively involved in volunteer efforts that make a tangible difference. Outside of work, she values time with her family and enjoys creating special memories with her son and partner. Nidia’s warmth, dedication, and focus on service are what set her apart, and we are proud to recognize her contributions to her community.
February’s Community Champion
Name: Annette White
Title: Vice President, Governance & Executive Initiatives
Organization: Chicanos Por La Causa
We are thrilled to honor Annette White as our February Community Champion!
With over 30 years of experience in governance, business development, and community outreach, Annette White exemplifies leadership and dedication to serving her community. As Vice President of Governance & Executive Initiatives at Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC), Annette oversees 28 affiliate boards and more than 160 entities across six states, ensuring their operations are transparent, compliant, and mission aligned.
Annette’s journey began in high school, working with nonprofits supporting the homeless and at-risk youth. Her drive and potential were quickly recognized by mentors who helped shape her path in governance and administration. Over the years, Annette has launched scholarship programs, built marketing and grant-writing departments, and created innovative compliance initiatives that set industry benchmarks.
Her return to CPLC in 2016 marked a full-circle moment, allowing her to leverage decades of experience to strengthen governance structures across diverse communities. Annette is passionate about balancing compliance, legal standards, and mission-driven goals to enhance organizational impact.
“Good Governance to me is transparency, communication, and the balance of compliance, legal, and our mission as an agency,” Annette says. “BoardEffect provides us the tools to connect our boards and committees seamlessly, ensuring efficiency and alignment.”
We want to thank Annette for being such an outstanding Community Champion. Her tireless commitment to governance excellence and her community inspires us all.
Would you like to nominate someone for our Diligent Community Champions? Nominate them here!
