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.

ECS CEO Awarded The Bishop's Cross

ECS Board President, Megan Costello, accepts The Bishop’s Cross Award from The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook on Elizabeth Fitzsimons’ behalf. November 2023.

SAN DIEGO – At the esteemed 2023 Diocesan Convention, a noteworthy recognition was awarded to ECS’ CEO, Elizabeth Fitzsimons. The Right Reverend Dr. Susan Brown Snook awarded The Bishop’s Cross to Fitzsimons for her exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the community. ECS’ board president, Megan Costello, graciously accepted the award on her behalf.

EDSD Diocesan Convention. November 2023.

The Bishop’s Cross is a prestigious accolade reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional service within the community. Under Fitzsimons’ guidance, ECS has achieved remarkable milestones, including:

• Expanding the reach of ECS programs to support over 7,000 San Diegans.

• Extending the services of Para Las Familias to children up to age 12.

• Inaugurating the Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) Safe Haven.

EDSD Diocesan Convention. November 2023.

Furthermore, ECS is developing an innovative early childhood center at SDSU Mission Valley. This project, in partnership with an affordable housing developer, emphasizes ECS’ commitment to nurturing the next generation.

And lastly, ECS is in the process of opening a residential substance use disorder treatment program for transition-age youth.

ECS is proud of Fitzsimons being honored as a Bishop’s Cross recipient. Her visionary leadership continues to create significant, positive waves within ECS and the broader San Diego community.