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LA2050 Blog

The leader of one organization created a succession plan.

Another leader used the time to develop strategies for sustaining her energy both in the professional realm 

Two others got going as authors - starting the draft of an urban farming book and memoir, and crafting a 14-page book proposal, respectively.

These were just a few of the results from an impressive cohort of social impact sector executives who were pilot participants in the 

 (working title), the Goldhirsh Foundation’s invitation-only residency program.

The Institute is located in Guiones, Costa Rica, perched on a hill with an ocean view, amidst breathtaking natural surroundings. Howler monkeys are a regular presence, as are coatis (from the raccoon family), geckos, and tamanduas (small anteaters). During the rainy season in particular, nearby flora is lush.

“At the Halftime Institute, those who are on the frontlines of advancing human life and well-being can further their work through intentional reflection,” Goldhirsh Foundation president Tara Roth said. “Residencies offer the space to retreat in order to then return with renewed drive and refined plans.”

The Halftime Institute is in keeping with the Goldhirsh Foundation's commitment to providing financial, social, and human capital to the groups that it supports. It was first announced by Roth during the Foundation’s annual 

LA2050 Grantee Showcase, held last October at The Huntington, in San Marino, California.

 (The gathering celebrated the 55 organizations receiving approximately $3 million, from 12 collaborating foundations, via that year’s 

a panelist at the LA2050 Grantee Showcase

. The moderator asked Merino about her experience at the Halftime Institute – which corresponded with her organization celebrating its eighth anniversary.

“We were able to rest and reflect, but also to create Birthworkers of Color 2.0,” Merino said, noting that two of her managers and the board chair had joined her for the residency stay. “We felt like we came back with a stronger vision of our organization – a really big shift of what we wanted to offer and how we wanted to offer it; and a strong alignment with ourselves as leadership in our organization, but also to bring back to our staff, our collective, and our community.”

An aim of the residency is for impact leaders to think differently about their organizations and themselves as leaders. “The Halftime Institute is designed to offer time in a tranquil environment to explore creative solutions,” Roth said. “This is where bold ideas can take shape – whether they’re nascent, evolving, or reaching final form.”

Another early visitor to Guiones was Nick Troiano, executive director of Unite America. He shared 

this testimonial, posted to the Halftime Institute’s website

: “The pause was restorative for me. I was able to do meaningful work in a totally different way and context.”

 as Costa Rica residencies manager in 2025. Soler studied tourism at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, and has been in the hospitality industry for the past eight years, bringing to her work a deep understanding of guest experience and cultural connection.

This residency joins a distinguished group of opportunities for paid time away for non-profit leaders. In Los Angeles – where the Goldhirsh Foundation and LA2050 are based – that tradition includes the long-running Durfee Sabbatical program from the 

California Wellness Foundation’s Be Well, Lead Well

For more information about the Halftime Institute, including 

from the first 11 impact leaders to take part, 

Goldhirsh Foundation Creates Costa Rica Residencies for Social Impact Leaders

The Goldhirsh Foundation has announced that Alejandra Soler joined the organization’s staff as Costa Rica residencies manager. Her primary focus is the 

 (working title), the Goldhirsh Foundation’s invitation-only residency program for social impact leaders.

“Working with the Goldhirsh Foundation has introduced me to individuals who are reshaping their fields and communities,” Soler said. “Being part of this team and witnessing the impact it has on so many has been truly inspiring.”

Soler studied tourism at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica and has been in the hospitality industry for the past eight years, bringing to her work a deep understanding of guest experience and cultural connection. She is also the co-founder of a national design store that highlights local creativity and design.

is an initiative driving and tracking progress toward a shared vision for the future of Los Angeles. We are centered around five unique goals that in 2050 Los Angeles will be the best place to learn, create, play, connect, and live.

To stay engaged with news, information, jobs, and history about the social impact community in Los Angeles County,

 and connect with us on at LA2050.org, goldhirshfoundation.org, and on 

 seeks to advance human life and well-being, and catalyze human potential. We achieve this by connecting the best emerging innovations with the financial, social, and human capital to make them thrive. We think of ourselves as a fund for social good.

Costa Rica Residencies Manager Alejandra Soler Joins Goldhirsh Foundation

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The Goldhirsh Foundation and its LA2050 initiative announced that Brooklyn Villavicencio has joined the staff as the social impact and research fellow.

Brooklyn will be working on outreach for the Youth Ambassador program as well as developing the Youth Ambassador Leadership Track

⁠The Goldhirsh Foundation and its LA2050 initiative announced today that Brooklyn Villavicencio has joined the staff as the social impact and research fellow.

Brooklyn is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of California Los Angeles, studying Film & TV with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Brooklyn brings a passion for social innovation and a clear understanding of key issues impacting Los Angeles, including transportation, housing, and education. Working previously in spaces within education for UCLA, Brooklyn transitioned into the nonprofit sector after originally coming to LA2050 as a Youth Ambassador.

"Being able to work with an organization as great as the Goldhirsh Foundation motivates me to do the best that I can day in and out," said Villavincencio. "The environment is so supportive and we all have a collective passion and goal toward helping the community which I love."

Villavincencio is already working on a number of projects, including expanding outreach efforts towards the LA2050 Grants Challenge, and developing the LA2050 Youth Ambassador Program Leadership track.

LA2050 Blog

Social Impact and Research Fellow Brooklyn Villavicencio Joins The Goldhirsh Foundation

At a Glance