Leading With Heart: Dr. Rebecca Lienhard’s Journey at Tierra del Sol
By Danrochelle D. Yumul
When Dr. Rebecca Lienhard discusses her work at Tierra del Sol Foundation, she doesn’t just view her role as CEO of an organization, supporting over 800 individuals with developmental disabilities across Southern California; she sees it as a lifelong calling.
Dr. Lienhard joined Tierra del Sol in 1990, driven by a passion for creating opportunities for people with disabilities who had too often been told “no” to their hopes and dreams. Over time, she took on nearly every role at the foundation, gaining firsthand experience in how each program affects lives. By the time she was appointed CEO in 2014, she had already built a career defined by persistence, creativity, and the belief that inclusion is non-negotiable.
“My favorites were those where I was either teaching our associates how to be successful in their jobs or teaching our staff how to be successful with their associates. I’ve always enjoyed listening to the people we serve and where they want to go with their lives. Then it becomes a challenge for me—making that a reality, not just a dream,” she shares.
She knows firsthand the barriers her associates face: “The associates Tierra typically serves have usually been told ‘no’, their entire lives, to the point that they either stop believing it to be possible or stop dreaming altogether. Still, when the job finally opens up, there is no greater feeling than seeing someone find a home where they are valued for their unique contributions and strengths. Multiply that moment by 35 years and hundreds of people, and you will now know why it is hard to leave this amazing place.”
What makes Tierra del Sol unique? For Dr. Lienhard, it’s not just the programs: it’s the philosophy.
“We believe that all people can work,” she explains. “We champion inclusion and value for all people, regardless of disability, through creative pathways to employment. We listen, truly listen, to each person. We live through our values of person-centeredness, honesty, respect, passion, and full engagement. We are driven to make full lives happen for each person served.”
That commitment shows in the details. Tierra del Sol partners with more than 200 employers. The foundation’s programs support not just employment but also careers in the arts, professional volunteering, and college-to-career transitions. Each initiative is grounded in the idea that a person’s dreams, whether to be an artist, an office professional, or a student, are worth pursuing.
Dr. Lienhard’s influence extends well beyond the organization’s walls. She has become a leading voice in the national disability services field, shaping policies and practices that champion inclusion. Her service includes positions on the California Department of Developmental Services’ Vendor Advisory Committee, Woodbury University’s School of Business Advisory Board, and the State Council on Developmental Disabilities’ Employment First Committee.
She has presented at numerous national and local conferences hosted by APSE, TASH, USC, and the Autism Society of Los Angeles, among others. Each time, she carries the same message: inclusion benefits everyone.
When asked what she loves most about Tierra del Sol, Dr. Lienhard doesn’t hesitate: “All of it—all 800+ lives we serve. Their lives are so rich and complex. We can learn so much if we take the time. All of the staff—all 400+ of them! Their lives are also so complex. I am always amazed by how much they must sacrifice to work at Tierra, to do a job they love. It is a privilege to walk beside each of them daily. The honor is mine, and I can only hope they know that daily.”
It’s this blend of humility and admiration that defines her leadership style. Over the years, Dr. Lienhard has been recognized with awards such as the Los Angeles Times Inspirational Women of the Year (2021) and the United Chambers of Commerce Inspirational Women Award (2017). She has been named multiple times among the San Fernando Valley Business Journal’s Top 200 Leaders.
And now, her work is about to be celebrated on a national stage.
This season, Dr. Lienhard will be featured on the Hallmark Network’s “Celebrations with Lacey Chabert,” a series that follows the actress as she honors individuals making a positive impact in their communities. She is one of just eight leaders from across the country chosen to be spotlighted. Viewers can expect laughs, tears, and a huge surprise as Tierra’s mission and Dr. Lienhard’s leadership are celebrated for audiences everywhere. The episode aired on September 22nd, but can be viewed on Hallmark+.
