"The program gave me a close-up view of political, business and social issues and trends, information that is invaluable to me as an entrepreneur and active participant in the success of our great state. The speakers were incredible� they inspired us and stretched our minds. The opportunity to connect with successful and dynamic California women leaders was a main highlight. Being part of Leadership California is like being part of a powerful sisterhood."

—Ursula C. Mentjes, M.S., ACC
President and Certified Business Coach
Potential Quest, Inc.
"I have enjoyed my involvement with Leadership California. Our trip to the state capitol was most enlightening. As a result I have gotten involved with the Los Angeles African American Women's Political Action Committee. Thank you, Leadership California, for sparking a genuine interest in the political process."

—Shawn Farrar
Director Corporate Diversity
Sempra Energy
"The CIT program brings together successful women from all over California, and gives them the opportunity to build a network with other successful women. It's a way to learn about the important issues in our state, and to get ready to take the next step in your professional life."

—Isela Vilchis Hoenigmann
"Leadership California has provided me a panoramic view of issues, challenges and opportunities for this lovely state that I live in. The program was my introduction to women of unbelievable talent, experience and passion who are set to make a difference. The feeling to want to be more, to accomplish more, is simply contagious. I hope to know these women for the rest of my life."

—Rosario Montes-Arena
Manager, IBM Software Executive Briefing Program
Silicon Valley & Worldwide Briefing Program
"As a young immigrant woman working in the nonprofit sector, it was inspiring to see women leaders in action, to be able to network with them, and talk about the issues that are relevant to our communities and our state. I feel honored and privileged for the opportunity to participate in such an awesome program that weaves women leaders from different sectors and geographies of California to engage in a conversation about the social, political, and economic fabric of California."

—Winnie Hui-Min Yu
Development Associate
Asian Law Caucus
San Francisco
"I've spent half of my work life in the corporate world, and the past ten years in the nonprofit world, but neither taught me how to be who I am at work�the whole pastiche of talent and spirit. I found role models who excited me, the true state of our state of California (which frustrated me), work partners continually learning like me, and friends."

—Peta G. Penson, Ed. D.
Consultant
Oakland Unified School District
"Leadership California sessions feature influential speakers and lively discussion on timely issues shaping the economy and workforce. The session on work-life balance struck a chord with me, where key leaders advised us to map out a personal career plan. Networking with other women was invaluable. Leadership California is an engaging and downright fun experience."

—Roberta Tinajero-Frankel
Kaiser Permanente Community Benefit Dept.
Healthy Eating, Active Living Project Manager
"Simply put, Leadership California is time well spent that will benefit me personally and professionally for years to come. I've not only kept in contact with my fellow classmates on a social level, but have had opportunities to work with some of them on business projects as our professional paths crossed. The sessions gave in-depth looks at the critical social issues that many Californians face, inspiring me to get more involved in my community�s outreach programs."

—Teena Massingill
Manager of Corporate Public Affairs
Safeway Inc.
   

Leadership California is a network of accomplished women, dedicated to advancing the leadership role women play in impacting business, social issues and public policy. It is also a unique program, designed to develop and mobilize female leaders. From corporate, academic, state and community organizations across the state, Leadership California draws a diverse group of executive women into its California Issues and Trends Program. Alumnae gain new insights on complex global, national and regional issues facing California.
Message from the President
Program Overview

 

 
APPLY NOW
We're looking for successful women to join us for the journey of a lifetime, the California Issues and Trends Program. 
Grow your leadership insights, build your power network, make a positive difference in your professional life and envision your role in California's future.

APPLY NOW

2012 State Leader Award
As the County of Alameda’s first female elected district attorney, Nancy O'Malley is a nationally recognized expert in victims’ rights, violence against women and domestic violence, and elder and child abuse. She was inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame, and was honored as a Woman of the Year by the California Senate for her leadership in ending violence against women and for her legislative contributions. Nancy received the State Leader Award on April 30 at Leadership California’s Legacy of Leadership celebration, honoring women leaders who have made remarkable contributions to our state.
 


As the County of Alameda’s first female elected district attorney, Nancy O’Malley is honored as a nationally recognized expert in victims’ rights, sexual assault, domestic violence, and elder and child abuse.

Ms. O'Malley is recognized for her leadership in reducing violence against women, expanding protections for victims, for her legislative contributions, and as a founder of Alameda County’s Family Justice Center, a one-stop shop for crime victims that has become a model for programs across the country.

She received the State Leader Award on April 30 at Leadership California’s Legacy of Leadership celebration, honoring women leaders who have made remarkable contributions to our state.

  

Nancy O’Malley: 
Inspired by Women Leaders, She Seeks Justice for Crime Victims

by Carol Caley
May 3, 2012

Q: You were elected, just over a year ago, as the County of Alameda’s first female elected district attorney and served previously as interim DA. You’ve served in the DA’s office as an attorney since 1984, and as Chief Assistant District Attorney since 1999. Your level of responsibility has increased, and has included an election campaign. As Alameda County’s top cop, what insights can share with us on your leadership trajectory?

A: I’m the immediate past president of the California Women Lawyers, a statewide organization. The issue of my presidency was to identify what women can do to advance their own leadership, whether it’s being in a small business, or a small firm, or trying to become partner, or running for office. It’s very interesting to talk with women from yesteryear who fought just to become a practicing lawyer, and to see how far we’ve come today, with so much further to go, particularly in issues like pay equity.

Q: So CWL helped you see what your next step would be? And made it easier to step up when the opportunity presented itself?

A: It was an evolving process. I was looking at leadership even as a young person. I didn’t chart an exact path. But—and this is something I talk about to a lot of younger women—when an opportunity is in your path, take it, because you never—Read More>

 

Class of 2012 Meets Capital Leaders
at Session I in Sacramento

VIEW all Session I photos HERE
VIEW more photos/stories HERE

March 4-6, 2012
California's Dynamic Government Today
Sacramento

Class of 2012 at the Capitol: The Capitol visit included tours of both legislative chambers and a panel discussion in the Governor's Council Room.

The class got a fast-paced introduction to how the peoples' business gets done in California. Public sector leaders from the Capitol and multiple Sacramento institutions addressed the state's big issues and introduced the class to their passion for public service.

A special luncheon with Cassie Doyle, Consul General of Canada, drew the class to the beautifully restored home of Governor Leland Stanford, governor of California from 1862 to 1863, U.S. Senator, railroad tycoon and founder of Stanford University. "Move out of your comfort zone"  and "change brings clarity" were two pieces of advice from Doyle to women leaders.

A VIP visit and dinner in the wine cellar of E. & J. Gallo Winery in Modesto gave the class an inside look at the Central Valley's, and the world's, largest wine producer. After a reception at the wine cellar bar, the class met Susan Hensley, VP Talent Management and Corporate Communications and Gallo women leaders.

Meet the Classmates: Session I kicked off with a chance to meet and mingle with the 60 stellar women leaders from the Class of 2012.
 
Assembly and Senate leaders sat down for one-on-one conversations with class members at a breakfast with capital leaders in the Capitol Dining Room. Assemblyman Paul Fong chatted with Stephanie Leach, Eunice Kim, and Rhonda Staley-Brooks.
 

Revisiting History: The class enjoyed the rare privilege of a visit and luncheon at the historic Leland Stanford mansion as part of the Session I experience.
 
Corporate Tour: A visit to E.& J. Gallo Winery's corporate headquarters in Modesto included a garden walk with oaks, camellias, peacocks and wild geese. A reception and dinner followed a facilities tour.
 

Senate Floor: Class members enjoyed a VIP visit to the Senate Floor convened by Tony Beard, Chief Senate Sergeant-at-Arms.

VIEW all Session I photos HERE

Thank You to Our Session I Sponsors

 

 

 

 

  

April 30, 2012
San Francisco

See Photos from Our Awards Celebration!
 

Class of 2012 Studies California's History and People in San Francisco

VIEW Session II photos HERE
VIEW more photos/stories HERE

April 29 - May 1, 2012
California’s Heritage: Shaping California’s Future
San Francisco

Highlight of Session II was the Legacy of Leadership Awards on April 30, honoring women leaders from across the state. It was a gala evening with a full house of over 300 guests including a capacity crowd of state leaders, corporate representatives, nonprofit leaders and celebrants, who enjoyed a buffet feast and ceremonies with a stellar slate of honorees. See all the photos HERE
 
Led by Barbara Kaufman Ph.D., a panel of women leaders shared their "Lessons Learned on the Journey," reminiscing on career moves and challenges faced.
 
History on the Move: A tour of Wells Fargo’s Historical Museum, a talk with Wells Fargo Historian Daniela Licata and demographer and futurist Mary O’Hara-Devereaux, Ph.D., and a panel on California's and San Francisco's diverse past gave an overview of California’s population trends and turbulent history.
 

A Walk Through Chinatown to visit the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum and a talk with Charlie Chin, Artist-in-Residence and Docent, examined the experiences of Chinese immigrants and Chinese-Americans. An exercise on “Our Diversity Competence: Getting Off Our Eggshells” presented by Kay Iwata highlighted today's diversity awareness and practices.
 

Thank You to Our Session II Sponsors

 


 


 


 

VIEW all Session I photos HERE

Are You an Alumna of the CIT Program?
Join a Regional Council
Regional Councils offer opportunities for Leadership California program alumnae to network regionally and to continue their efforts on behalf of women’s leadership across California.
To join a Regional Council, click here.

 

 


 

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