"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.
   
 

WELCOME 
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.
Click Here for a 2010 Program Overview
           2009 Program Overview
Click for a Message from the President and Executive Director

 

 

   

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

Class of 2009 Graduates in San Diego



At the final session of the year in San Diego, the Leadership California Class of 2009 posed for a graduation photo. Fifty-four women leaders completed the California Issues and Trends program. See more photos from Session IV HERE.


 

Presidential Torch to be Passed in January

Vice President Debbie Manning ('02), left, will step up into the role of president at the helm of Leadership California when current president Cathleen Greiner ('03) completes a 2-year term in January. Presidential duties include chairing the Leadership California Board and leading the Board on future initiatives.

Debbie was the first woman to be named Deputy Chief Sergeant at Arms of the California State Senate, holding the position until her retirement in 2008. She served as Vice President of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals and
holds several certificates in Law Enforcement Management. She is a graduate of UC Davis, with a degree in Political Science.

Cathleen is Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Student Learning at Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo. As an educational leader, her professional interests include the future of higher education, institutional review and academic quality assessment, and the globalization of learning.

Announcing:
 
“Reach Out and Celebrate!”

 An new way to Celebrate
Leadership California's Annual Event: 

Monday, May 3, 2010 
San Francisco

Purchase Tickets and Table Sponsorships Now
MORE about the 2010 Awards>

Women Leaders from Across the State are Talented Candidates for Class of 2010

As Leadership California's Class of 2010 is selected in early December, candidates from business, government, nonprofit, academic and entrepreneurial backgrounds will represent a diverse and accomplished group of talented women for the upcoming California Issues and Trends Program.

"We are very impressed by the caliber of leaders applying to the program for 2010," said Executive Director Pam Hemann. "These candidates will be going on the journey of a lifetime next year."

A Capitol Experience: Sessions start in Sacramento and continue around the state. An early morning walk to the Capitol kicks off the day at Session I.

Appointed Leaders: A visit to the California Museum of History, Women & the Arts includes a luncheon with appointed women leaders.

Senate Leaders: The class will convene on the Senate floor with Senate leaders.


Capital Breakfast: A visit to the Governor's Office follows a breakfast with Capital Leaders. Above, Assemblymember Paul Krekorian talks with classmembers.



Join a Regional Council

Regional Councils are designed for Leadership California program Alumnae to expand their local networking to other Alumnae and to continue their efforts on behalf of women’s leadership across California.
To join a Regional Council, click here.

For a list of Regional Chairs Click HERE> 



Judy Chu: Leadership
is a Winding Road

Dr. Judy Chu is the first Chinese American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress, representing San Gabriel Valley's 32nd District. Read our exclusive interview with Dr. Chu>
Sarah Weddington:
A Landmark Case and the Road After

by Carol Caley—Best known as the attorney who successfully argued Roe v. Wade...MORE>
A Conversation with Elise Buik
Leadership Means Greater Good for Greater LA—As the first female president and CEO of United Way...MORE>

A Father's Legacy:
Lead by Example

by Emily Murase, Executive Director, San Francisco Department on the Status of Women—The death of a parent, while often tragic... MORE>

Musings from a Woman Scientist from the '60s
by Dr. Judy Kjelstrom, Director, Biotechnology Program, University of California, DavisAs I enter my 60th year of life... MORE>
  State Farm Gives a Hand Up the Ladder to Women
by Carol CaleyKaye Lindsey needed a job. With a husband... MORE>

 

 


 

 

Graduation Caps Final Session in San Diego
November 8-10, 2009
"Sustaining the Quality of Life in California"
See more photos from Session IV HERE.

The Class of 2009 met for its final session of the year in San Diego. The session featured a slate of diverse and dynamic speakers, trips to landmark San Diego institutions of learning, research, and community cooperation, and singular opportunities to share stories with talented and successful women. A graduation celebration capped the final session.



The class toured the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography for a behind-the-scenes look at exhibits, including
collections of exotic sea creatures and displays on global warming's effects on oceans.



Birch Aquarium is an exploration center for learning about the mission, research and discoveries at Scripps.
Outdoor exhibits include a tidepool display where classmembers touched sea anemones.



Nigella Hillgarth, Ph.D.
, right, gave an introduction to the research initiatives and exhibits at the aquarium and shared highlights from her career as a zoologist and executive director. Left, Leadership California Executive Director Pam Hemann.



Class in session with
Sally Helgesen, right, author & consultant on Women's Leadership. Active participation and discussion are fostered at the sessions.



Executive Director Pam Hemann convened the class at
California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (Calit2).



The class experienced hands-on demonstrations of Calit2's cutting-edge research, such as this virtual flyover of the planet Mars.



Classmembers experimented with views of themselves in ultra-HD on a studio greenscreen.
 



On a visit to
Market Creek Village, the class learned about a community's vision for successful development that reduced crime and poverty and brought diverse ethnic groups together.



Market Creek is a commercial and cultural hub offering venues for large indoor and outdoor celebrations.
A coalition of small stakeholders and their remarkable, inclusive process became a model for communities across the country.



Deborah Wong
, Marianne Kim, and Jenny Mack enjoyed a trip to the Cox Ultimate Skybox, where the class lunched on a terrace high above the city.

More photos from Session IV HERE.
See more photos of events and news from our archives HERE. 

Thank You to Our Session IV Sponsors



 


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