"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.
   

 




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>


Judy Kjelstrom: 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 Caley
Kaye Lindsey needed a job. With a husband... MORE>
 

 

Fiona Ma: Legislative Leader
has Passion and a Plan


by Carol Caley
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma is the Assembly Majority Whip for the State of... MORE>

 

 

Dr. Claire Pomeroy: Academic Leader Advocates for Communities on Healthcare Edge

by Carol Caley
As California and the nation face critical issues around healthcare access and quality... MORE>

 

 

Julie Castro Abrams: Microfinance Expert Mobilizes Women Entrepreneurs, Inspires Volunteers

by Carol Caley
After sending two teens and an exchange student off to high school, negotiating rush-hour traffic, juggling... MORE>

 

Dezie Woods-Jones: Empowerment is a Muscle
Use It or Lose It

by Carol Caley
—Hon. Dezie Woods-Jones is California State President, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA)... MORE>

 

Diversity is Job One for AAA's First Female President

by Carol CaleyPaula Downey is the face of AAA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, NEVADA AND UTAH, a company which is recognized MORE>



She’s Tough Enough
Deputy Chief Sergeant-at-Arms had to Pass Muster in State Senate
by Carol CaleyDebbie Manning is six months into her two-year term as president of Leadership California. A 2002 alumna of the CIT program and a Leadership California Executive Board member since 2005, she is a MORE>

   



 

 
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