Events

We host community speaker events and learning opportunities to help you continually grow and inspire others as a leader. We expand your community knowledge, strengthen your leadership skills, and connect you to others who want to collaboratively solve local issues.

Upcoming Events

Lead with Strength: Unlock Your Potential with CliftonStrengths

Event Details
Invite only EVENT
11/21/24, 12/10/24
SSF Library | Parks & Rec

Lead with Strength: Unlock Your Potential with CliftonStrengths

Unlock your leadership potential with the Fall 2024 CliftonStrengths Programming, presented by Leadership Council SMC. This series offers leaders at all experience levels the opportunity to deepen their understanding of their natural talents and transform them into strengths that will drive personal and professional success. Through interactive workshops, participants will explore the Gallup CliftonStrengths framework and apply it directly to their leadership challenges and goals.

Introduction to CliftonStrengths (Beginner)

Thursday, November 21, 2024,  9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WORKSHOP COMPLETED

Leading with CliftonStrengths (Advanced)

Tuesday, December 10, 2024,  9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Leading with CliftonStrengths (Advanced) builds on prior CliftonStrengths experience, offering a deeper dive for leaders familiar with their talent themes.

Program Fees, for each event:

General: $199.00
Leadership Council SMC Community: $175.00 (Includes alumni, board and advisory council members, speakers, City Partners, CORPS and Emerging Leaders Class of 2025)

Location: Both workshops will be held at:

South San Francisco Library | Parks & Recreation Center
901 Civic Campus Way
South San Francisco, CA 94010

Facilitator
Alicia Santamaria
CEO & Co-Founder, Adelante Coaching + Consulting, and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach
View Recording
Register for Leading with CliftonStrengths (Advanced)View Details on the Event Flyer

Past Events

Purposeful Leadership Program

Graphic for Purposeful Leadership Program; photos of presenters and text with date / time. Repeats copy in text.
Event Details
10/26/24, 9 am-12 noon
Virtual via Zoom

The Purposeful Leadership Program is an introspective journey designed for leaders feeling burnt out, and who want to lead with more choice, intention, and purpose.

In this 3-hour experiential workshop, expert coaches help you:

> Reflect on the impact of your current behaviors
> Identify what's most important
> Learn simple techniques to approach familiar challenges with a fresh perspective and clearer intention.

Making a shift can be hard, but you don't have to do it alone. The Purposeful Leadership Program is a coach-guided, peer-supported experience in a small group format.

Early bird pricing through 10/1/24. Registration closes 10/23/24.

Questions? Email purposeful.leadership.program@gmail.com.

Speakers
Invite only EVENT
Yuwen Chu
MBA, Certified Coach
Rahul Khatod
MBA, Certified Coach
View Recording
Register

Board of Supervisors D4 Candidate Forum

Flyer announcing Candidate Forum including images of the two candidates: Lisa Gauthier and Antonio Lopez.
Event Details
9/23/24
North Fair Oaks Community Center

Hear from the candidates:
> Lisa Gauthier, Councilmember, City of East Palo Alto
> Antonio Lopez, Mayor, City of East Palo Alto

In Person at North Fair Oaks Community Center. Virtual attendance via Zoom; Please register to receive Zoom link.

Spanish interpretation is available; please contact Yajaira Ortega if you require additional accommodations ore have questions about accessibility.

Hosted by Thrive Alliance, Leadership Council San Mateo County, and Choose Children, a project of Silicon Valley Community Foundation. Thrive Alliance, Leadership Council San Mateo County, Choose Children, and Silicon Valley Community Foundation are non-endorsing and nonpartisan organizations.

Candidates
Invite only EVENT
Lisa Gauthier
Councilmember, City of East Palo Alto
Antonio Lopez
Mayor, City of East Palo Alto‍
View Recording
Register to AttendAttend via Zoom

Application Deadline-Community Acceleration Project (CAP)

Community Acceleration Program CAP Application Deadline
Event Details
9/20/24
via Zoom

ATTENTION San Mateo County Nonprofits, Cities, Government Agencies, and Commissions!

Do you have a project that needs a kickstart? … A tough problem you need help tackling? We will pair selected SMC nonprofits or public sector organizations with a team of our Class of 2025 Immersion Program participants who will bring knowledge, experience, skills, and passion to ACCELERATE your project.

Apply: www.surveymonkey.com/r/CQXGSNQ

The application deadline is 5 pm, September 20, 2024.

Questions?
Invite only EVENT
Contact Kaarin Hardy Kaarin.hardy@leadershipcouncilsmc.org
Co-President of Leadership Council SMC
View Recording
Apply for a CAP 2024-25Watch the CAP Info Session VideoView Example Project from 2023-24

Info Session—Community Acceleration Project (CAP)

Invitation to Information Sessions for the Community Acceleration Program
Event Details
8/20/24
1 - 2 pm, via Zoom

Attention San Mateo County Nonprofits, Cities, Government Agencies, and Commissions!

Do you have a project that needs a kickstart? … A tough problem you need help tackling? Leadership Council SMC will pair selected SMC nonprofits or public sector organizations with a team of our Class of 2025 Immersion Program participants who will bring knowledge, experience, skills, and passion to ACCELERATE your project.

Join the Info Session on August 20, 2024, 1-2 p.m. to learn how your organization can benefit! Please note: This Info Session will be recorded and available on our website after 8/20/24.

Application deadline for CAP 2024-25 is 5 pm, September 20, 2024.

Speakers
Invite only EVENT
Kaarin Hardy
Co-President of Leadership Council SMC
Margi Power
Co-President of Leadership Council SMC
View Recording
Register for Info Session

Juneteenth Arts Showcase

Image of Juneteenth Arts Showcase Event with text of all details.
Event Details
June 5, 2024
Library | Parks & Rec Center, South San Francisco

Join us for the San Mateo County Youth Arts Showcase, an event filled with youth creativity and talent! The event will commemorate Juneteenth and the Black experience in America with an evening of art viewing, performances, and discussions centering on and celebrating art from SMC youth.

Students TK-12:
Deadline for Art is May 17, 2024
Theme is "From Resilience to Joy: Celebrating the Journey to Freedom

Art Showcase is free, but space is limited. Please RSVP.

Brought to you by SMCOE, County Supervisor Noelia Corzo, SMC Office of Racial & Social Justice and the Office of Arts & Culture, the City of SSF, and Leadership Council SMC.

Invite only EVENT
View Recording
Artwork Submission InstructionsRSVP to Showcase

2024 LeadingBetter Summit

2024 LeadingBetter Summit with images of four main speakers
Event Details
May 22, 2024, 8 am - 5 pm
Virtual

Don't miss the 2024 LeadingBetter Summit, a virtual, full-day workshop featuring innovative leaders, thinkers, and facilitators.

We are partnering with Leadership Louisville Center to offer the Summit to the Leadership Council SMC community at a significant discount.

Tickets are $95 (that's $200 off!) when you register using the code SMC200. (We will earn a portion of each ticket using this code.)

Please go to https://join.leadershiplouisville.org/summit24 for full details including the list of inspiring speakers and the day's agenda.

Speakers Include:
Invite only EVENT
Kim Scott
NY Times and WS Journal Bestselling Author of "Radical Candor"
Matt Abrahams
Stanford GSB Professor and Host of "Talk Smart" Podcast
Justin Jones-Fosu
Founder, CEO of Work. Meaningful.
Shanterra McBride & Rosalind Wiseman
Of "Mean Girls" Fame, and Co-authors of "Courageous Discomfort"
View Recording
Register: Use code SMC200

When Everyone Leads for Elected Leaders

Flyer for When Everyone Leads with event details and fees.
Event Details
4/26/24, 4/27/24
San Mateo Public Library, 55 W. Third Avenue, San Mateo

Calling all leaders elected to city and county councils in San Mateo County! Join your peers for professional development designed to support you in your role. Don't miss this unique opportunity to build skills as well as relationships with your elected peers in a workshop setting. After this workshop, you will: 

  • See leadership as an activity open to all
  • Mobilize and motivate others to lead
  • Authorized yourself to exercise more leadership more often

In Person: San Mateo Public Library

  • Friday, April 26, 2024, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m., with Happy Hour following
  • Saturday, April 27, 2024, 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon

Virtual: Fees include two follow-up, 90-minute, group coaching sessions to help you apply your learning. (These will be scheduled with input from program attendees).

Fees:

  • General Admission: $520
  • Affiliate Fees: $365 for Leadership Council SMC Alumni, Current Class Members, or City Partners

Please email info@leadershipcouncilsmc.org for scholarship information.

Invite only EVENT
View Recording
Register by Monday, April 15, 2024

Info Sessions for Leadership CORPS and Emerging Leaders Programs 2024-2025

Graphic with word map, listing three Information Sessions for the 2024-2025 Leadership CORPS and Emerging Leaders Programs.
Event Details
4/24/24
via Zoom

Join us and learn about our Leadership Immersion Programs:

>Leadership CORPS for senior-level leaders, and
>Emerging Leaders for rising San Mateo County leaders.

Get all of your questions answered! Registration for Info Sessions is required.

Info Sessions Offered
Invite only EVENT
March 26, 12 noon - 1 pm - COMPLETED
April 10, 6 - 7 pm - COMPLETED
April 24, 8 - 9 am
View Recording
Register for April 24

Conversation Strategies for Challenging Times

Square graphic with dialogue bubbles, event title, date, time, and Leadership Council SMC logo.
Event Details
3/14/24
via Zoom

March 14, 2024, 12 noon – 1:30 p.m., via Zoom

Do you wish you had tools in your pocket to navigate difficult conversations?

Join us over lunch to discover strategies you can use to be a courageous conversation leader.

This is a free Leadership Learning Event hosted by Leadership Council SMC.

Facilitator
Invite only EVENT
Amber Checky
CEO and Founder, Inclusion Counts
Heather Checky
CFO and Founder, Inclusion Counts
View Recording
Register Today

Leadership Lab: Talents to Strengths

Graphic for Leadership Lab: Talents to Strengths with photo of Facilitator Alicia Santamaria of Adelante Coaching + Consulting
Event Details
2/15/24, 2/29/24
Location varies by date.

Join us for Leadership Lab: Talents to Strengths, a dynamic and interactive peer learning experience designed for leaders who want to explore their unique leadership strengths. Open to anyone who lives and/or works in San Mateo County. Attendees will complete the CliftonStrengths Assessment prior to Session I.

Session I – SELECT ONE!     *** NOTE - Registration is now closed for all sessions. ***

Thursday, February 1, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., San Mateo Library, San Mateo

OR

Thursday, February 15, 2024, 1:00 – 4:30 p.m., CZI Community Space, Redwood City

Session II *

Thursday, February 29, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., CZI Community Space, Redwood City
* Session II is highly recommended to deepen your learning, but not required.

Program Fees: General Pricing
Sessions I and II: $185; Session I Only: $155

Leadership Council SMC Community Members**
Sessions I and II: $155; Session I Only: $130
**Members include Leadership Council SMC alumni, board and advisory council members, speakers, City Partners, CORPS and Emerging Leaders Class of 2024.

How Can I Learn More: View our Event Flyer and read our Frequently Asked Questions. Email questions to info@leadershipcouncilsmc.org.

Talents to Strengths Facilitator
Invite only EVENT
Alicia Santamaria
Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, Adelante Coaching + Consulting
View Recording
Event FAQs

Candidate Forum - SMC District 4

Flyer announcing Candidate Forum including images of the five candidates: Paul Bocanegra, Celeste Brevard, Maggie Cornejo, Lisa Gauthier, and Antonio Lopez.
Event Details
January 30, 2024
Menlo Park City Hall and Virtual Options

January 30, 2024, 6 - 8 p.m., In-Person

Hear from the candidates:

> Paul Bocanegra, Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commissioner - Legislative Coordinator, County of San Mateo
> Celeste Brevard, Project Manager, Stanford University
> Maggie Cornejo, Director of Government and Community Relations, Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula
> Lisa Gauthier, Councilmember, City of East Palo Alto
> Antonio Lopez, Mayor, City of East Palo Alto

Instructions: Ways to Watch

In Person: Register to attend in person as space is limited. On the registration page, you can also submit a question in English or Spanish.

Zoom or YouTube: Click on buttons below for links to view the Zoom Webinar or on YouTube.

Leadership Council San Mateo County and Thrive Alliance are non-endorsing and nonpartisan organizations.

Invite only EVENT
View Recording
Register to Attend In Person or Submit a QuestionWatch Zoom WebinarWatch on YouTube

Culture Wars in the Classroom

Invitation to "Culture Wars in the Classroom." Include date, time, and images of presenters.
Event Details
11/28/23
12 noon - 1:30 p.m. PT via Zoom

Culture wars have taken over the classroom. With mounting legislation dictating the way classrooms are run, teachers are being forced to decide between following their morals or following the law.

Join us over lunch to discuss issues facing the American classroom.

Topics include:

> Book Banning
> Parental Rights
> California Ethnic Studies
> Trans Rights in School

This special event will be led by Amber Checky and Heather Checky of Inclusion Counts. It is free and open to members of the Leadership Council SMC Community including our Board of Directors, Alumni, current Leadership CORPS and Emerging Leaders participants, speakers and committee members. Leadership Council SMC Community members who want to register should email Isabella.Yee@LeadershipCouncilSMC.org.

Speakers
Invite only EVENT
Amber Checky
CEO and Founder, Inclusion Counts
Heather Checky
CFO and Founder, Inclusion Counts
View Recording

Join an Info Session—Community Acceleration Program for Nonprofits

Graphic describing Information Sessions for the Community Acceleration Program for Nonprofits
Event Details
6/14/2023, 6/22/2023
Virtual via Zoom

Attention San Mateo County Nonprofits! Do you have a project that needs a kickstart? … A tough problem you need help tackling? Leadership Council SMC will pair selected SMC nonprofits with a team of Emerging Leaders who will bring knowledge, experience, skills, and passion to ACCELERATE your project. Register for an Info Session to learn how your organization can benefit!

Applications for the 2023-24 Community Acceleration Program will be available from June 14 - August 1, 2023 on our homepage: www.leadershipcouncilsmc.org.

Speakers
Invite only EVENT
Kaarin Hardy
Co-President of Leadership Council SMC
Margi Power
Co-President of Leadership Council SMC
View Recording
Register for Info Session #1, June 14, 2023, 10-11 a.m.Register for Info Session #2, June 22, 2023, 1-2 p.m.

Inclusive Employment Practices for a Diverse Workforce

Graphic describing “Inclusive Employment Practices for a Diverse Workforce” event with images of speakers from AbilityPath: Erin Montgomery (Chief Operating Officer), Greg Gonzalez, (Operations Manager), and Keara Sternberg (Diversity and Culture Manager).
Event Details
03/30/2023
Virtual Online Event

Join us as leaders from AbilityPath guide an exploration of inclusive practices in the workplace during this one-hour, interactive workshop. AbilityPath, a local nonprofit, serves the lifespan of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and provides employment services for adults with developmental disabilities in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Their team will share the positive impact they are making in our community to increase inclusive employment opportunities and their commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging practices as part of their learning journey as an inclusive employer. They will offer practical suggestions and strategies you can put to work in your organization. Hosted by Leadership Council San Mateo County as part of Healthy Communities Month.

Speakers
Invite only EVENT
Erin Montgomery
AbilityPath Chief Operating Officer
Greg Gonzalez
AbilityPath Operations Manager
Keara Sternberg
AbilityPath Diversity and Culture Manager
View Recording
Register for March 30

Attend an Info Sessions for Leadership CORPS and Emerging Leaders Programs

Graphic describing three Information Sessions for the 2023-2024 Leadership CORPS and Emerging Leaders Programs.
Event Details
3/27/2023, 4/06/2023, 4/14/2023
Virtual Online Event

Join us to learn about our Leadership Immersion Programs: Leadership CORPS for senior-level leaders, and Emerging Leaders for rising county leaders. Get all of your questions answered! Three information sessions offered. Registration is required.

Info Sessions Offered
Invite only EVENT
March 27, 6-7 pm
April 6, 8-9 am
April 14, 12 noon-1 pm
View Recording
Register for March 27Register for April 6Register for April 14

Hidden Rules of Class

Graphic describing “Hidden Rules of Class” event with images of speakers from Inclusion Counts: Co-Founders Amber Checky and Heather Checky.
Event Details
January 12, 2023
Virtual Online Event

In this special, one-hour event led by Amber Checky and Heather Checky of Inclusion Counts, participants examined the different experiences of people who grow up in poverty v. those who grow up wealthy or in the middle class, and the hidden rules of middle-class environments. They deepened their understanding about social class and the complex support systems needed to support diverse communities.

Invite only EVENT
View Recording

Education in the News

Graphic describing “Education in the News” event with images of speakers from Inclusion Counts: Co-Founders Amber Checky and Heather Checky.
Event Details
November 10, 2022
Virtual Online Event

The controversy over how issues of race, racism, and diversity are taught in schools is boiling. 'Anti-critical race theory' laws or regulations have been enacted and their effects are being felt across the country.. In this special, 90-minute event led by Amber Checky and Heather Checky of Inclusion Counts, participants engaged in an important discussion of censorship in schools, self-censorship among educators, and how the coarsening of debates about classroom control is causing educators to leave the profession.

Invite only EVENT
View Recording

Empower Your Team: Putting Words Into Action

Image of two people talking at a small table.
Event Details
April 22, 2022
Virtual Online Event

A 90-minute workshop led by two expert leadership coaches who used examples, interactive exercises, and practical take-home tools, to teach the key components of EMPOWERMENT and expose participants to simple ways to create a culture of empowerment that will help your teams grow.

Expert Coaches
Invite only EVENT
Rahul Khatod
Samantha Lozzi
View Recording

Running For Office: How & Why

Image of 12 people talking at a large conference table.
Event Details
February 22, 2022

Leaders shared their experiences, inspiration, and how they are creating change through their elected offices.

Speakers
Invite only EVENT
Amourence Lee
Councilmember, City of San Mateo
Antonio López
Councilmember, City of East Palo Alto
Ligia Andrade Zúñiga
Board Trustee, San Mateo Union High School District
Lisa Petrides
Board Trustee, San Mateo County Community College District
View Recording

Disrupting Bias: Learn To Be An Inclusion Champion

Image of 2 people working at a computer screen.
Event Details
January 25 and 27, 2022
Virtual

Two-part training designed to strengthen participant’s ability to create an inclusive workplace for everyone by discovering personal biases and how to identify them. Participants feel empowered to create safe spaces for themselves and their coworkers.

Diversity consultants from Inclusion Counts
Invite only EVENT
Amber Checky
Social Change-Maker and Master Facilitator
Heather Checky
Relationship Builder, Social Impact Advocate
View Recording
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Global Companies, Local Community Members & Equity in Drug Development and Access.

Headshots of 3 speakers of the “Global Companies, Local Community Members, and Equity in Drug Development and Access” event. From left to right: Dr. Brian Lowery (moderator), Stanford Business School Professor of Organizational Behavior, Daniel O’Day (speaker, Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences, Alexander Hardy (speaker), CEO of Genentech.