September was an exciting month for us here at Leadership Council San Mateo County (Leadership Council SMC) as we launched our Leadership CORPS Flagship Program! Through extensive outreach efforts via our partners, Board of Directors and Advisory Council, we were able to attract a geographically and racially diverse group of applicants for our flagship Leadership CORPS Program launching in September. Our goal was to attract an applicant pool that closely represented the demographics of San Mateo County. We received 58 applications for 40 available spots. All five supervisory districts were represented in the applicant pool and class selection, as well as 15 of the 20 cities of San Mateo County. This interesting and diverse cohort of senior leaders are a great example of the numerous ways leadership takes shape in our community.  From poets and podcasters to activists and venture capitalists, biotech and investment executives to elected officials and business owners, nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs to documentary filmmakers,educators, volunteers and visionaries; the inaugural Leadership CORPS Class is as multifaceted, talented and vibrant as San Mateo County!

Join us in congratulating and welcoming the Inaugural Leadership CORPS Class of 2022!

Opening Retreat

It was a bright Friday morning at the Foster City Community Center, the energy was high and although there were masks, there were a lot of smiles and excitement filling the space as the inaugural Leadership CORPS class convened for the opening retreat. Over the two-day long opening retreat, the cohort  focused on getting to know one another, ‘Building an Inclusive Community’ and learning about Strengths-Based Leadership.

Day one kicked off with a warm welcome and opening remarks from Co-Presidents Kaarin Hardy and Margi Power which included some fun icebreakers, reviewing the agenda, and also taking the time to acknowledge the great amount of wisdom that was present in the room, held by the group collectively and individually.  Following the opening remarks, David Canepa, President of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, welcomed the cohort and provided a county overview as a way for everyone to start thinking about the scope of their journey.

After a quick break of stretching, mingling and taking head-shots, the group dove back in with facilitation by Alicia Santamaria of Adelante Coaching + Consulting.  Alicia led the cohort through discussion and exploration of what leadership means and what it looks like to each person.  Using the framework of CliftonStrengths, Santamaria assisted the group in understanding and exploring how to use their identified strengths as ways to build upon their leadership and how to understand those of their fellow cohort members.

It was a fascinating and full day where participants gained insight on how personal identity influences behaviors, decisions and interactions and how those factors play into their own ways of relating and leading.

Day two proved to be just as engaging as the cohort became more connected and deepened their relationships with fellow members and Leadership Council staff.  Saturday morning’s agenda was facilitated by Amber and Heather Checky of Inclusion Counts.  The two provided an in-depth discussion, training and a self-reflection activity on biases, blindspotting, and stereotyping of sectors. They then led a detailed discussion on what diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) means to leaders and the organizations and communities they lead. It proved to be an insightful discussion that left class members feeling both connected and challenged to continue the important work of DEIB.

Finally as day two began to wind down,  the chatter and energy in the room showed that the cohort had connected well and that they were excited about the next steps in their Leadership CORPS journey.

Leadership Council SMC asked the cohort to let us know why they joined Leadership CORPS and reflect on their learning.  Here is what we heard:

“I’m here to connect with fellow civically-engaged citizens to share knowledge and network to strengthen our communities, particularly around public education.”

“I deeply care about issues of social justice and equity. I want to grow my voice and use it to make an impact starting with my local community but with a goal to eventually expand out more broadly to other communities, even globally.”

“I found it interesting to reflect on how my strengths/personality likely influenced how I ended up in my profession as a scientist.  I used to think it was somewhat random but this assessment (CliftonStrengths) suggests maybe not.”

“I am thrilled to be on this journey with you!”

“It was AMAZING connecting with you all these past couple of days! I look forward to getting to know you and growing with you as diverse community leaders!”

Thank you for sharing CORPS members.  We’re excited about the program year ahead!