Rooted in Gratitude

By Lesa Eidman (49)

In the midst of daily demands, shifting priorities and a fast-moving world, it’s easy to overlook the quiet power of gratitude. Over the past month, I’ve been reminded that – even in the chaos – taking a moment to say thank you grounds me in what truly matters.

To our alumni, fellows, donors, board members, staff and friends: thank you. Your time, support and belief in our mission allow us to continue developing leaders who serve others, think boldly and lead with courage and humility.

I’m especially grateful for the program staff and alumni who helped recruit a record-breaking number of applicants for Class 55; for the warm welcome Class 54 has extended to me as I’ve joined their seminars; for the Alumni Council members who are enthusiastically representing the foundation throughout California; for the board of directors who clearly see the vision of what we can achieve in the next five years; for the CALF staff, whose dedication and daily efforts make our mission possible; and for the many alumni I’ve had the privilege to connect with across the state. THANK YOU!

As our fiscal year draws to a close, we’re especially mindful of all we’ve accomplished together – and all that still lies ahead. Your continued engagement and generosity directly impact our ability to invest in the future leaders of California agriculture.

In a world that rarely slows down, I’m choosing to pause. To reflect. To give thanks. I challenge each of you to take a moment, today and tomorrow, to do the same. Let’s not overlook the good that surrounds us, even in the busiest seasons.

With sincere appreciation,

Lesa

Please contact me at leidman@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

Class 54 Message

I jumped at the opportunity to write this month’s Class 54 message because I am in the unique position of being the first individual in our class to change jobs while actively participating in the program. A new professional life in an unfamiliar sector of ag has allowed me the rare occasion to practice many of our leadership skills in an environment with a completely blank slate. The version of myself that has been showing up to my new job is not who I was prior to my time in CALF, and she is everything I could have hoped for.

Before beginning my position, I had some downtime to mentally prepare by integrating into my life lessons from the program that were most significant to me. One of the recurring themes in my personal evaluations (Strengthscope®, emotional intelligence quotient) was having low flexibility. Prior to CALF, I prided myself on being stubborn. A decade of being an entrepreneur convinced me that the most effective way to manage difficult situations was to dig my heels in. I didn’t realize all the ways that being inflexible was holding me back.

At our Fresno seminar last February, Dr. Karl Oswald gave a fascinating presentation about the science behind our emotional brains. We learned that the emotions we feel easily are the ones we have more practice feeling. But with repetition, we are capable of changing the way our instinctual feelings lead. Through learning to course-correct toward flexibility when faced with innumerable stressful situations as I navigated a difficult career change, I opened my life up to possibility.

Over the last nine months since starting CALF, my life has blossomed. The professional coaching component of the program has been integral to this process. During my career transition, coach Marla Collins helped me reframe the experience of uncertainty as learning to exist “in the ambiguity,” keeping in mind that is where the possibility is. 

I continue to keep myself on track with a daily personal checklist, evaluating myself on a scale of 1-10. Some of the questions that can be found there are: “Did I demonstrate curiosity about others’ lives?” “Did I forgive myself and others for perceived mistakes?” I have learned that some of the most effective ways of embodying our leadership posture of the “thermostat" – being a leader who “sets the temperature” of a room – are deeply intertwined with these questions. The final question on my daily checklist is: “Did I do my best to be grateful for what I have?” CALF changed my life, and there hasn’t been a day yet that I didn’t rate that one a 10.

With gratitude,

Megan Bell

Class 55 Screening

We are extremely pleased with the number of Class 55 applications received. Screening interviews will occur at our partner universities in July. Final selection will take place in late August and notification of acceptance will begin in September.

INTERVIEW DATES

Pomona: July 14

Fresno: July 15-16

SLO: July 17-18

Davis: July 21-22

Chico: July 23-24

Santa Rosa: July 25

California Exchange Applications

The 2025 California Educational Exchange Program (CA Exchange) will take place in Region 1.

2025 CA Exchange Dates

Application deadline: Friday, July 11

Virtual interviews: July 29-30

Program dates: Sept. 9-12

If you are interested in assisting with this year’s CA Exchange, please reach out to Mia Mirassou.

Gratitude for Service to CALF

Thank you to Cameron Boswell (42) and Jodi Litz for their service and contributions to Ag Leadership.

Boswell joined the CALF board of directors in February 2019. During his time as a director, Boswell shared his industry expertise and demonstrated outstanding servant leadership by working with other board members and staff on foundation issues. He served as the board’s vice chair, as a member of the executive committee and chair of the development committee. He also participated in the strategic planning process, fellow selection and numerous alumni events.

CALF Development Manager Jodi Litz recently announced her resignation to pursue a new professional opportunity. Her last day is June 18. After joining the foundation in May 2023, Litz implemented new donor management software and fundraising platforms, managed numerous alumni and fundraising events, executed annual appeal campaigns and built strong relationships with donors and alumni. We extend our gratitude to Jodi and wish her the best!

Board Update

Joel Kimmeshue (37) is CALF’s new vice chair, effective June 2025. He has served on the board since August 2022. He is the owner and principal soil and agricultural scientist of Land IQ, a Sacramento-based agricultural and remote sensing firm. He is also involved in his family’s diversified tree and row crop farming operation in Durham.

Welcome to Our New Staff Member!

CALF has hired Jessica Lara as its new marketing and communications manager, effective June 16. With more than nine years of experience in marketing and communications, Lara brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to our team. Her background includes her most recent role as marketing communications specialist at the California Strawberry Commission, where she led successful marketing programs and managed its social media presence. Her skills in content creation, video production and community engagement will be valuable as we continue to elevate the Ag Leadership brand.

CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (49) said, "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jessica to CALF. Her energy, creativity and proven track record in strategic communications make her an incredible addition to our team. I’m confident she will play a key role in amplifying our message and connecting even more people to the mission and impact of Ag Leadership.”

Please join us in welcoming Jessica to our team. We are confident that her contributions will drive our continued success. She may be contacted at jlara@agleaders.org.

End of Fiscal Year is Fast Approaching

The end of our fiscal year is Monday, June 30 – so there's still time to contribute to the 2024-25 Class Challenge!

Remember, it’s not about how much is raised, but how many in each class participate. Every gift counts: financial, time volunteered or in-kind.

Thank you to all who have supported in 2024-25 thus far!

To see where your class ranks, please contact your class liaison.

Horizons Summer Issue

This issue recently hit mailboxes. Highlights include:

• Class 53 International Seminar
• Class 54 National Seminar
• Meet CALF's New President and CEO
• Powerful Connections: D.C. Exchange
• Class 53 Commencement
• Get to Know Class 54
• Leadership Focus: Seeking the Stretch Zone
• Leadership Through Crisis: How Ag Leaders are Navigating the Avian Influenza

2025 CALF Awards: Nominations Due!

If you would you like to nominate a classmate or an alum in your region or industry circles for one of our CALF awards, please submit your completed nomination form by Friday, June 27. Award recipients will be honored during a ceremony on Oct. 3 (in conjunction with the Class 55 inauguration).

LIFETIME LEADERSHIP AWARD

Recognizes Ag Leadership alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community.

>List of past recipients

PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP AWARD

Recognizes Ag Leadership alumni for their leadership actions resulting in the betterment of industry, community, business, government, education and/or the environment.

>List of past recipients

NOMINATION FORMS

Click the button to find links to both forms.

Class Liaisons Needed

We are still in need of liaisons to represent classes 1, 5, 15, 20 and 23. Join us in being a part of the grassroots effort to strengthen our alumni community! Contact Mia Mirassou for more information.

Region 1 Reconnect & CSU Farm Tour

Join Region 1 for its third annual Alumni Reconnect Dinner and tour of the Chico State University Farm with Kasey DeAtley (52).

JUNE 26

Farm Tour / 3:30 p.m.

311 Nicholas C Shouten Lane, Chico

Social and Dinner / 5:30 p.m.

3688 Durham-Dayton Hwy, Chico

TICKETS

$55 / person

Region 4 Summer Social

JULY 17 / 6 - 8 p.m.

900 N. Broadway, Turlock

Network, socialize and enjoy a fun evening with Ag Leadership alumni, fellows and friends at the Stanislaus County Fair (Kiwanis Club Beer Garden). The first drink is on us!

Sporting Clay Shoot to Benefit CALF

AUG. 2 / 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

29625 County Road 14, Zamora

Celebrating 10 years! Sign up for this great event at Quail Point Hunt Club that brings outdoor enthusiasts together for a day of friendly competition and socializing. The committee would appreciate sponsorships and raffle prizes.

Region 4 Social with Class 54

AUG. 20 / 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Hotel Mission de Oro

13070 S. Hwy. 33, Santa Nella

Join Class 54 fellows at a reception the evening before they depart for their water tour in the region. The social is open to all alumni, adult family members and prospective applicants. Appetizers are available and beverages are no-host.

RSVP by July 31.

Region 9 Golf Tournament

SEPT. 8 / 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Las Posas Country Club

955 Fairway Drive, Camarillo

The committee would greatly appreciate sponsorships! Please click the button for sponsorship and golfer registration details.