|
Hello
As we begin a new year, we're excited to reflect on the momentum built over the past few months and look ahead to what's next. Thanks to our leaders, sponsors, and community partners, we're entering the year energized and ready to continue strengthening leadership across San Benito County!
| | The 2025-2026 cohort has had an engaging and impactful start to the program year, with each month offering meaningful opportunities for leadership development, collaboration, and community connection. | | |
September 2025
Our September program day kicked off the 2025-2026 program year with energy and excitement. Kathleen Rose, Corinne Enni, Program Facilitator's, Kathy Sheridan, Wellness Facilitator, and Brenda Weatherly,Program Manager, focused on introductory presentations so cohort members could get to know them. This set the stage for strong relationships and a collaborative learning environment for the year ahead.
"Today was a great introduction. We got to learn about the presenters life and how they've managed stressful events through healthy and proven skills. I can't wait to hear more from them! This presentation was not "hear what you need". It was 'here is who I am and what I have to offer.' This is appreciated!"
-'25-'26 Participant
| | |
Pictured: Corinne Enni-Program Facilitator,
and cohort members
Read More
| | | Left to Right: Corinne Enni- Program Facilitator, Ashley Collick- City Manager for San Juan Bautista, Mindy Sotelo- Board of Supervisor District 3 of San Benito County, Roxanne Stephens- Mayor of Hollister, and Kathleen Rose- Program Facilitator | | |
October 2025
Our October program day was an informative and engaging experience focused on leadership and local government. Thank you to our incredible facilitators, Corinne Enni and Kathleen Rose, for creating a dynamic day of learning, and to our panel speakers, Roxanne Stephens Mayor of Hollister, Mindy Sotelo Board of Supervisor for District 3 of San Benito County, and Ashley Collick City Manager of San Juan Bautista, for sharing their insights and experiences with our participants. Their real-world examples and honest conversations provided valuable knowledge and inspiration for our cohort as they continue their leadership journeys.
"The most valuable part of today was the panel. It provided practical insights on being an effective leader, like vulnerability and using opportunities to get to know the people you serve or even oppose."
-'25-'26 Participant
Read More
| | | |
November 2025
Our November program day centered on effective conflict resolution, offering valuable insights and real-world perspectives. Thank you to our speakers, Joe Morris Co-Founder/Owner at Morris Grassfed Beef, Carlos Reynoso Chief of Police at the Hollister Police Department, Dolores Morales City Council Member for District 3 of Hollister, and Francisco Diaz Clerk Recorder of San Benito County, for sharing their experiences with our participants.
A special thank you to the Hollister Police Department and Carlos Reynoso for hosting our program day and providing an incredible after-hour tour to the cohort!
"The most valuable part of today's session was when Dolores mentioned the importance in believing in yourself, knowing your worth, and knowing how to resolve conflict."
-'25-'26 Participant
Read More
| Pictured: Carlos Reynoso-Chief of Police at the Hollister Police Department and cohort members | | Left to Right: Corinne Enni-Program Facilitator, Carlos Reynoso-Chief of Police at the Hollister Police Department, Kathleen Rose-Program Facilitator, Dolores Morales-City Council Member for District 3 of Hollister, and Francisco Diaz Clerk Recorder of San Benito County | Left to Right: Kathleen Rose and Corinne Enni-Program Facilitators, Joe Morris-Co Founder/Owner at Morris Grassfed Beef, and Brenda Weatherly-Program Manager | | | Left to Right: Kathleen Rose-Program Facilitator, Brenda Weatherly-Program Manager, Lura and Dick Hammond-SIMSOC Facilitators of Leadership On The Move | Pictured: Kathy Sheridan-Wellness Facilitator and cohort members | | |
December 2025
Our December program day was a simulated society (SIMSOC) experience facilitated by Lura and Dick Hammond from Leadership On The Move located in Texas. They guided our cohort through the full day; assigning unique roles, inspiring bold leadership, and creating an immersive experience participants won't soon forget. We ended our day with a grounding chair yoga exercise, led by Kathy Sheridan, our Wellness Facilitator.
"My key takeaway from today was to ask questions, take a step back to review other's perspectives and the importance of working together."
-'25-'26 Participant
Read More
| Pictured: Cohort members (Green Region) | | | |
January 2026
Our January program day focused on collaboration, leadership strengthening, and supporting leaders at all levels. Thank you to our speakers, Clay Kempf, Executive Director of Seniors Council, Diane Ortiz, CEO/Co-Founder of Youth Alliance, Jennifer Laine, Executive Director of the San Benito County Arts Council, and Bob Tiffany, California Transportation Commissioner, for sharing the power of collaborative leadership in the community.
"The most valuable part of today's session was the panel speakers. They each work in different fields but provided great insight on collaborative leadership styles."
-'25-'26 Participant
Read More
| | Left to Right: Corinne Enni, Kathleen Rose-Program Facilitator's, Clay Kempf- Executive Director of Seniors Council, and Brenda Weatherly- Program Manager | Left to Right: Corinne Enni-Program Facilitator, Jennifer Laine-Executive Director of the San Benito County Arts Council, Brenda Weatherly-Program Manager, Bob Tiffany-California Transportation Commissioner, Kathleen Rose-Program Facilitator, and Diane Ortiz-CEO/Co-Founder of Youth Alliance | | |
Graniterock Quarry Tour
September 2025
Leadership Built On Strong Foundations
Alumni and committee members took part in a memorable visit to the Graniterock Aromas Quarry. From standing within the San Andreas Fault to learning how Graniterock upholds its core values alongside environmental stewardship, the experience was both educational and inspiring. Thank you to Graniterock for the engaging tour and for demonstrating how strong leadership builds organizations from the ground up.
Read More
| | Pictured: Graniterock and SBLI team | |
Leaders Connect
October 2025
Connecting Leaders, Strengthening Community
The Leaders Connect event brought together our current cohort, alumni, committee members, and community leaders for an evening of networking and collaboration at Damm Vineyards, along with delicious appetizers generously donated by Hollister Round Table Pizza and Paine's Restaurant This special event provided the opportunity to strengthen professional relationships and foster partnerships across industries. Leaders Connect continues to serve as a valuable space for building connections that support leadership development and long term community impact.
Read More
| | Left to Right: Leanne Oliviera, Leslie Jordan-SJB Mayor, Kristi Sadler, Charles Kelzer, and Craig Cox | |
National Philanthropy Day
November 2025
San Benito Leadership Institute's Honoree,
Mishel Thomas
We had the honor of celebrating National Philanthropy Day alongside so many incredible community leaders and we were especially proud to recognize Mishel Thomas. Mishel's compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication while sharing her leadership growth story truly embodies the spirit of philanthropy. Her impact reminds us that when one person leads with heart, an entire community grows stronger.
Read More
| | Left to Right: Mishel Thomas and Judge Omar Rodriguez | |
Cohort Connect
January 2026
Building Leadership Through Connection
The Cohort Connect event welcomed current cohort members, alumni, sponsors, and committee members for an evening of connection and community at Leal Vineyards. Attendees enjoyed drinks and appetizers generously donated by Leal, along with meaningful conversations that fostered shared experiences and deeper leadership connections.
Read More
| | Pictured: SBLI 2025-2026 cohort members, alumni, sponsors, committee members and staff | |
Ready to Lead? Join the '26-'27 Cohort!
Join the 2026-2027 cohort and take the next step in your leadership journey. Develop your skills, build your network, and make a lasting impact in your community!
Begin Your Leadership Journey Today!
| | | | Give the Gift of Leadership | |
Make an impact today by supporting our program. Every gift helps develop strong, capable leaders and fuels meaningful change in San Benito County!
| | Supporting our program is an investment in emerging leaders and the future of our community. Sponsors gain meaningful visibility while helping strengthen leadership development across the region. Reach out to learn more about available sponsorship opportunities! | | | | |
