We are a diverse group of leaders fueling a more engaged, inclusive, and vibrant Central Coast by igniting a passion to serve, kindling relationships, and equipping community members to lead.
Each year, a diverse mix of 36 people participate in the 10-month program meeting monthly with each session designed to cover core subjects impacting the community. The program is designed to bring participants out of their comfort zone to learn new things, make lifetime friendships, explore personal biases, learn new leadership styles, and develop the skills to embrace diversity in opinions and people. Sessions are highly participatory, featuring behind the scenes tours each month and with participants working together in a variety of ways. They experience role playing around key issues and are introduced to a variety of contemporary leaders with different backgrounds and with different points of view. Each class is encouraged to discuss typically divisive issues in a non-hostile, supportive environment. At completion participants recognize their leadership style and practice leadership skills including public speaking, consensus building and critical thinking that they can apply as they serve in the public and private sectors of our community.
2009-2019 executive director Sandi Sigurdson and partner Steve McGrath
The program requires a serious commitment of time and energy. The group meets for a 2 ½ day opening retreat in January, then meets once monthly on the second Friday of each month February through October. Each monthly session is all day, from approximately 8AM to 5PM.
Sessions Cover the following and more:
Media and Communcation
Diversity and Inclusion
Business and Economic Development
Agriculture and Sustainability
Government
Criminal and Civil Justice
Healthcare and Human Services
Art and Education
Everything Leadership SLO does is guided by our values:
Community – We recognize that the strength of the whole is dependent upon the connections between the individuals, and we strive to foster authentic relationships and engagement among participants and throughout the Central Coast.
Audacity – We engage honestly with life’s toughest challenges and society’s deepest problems without hesitation.
Inclusivity – We cherish diverse perspectives born from different life experiences because they are essential to overcoming challenges and empowering all to thrive.
Integrity – We work diligently to establish a trusting and constructive environment so that participants can be vulnerable, think critically, and seek creative solutions.
Relevancy – We actively evolve to meet and learn about the changing needs of our community.
“Leadership SLO was one of the best things I have done for myself as an adult. I will be a better citizen and partner in my community as a result of my experience.”
— Ann Dover, Class 19
