While their January Learning Day was held virtually, the members of the Leadership CORPS Class of 2022 participated in a full day of presentations, discussions, and activities designed to delve deeply into the extensive array of nonprofit services available in San Mateo County. The day was planned and facilitated by an expert team: Dr. Sara Larios Mitchell, Phd., CEO of StarVista, and Bryan Neider, CEO of AbilityPath.

Early in the day, Georgia Demetra Farooq, Executive Director of Thrive Alliance, The Alliance of Nonprofits for San Mateo County, set the stage with her presentation, giving participants essential foundational knowledge of the county’s nonprofit landscape and trends, especially highlighting the human services sector. The day’s program continued with both panel and small group discussions led by leaders of organizations serving all corners of the county. In addition, the class had the opportunity during one session to tackle several short case studies to immediately engage with their learning.

Day Chair Bryan Neider shared, “In planning and leading this Learning Day, we focused on highlighting the key leadership skills, innovation, service to community, collaboration, and resilience exhibited by so many human services organizations in San Mateo County, including the ways in which they were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope the Class of 2022 gained knowledge and understanding to engage with these organizations in new ways going forward and also came away with “real life” examples of unselfish service to others. This is something San Mateo County residents can all be extremely proud of.”

Our Heartfelt Thanks

Leadership Council SMC is grateful to our Day Chairs, Dr. Sara Larios Michell and Bryan Neider, for their dedication, commitment, and generosity in providing this outstanding day of learning. In addition, we offer our heartfelt thanks to each presenter and panelist:

• Zena Andreani – Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Assistant Director, StarVista/Pride Center
• Bart Charlow – CEO, Samaritan House
• Georgia Demetra Farooq, Executive Director, Thrive Alliance of Nonprofits for San Mateo County
• Dr. Brian Greenberg, VP Programs and Services, LifeMoves
• Judith Guerrero – Executive Director, Benefit and Impact of Collaboration, Coastside Hope,
• Barrie Hathaway – CEO, JobTrain
• Luther Jackson – Program Manager, Novaworks
• Rita Mancera – Executive Director, Puente
• Lorena Melgarejo – Executive Director, Faith in Action
• Erin Montgomery – COO, AbilityPath
• Alicia Santamaria – CEO and Founder, Adelante Coaching & Consulting
• La Trice Taylor – Associate Director of Programs & Services, Samaritan House