06/10/2026
Session 3 of the Christopher Kelly Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) was focussed on Community Engagement. Through conversations with the speakers, the cohort explored themes on navigating politics/public process, stakeholder trust, and balancing meaningful design with long term value. The session aimed to uncover the often unseen factors that influence project outcomes, while highlighting how thoughtful engagement can build consensus, strengthen relationships, and create lasting value for both projects and communities.
Activity 1: “Case Studies: Mapping Interest and Influence”
The cohort worked through hypothetical project scenarios to identify potential stakeholders and map them according to their level of interest and influence. Using an Interest vs. Influence matrix, participants explored how different groups impact project outcomes and where engagement efforts can be most effective.
The discussion also highlighted the often unseen forces that shape projects, including political priorities, funding considerations, agency dynamics, and community perceptions. The exercise reinforced the importance of understanding both visible and invisible stakeholders when navigating complex projects and public processes.
Speaker 1: “Timing, Trust & Stakeholder Value” by Anne Cervantes
The group was joined by Anne Cervantes, Principal and Founder of Cervantes Design Associates. Anne lectured the cohort on her role in community engagement with a specific emphasis on her experience making impactful contributions to the San Francisco latino community. She shared the process of what makes impactful projects and how community trust is earned and not given. Anne’s perspective as a California native and active community member was inspiring in how engagement and feedback from the community leaves a lasting impact on her projects and the communities they serve. Anne was also kind enough to share with us the stories of the Mission Muralist who took part in the mural in the Women’s Building that was hosting our event.
Speaker 2: “Meaningful + Profitable Design” by John Ashworth
John, Principal at Bull Stockwell Allen, shared his perspective on community engagement through the lens of a resort and hospitality development project. The discussion explored how different stakeholders define value, highlighting the distinctions between developer priorities, community aspirations, operational needs, and long-term public benefit. The conversation challenged the notion that meaningful design and financial success are mutually exclusive, demonstrating how both can be achieved through thoughtful collaboration and strategic decision-making.
Activity 2: Building Tour
The session concluded with an impromptu tour of the Women’s Building and the mural outside. More information about the history of the wonderful people behind the building and mural can be found here: https://www.womensbuilding.org/
View full recap here: https://aiasiliconvalley.org/ckldp-2026-session-3/
