Leading From Within

Leading From Within Advancing community solutions begins with effective leaders. For more information, visit www.leading-from-within.org.

Leading From Within invests in committed people driven to make our communities a better place through their work in nonprofit organizations — professional and volunteer nonprofit leaders. Leading From Within invests in social sector leaders to make meaningful change on complex community challenges. We bring leaders together to grow as individuals, improve their effectiveness as leaders, sustain ea

ch other as peers to keep leading and learning, and increase their capacity to be collaborators for the common good. Our innovative leadership approach, known as Interconnected Leadership, equips leaders with the mindsets, skills, and connections to collectively address complex issues. The result is a community of leaders who are better sustained for the long haul, can effectively build cooperation and trust, and can disrupt status-quo thinking and build relationships needed to create pathways to solutions in our community. Courage to Lead, Emerging Leaders, Leading for Community Impact, and Katherine Harvey Fellows programs, as well as alumni activities, are unique because of their deep personal nature. Leaders are provided with the mindsets, skills, and connections to engage in activities that are the pathway to community solutions.

FRIDAY FEATURE: This week we are spotlighting Leading From Within alum, Brian Halterman, who implemented his LCI capston...
08/28/2026

FRIDAY FEATURE:

This week we are spotlighting Leading From Within alum, Brian Halterman, who implemented his LCI capstone project opening H.U.B. at Micah Mission Lompoc.

When reflecting on his program experience, Brian shared, "LFW really showed me that I do belong, and that I have a place at the table called leadership, if I am willing to pull up that chair."

Demystifying AI | The Learning PathWhat can AI actually do for you—right now?Join Leading From Within alum Mike Wald of ...
08/14/2026

Demystifying AI | The Learning Path

What can AI actually do for you—right now?

Join Leading From Within alum Mike Wald of Coastal Intelligence for the first workshop in The Learning Path, our new series of practical, curiosity-driven workshops designed to help you grow, practice, and connect.

In this interactive lunchtime session, Mike will move beyond the hype and share a simple four-step framework for turning questions and challenges into actionable results. You’ll explore practical AI tools, including NotebookLM, and leave with ideas you can put to work immediately.

Tuesday, August 18 | 12–1:30 p.m. | Zoom

Come curious. Bring questions. Leave with new tools and a practical way to use AI with confidence.

Register and join us! https://leading-from-within.org/the-learning-path/upcoming-workshops/

FRIDAY FEATURE: Meet Geordie Scully-Taylor, LFW alum and Policy Consultant for Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limó...
07/24/2026

FRIDAY FEATURE:

Meet Geordie Scully-Taylor, LFW alum and Policy Consultant for Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón. Read more about her path that began at Santa Barbara City College: https://www.independent.com/2026/06/29/an-sbcc-education-revisited/
When reflecting on LFW, Geordie shared, "I loved Katherine Harvey Fellows because it is much deeper than what one would consider a 'leadership course.' It solidified my belief that good leadership is as much empathy and compassion as it is organization, and that diversity is the key to success."

FRIDAY FEATURE: This week we are spotlighting Leading From Within alum, Gabriela Dodson, who was promoted to Chief Progr...
07/10/2026

FRIDAY FEATURE:

This week we are spotlighting Leading From Within alum, Gabriela Dodson, who was promoted to Chief Program Officer at the Mental Wellness Center. Reflecting on her program experience, Gabriela shared, "The connections I have made with LFW are 100% authentic and supportive."

Congratulations, Gabriela!

FRIDAY FEATURE: Meet Quetzal Sanchez (Leading for Community Impact 2025-26) This spring, she was promoted to Director of...
06/26/2026

FRIDAY FEATURE:

Meet Quetzal Sanchez (Leading for Community Impact 2025-26) This spring, she was promoted to Director of Finance and Accounting at Future Leaders of America.

Looking back on her Leading From Within experience, Quetzal shared, "LFW provided a meaningful opportunity to connect with inspiring leaders, reflect on my own leadership journey, and learn from the experiences of others. I especially valued the relationships built through the program and the space to grow both personally and professionally."

FRIDAY FEATURE: Congratulations to Brenda Villa, LFW alum, recognized as the 2026 Mid County Leader of the Year award at...
06/12/2026

FRIDAY FEATURE:

Congratulations to Brenda Villa, LFW alum, recognized as the 2026 Mid County Leader of the Year award at the 11th Annual Latino Legacy Awards presented by Future Leaders of America.

Brenda shared,"Leading From Within was a life-changing experience. It fostered not only my professional growth but also meaningful personal growth. One of the most valuable aspects of the program was the strong sense of community I found within my cohort. The relationships, support, and shared learning experiences continue to inspire me. The leader I am today is a direct result of opportunities like the Emerging Leaders Program through Leading From Within, which challenged me to grow, reflect, and lead with greater purpose and authenticity."

GROWING EDGE LEADERS | an invitation to elevate your executive leadershipWE'RE STARTING NEW GEL GROUPS!GEL is designed f...
05/22/2026

GROWING EDGE LEADERS | an invitation to elevate your executive leadership

WE'RE STARTING NEW GEL GROUPS!

GEL is designed for senior leaders who are committed to staying on their “growing edge” — the places where leadership calls you to stretch, evolve, and deepen your impact.

Each cohort brings together a diverse group of approximately 12 cross-sector leaders who meet monthly for a full-day facilitated experience focused on:
• collaborative problem-solving
• leadership growth
• peer support and accountability
• navigating opportunities and challenges with greater clarity and purpose

Participants also receive one-on-one executive coaching to support both professional effectiveness and personal wellbeing.

What could become possible with a trusted circle of peers and dedicated coaching all focused on helping you lead — and thrive?

Learn more at one of our information sessions: https://leading-from-within.org/events/growing-edge-leaders-info-sessions-please-2026/

FRIDAY FEATURE: Our Leading for Community Impact (LCI) Program held their Changemakers' Celebration in Los Olivos on May...
05/15/2026

FRIDAY FEATURE:

Our Leading for Community Impact (LCI) Program held their Changemakers' Celebration in Los Olivos on May 6. We are thrilled to welcome our 7th cohort of LCI into our alumni network. Shout out to our fabulous facilitators, Christa Roth and Danielle Ortega!

Congratulations Changemakers:

Kelsey Barela
Micah Mission Lompoc

Guadalupe Cortes
Foodbank SBC

Victor Cortes
Lompoc Teen Center

June Eastham
People's Self-Help Housing

Araceli Fernandez
One Community Action Santa Maria

Adrian Galvan
County of Santa Barbara

Esmeralda Garcia
Cultural & Creative Arts Center of Santa Maria Valley

Desiree Hernandez
County of Santa Barbara

Arleen Herrera
County of Santa Barbara

Gabriela Morales
The Nature Conservancy

Juan Pacheco Marcial
One Community Action Santa Maria

Ashley Paz-Rodriguez
County of Santa Barbara

Bianca Ruvalcaba
Family Service Agency

Jazmin Sanchez
SEE International

Quetzal Sanchez
Future Leaders of America

Selene Sandoval
Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People

Christina Vasquez
Good Samaritan Shelter

05/07/2026

Thursday throwback to our Leading for Community Impact Cohort 6. Just last night, Cohort 7 celebrated the completion of their program. Cheers to all of our Changemakers!

Our Emerging Leaders program application is officially open! Learn more by attending one of our information sessions.ELP...
05/01/2026

Our Emerging Leaders program application is officially open! Learn more by attending one of our information sessions.

ELP Is a 10-month (one full day each month) program that assembles a select cohort of emerging social sector leaders from SB County and neighboring communities, and guides them through a rigorous, relevant and applied curriculum. Thanks to our generous supporters, we will launch our 12th cohort in September.

Help spread the word - share with a colleague or friend.
RSVP link for info sessions: https://leading-from-within.org/events/emerging-leaders-info-sessions-2026/

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