National Council for Leadership

07/11/2026

Statement Regarding the Dissolution of the National Council for Leadership, July 10, 2026

After careful consideration, the newly formed Board of Directors of the National Council for Leadership (NCL) has unanimously agreed to dissolve the organization, effective July 10, 2026.

​The National Council for Leadership was established as an affiliate of Leadership in the Clouds, LLC, a global strategic consulting firm dedicated to developing leaders, organizations, and communities. As a result of this dissolution, the affiliation between the National Council for Leadership and Leadership in the Clouds, LLC will also formally conclude.

For the past decade, one of the signature fundraising initiatives of the National Council for Leadership has been the Annual Contemplation Breakfast, an event that has brought together leaders, visionaries, and community champions to reflect, connect, and celebrate the impact of leadership. Under the guidance of the new Board of Directors, the Annual Contemplation Breakfast will continue in a new direction that reflects their vision and leadership.

​As the founder of both the National Council for Leadership and the Annual Contemplation Breakfast, which was held from 2016 through 2026, I extend my deepest gratitude to our supporters, sponsors, volunteers, partners, and the many individuals who have been recognized for their exemplary leadership over the years. Your encouragement, participation, and commitment have helped make this journey meaningful and impactful.

​Together, we have celebrated leadership, inspired action, and created opportunities for growth and reflection. While this chapter comes to a close, the values and relationships cultivated through the National Council for Leadership will continue to influence and inspire future generations of leaders.

​Thank you for being part of this remarkable journey.

​Continue to dream, and it will become a reality.

​Sincerely,
Pat Martinez, Founder & Former Chairperson
National Council for Leadership and Annual Contemplation Breakfast

For more information contact: Victor Quintanilla, Chairperson

Victor Manuel Zapata Quintanilla
Alba Sanchez
Esther Ramirez Pevney

03/18/2026

A Message Regarding Our Annual Cesar Chavez Breakfast:

In recent hours, many of you have reached out to ask whether our Annual Cesar Chavez Breakfast will still take place in light of the deeply troubling allegations that have come to the surface. To those who have suffered in silence, we see you, we believe you, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. No legacy is greater than the dignity and safety of every human being.

And yet, yes. We will move forward.

We are many, working as one, and we will not allow the failures of one to tear down what so many have sacrificed to build. Forgiveness is not weakness; it is the very foundation upon which healing and progress are made, and we extend it wholeheartedly.

The movement that Cesar Chavez helped ignite, rooted in the courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit of farmworkers and Latino communities demanding dignity and justice, belongs to all of us. That flame does not go out.

This year, we reflect with honesty, and then we march forward. We are proud to shine our light on two outstanding community leaders, Yesenia Cuello of NC Field, and Gilberto Meza-Corral, Assistant Fire Marshall, whose dedication, integrity, and tireless advocacy for our Latino community remind us of what true leadership looks like. They deserve to be celebrated, and this breakfast is for them.

Our community's strength has never lived in one person. It lives in all of us, together.

We hope you will join us as we gather in unity, in healing, and in the unshakable belief that our best work is still ahead. Let’s move forward together.

Sí se puede.
Pat Martinez, Founder
National Council for Leadership

03/17/2026

03/15/2026

Maria Elena returns to the annual breakfast singing "De Colores".
La Reina Del Mariachi

03/06/2026

Learn more at: https://www.nationalcouncilforleadership.org/

02/19/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/passing-torch-leadership-pat-martinez-leadership-in-the-clouds-jrgte

Passing the torch of leadership to mentor Emerging Leaders to success: 1. Start With Identity, Not Just Skills Emerging leaders often focus on what they should do before understanding who they are as leaders.

01/10/2026

What is Blue Monday? Everything to Know About This Common January Funk. In a post-holiday slump? You’re not alone. Find out how to manage the winter blues.
https://www.today.com/life/holidays/what-is-blue-monday-rcna187319
Read, and share it.

How to manage this common mid-January funk.