PROGRAM

  • CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

    · Understanding local systems and government

    · Key issues: housing, public safety, education, economy

    · Arts, culture, and community awareness

    · Leading with equity and inclusion

  • LEADERSHIP SKILLS

    · Decision-making and systems thinking

    · Conflict resolution and feedback skills

    · Purpose-driven leadership

    · Emotional intelligence and self-awareness

    · Leading change and promoting sustainability

  • BOARD SERVICE TRAINING

    · Nonprofit and public board fundamentals

    · Roles in governance and fundraising

    · Board placement and readiness

    · Public/private collaboration

    · Equity in board service

  • WELLNESS

    · Stress and energy management

    · Reflective leadership practices

    · Breathing and movement tools

    · Preventing burnout and sustaining impact

PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS

PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS

“This program has taught me about who I am as a leader - each section contributed to my understanding of how I want to lead and the impact I want to have in my community, family, and career.”

“The program is a great tool for people who want to make a difference, educate themselves, and who want to promote growth and unity within their community.”

“Everyone should experience something like this program at least once. Change starts from inside & spreads out into society.”

The San Benito Leadership Institute (SBLI) seeks participants who are committed to making a lasting impact in San Benito County. Qualified candidates are emerging or established leaders with a strong desire to enhance their leadership skills and take responsibility for improving the quality of life in the region. Ideal participants should demonstrate a willingness to engage in civic issues, have the support of their organization, and commit the time and effort required to fully participate in the program. Admission is competitive. Tuition for the program year is $2,000.

PROSPECTIVE PARTICIPANTS

Benefits to Sponsor Organizations

  • Broadens your employee’s network of professional contacts

  • Affords fast-track employees additional recognition

  • Raises employee’s profile among professional peers

  • Introduces employee to community leaders

  • Provides valued employees with leadership training

  • Develops systems thinkers and social justice advocates

Benefits to Participants

  • Broadens scope and diversity of professional network

  • Enhances knowledge of civic issues and leaders

  • Provides insider access to a sample of the city’s iconic institutions and leaders

  • Prepares participant for service on a non-profit board or committee

  • Allows for deepened opportunity to support equity strategies and anti-racism advocacy

  • Heightens self awareness, self confidence, and more connection

Benefits to Community

  • Creates and nurtures a network of informed leaders

  • Strengthens public/private partnership

  • Weaves new leaders into the region’s civic fabric

  • Links corporate resources with community organizations

  • Reduces “six degrees of separation” in order to get work done

Yellow outline of a hand holding a heart inside a hexagon on a black background.
Yellow outline of three people with a heart icon on a black background.
Icon of an orange family with two adults and one child held by a pair of hands on a black background.

MEET OUR TEAM

  • Program Facilitator

    DR. KATHLEEN ROSE

    Program Facilitator

    Dr. Kathleen Rose is a servant leader who built a 40-year career in higher education focused on community development and student success. She has extensive experience in mentoring emerging leaders, identifying leadership strengths, and supporting equitable leadership practice.

  • Program Facilitator

    CORINNE KAPPELER

    Program Facilitator

    Corinne’s personal mission is to unlock other people’s potential. She brings 15 years of experience leading organizations, including serving as Executive Director of a national nonprofit and holding senior leadership roles across the sector. For the past six years, she has worked as an executive coach and strategic consultant, partnering with social impact leaders to develop the mindset and strategy needed to pursue bold, transformative goals.

  • Program Facilitator

    KATHLEEN SHERIDAN

    Program Facilitator

    Kathleen Sheridan is an artist, administrative consultant, and yoga teacher with over 40 years in the health and wellness industry. She facilitates strategic planning for cities and non-profits, co-owns Sally Street Studios with her husband, ceramic artist Kent Child, and has been an Advanced Studies Certified yoga teacher for 32 years.

  • BRENDA WEATHERLY

    BRENDA WEATHERLY

    Program Manager

    Brenda Weatherly holds a BA in Journalism/Advertising from CSU Fresno and brings over 30 years of diverse professional experience, including leadership roles at the Hollister Downtown Association and the Community Foundation for San Benito County. A 2006 graduate of Leadership San Benito and a certified life coach, she is passionate about leadership development and education, spearheading the creation of the San Benito Leadership Institute.

Step into leadership and make a lasting impact on San Benito County! SBLI offers a unique opportunity to grow your skills, expand your network, and inspire change in your community. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience.

2025-26 Cohort Application Period has closed. Stay tuned for 2026-2027.

A group of people engaged in a discussion around a table in a conference room.

“SBLI has given me plenty of tools to grow in my leadership role.”

Four people in green shirts having a discussion near a conference table with papers and a water bottle, in a room with large glass doors showing a patio outside.

“Being a part of SBLI, to me, means committing to growing my leadership skill set for the benefit of myself and my community.”