Photo courtesy of San Benito Leadership Institute.
Photo courtesy of San Benito Leadership Institute.

Information provided by San Benito Leadership Institute. Lea este articulo en español aquí.

The San Benito Leadership Institute committee is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 program cohort.  

The program, designed to empower emerging leaders in the county with knowledge, skills and networks needed to address the various challenges our community faces, is a collaborative effort with the Community Foundation for San Benito County, which provided start-up funds and provides financial oversight. 

Through a hands-on approach and practical learning experiences, SBLI seeks to foster leadership qualities in participants, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to San Benito County’s future.

The nine-month program features monthly meetings covering civic topics and issues, leadership and board member skills development, diversity, equity and inclusion principles while also addressing the “whole person” with exercises to develop greater self-awareness, stress management and optimal mental health. The program aspires to grow local leaders for the various needs in our community that are competent, compassionate and knowledgeable while also possessing the skills to effectively lead in all situations.

Program Participant Outcomes:

  • Conflict management
  • Leadership style awareness
  • DEI competencies
  • Stress and workload management
  • Leadership skills development
  • Broad community connections and professional network growth 

Key highlights of the SBLI program will include:

  • Rigorous curriculum focusing on leadership development, strategic thinking and community engagement.
  • Engaging workshops, seminars and networking events facilitated by industry experts and community leaders.
  • Mentorship opportunities providing guidance and support for personal and professional growth.
  • Hands-on projects and initiatives aimed at addressing real-world challenges facing San Benito County.

The inaugural cohort of SBLI is now open for applications with sessions scheduled to commence in September 2024. Participants from diverse backgrounds and industries are encouraged to apply and embark on this transformative leadership journey.

Cohort size is limited to 25. Application deadline is May 17, 2024.

Program application can be accessed here:  bit.ly/sbliapp.

Stay up to date with the San Benito Leadership Institute; follow them on Instagram @sanbenitoleadership, Facebook at San Benito Leadership Institute and LinkedIn at San Benito Leadership Institute. 

For more information about the San Benito Leadership Institute contact:

Brenda Weatherly

Program Manager

San Benito Leadership Institute

sanbenitoleadership@gmail.com