Information provided by San Benito Leadership Institute. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
The San Benito Leadership Institute proudly celebrated the successful completion of its 2025–26 program year on Friday, May 15, marking the culmination of another inspiring year dedicated to leadership development, civic engagement, and community impact throughout San Benito County.
The final program day was filled with reflection, inspiration, and celebration as participants presented their Leadership Legacy Portfolio presentations, sharing their personal leadership journeys, the experiences that shaped them, and their commitment to continuing positive change within their communities and professional fields. Their stories reflected growth, resilience, collaboration, and a deep passion for the future of San Benito County.
“Our second cohort represents the very best of what community-driven leadership looks like — individuals who came in with passion and leave with the tools, networks, and vision to create lasting change in San Benito County. We are proud to see them carry SBLI’s mission forward into every corner of the community.” -Dr. Kathleen Rose, Program Facilitator.
Participants were honored during the completion ceremony with official certificates recognizing their successful completion of the program on behalf of the San Benito Leadership Institute. In addition, special certificates of recognition were presented on behalf of:
- Robert Rivas, Speaker of the California State Assembly
- San Benito County Board of Supervisors
- Senator John Laird, California State Senator for District 17
- Zoe Lofgren, U.S. Representative for California’s 18th Congressional District
As of May 15, 2026, SBLI proudly completed its second successful program year, graduating a total of 22 leaders who now join the growing SBLI alumni network. These graduates represent a diverse cross-section of San Benito County and are committed to strengthening the region through leadership, service, and civic engagement.
The San Benito Leadership Institute would not have been able to offer this program without the incredible support of its sponsors and donors.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to the Board of Directors and staff at the Community Foundation for San Benito County for believing in and supporting this program from its very beginning.
We are also deeply grateful for the generous support of Monterey Peninsula Foundation, PG&E, Graniterock, CalMutual Insurance, Edward Jones – Alexis Winder, Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County, Church Brothers Farms, Pinnacles Strategies, Charter Communications, JRG Attorneys at Law, L/G Anderson Family Foundation, Heritage Bank of Commerce, Charles River Laboratories, Rosecrest Consulting, Hollister Rotary Club, Latino Generations Fund, Edward Jones US Field Fund, Longroad Energy, Corbin Pacific, K&S Properties, San Benito Engineering & Surveying, Mandego Apparel, LG Sign Co., Prosthetic Solutions, Moments Flower Shop, Dutch Bros Coffee, SSB Construction, and the San Benito County community partners who continue to invest in local leadership development.
We are equally grateful for the generosity and encouragement of Aaron & Sandy Hughes, Randy & Rebecca Wolf, the Fund for San Benito County, Angela Curro, Mindy Sotelo, Mary McCullough, the Fernando Gonzalez Family Fund, the Ted & Irene Davis Family Fund, Kathy Johnson, Liz Talbot, SBLI 2025 cohort members, SBLI Committee members, and numerous anonymous donors whose support helped make this program possible.
The San Benito Leadership Institute would also like to recognize and thank food sponsor Charter Communications Spectrum for generously providing delicious catering from Farmhouse Cafe, Crave Wine Shop for the no-host bar, as well as Moments Flower Shop for the beautiful bouquets that helped make the celebration even more memorable.
Their investment and belief in this program helped offset participant costs and made this transformational leadership experience possible for the 2025–2026 cohort.
As another cohort joins the growing network of SBLI alumni, the organization remains committed to empowering leaders, strengthening connections, and investing in the future of San Benito County for years to come.
For more information regarding the San Benito Leadership Institute, please contact:
Executive Director, Brenda Weatherly
sanbenitoleadership@gmail.com
www.sanbenitoleadership.org