Leadership San Benito County, a local non-profit designed to
bolster community involvement and groom a new generation of
effective leaders, celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class
yesterday.
Hollister – Leadership San Benito County, a local non-profit designed to bolster community involvement and groom a new generation of effective leaders, celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class yesterday.
“The accomplishments of this class will benefit the county as a whole, as well as the participants,” said Brad Pike, a Leadership student and member of the Hollister City Council. “You get a fundamental idea of what really happens in this community.”
The ceremonies for the class of 2005 were held at San Juan Oaks following dinner, and featured three keynote speakers: Julie Morris of Earthbound Farms, Judge Steve Sanders, who also serves on the Leadership Board of Directors, and Mike Sanchez, active participant in several education and civic initiatives. Each speaker addressed a different aspect of leadership, hoping to leave the class with a few kernels of wisdom before they departed.
“The way that a very diverse group of people can connect and come together on two significant projects for the community is great,” said class participant Eric Dietz. “There were lots of different perspectives, which made it more stimulating. It opens up a whole new network, now I feel comfortable picking up the phone and bouncing ideas off any number of people in the community.”
Dietz was voted “Best of Class” by his fellow students for his dedication to the program’s two pet projects: a business etiquette fundraiser and the acquisition of a new fence and playground for the Chamberlain Children’s Center. He was also invited to sit on the Board of Directors to promote the class next year.
“Eric was chosen for the award because of his great organizational skills,” said Kathy Johnson, chairman of Leadership’s program committee. “He was instrumental to both projects, and contributed a lot of time, effort and resources to helping the class succeed.”
The students also chose Gary Byrn, director of the Community Foundation, for a special “Community Leadership” award. His fellow students felt that Byrn exemplified all the qualities of an outstanding leader.
Leadership San Benito started in 2003 as a side project of the San Benito County Chamber of Commerce. A small group decided that the growing community required citizens willing to make positive changes on its behalf, and the training to prepare them. Eventually, Leadership became independent from the Chamber by incorporating into its own non-profit.
“Leadership provides a great outlet for people looking to get into the local political arena or involved with local non-profits,” said Katherine Vais-Bedolla, Leadership’s treasurer, who will actually be enrolled in the class next session.
Despite the occasional birth pain, the program is considered a success by both students and the board of directors behind the scenes. Already space for next year’s class has been filled, scheduled to begin early September.
“I took the Leadership Gilroy class and I got so much out of it,” said Suzanne St. John-Crane, executive director of CMAP at Gavilan College. “I look forward to meeting everyone in San Benito County, and watching everyone come together for another community project.”
