The program is designed to provide Fellows with the tools they need to take the next step in their careers. The training program is relevant to leaders who work inside and outside of politics, with an emphasis on preparing young professionals to be engaged in civic life throughout their careers. The training programs focuses on a core curriculum of personal leadership development, communications, fundraising, political strategy, traditional and new media, and public speaking. In recent years, the Speaker of the California Assembly Toni Atkins, Activist Judy Ki, CEO Robert Gleason and San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Richard Barrera have served as institute instructors and/or mentors.

Nearly 120 young leaders have completed the fellowship. Alumni highlighted a wide range of benefits, describing it as a “life-changing program,” and that it felt like a think tank of 20 “energetic, talented, and visionary” leaders from a variety of regional industries. Sarah Boot, attorney and former federal prosecutor, is among the graduates of the program.

Graduates of the institute have gone on to serve as art commissioners (Norma Rodriguez), lead on municipal and private sector boards (Brandon Freeman) and serve as Special Assistant to US Treasury Secretary (Breanna Zwart). SDLA accomplishments and alumni can be viewed on the website: www.sdleadership.org.

The application form and guidelines are available at sdleadership.org/apply. Members of the community may nominate prospective fellows on the website.

For more information visit: www.sdleadership.org.

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