Leadership Visalia empowers leaders within their company and the Visalia community to reach their full potential and drive positive change. Through this comprehensive 9-month program, participants engage in professional development, community engagement, mentorship, and a class-based community project. Valuable tools, knowledge, and connections enhance leadership skills and understanding of local issues. Through fostering personal growth, powerful connections, and promoting a collaborative approach, Leadership Visalia equips leaders to make a lasting impact in their organizations and the community as a whole. Leadership Visalia is a transformative journey that unlocks leadership potential.

Upon completing the Leadership Visalia program, participants can expect the following outcomes:
- Enhanced Leadership Skills: Participants will develop and refine their leadership abilities through professional development sessions focused on communication strategies, team dynamics, managing with purpose, and time management. They will acquire practical tools and strategies to address their leadership challenges effectively.
- In-depth Understanding of Community Issues: Community Leadership Day Sessions will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Visalia's challenges and opportunities. They will gain valuable insights into the community's needs and learn how to become part of positive solutions, driving Visalia forward.
- Meaningful Connections: Participants will forge powerful connections with mentors, speakers, and fellow participants. The mentorship program will offer guidance and support, allowing participants to navigate their growth effectively. These connections will extend beyond the program, providing a network of professionals from various industries and sectors.
- Collaborative Project Experience: Engaging in a class-based community project will enable participants to apply their leadership skills and work collaboratively with other leaders. They will gain valuable experience in team development, communication, and time management, witnessing the transformative impact they can collectively achieve.
- Personal and Professional Growth: Evaluation feedback from employers, mentors, and program facilitators will provide participants with a comprehensive assessment of their progress and development. This feedback will serve as a catalyst for continued growth and improvement, both personally and professionally.

2024-2025 Leadership Visalia Cohort
(left to right)
Laura Hernandez Rangel, Ashley Irvine, Roni Perez, Jennifer Minear, Jose Saenz, Aidan Lozano, Dan Griswold, Steve Gonzalez, Brooke Carman, BriAnne Alvarado, Sirena Sosa, Elisa Ramos, Selesta Sullivan, Jacalynn Wells

Testimonials

“Leadership Visalia will broaden one’s sense of all the important factors that create a great place to live, work and thrive. The networking opportunities and lasting friendships make me wish I had completed this program much sooner, and I’d recommend it to anyone!”

— Dave Byl, American Ambulance of Visalia

“Being new to this community I initially joined to get to know more people, get to know Visalia and develop myself more as a leader in my new role. But if I were to have to summarize as to why to join Leadership Visalia I would say it’s an opportunity for networking, gaining mentors, having support, making an impact in your community, learning about your community, connecting with your community, learning about leadership, developing your skills, visiting various industries throughout Visalia, connecting with community leaders, discovering yourself as a leader, and so much more. But one of the most important reasons to me is the relationships that you will develop in this program. I highly recommend Leadership Visalia and I encourage anyone that is considering this program to sign up. ”

— Jason Denis, Tri Counties Bank

“The connections you make with local community leaders and mentors exposes the participants to think about different issues in the community and make recommendations around several key topics. After completion of this program, I have experienced a personal transformation to increase service in the community and help in making a difference. ”

— Karishma Fazalbhoy, Tulare County Probation

“The Visalia Leadership Program was the most effective program I have been through to-date. It forced me to push my boundaries and discover capabilities I did not know I possessed. This program requires a commitment, the commitment that you are going to invest in yourself. ”

— Wendy Hewes, California Dairies Inc.

“Such a unique experience! The business insight coupled with the learning of our community development, resources, and overall, what makes Visalia so special. The rigorous class participation intertwined with both personal and professional challenges, made its completion that much more rewarding. I am grateful to the staff, my fellow participants, and the connections established throughout the class.  ”

— Nick Huerta, Pickled Deli

“As a supervisor, I wanted to expand my knowledge and define what it would take to transform myself into a true leader, not only in my organization but in our community as well. Leadership Visalia gave me the tools to become adept at what I would call the “human” side of leadership and the programs was a space to affirm and explore those tools in depth. It was an experience that I will build on for not only the rest of my professional career, but the rest of my life as well. I look forward to using the knowledge gained to help those who follow in my footsteps in leadership Visalia for years to come. ”

— Nathan Ortiz, ProYouth

“Leadership Visalia, was a blessing and an amazing opportunity, a true investment in myself. I am so grateful to have learned from and built connections with some of the brightest leaders Visalia has to offer, so many great friendships and lifelong bonds created. Such a great experience. ”

— Dustin Cole, The Brave Project Visalia