Leadership San Jose

The Region's Premiere Leadership Program

Leadership San Jose is one of the longest running civic leadership programs serving Silicon Valley’s largest city, San Jose. Established Over 30 years ago, Leadership San Jose identifies emerging leaders within San Jose and exposes them to a broad range of issues that impact the city’s economic prosperity and quality of life.

Now Accepting Applications for 2025-2026 Cohort

Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are open now through August 15, 2025.

Apply Now

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Strengthening Community Leaders

Leadership San Jose (LSJ) is the region’s premiere leadership training program. With a class of 30 members, LSJ engages in a rigorous 10-part, program that brings together emerging and established professionals within the San Jose metropolitan area and exposes them to a broad range of issues that impact the region’s economic prosperity and quality of life, with a goal of increasing participants’ civic, political, philanthropic and/or community service engagement.

30 Class Members

A diverse and passionate group of emerging and established leaders from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

10 Month Committment

Our cohort meets once a month for an entire day filled with different speakers, activities, interactive tours and lots of time to interact with fellow cohort members.

Active Alumni Network

Cohort members grow into community leaders who define our city. Join over 880 Alumni and make connections with the movers and shakers of San Jose.

2025-2026 Program Details

Applications for the next cohort of Leadership San Jose are being accepted through August 15, 2025.

Tuition

$3,500 regular rate, $2,800 nonprofit rate

$100 personal contribution for all applicants

Limited scholarships are available for nonprofit applicants, reach out to Janikke Klem for more information jklememail@gmail.com

Class Schedule

The cohort meets on Thursdays unless noted.

September 19, 2025 - 9:00-2:30 (NOTE this is a Friday)
October 16, 2025 - 9:00-2:30 plus early happy hour 3:00-5:00
November 20, 2025 - 9:00-2:30
December 11, 2025 - 9:00-3:30 plus LSJ Holiday Party 4:00-6:30
January 15, 2026 - 9:00-2:30
February 19, 2026 - 9:00-2:30
March 19, 2026 - 9:00-2:30 plus class gathering 2:30-4:30
April 16, 2026 - 9:00-2:30 plus Alumni Spring gathering 5:30-7:30
May 21, 2026 - 9:00-2:30
June 4, 2026 - 9:00-3:00 Final Program day and Graduation celebration

Apply Now

Meet the Director

Janikke Klem is a highly accomplished public affairs executive dedicated to increasing community awareness, philanthropic involvement, collaboration, and engagement opportunities across industries and sectors. Strategic community ambassador with career success fostering government and community relationships to advocate for public policy, forge philanthropic partnerships, deliver outcomes-driven investments, and advance company brand.

A recognized speaker, panelist, and moderate, contributing expertise in workforce development, education, housing, and economic development.

Janikke's ninja skill is knowing and connecting the right people and organizations to foster innovative collaborations that move our community and economy forward.

Rick Holden Memorial Scholarship Fund

Remembering Rick Holden (November 2, 1944 - April 10, 2024)

Rick Holden, an inspirational community leader, passed away on April 10. Rick ran Leadership San Jose from 1999-2010, developed and led the San Jose Leadership Academy from 2000-2010 with San Jose Unified School District and created and oversaw the San Jose Leadership Council, which kept alumni connected and engaged.

One of Rick’s favorite quotes was “Lead, follow or get out of the way” and he lived his life in exactly that matter.

He educated and mentored hundreds of leadership alumni, many of whom now serve of nonprofit boards, city and county commissions, hold elected offices and two who became police chiefs. Rick lead by example, supporting many arts and education nonprofits, including serving on the boards of Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose, We Players and San Jose Jazz, among many others.

The Rick Holden Memorial Scholarship Fund will provide financial support to Leadership San Jose participants who are unable to afford the full tuition, carrying on Rick's legacy of service and leadership within our community.

Make a Donation to the Rick Holden Memorial Scholarship Fund

A WORD FROM OUR ALUMNI

Join 880+ Of Our Alumni Who Are Well-Versed With The Foundation Of Our City And Have A Relentless Passion For Its Well Being.

Join Our LinkedIn Group

I recommend Leadership San Jose to newcomers to the area and long-time residents alike. LSJ shares the perspective of many community viewpoints, from public safety, cyclical poverty, emergency response, arts and culture and more. The program gives access to community and business leaders and engages members in a meaningful way through conversation, debate, group projects and of course, after-class socializing. Make friends and learn to love San Jose more by joining LSJ.

Cat Cvengros

Vice President of Development & Marketing, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley

Leadership San Jose is not only teaching about leadership opportunities, but is a great networking opportunity, with a fully engaged All Star Alumni. It has been a joy to tour the many places in our city that cover a broad range of issues that impact us all. These occasions provide the tools to dive in and make a difference. If the City of San Jose is important to you, and you would like to really be involved in the inner workings, I would highly recommend Leadership San Jose.

Debbie Caminiti

Project Manager, Adobe

Leadership San Jose has offered me a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about the city I live, work, and play in. It has made an invaluable impact on my career and connection to San Jose during its short ten-month duration, and I have gotten more out of this program than I ever could have imagined. I’ve made 34 new life-long connections with my classmates. I entered LSJ as someone looking to grow, and I leave as a future leader and champion for my community.

Monique Nou

SJC Airport

LEADERSHIP SAN JOSE ALUMNI

We Have A Very Diverse Group Of 882+ Alumni

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

CALLING ALL ALUMNI

Are You A Leadership San Jose Alumni? We Would Love to Stay Connected!

Click Here to Stay Connected!

10 MONTH PROGRAM

A Day In The Life Of A Leadership San Jose Cohort Member

Retreat Overview

Meet the class members and preview the program objectives where cohorts can make an impact on our great city.

Local Government

Overview of San Jose’s assets, priorities and vision for the future

Small Business & Economic Development

Insights into the small business trends shaping the economy; how the nature of work is changing; how organizations and individuals are adapting; and specific programs in place to ensure the economy and organizations are diverse and inclusive.

Public Health

Discuss why it is in everyone’s interest that every community member has access to regular health care. Talk about healthy living, healthy eating and healthy aging.

Arts, Culture & Placemaking

Expand awareness of San Jose’s unique cultural scene, inspire a deeper engagement with the arts, and develop an understanding of art as placemaking.

Open Space & Parks

What contributes to a good quality of life in San Jose? Explore issues that create a good quality of life, including parks, placemaking and open space.

Housing & Homelessness

Understand the issues facing the region, and challenges facing the city and businesses in San Jose. This day includes an overview of the County’s rehabilitation and re-entry programs.