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.
CALLING ALL ALUMNI
Are You A Leadership San Jose Alumni? We Would Love to Stay Connected!
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.
LEADERSHIP SAN JOSE ALUMNI
We Have A Very Diverse Group Of 882+ Alumni







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.
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.

Economic Divide
Explore the root causes of the economic divide. Hear from organizations working to make changes to improve the situation.

Beyond the Classroom
Explore libraries, museums, and more where learning extends beyond the classroom.

Putting It All Together
Develop a personal civic engagement plan and reflect on the program year.
GROW YOUR NETWORK, DISCOVER SAN JOSE
Where People From The Private, Public And Non-Profit Sector Come Together To Enhance The Quality Of Life In San Jose





THE COHORT
Meet some of the Alumni:

AJ Alias
Vice President of Retail Delivery
Meriwest Credit Union

Aletha Fulgham
Assistant Director
El Camino Health

Alex Powell
Chief of Staff
City of San Jose

Alyssa Erickson
Program Manager
SV Creates

Alyssa Lynch
Superintendent
Metro Education District

Andrew Leung
Vice President
Private Client Advisor
Bank of America

Ashley Pourroy
Community Development Manager
Urban Community

Bill Lee
Martha’s Kitchen

Brian Azzopardi
Project Manager
Blach Construction

Carlene Schmidt
Development Director
The Health Trust

Carlos Acosta
San Jose Police Department

Carlos DaSilva
Senior Employee Services Manager
Oracle

Cary Chien
IP Attorney/Litigator
Hopkins Carley

Chris Enders
Senior Development Manager
The Core Companies

Darlene Dueck
7th Grade World History Teacher
San Jose Unified School District

Deb Kramer
Executive Director
Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful

Edward Lambing
Assistant Chief Engineer
Capital Improvement Design
San Jose Water Company

Elizabeth Klar
Area Operations Manager
Lehigh Hanson

George Zafiris
Owner
Bill's Café

Janine Ramirez
Regional Director of Community Engagement
Rocketship Charter School

Jessica Stanford
Applied Materials

Julie Ott
Director of Events
Valley Medical Center Foundation

Julia Stoner
Manager
El Camino Health

Kyle Bergner
Project Manager
Cupertino Electric Inc.

Mary Alcazar
VTA

Matt Albert
Partner
Deloitte

Matt Springer
BSA Officer, VP FIU
Tech CU

Michelle Dreyband
genArts

Nathan Roselin
Attorney
Hoge Fenton Jones & Appel

Paul Ring
Executive Vice President
Urban Catalyst

Robert Kulick
Project Manager
Cupertino Electric Inc.

Sherilyn Tran
Civic Engagement Manager
Santa Clara Valley Water District

Stan McFadden
San Jose Police Department