California Leadership Lines - Nov. 2018
2018 CALIFORNIA ISSUES & TRENDS IS A WRAP!
The Innovation & Science Panel was moderated by Katherine Kantardjieff, Ph.D., Dean, College of Science and Mathematics, CSU San Marcos (Left). The Panelists included from left: Monique Rodriguez (’16) Senior Director, Government Affairs, Qualcomm; Ida Khodami, Associate Director, Global Business Operations, Illumina and Cody Hooven,
Chief Sustainability Officer, City of San Diego
The final Session IV and 2018 CIT program wrapped in San Diego on November 9, punctuated by the official graduation of the Class of 2018.

From beginning to end, Session IV embodied its theme, “A Thriving California Through Inspiration & Innovation.” The program kicked-off with an all inspiring panel of women military veterans, moderated by Leadership California Board Member Mary King, vice president of human resources for Pacific Gas & Electric. Panelists shared the unique challenges facing women in the military and the lessons they learned for success. Among the advice given: invest in relationships with other women leaders, think strategically, be positive and authentic and think big! Day one concluded with an insightful presentation by Cassandra Pye, president 3.14 Communications on “Conscious Leadership & Innovation.” Pye said, “Unconscious bias can thwart an organization’s success, including stalling innovation.”
Day Two was all about innovation. It began with an overview by Erik Caldwell with the City of San Diego about San Diego’s emergence over the past 20 years as a major innovation hub. Next up was an interactive session by Dr. Mary O’Hara Devereaux with the Class to create solutions to the vexing issues facing California, from a changing workforce to the global competition around innovation. Dr. Devereaux said, “The future is already here, just not evenly distributed.”
Cassandra Pye, president, 3.14 Communications
Next was a panel discussion focusing on innovative companies in San Diego, facilitated by Professor Katherine Kantardjieff, Dean, College of Science and Mathematics with CSU, San Marcos. Panelists included Monique Rodriquez, Qualcomm and alumna of Leadership California, Ida Khodami with Illumina and Cody Hooven, City of San Diego. Each company also discussed their companies strong support for STEM and STEAM education programs. The panel was sponsored by Chevron.
The Class spent time refining their CIT Journey / map and action plan, a culmination of all they had learned and how they plan to use the experience in the future.
Panel from right: Moderator: Mary King (’14) Vice President, Human Resources, Pacific Gas & Electric Company and panelists: Amanda Lettman COO & Founder, Kardia Ventures; Darnisha Hunter, Senior Community Representative, Active Duty/Veterans Advocate, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer City of San Diego and Billekai Boughton, Founder, San Diego Women
Veteran’s Network
2018 CLASS OF CIT SUPPORT OPERATION
DRESS CODE – CALL TO COURAGE
Class of 2018 with Proving Donations for "Operation Dress Code"
Members of the 2018 CIT Class descended upon San Diego for its final Session IV of the program armed with donations for “Operation Dress Code.” The non-profit organization based in San Diego, collects lightly used professional wear to assist military women are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Services or are transitioning back into the workforce. www.operationdresscode.com
CLASS VISITS TO THE WORLD RENOWN SALK INSTITUTE
AND SDG&E EMERGENCY OPS CENTER
Class of 2018 Touring Salk Institute for Biology
The Class had the unique opportunity to tour the world renown Salk Institute for Biology. The Institute, founded by Jonas Salk in 1955, is considered one of the top five research centers in the world. Dr. Joanne Chory, one of four Nobel Laurates at the groundbreaking research facility, discussed the work being done through its Harnessing Plants Initiative to deal with the impacts of climate change and global warming. Dr. Chory said, “We can reduce carbon emissions with ‘ideal plants.’ Other research work underway at the Salk includes Autism, Alzheimer’s, Aging, Cancer, ALS, Diabetes and Plant Biology. 
On the final day, Caroline Winn, COO with San Diego Gas & Electric welcomed the Class of 2018 to the utility’s Emergency Operations Center, which had been activated due to the Santa Ana winds and “red flag,” fire conditions. The Class was briefed on all aspects of SDG&E’s top priority: climate change and its effects. The group learned about the extensive research into climate change and the development of SDG&E’s aggressive plan to embrace clean energy. Presentations were also provided on its emergency response around fires, SDG&E’s commitment to STEM education and community outreach. SEMPRA / SDG&E sponsored this program and CIT – Session IV.
Caroline Winn, COO with San Diego Gas & Electric, welcomed the Class of 2018 to its Emergency Operations Center
2018 CIT CLASS OFFICIALLY GRADUATES
Class of 2018 with Superior Court Judge Randa Trapp
The Class of 2018 officially graduated from the California Issues & Trends Program. At the special dinner to mark the occasion, class members shared their key takeaways from the program. Many graduates called the 2018 CIT program, “a truly amazing experience!”

As part of the send-off to the Class of 2018 during the final luncheon, San Diego Superior Court Judge Randa Trapp shared her inspiring journey at the from a sharecropper’s daughter in the deep South to San Diego Superior Court Judge. She spoke of the importance of valuing yourself, identifying supportive sponsors and building a strong network. 
PRESIDENT WHEELER NAMED ALUMNA OF THE YEAR
BY SO CA LEADERSHIP NETWORK
Leadership California President Dr. Margie Wheeler on Nov. 29 was named the Alumna of the Year by the Southern California Leadership Network. The honor was part of the annual “Visionaries Award Event,” which celebrates the region’s most influential leaders whose work has made, and continues to make, a lasting impact on the well-being of the region, state and nation. The event was held in Los Angeles. Dr. Wheeler also serves the Executive Strategist for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. 
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UPCOMING EVENTS
September 22-25, 2019
Leadership CA Goes to
Washington D.C.