Our Gratitude at Thanksgiving

By CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson



Thanksgiving is now just days away, and all of us at Ag Leadership are feeling sincere appreciation for the kindness and generosity we’ve received from so many this year. In addition to that sense of thankfulness, we’re feeling a real spirit of gratitude. For thankfulness is an emotion and gratitude is really an attitude. It’s a commitment to appreciate what we have versus just what we’ve been given, regardless of any circumstances. From the vision of our founders, to the more than five decades of making an impact, to the time, talent and financial support we now receive from current stakeholders, it’s very easy for us to feel humbled and inspired. Especially at this time of year, we’re so grateful to serve alongside you in the very timely and critically important mission of growing leaders who make a difference. Thank you for that opportunity and happy Thanksgiving!

As always, contact me at dferguson@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030 with any comments or questions.

Thank You, Deanna!

CALF Alumni Engagement Manager Deanna van Klaveren (32), is resigning from her position effective Nov. 30. We are so appreciative to her for the tremendous impact she has made in her years as part of our staff team, with major strides achieved related to our alumni outreach and events, database updates to better serve our alumni and a dedicated focus on lifelong learning that has engaged numerous alumni throughout our community. Please join us in wishing Deanna all the best and sharing in our gratitude for the impact she’s made.

In the interim, alumni engagement activities will be managed by CALF Executive Vice President Abby Taylor-Silva (45). Please contact her with any questions at ataylorsilva@agleaders.org or 831-585-1030. 

Mission 750 is in Orbit!

We are excited to have this ambitious quest underway and need your help to make it a success. And what better day to participate than Giving Tuesday?!

Please mark your calendars to participate in the most philanthropic day of the year, Giving Tuesday, on Nov. 28 (hint: we’ll also be announcing the class challenge on that day!).

And, importantly, thank you to everyone who has given so far. We appreciate your generosity and commitment to making an impact!

Holiday Open House

Swing by the foundation office and join us for a festive gathering to celebrate the holiday season and connect with staff, alumni and friends! Refreshments and light appetizers will be served.

DATE & LOCATION

Dec. 7 / 5 - 7pm / 80 Garden Court, Ste. 270 / Monterey

RSVP BY DEC. 4

Mia Mirassou / 831-585-1030

Welcome Back, Class 52! Check Out Their Travel Blog

The fellows of Class 52 have returned from their international seminar to Panama, Colombia and Costa Rica. Read all about their travels, lessons learned and reflections on their daily blog.

I Grew with Ag Leadership

This month we feature Joyce Jong (39) in our campaign! Click the button to read the testimonial from Joyce and other alumni. The campaign is also featured on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn – like, share and follow!

Leaders are Readers Book Club

The winter book club selection is "The Trust Edge" by David Horsager, who is the keynote speaker for the 2024 Ag Leadership Alumni World Ag Expo Breakfast. The book reveals the foundation of success – trust. Based on research, but made practical for today’s leader, it shows that trust is quantifiable and brings dramatic results to businesses and leaders.

Book club registrations are accepted at any time. Group sessions to discuss the winter book club selection will be held at the end of January.

MORE INFORMATION

Abby Taylor-Silva (45)

Upcoming First Fridays

DEC. 1

Maximizing Impact: A Fresh Perspective on Goal Setting

Mike Young (35), chair of the CALF board of directors since 2020, will share the work he has done personally and with the foundation around setting generational goals and discuss the goals the foundation has set through the strategic plan. CALF President and CEO Dwight Ferguson will preside over this session.

JAN. 5

Class 52 International Seminar Reflections

Fellows will share reflections about the fall 2023 international seminar to Panama, Colombia and Costa Rica.

Lifetime Leadership Award: Call for Nominations

The Lifetime Leadership Award recognizes Ag Leadership alumni who have demonstrated leadership throughout their lifetime, thereby making a significant difference in California agriculture, their industry and community. Honorees will be recognized at the Alumni Conference in June 2024 in a hall of fame-style presentation. The focus is on alumni from Classes 1-15, but the award is open to alumni from all classes. Nominations due April 2024.

Update Your Alumni Directory Listing

FIRST TIME on the alumni directory: Use your primary email and click on forgot password. You will receive an email to create your new password and receive your username. If you don't see the email in your inbox, check your spam folder. RETURNING: To log in, use your username (NOT your email address). For assistance, contact Mia Mirassou / 831-585-1030.

2024 Alumni Conference

We are excited to gather Ag Leadership alumni and ILAC for lifelong leadership learning, socializing and networking! The committee is planning an outstanding lineup of speakers, sessions and events. Leaders from ILAC, Nuffield Scholars and the Australia LEAD / IAPAL have been invited.

Common Threads Nominations Due End of November

Nominations are being accepted for Common Threads Central Valley and North. Honorees are selected for their remarkable contributions to agriculture and philanthropic stewardship. 

We invite you to nominate women who have deep roots in agriculture and have made a significant difference within the agricultural industry and their communities.

CENTRAL VALLEY

Nominations due Nov. 27 - click here

NORTH

Nominations due Nov. 30 - click here