Leading from Within

Courage to Lead Alumni Hike
2022-02-05 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
CTL Alumni Outdoor Activity
JOIN US FOR A

CTL ALUMNI HIKE*

Saturday February 5th, 2022 | 8:30am
Rattlesnake Trailhead, Montecito, CA
*Logistics, directions and map will be provided the week beforehand

Come, let’s gather from all CTL Alumni cohorts for a morning hike in the beautiful Santa Barbara foothills

– with options for varied levels of hiking and endurance

.
RSVP HERE

Our initial Courage to Lead retreats centered time, journaling, and observations in nature. Through city living and demanding pandemic times, we may live at a distance from the natural world and our inner nature too.
These two landscapes have much in common and inform each other.

“The natural world desperately needs people who appreciate it, have reverence for it, listen to it, preserve, and restore it. With the same urgency, so does the soul need this kind of attunement and nurturance.
Cut off from the land, we lose our sense of place, grounding, our sense of home and belonging on this earth; when we are out of touch with our souls our lives become barren, starved at the roots of what deeply animates us.”
(adapted from Geography of Grace, courageandrenewal.org)

How might a Saturday trail hike – or nature gathering – with beloved CTL friends reinvigorate your body and refresh your mind?

Eryn Shugart and Judy Hawkins will host our Courage to Lead alumni – all cohorts – for a short, medium or longer hike.
We invite you to reground connections to one another with possibilities for walk-and-talk, touchstone metaphors, pauses for viewing vistas and welcomed silence.

RSVP HERE

Questions about this gathering?
Please contact: Eryn: eryn@santabarbaraeducation.org or

Judy: judy@rubyroadleadership.com

Meet & greet with Nicholas Kristof & Sheryl WuDunn
2022-02-17 16:30 - 17:30
Join us on Thursday, February 17!
Special meet & greet and Q & A with Nicholas Kristof & Sheryl WuDunn, Pulitzer Prize-winning Journalists and Authors
RSVP for Meet & Greet
Click here to purchase tickets here for the evening lecture via Arts&Lecture UCSB.
NOTE: The evening lecture event includes an at-home viewing option
(live stream only; no replay).

Read more about Nicholas and Sheryl’s latest book, Tightrope.

Knowing Our Community | Social Gathering!
2022-04-19 16:30 - 18:30 | Kiva Cowork Chapala Building, 1221 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Leading From Within is excited to host with our friends and partners of the Latino Giving Circle a social event for us to get to know each other better. Santa Barbara and surrounding communities are rich in diversity, culture, and language – particularly that of our Latino community members – and together we are looking to create more connection and opportunities for that to be celebrated and supported. Therefore, this social event is just a kick-off to embracing that.

You are specially invited to join us for this gathering, over drinks and appetizers, amongst close friends and supporters of Leading From Within and the Latino Giving Circle of Santa Barbara.
Tuesday, April 19 at 4:30 PM
1221 Chapala Street, 2nd floor
Drinks and appetizers will be served | Se servirán bebidas y aperitivos

RSVP here:

Knowing Our Community | Social Gathering!
2022-07-14 16:30 - 18:30 | Kiva Cowork Chapala Building, 1221 Chapala Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Leading From Within is excited to host with our friends and partners of the Latino Giving Circle another social event for us to get to know each other better. Santa Barbara and surrounding communities are rich in diversity, culture, and language – particularly that of our Latino community members – and together we are looking to create more connection and opportunities for that to be celebrated and supported. We would love for you to be a part of continuing this conversation and connection.CCo

You are specially invited to join us for this gathering, over drinks and appetizers, amongst close friends and supporters of Leading From Within and the Latino Giving Circle of Santa Barbara.
Thursday, July 14 at 4:30 PM
1221 Chapala Street, 2nd floor
Drinks and appetizers will be served

Con mucho gusto Leading From Within esta organizando, con nuestros amigos y socios del Latino Giving Circle, otro evento social para que continuemos conociendo nuestra comunidad. Santa Bárbara y las comunidades aledañas son ricas en diversidad, cultura e idioma, particularmente de los miembros de nuestra comunidad latina, y juntos buscamos crear más conexiones y oportunidades para que eso se celebre y se apoye. Nos encantaría que seas parte de continuar esta conversación y conexión.

Está especialmente invitado a unirse con nosotros en esta reunión, con bebidas y aperitivos, entre amigos cercanos y simpatizantes de Leading From Within y Latino Giving Circle de Santa Bárbara.
Jueves, 14 de julio a las 4:30
Calle Chapala 1221, 2do piso
Se servirán bebidas y aperitivos

RSVP here:

Katherine Harvey Fellows Information Sessions
2022-08-15 12:00 - 2022-08-25 12:00
Join us to learn more about the Katherine Harvey Fellows program to see how this experience might serve you at this time in your leadership.
Katherine Harvey Fellows (KHF) is a unique opportunity for people who want to make a greater impact within their community through civic engagement. This program offers participants a space to understand their strengths in leadership, to connect with other professionals of diverse backgrounds and expertise, as well as to gain new knowledge on what it means to collaborate on addressing a critical community issue.
Our goal is for each participant to emerge from the KHF program feeling empowered to lead on issues and on behalf of people and communities they care most about. Importantly, as is true for all Leading From Within programs, we want each participant to develop and explore their own authentic form of leadership through a process of personal development and growth. All this with the overarching goal of empowering leaders to push for positive social change.
At the info session, we will discuss the program, application and selection process. You will have the opportunity to hear from KHF Instructors Ben Romo and Brianna Aguilar, as well as meet several of our alumni to learn about their experience in the program.

Katherine Harvey Fellows Alumni Cooking Class!
2022-08-25 18:00 - 20:30
We will cook together and then head outdoors to share our meal together. We look forward to introducing you to the local nonprofit Apples to Zucchini Cooking School to learn more about the programs they are offering youth in our community.
Our menu includes:
* Lemony Quinoa (gluten-free) or Farro Salad — with roasted romanesco steaks, soft-boiled eggs, flatbread and hummus

Date: Thursday, August 25th, from 6:00-8:30pm
Location: Apples to Zucchini Cooking School, downtown Santa Barbara
Space is limited – RSVP today!
Leading From Within is subsidizing part of the fees and will be providing beverages.
Participant Cost = $50
*Vaccination is required.

Yup, Still Talking About Race: Where are we now post summer of 2020?
2022-09-29 16:00 - 18:00
What has changed since the summer of 2020? Has DEI become the next box to check? Is the nonprofit sector supporting oppression? Are nonprofits transforming their staff and boards to be more reflective of those they serve? What are reparations? How can nonprofits explore and engage the concept of reparations?
We hope participants feel the co-creation of a space for open discussion around difficult topics. Through openness and emerging relationships, our intention is to create accountability and change in the non-profit sector.
Connie Alexander (Gateway Education; Courage to Lead) and LFW peers who have been convening since 2020 all invite you to examine, reflect, listen and build our connection as nonprofit leaders. See below for facilitator bio.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR:
Connie Alexander
Connie Alexander is one of the Founders and Co-Executive Director of Gateway Educational Services, and Gateway began in 2009.
She has 25 years of experience in higher education, including teaching and student services. She holds degrees in Political Science and History. Her role with Gateway includes daily operations, curriculum development, training, the College Readiness Program, and Summer Camps.
Gateway Educational Services is the only nonprofit learning in Santa Barbara County. We serve students in grades K-12. Our vision is to change the academic trajectory of students left behind. All programs are assessment-based, and curricula for improvement are created for each student.
Connie has held several leadership roles in the African American community in Santa Barbara, including the Black History Celebration Committee and the NAACP.
Connie is a participant in the Courage to Lead 8th Cohort.

REGISTER HERE

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND FURTHER READING
History and Social Justice

Why We Can’t Wait by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Stony the Road: White Supremacy and the Rise of Jim Crow by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Killing Rage by Bell Hooks
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
White Trash: The History of 400 of Class in America by Nancy Isenberg
The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Literature

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Beloved by Toni Morrison
In Search of Our Mothers Gardens by Alice Walker
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Podcasts

The 1619 Project
Pod Save the People

Leadership Roundtable
2022-10-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Women’s Economic Ventures, 21 E Canon Perdido Street Suite 301, Santa Barbara, 93101
Leading From Within invites anyone from our community to join us in partnership with UCSB Arts & Lectures Thematic Learning Initiative for a Leadership Roundtable on October 13 at noon. This will be a guided conversation featuring select leaders from our community to share thoughts and reflections based on the Arts & Lectures interview with David Gergen, author of the book Hearts Touched with Fire: How Great Leaders are Made. Copies of Hearts Touched with Fire are available from Leading from Within or the Arts & Lectures box office.

Lunch will be provided, and all guests will receive a complimentary book!
Spaces are limited.
This is a free event located at Women’s Economic Ventures, 21 E Canon Perdido St Suite 301, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (3rd floor).
If you are interested in attending the Arts & Lectures event on October 11th, see their event page here.
REGISTER HERE
Thank you for your interest. We have reached our capacity. If you are interested in being on the waitlist, please email julie@leading-from-within.org.

Mindful Presence Series
2023-01-20 - 2023-02-10
“There’s no greater gift to ourselves and those we are privileged to lead and work with than self-care; adding mindful presence increases self-care to a whole nother level.”
– Wendy Sims-Moten, First 5 Santa Barbara County
4 sessions: January 20 and 27, February 3 and 10, 2023
9:00-11:00AM, via Zoom
Ken Saxon and Jennifer Reitz are offer this four-session program series “Mindful Presence” on Zoom, and you are invited to join them for the journey. We’ve been through so much challenge and disruption over the past few years. As a leader and person, might this be a good time to reconnect with and prioritize yourself? Might investing in the qualities of your own presence help you to better support all those who rely on you – at work and elsewhere?
What is this “Mindful Presence” program?
This program will support participants to lead their lives and their work with greater intentionality and presence, and to explore practices to cultivate themselves and their leadership. In and between these four sessions, participants will engage in:

practices that cultivate mindfulness, including different types of meditation and embodied practice
mindful communications, including cultivating presence and listening skills
exploration on relevant themes fundamental to presence
design (or re-design) of practices that can can help one live and lead with greater intentionality
inspiration from peers also committed to growing in self-awareness and intentionality

Mindfulness, embodied practice and self-reflection support leaders to bring their most vibrant and effective presence to the many challenges inherent in leadership roles, and to guide their careers and their lives with greater intentionality and sustainability. As our mind is, our life becomes – so it is critical for each of us to attend to the qualities of our mind.
Who is this program for?
This Mindful Presence program is intended for nonprofit, philanthropic and other social sector professionals and volunteers.
Commitment, Registration, & Cost
Please register for this Mindful Presence Series with the intention to participate in all (or at least 3) of the sessions and between sessions. Your full engagement is required to achieve the benefits of the program. The program cost is $150, and scholarships are available where needed. This is an ongoing leadership development opportunity, which we advocate be supported as professional development wherever possible.
Register by completing the form below. Spaces are limited!
About Our Facilitators
Ken Saxon is Board Chair of Leading From Within (LFW), an instructor in LFW’s Courage to Lead program, and he was the founding instructor for LFW’s Emerging Leaders program.. In 2021, Ken completed the Training in Mindfulness Facilitation program of the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He launched this Mindful Presence program in late 2021, and loves co-teaching it with LFW board member Jennifer Reitz..

Jennifer Reitz is a Master Somatic coach, trainer and organizational consultant with over 20 years experience in leadership, team development, organizational change, and strategic planning – as well as a Leading From Within board member. She works with leaders and organizations to increase their personal and professional satisfaction and effectiveness by bringing their actions into alignment with their deepest commitments and goals.

Questions?
If you have any questions about this program offering, please be in touch with Ken at ksaxon@silcom.com.

RESCHEDULED- Arroyo Hondo Alumni Hike
2023-05-21 11:00 - 13:30 | Arroyo Hondo Preserve, CA-1, Goleta, CA, 93117
We have rescheduled to Sunday, May 21 when the wildflowers should be incredible!

Let’s Get Outside!
Arroyo Hondo Docent Led LFW Alumni Hike
Hosted by Katherine Harvey Fellows Alumni – Open to all LFW alumni!
Sunday, May 21
11:00 am

Join us for a 90-minute docent-led hike followed by a picnic lunch (provided): experience and learn about the scenic Arroyo Hondo Preserve and the work the Land Trust for Santa Barbara County is doing to preserve this “Jewel on the Gaviota Coast.”
Here’s an intro from their website: “The Arroyo Hondo Preserve is a magnificent canyon located west of Santa Barbara between Refugio State Beach and Gaviota State Park on 782-acres. Purchased from the Hollister family in late 2001, Arroyo Hondo is protected forever and managed by the Land Trust as a natural and historic preserve. The preserve is rich in Chumash and early California history and the canyon and meadows are thriving with wildlife.”
If you haven’t been there before it is located between Refugio and Gaviota on the right side of the freeway.
Space is limited to 30 people, so RSVPs will be taken in the order they are received.

Email julie@leading-from-within.org with questions.
RSVP Here

It is recommended to wear layered clothing and bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. FYI, pets are not allowed at this time.
Arroyo Hondo Preserve website link: https://www.sblandtrust.org/land/arroyo-hondo-preserve/

Emerging Leaders | Info Sessions
2023-07-27 - 2023-08-07
If you are interested in learning more about our Emerging Leaders 2023 program, we encourage you to join us for one of our three information sessions, being held in Santa Barbara, Los Olivos, and on Zoom.
At the info session, we will discuss the program, application and selection process. You will have the opportunity to hear from Emerging Leaders facilitators, Katya Armistead and Miles Ashlock, as well as meet several of our alumni to learn about their experience in Emerging Leaders.
SOUTH COUNTY INFO SESSION 2023
Date: Thursday, July 27
Time: 5-6 PM
Location: Leading From Within | 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
*Canceled* MID-COUNTY INFO SESSION 2023
Date: Thursday, August 3
Time: 5:30-6:30 PM
Location: St Mark’s In-The-Valley | 2901 Nojoqui Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
VIRTUAL INFO SESSION 2023
Date: Monday, August 7
Time: 12-1 PM
Location: Zoom | You will be emailed the zoom link upon registration.
We ask that you please RSVP below if you plan to attend the event:

Which ELP information session will you attend?(Required)Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 12-1 PMWednesday, June 17, 2026 | 4:30-5:30 PMMonday, June 22, 2026 | 12-1 PMName(Required)

First

Last

Organization/AgencyCurrent Job TitleEmail(Required)

How did you learn about the ELP information session?ELP AlumniSocial MediaLFW Staff or BoardOtherIf you heard about ELP from an alumni, staff/board or other, please share their name here.

Δ

We are here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us by email or by phone: 805-770-3232

Headshot Happy Hour | Santa Maria
2023-09-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Allan Hancock College Winery, 800 S College Dr, Room 211, Bldg O, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
Our Leading From Within Alumni Collaborative is hosting a headshot happy hour in Santa Maria for our alumni network plus larger nonprofit community in our north county region. This is a great opportunity for our alumni to reconnect and for additional community leaders to network.
Professional headshots are offered at a highly discounted rate of $20 per person – space is limited! Reserve your time/photo session by purchasing a ticket below.
If you don’t necessarily want a headshot but would like to join for wine, food and socializing – you are welcome! Please RSVP below (no need to purchase a ticket).
Location: Allan Hancock College Winery, 800 S College Dr rm 211 bldg o, Santa Maria, CA 93454

Mindful Presence Series - Fall 2023
2023-09-27 - 2023-10-18 | LFW Convening Space, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra Suite 202, Santa Barbara, 93103
“There’s no greater gift to ourselves and those we are privileged to lead and work with than self-care;
adding mindful presence increases self-care to a whole nother level.”
– Wendy Sims-Moten, First 5 Santa Barbara County
4 sessions: Wednesdays, September 27 – October 18
3:00-5:00 PM, in-person at Leading From Within
Ken Saxon and Jennifer Reitz are offering this four-session program series “Mindful Presence” at the LFW office located in the beautiful Riviera Business Park in Santa Barbara, and you are invited to join them for the journey. We’ve been through so much challenge and disruption over the past few years. As a leader and person, might this be a good time to reconnect with and prioritize yourself? Might investing in the qualities of your own presence help you to better support all those who rely on you – at work and elsewhere?
What is this “Mindful Presence” program?
This program will support participants to lead their lives and their work with greater intentionality and presence, and to explore practices to cultivate themselves and their leadership. In and between these four sessions, participants will engage in:

practices that cultivate mindfulness, including different types of meditation and embodied practice
mindful communications, including cultivating presence and listening skills
exploration on relevant themes fundamental to presence
design (or re-design) of practices that can can help one live and lead with greater intentionality
inspiration from peers also committed to growing in self-awareness and intentionality

Mindfulness, embodied practice and self-reflection support leaders to bring their most vibrant and effective presence to the many challenges inherent in leadership roles, and to guide their careers and their lives with greater intentionality and sustainability. As our mind is, our life becomes – so it is critical for each of us to attend to the qualities of our mind.
Who is this program for?
This Mindful Presence program is intended for nonprofit, philanthropic and other social sector professionals and volunteers.
Commitment, Registration, & Cost
Please register for this Mindful Presence Series with the intention to participate in all (or at least 3) of the sessions and between sessions. Your full engagement is required to achieve the benefits of the program. The program cost is $150, and scholarships are available if needed. This is an ongoing leadership development opportunity, which we advocate be supported as professional development wherever possible.
Purchase tickets below. Spaces are limited!
About Our Facilitators
Ken Saxon is Board Chair of Leading From Within (LFW), a facilitator in LFW’s Courage to Lead program, and he was the founding instructor for LFW’s Emerging Leaders program. In 2021, Ken completed the Training in Mindfulness Facilitation program of the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He launched this Mindful Presence program in late 2021, and loves co-teaching it with LFW board member Jennifer Reitz..

Jennifer Reitz is a Master Somatic coach, trainer and organizational consultant with over 20 years experience in leadership, team development, organizational change, and strategic planning – as well as a Leading From Within board member. She works with leaders and organizations to increase their personal and professional satisfaction and effectiveness by bringing their actions into alignment with their deepest commitments and goals.

Questions?
If you have any questions about this program offering, please be in touch with Ken at ksaxon@silcom.com.

Resource Share
2023-10-20 08:30 - 10:30 | Allan Hancock College, 800 S College Drive, Room B-100, Building B, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
What is your favorite resource to use in the workplace or at home that makes your life easier? Maybe you’re looking for another tool to add in your toolbox?
Join us and come prepared with one tool, book, worksheet, software, etc. that you use in your daily professional or personal life that improves your work. We will all be spotlighting our resources with everyone in attendance. If you want to include a resource that includes print-outs, you can send it to us ahead of time and we will get copies made for all attendees. If your resource is electronic, we will be compiling a virtual document so that everyone can access links, spreadsheets, etc. If you don’t have any good resources but you REALLY need some, this is the workshop for you! You’ll also get a moment to see if others can offer or refer you to a resource to solve an issue in which one might be needed.
Please join us and feel free to absorb all of the golden nuggets that everyone will bring!
The event is hosted by Leading From Within’s Alumni Collaboration, and is open to anyone in our social sector / nonprofit community of northern Santa Barbara County.
Location: Allan Hancock College Boardroom, (Building B, Administration, room B-100)

UCSB Arts & Lectures | Adam Grant
2023-11-09 08:00 - 17:00
UCSB Arts & Lectures presents Adam Grant
Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Thurs, Nov 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Arlington Theatre
Just Announced: Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova will moderate a discussion with visionary thinker Adam Grant on Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things

Grant is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Think Again and Originals. His new book, Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things, explores how to build the skills and structures to achieve greater things, and how to create opportunities for those who have been overlooked. We can all improve at improving – and when opportunity doesn’t knock, there are ways to build a door.

Ticket purchase includes a copy of Grant’s bestselling new book, Hidden Potential : The Science of Achieving Greater Things
Related Thematic Learning Initiative event on Identifying Hidden Potential facilitated by Leading from Within on Friday, Nov 17 at 12 PM (author not present; limited space; registration required.)
$50 / $40 / $30 / $15 UCSB and all students (Current student ID required)
Tickets & Info: www.ArtsAndLectures.UCSB.edu or call (805) 893-3535

Leadership Roundtable
2023-11-17 12:00 - 13:30 | LFW Convening Space, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra Suite 202, Santa Barbara, 93103
Leading From Within invites anyone from our community to join us in partnership with UCSB Arts & Lectures Thematic Learning Initiative for a Leadership Roundtable on Friday, November 17 at noon. This will be a guided conversation featuring select leaders from our community to share thoughts and reflections based on the Arts & Lectures interview the evening prior (Nov 16) with Adam Grant, author of a new book Hidden Potential (out late October – see description below). Note – the author will not be present at this event.
“Bootstraps aren’t meant to be pulled alone”, says social psychologist Adam Grant. Based on Grant’s book and presentation, we’ll look at how teamwork, coaching and building a support system provides the scaffolding we need to transform ourselves or others – and sometimes the world around us.
Lunch will be provided; spaces are limited – register below!
This is a free event located at Leading From Within’s office & convening space in the Riviera Business Park in Santa Barbara.

We recommend attending Adam Grant’s live talk November 16th at the Arlington Theater. A free copy of his new book Hidden Potential is included in the tick purchase. Learn more and buy a ticket at the Arts & Lectures website. This year, A&L’s Thematic Learning Initiative theme is Cultivating Connection through Joy, Creativity and Belonging.

Hidden Potential offers a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Adam Grant weaves together groundbreaking evidence, surprising insights, and vivid storytelling that takes us from the classroom to the boardroom, the playground to the Olympics, and underground to outer space. He shows that progress depends less on how hard you work than how well you learn. Growth is not about the genius you possess—it’s about the character you develop. Grant explores how to build the character skills and motivational structures to realize our own potential, and how to design systems that create opportunities for those who have been underrated and overlooked.
REGISTER HERE
Thank you for your interest. We have reached our capacity. If you are interested in being on the waitlist, please email julie@leading-from-within.org.

Information Sessions | Leading for Community Impact
2023-12-08 09:00 - 2024-01-17 10:00
Join us to learn more about our Leading for Community Impact program, 2024 Cohort 6, at one of our three information sessions being held in Lompoc, Santa Maria, and on zoom.
At the info session, we will discuss the program, application and selection process. You will have the opportunity to hear from our program facilitators, Christa Roth and Danielle Quiñones-Ortega, as well as meet several of our alumni to learn about their experience in Leading for Community Impact.

Attending a session gives you greater possibility of ensuring this program is right for you at this time, and therefore higher credibility in your application should you choose to apply.

Lompoc INFO SESSION
Date: Friday, December 8, 2023
Time: 9-10 AM | Coffee and pastries will be provided.
Location: South Side Coffee Co., 105 S H St, Lompoc, CA 93436
Santa Maria INFO SESSION
Date: Friday, January 5, 2024
Time: 9-10 AM | Coffee and pastries will be provided.
Location: Cubassimo Cuban Coffeehouse, 4869 S Bradley Rd #118, Orcutt, CA 93455
Zoom/Virtual INFO SESSIONS – additional session added!
Dates/Times: Tuesday, January 9 at 12-1 PM -OR- Wednesday, January 17 at 12-1 PM
Zoom link will be provided upon registration.
We ask that you please RSVP below if you plan to attend one of the sessions:

We are here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact our Programs Coordinator.

Let's Talk Finance with Hilda Zacarias and Michael Williams
2024-03-21 15:00 - 18:00 | LFW Convening Space, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra Suite 202, Santa Barbara, 93103
Start Within: Organizational Financial Communications
Talk turkey with your team. Set informed budgets to make agreements with your board and funders and effectively manage programs. Support your core work with strong financial management. Join Non-profit financial guru Hilda Zacarias for the first hour workshop, followed by:
Show your cards: Public Financial Communications
Show us what you got! From annual reports, grant financials, to 990’s and Guidestar/Candid, how on top of your financial reporting is your team and how can fiscal fitness serve your public profile and development goals? Join multi-organization CFO Michael Williams for an hour interactive workshop, followed by our mixer
45 minute mixer including one on one questions and conversation, along with refreshments to follow.
This Santa Barbara based workshop will also be hosted in Santa Maria. We hope to gather your thoughts on what areas of financial literacy are needed in our sector and communities
Event co-sponsored by Leading From Within, the Fund for Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Foundation

Let's Talk Finance with Hilda Zacarias and Michael Williams - Santa Maria
2024-04-30 15:00 - 18:00 | Santa Barbara Foundation | Santa Maria, 2625 S. Miller Street Suite 101, Santa Maria, CA, 93455
Start Within: Organizational Financial Communications
Talk turkey with your team. Set informed budgets to make agreements with your board and funders and effectively manage programs. Support your core work with strong financial management. Join Non-profit financial guru Hilda Zacarias for the first hour workshop, followed by:
Show your cards: Public Financial Communications
Show us what you got! From annual reports, grant financials, to 990’s and Guidestar/Candid, how on top of your financial reporting is your team and how can fiscal fitness serve your public profile and development goals? Join multi-organization CFO Michael Williams for an hour interactive workshop, followed by our mixer
45 minute mixer including one on one questions and conversation, along with refreshments to follow.
We hope to gather your thoughts on what areas of financial literacy are needed in our sector and communities
Event co-sponsored by Leading From Within, the Fund for Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Foundation

Come Join Us for a Guided Nature Experience
2024-10-09 - 2024-10-10
Thanks to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, this month, there are two opportunities for LFW alumni leaders to experience the physical and psychological benefits of “forest bathing.” Come join us and deepen your connection to nature while deepening your connection to self and others. Relax. Reconnect. Renew.
Forest bathing honors the ancient human practices of nature connection. Elena Rios, our guide for this experience, will give you directions in the form of invitations to assist you in slowing down and observing with all of your senses. As you “bathe” in the fresh air and immune-boosting phytoncides, you may begin to notice things in a way you may not have ever noticed before. The gathering ends with a ceremony of sharing tea made from locally foraged native plants and some healthy snacks. All you have to do is come and be yourself…and reconnect with nature and the more-than-human world. Note: this walk includes slight downhill and uphill inclines on terrain that is rocky and uneven in certain portions.
Dates & Times:
The two dates LFW alumni leaders can sign up for are:

Wednesday, October 9, 2:00-4:00 PM
Thursday, October 10, 12:00-2:00 PM

Note: We are limited to 15 people per session, so please do not sign up unless you are confident you will be there. You also need to be able to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of the start of the program.
About Our Guide, Elena Ríos:
Elena Ríos is an ever-evolving ANFT Certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide and Inter-disciplinary Artist. From an early age, Elena’s family cultivated in her an interest in the exploration and appreciation of nature and the more-than-human world. Elena Continues to participate with traditional circles of learning, wellness, and ways of being that are rooted in Indigenous knowledge. She believes this practice has the potential to assist us in noticing the Interconnectedness of All Things. She draws inspiration from her grandmother, who was a curandera. She has had a partnership as a cultural practitioner with Japanese Shinto Priest, Hiroji Seikiguchi for almost 20 years. Currently, she is an employee of the Chumash Fire Department, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. She is an indigenous Azteca Chichimeca woman of the Americas with distant genetic Chumash links including multi-ethnic Spanish, Scot-Irish ancestry.” Her guide style is informed by all of these previous life experiences.

Emerging Leaders | Info Sessions
2024-10-10 - 2024-10-22 | LFW Convening Space, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra Suite 202, Santa Barbara, 93103
If you are interested in learning more about our Emerging Leaders 2025 program, we encourage you to join us for one of our two information sessions, being held in our office in Santa Barbara.
We will discuss the program, application, and selection process at the info session. You will have the opportunity to hear from Emerging Leaders facilitators, Katya Armistead and Miles Ashlock, and meet several of our alumni to learn about their experience in Emerging Leaders.
INFO SESSION I
Date: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Time: 5-6 PM
Location: Leading From Within | 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
INFO SESSION II
Date: Tuesday, October 22. 2024
Time: 12-1 PM
Location: Leading From Within | 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
We ask that you RSVP below if you plan to attend the event:

Which ELP information session will you attend?(Required)Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 12-1 PMWednesday, June 17, 2026 | 4:30-5:30 PMMonday, June 22, 2026 | 12-1 PMName(Required)

First

Last

Organization/AgencyCurrent Job TitleEmail(Required)

How did you learn about the ELP information session?ELP AlumniSocial MediaLFW Staff or BoardOtherIf you heard about ELP from an alumni, staff/board or other, please share their name here.

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We are here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us by email or by phone: 805-770-3232

Growing Edge Leaders | Info Sessions - Please RSVP Below
2025-06-19
Join us to learn more about Growing Edge Leaders (GEL) at one of our public information sessions, which will give you a greater sense of what the program offers and if it’s right for you or a leader you support.
At each information session, we will discuss all the components of GEL membership as well as the application process. You will have the opportunity to hear from our GEL Program Manager Judy Hawkins and GEL Facilitator (and LFW Founder) Ken Saxon and a current GEL member, and to ask questions and connect with other community leaders.

We are here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to our Operations Director Rubi Castellanos by email or by phone: 805-770-3232.

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If you’d like to add one of the information sessions to your calendar, please click the “Add to Calendar” button below. Be sure to edit the event date and time to match the session you RSVPd for.

Katherine Harvey Fellows | Info Sessions - Please RSVP Below
2025-10-09 - 2025-10-29
Join us to learn more about the Katherine Harvey Fellows program to see how this experience might serve you at this time in your leadership.
Katherine Harvey Fellows (KHF) is a unique opportunity for people who want to make a greater impact within their community through civic engagement. This program offers participants a space to understand their strengths in leadership, to connect with other professionals of diverse backgrounds and expertise, as well as to gain new knowledge on what it means to collaborate on addressing a critical community issue.
Our goal is for each participant to emerge from the KHF program feeling empowered to lead on issues and on behalf of people and communities they care most about. Importantly, as is true for all Leading From Within programs, we want each participant to develop and explore their own authentic form of leadership through a process of personal development and growth. All this with the overarching goal of empowering leaders to push for positive social change.
At the info sessions, we will discuss the program, application and selection process. You will have the opportunity to hear from KHF Instructors Katya Armistead and Brianna Aguilar, as well as meet our alumni to learn about their experience in the program.

We are here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to our Operations Director Rubi Castellanos by email or by phone: 805-770-3232.

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If you’d like to add one of the information sessions to your calendar, please click the “Add to Calendar” button below. Be sure to edit the event date and time to match the session you RSVPd for.

Roll-Call Fridays at LFW lawn
2025-10-10 - 2025-11-07
Roll-Call Fridays at LFW Lawn
We’re excited to host a special 4-part Roll-Call Friday Lunch Series on the LFW lawn! Each Friday, we’ll gather alumni, board members, donors, and friends of our organization to connect with our staff.
Bring your own lunch—or enjoy some of the food we’ll have on hand. Whether you can stay for the full time or just drop by for a little bit, your presence matters.
This is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to connect, strengthen relationships, and build community. Together, we’ll share stories, learn about the needs of our community, and explore how we can continue to grow and support one another.
We’d love for you to join us, bring your voice, and be part of the conversation.
Dates & Times:

Friday, October 10, 11:30-1 PM
Friday, October 17, 11:30-1 PM
Friday, October 24, 11:30-1 PM
Friday, November 7, 11:30-1 PM (Zoom)

Leaders of Color Circles 2026
2026-03-11 - 2026-11-19 | LFW Convening Space, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra Suite 202, Santa Barbara, 93103
Leaders of Color Circles
A peer leadership community for women of color
Registration open through March 13th
The Women of Color Circle is a new offering from Leading From Within (LFW). We will begin by celebrating and honoring our collective resilience. Each session will center on themes of belonging, inclusivity, and navigating systemic racism, creating space to explore the unique experiences of leaders of color. Through connection and a supportive environment, participants will engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges and opportunities they face.
The program includes:

Women of Color Leadership Circle

The Women’s Circle is specifically designed to support executive directors, CEOs, and senior leaders of color who hold significant organizational responsibility.

The circle brings together 8–12 leaders in a confidential, peer-advisory setting that acknowledges the unique realities of leading while navigating race, power, and systemic inequities. Over nine months, participants build trusted relationships, strengthen leadership capacity, and gain tools to sustain themselves and their organizations.
Each circle begins with a 3-hour opening retreat and concludes with a 3-hour closing retreat, creating dedicated time to build trust, reflect on learning, and honor growth over the year.
Circles Details

Duration: 9 months, monthly sessions
Session length: 4-6 PM (Note: Opening and Closing Retreat sessions are 4-7 PM)
Location: Leading From Within – Convening Space
Cost: $500 (scholarships available)
Schedule:

Dates for Women of Color Circle:

Opening Retreat: March 26
April 30
May 28
June 25
July 30
August 27
September 24
October 29
Closing Retreat: November 18

The Women of Color Circles are spaces of belonging, wisdom, and shared strength—where leaders of color can be fully seen, supported, and challenged to lead with courage, clarity, and sustainability.
Our Women’s Circle Facilitators
Katya Armistead, Ed.D.Katya Armistead is Co‑Executive Director of Programs at Leading From Within and a seasoned educator and community leader with over 35 years of experience fostering equity‑driven leadership. She has spent much of her career advancing inclusion, student well‑being, and leadership development at UC Santa Barbara, where she served as Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Life and taught leadership courses. Katya is a certified facilitator of The Leadership Challenge®and brings deep commitment to building trusted, brave spaces for leaders to grow.
Judy Guillermo‑Newton, MFTJudy Guillermo‑Newton is an organizational development consultant and executive coach with over three decades of experience supporting leaders across sectors. She has worked in human resources and leadership development at Montecito Bank & Trust and served campus communities at UC Santa Barbara, including as Campus Ombudsman. Judy’s expertise lies in creating inclusive environments where people can thrive and lead change with authenticity and resilience.

Questions?
If you have any questions about this program offering, please be in touch with Katya at katya@leading-from-within.org.

Mindful Presence Series - Spring 2026
2026-03-23 - 2026-05-04 | LFW Convening Space, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra Suite 202, Santa Barbara, 93103
“With so many things going on in our country, and around the world, I sometimes have a hard time grounding myself. Through “Mindful Presence,” I was able to learn techniques to calm my mind and to be fully present in my everyday life.” – Eder Gaona-Macedo, The Fund for Santa Barbara

Mindful Presence:
Grounding Practices for Leaders
Space is limited | Register below by March 13th
Leadership today means navigating constant change, competing demands, and carrying the weight of complex and meaningful work. In the swirl of it all, it’s easy to lose your ground.
This program offers practical mindfulness and embodiment practices to help you find your footing—both within yourself and in the world around you. Through guided sessions, you’ll develop skills to:

Reclaim your attention in an age designed to fragment it
Cultivate presence and equanimity amid uncertainty
Build self-compassion as a foundation for sustainable and joyful leadership
Access tools and practices that help your nervous system settle and respond with intention rather than react

We will meet every other week for in-person sessions that will deepen your practice around attention, awareness, and grounded presence. This program isn’t about adding more to your plate — it’s about choosing an intentional space to help you observe, choose, and lead with greater clarity and ease.
Whether you’re new to mindfulness or returning to fundamental practices, this program will create space for local leaders to step off the treadmill and connect with others on a similar journey, and to build a more sustainable foundation for the meaningful work you do and lead.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Dates: 3:00-5:00PM, Mondays, March 23, April 6 & 20, May 4
Location: Leading From Within training space, Santa Barbara
Cost: $150, scholarships available to assure cost-accessibility
INSTRUCTORS

Jennifer Reitz is a Master Somatic coach, trainer and organizational consultant with over 20 years experience in leadership, team development, organizational change, and strategic planning – as well as a Leading From Within board member. She works with leaders and organizations to increase their personal and professional satisfaction and effectiveness by bringing their actions into alignment with their deepest commitments and goals.

Ken Saxon is the Founder of Leading From Within (LFW) and a facilitator in LFW’s Growing Edge Leaders program. In 2021, Ken completed the Training in Mindfulness Facilitation program of the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He launched this Mindful Presence program in late 2021, and loves co-teaching it with LFW board member Jennifer Reitz.

“The Mindful Presence program was such a gift to both my personal and professional worlds. I have a deeper understanding of the power of mindfulness and new strategies to make it part of my life.” – Chelsea Duffy, Partners in Education

Questions? If you have any questions about this program offering, please be in touch with LFW Director of Operations Rubi Castellanos at rubi@leading-from-within.org.
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If you’d like to add one of the information sessions to your calendar, please click the “Add to Calendar” button below. Be sure to edit the event date and time to match the session you RSVPd for.

Emerging Leaders | Info Sessions
2026-06-03 - 2026-06-22 | LFW Convening Space, 2050 Alameda Padre Serra Suite 202, Santa Barbara, 93103
If you are interested in learning more about our Emerging Leaders 2026-27 program, we encourage you to join us for one of our three information sessions, being held in our office in Santa Barbara and Zoom.
We will discuss the program, application, and selection process at the info session. You will have the opportunity to hear from Emerging Leaders facilitators, Katya Armistead and Miles Ashlock, and meet several of our alumni to learn about their experience in Emerging Leaders.
INFO SESSION I
Date: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time: 12-1 PM
Location: Leading From Within | 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
INFO SESSION II
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Time: 4:30-5:30 PM
Location: Leading From Within | 2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Suite 202, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
INFO SESSION III
Date: Monday, June 2, 2026
Time: 12-1 PM
Location: via Zoom – link provided at registration
We ask that you RSVP below if you plan to attend the event:

Which ELP information session will you attend?(Required)Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 12-1 PMWednesday, June 17, 2026 | 4:30-5:30 PMMonday, June 22, 2026 | 12-1 PMName(Required)

First

Last

Organization/AgencyCurrent Job TitleEmail(Required)

How did you learn about the ELP information session?ELP AlumniSocial MediaLFW Staff or BoardOtherIf you heard about ELP from an alumni, staff/board or other, please share their name here.

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We are here to help. If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us by email or by phone: 805-770-3232
