Catalyst Leadership Program

Since 2007, the Catalyst Leadership Program has developed and connected our region’s next generation of diverse leaders. During the 9-month program, participants expand their individual leadership and management skills, create meaningful relationships with emerging leaders across industries, gain insight from the experiences of established community leaders, and work to move the needle on key issues through a collaborative community project.

Key Benefits for Participants

  • Deeper understanding of one’s own leadership goals and style
  • Mentorship and guidance from our experienced Catalyst Program Director
  • Build strong relationships with fellow emerging leaders throughout the region
  • Knowledge of regional issues and ways to engage in the community
  • Gain valuable insight from experienced community and corporate leaders


Be part of our
next cohort.

Applications for the 2025-26 Cohort are closed.

The Catalyst Leadership Program is not your average professional development program. Each session is filled with belly laughs, revelations, and deep connection with your peers. This program will teach you about yourself and how you want to lead your team.
Shawn Kahan
Class XVII
This was a truly transformative experience that helped me grow both personally and professionally. It challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, encouraged deep self-reflection, and equipped me with the tools to lead with confidence and purpose. The unwavering support from the facilitators, along with the genuine connection with my peers, made this journey incredibly meaningful.
Akenese Luluga
Class XVIII

Program Details

Please consider the following commitment before applying to participate in this program.

  • 9-Month Program from
    September 2025 to May 2026
  • 9 In-person Sessions* including a
    Graduation Ceremony
  • Meets the Third Friday of Every Month
  • 3-Hour Sessions from
    9:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Session Locations (TBD)
  • 1-All Day Retreat
 

*The location and time of in-person sessions, the one-day retreat, and the graduation ceremony are subject to change.

Program Tuition

To participate in this exclusive leadership program, there is a tuition cost of $2,500. There are several options available for payment:

  • Employer Sponsored: Many companies and organizations have designated fund for their employees to use for education or professional development training. Ask your employer to sponsor your participation in this program. 
  • Scholarship: Limited scholarships are available through the generosity of our program sponsors (pending availability).
  • Self-Sponsored: You can always pay for the tuition yourself to be a part of this valuable program and gain insight and experience to grow your leadership potential and network.
 

Session Schedule & Topics

This program provides a forum for participants to explore their individual leadership goals through a variety of interactive conversations with local leaders on topics, such as:

  • September 19: Leading and Serving Your Region
  • October 24: Implicit Bias
  • November 21: One-Day Retreat
  • December 19: Leading Through Change
  • January 16: Exploring Your Individual Growth
  • February 20: Negotiations & Conflict Management
  • March 20: Leading Highly Effective Teams
  • April 17: Leadership Communication
  • May 22: Graduation Ceremony

Meeting dates and topics are subject to change.

Ideal Candidates

The ideal Catalyst Leadership Program candidates are engaged, dedicated and committed to their professional leadership development. They understand the importance of lifelong learning, creating shared value and meaningful participation in the organizations and communities they serve.

  • Culturally Diverse****
  • Currently employed in a professional or career position, or an emerging leader involved in committed community activities
  • Desire to be engaged in the community in a leadership capacity
  • Motivated to create sustainable change in the community they work and serve
  • Committed to attend and enthusiastically participate in all program sessions and activities
  • Have the permission and support of your employer to participate


****We highly encourage candidates of Asian American and Pacific Islander descent to apply, but candidates of all backgrounds are welcome as well. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or age in our programs or activities.

2021-22 Program Brochure
Sample Class Schedule

For more information about the Catalyst Leadership Program, contact Nikki Saechao at nsaechao@calasianfoundation.org.

Meet our Program Director

Cassandra Pye

For 35 years, Cassandra Walker Pye has enjoyed a successful career in communications, government, politics and advocacy for corporate interests in global, national, state and local arenas. She has served in a variety of leadership roles including being appointed Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Schwarzenegger, launching her own communication consultancy firm 3.14 Communications, and currently serves as the President for Lucas Public Affairs. 

As Program Director, Cassandra is the class mentor and facilitator, offering a wealth of wisdom and guidance from her years of leadership experience.

Class XIX | 2025-2026 Program Roster

View Program Alumni

Cynthia Aguayo

Director of Programs

Next Move Homeless Services

Faizah Ali

Member Communication Program Manager

Golden 1 Credit Union

Irina Bodina

Commercial Project Manager

Siemens Mobility, Inc.

Erlynn Cardenas-Jackson

California Department of State Hospitals, Chief, Business Management Branch

State of California

Christa Coats

Workforce inclusion Director

PRIDE Industries

Alexandra Garcia

Learning & Development Specialist

SMUD

Isabelle Garcia

Director of Operations

Next Move Homeless Services

Abria Love

Nurse Manager, Surgical Specialties

Kaiser Permanente

April Lysongtseng

Office Manager

Health Education Council

Supreet Madan

Founder

AMS Professional Services

Hector Madueno

Financial Wellness & Community Development Manager

SAFE Credit Union

Jag Nagendra

Community & Technology Leader

Sunny Samra

Clinical Pharmacy Director

Kaiser Permanente

Austin Sihoe

Director, Veterans Success Center

Sacramento State APIDA Center

Tracy Strong

FE Central Support Business Analyst

Siemens Mobility, Inc.

Ryan Tan

Sustainable Communities Partnerships Specialist

SMUD

Lindsey Thao

Job Center Assistant Site Supervisor

Asian Resources Inc.

Shaf Wahla

Data Analyst

Sage Strategies

Caroline Winata

Founder

Milou & Olin

Past Program Participant Highlight

Partners

The curriculum and my experience with Catalyst contributed to the development of my leadership skill sets and in advancing my professional goals to serve students and the community. More importantly, it also equipped me with the knowledge to be engage in pathways/programs to foster and develop the next cadre of AAPI leaders in the region.
Dr. Chao Danny Vang
Associate Vice President for Student Success and Academic Excellence

Sponsors

Title

Industry

Scholar

Dignity Health

Sacramento State APIDA Center

Golden 1 Credit Union

SAFE Credit Union

Sage Strategies

AMS Professional Services

Lucas Public Affairs

PRIDE Industries

First 5 California

Our Sister Organizations

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Non-Discrimination Statement: The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Foundation affirms its commitment to equality of opportunity for all individuals. This commitment requires that no discrimination shall occur in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, age, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, genetic information, covered veteran status, or any other classification prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.

© 2026 California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce Foundation (CalAsian Foundation)