Catalyst Leadership Program
The Catalyst Leadership Program aims to develop and connect diverse emerging leaders throughout the Sacramento region. Since 2007, this nine-month program helps participants expand their individual leadership and management skills, create meaningful relationships with other emerging leaders across industries, gain insight from the experiences of established community leaders, and work to move the needle forward on key community issues.
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.
Check back in July 2023 to apply.
Applications for this year’s cohort has closed.
Program Details
Please consider the following commitment before applying to participate in this program.
- 9-Month Program from
September 2022 to May 2023 - 8 In-person Sessions*
- 1 Graduation Ceremony
- Meets the Second Friday of Every Month
- 3-Hour Sessions from
9:00 am – 12:00 pm - Session Locations (TBD)
- 1-Day Retreat
*In-person sessions, overnight retreat, and graduation ceremony are subject to CDC COVID-19 restrictions.
**Session location is 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 9: Leading and Serving Your Region
- October 14: 1-Day Retreat
- November 4: Implicit Bias***
- December 9: Leading Through Change
- January 13: Exploring Your Individual Growth
- February 10: Leadership Communication
- March 10: Leading Highly Effective Teams
- April 14: Negotiations and Conflict Management
- May 12: Graduation Ceremony***
Meeting dates and topics are subject to change.
***Please note that this session is not on a second Friday.
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.
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 XVI | 2022-2023 Program Roster
Camille Adams
Academic Program Coordinator
Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools
Kimberley Kaye Blanco
Nurse Manager, Women's Health
Kaiser Permanente
Isaura Cacho
Director of Student Services
Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools
James Cotton
Internal Services Professional
Siemens Mobility, Inc.
Alexis Dumonchelle
Evaluation and Learning Manager
Shine Together Inc.
Andrea Cachua Fruchier
Marketing and Communications Senior Director
Girl Scouts Heart of Central California
Irene Garcia
Community Resource Liaison
SMUD
Cecily Gomez
Campus Operations Coordinator
University of Phoenix
Amy Holz
Service Unit Manager II
Kaiser Permanente
Kayla Karamath
Human Resources Analyst
Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools
Mari Knuth-Bouracee
Director, Clinical Services Culture, Climate, and Community Engagement
UC Davis Health
Pavan Lankadasu
SAP Security Administrator
SMUD
Leilani Lim
Communications and Volunteer Coordinator
My Sister's House
Julie Lofgren
Relationship Manager
SAFE Credit Union
Fridaleen Lou-Dizon
Realtor
Homestead RE/Afargo RE
Samantha Mahler
Product Development Engineer
Intel Corporation
Clay Merrill
Government Relations Representative
PG&E
Pawan Wallace
Senior Associate Director, Financial Aid & Scholarship
Sacramento State
Will Wright
Business Governance and Outreach Specialist
Siemens Mobility, Inc.
Eva Skamel
Assistant Nurse Manager
Kaiser Permanente, South Sacramento
Past Program Participant Highlight
Partners
