Congra

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 2024-2025 cohort will be live in June 2024.

More details coming soon. 

Program Details

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

  • 9-Month Program from
    September 2023 to May 2024
  • 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
 

*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 15: Leading and Serving Your Region
  • October 20: 1-Day Retreat
  • November 9: Implicit Bias*
  • December 15: Leading Through Change
  • January 19: Exploring Your Individual Growth
  • February 16: Leadership Communication
  • March 15: Leading Highly Effective Teams
  • April 19: Negotiations and Conflict Management
  • May 10: 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.

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

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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

Jessica Gaines

Enterprise Develop Facilitator II

Golden 1 Credit Union

Marisa Hicks

Marketing Manager

SAFE Credit Union

Stacey Hill

Sr. Manager, Governance & Business Administration

Siemens Mobility, Inc.

Sumiko Hong

Community Engagement Manager, Aggie Square

UC Davis

Shiv Hundal

Sr. Manager, Business & Site Governance

Siemens Mobility, Inc.

Shawn Kahan

Entrepreneur

Yellow Brick Group

Austin Lee

Affiliate Network Senior Associate, Strategy & Growth

UC Davis Health

Jen Lee

Monica Moses

Marketing Communications Manager

Girl Scouts Heart of Central California

Patricia Parra

Program Director

Health Education Council

Mary Ellen Price

Regional Girl Experience Manager

Girl Scouts Heart of Central California

Socorro Rocha

Recruitment Manager

PRIDE Industries

Ivan Rostami

Business Performance and Optimization Manager

SMUD

Koy Saeteurn

Vice President

Sage Strategies

Michael Sasaki

Regional Wholesaler

Transamerica

Joe Smith

University Resource Specialist

University of Phoenix

Brian Swanson

Division Operation Specialist

PG&E

Phillip VanderDaussen

Human Resources Analyst Journey

SMUD

Jose Madrigal

Service Unit Department Manager-Gastroenterology

Kaiser Permanente

Heather Welch

Coordination of Care Service Director

Kaiser Permanente

LaToya Worthy

Service Director Urgent & Hospital Based Services

Kaiser Permenente

Andrew Yang

APIDA Center Coordinator and Student Academic Success Counselor

Sacramento State

Iryna Yanytska

Principal

Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools

Carol Zheng

Principal

Highlands Community Charter and Technical Schools

Past Program Participant Highlight

Catalyst Past Highlight

Partners

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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
Director of Educational Equity Access and Equity Strategist, Sacramento State
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
Director of Educational Equity Access and Equity Strategist, Sacramento State