ABOUT LEADERSHIP STOCKTON
Founded in 1981, Leadership Stockton is California’s oldest adult community leadership program. Leadership Stockton is a program designed to inspire a new generation of men and women ready to assume leadership roles in our community. It challenges and prepares individuals from diverse backgrounds to become influential in our region’s future. In 1980 members of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce led a contingent to Denver to review a creative concept in developing community leadership. The result of that trip was Leadership Stockton, the first continuous program of its type west of the Rockies and the prototype for many leadership programs throughout California. The idea that we can transform communities by developing our own leaders still holds true today.
By developing enlightened, educated and motivated community leaders from all backgrounds and areas of our community, we can continue to transform Stockton. Since its inception, almost 1,000 participants have graduated from the program. Leadership Stockton participants embark on a journey that puts them in touch with the Stockton community and each other, and develops their personal leadership skills. One day a month for eleven months, participants meet for an intense study and discussion of specific topics. Various perspectives are presented through the use of panelists, tours and simulation activities. Participants also work on class projects that focus on solutions to real community problems. Each project is designed to bring about positive community change while teaching the value of setting and achieving goals. Countless organizations benefit from the Leadership Stockton program. Benefits have not only been through hands-on community projects during the course of the class, but program graduates serve on a variety of boards and commissions in the Stockton community.
For more information and questions contact Timm Quinn, tquinn@stocktonchamber.org or (209) 292-8423
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the graduation of the Leadership Stockton Class of 2025 and celebrates their dedication and work on three community projects. We are proud of their hard work and commitment to making Stockton a better place to live. These projects are a great example for the community to show what a group of people can get accomplished when they work together. The Class of 2025 was recognized for their accomplishments Thursday, June 12th at the Leadership Stockton Class of 2025 Graduation Dinner.
Project Summary:
Leadership Stockton 2025 completed three transformative, community-centered projects designed to uplift and honor underserved groups in Stockton. Together, these efforts supported unhoused youth, women and children in crisis, and local veterans through revitalized spaces of healing, reflection, and recognition.
The Spot – PREVAIL Youth Shelter Renovation
The LS Class of 2025 revitalized “The Spot”—a critical resource for unhoused and at-risk youth into a more welcoming space by painting interior and exterior murals, assembling new furnishings throughout the facility, installing a new washer/dryer and coffee bar, and added inspirational signage to uplift everyone who comes through the doors. With over $30,000 in in-kind donations secured, the remodeled drop-in center now reflects an improved environment that now fosters comfort, dignity, and resilience for the youth it serves.
Haven of Peace Healing Garden
An underused outdoor area at Haven of Peace is now a peaceful garden featuring citrus trees, a gazebo, solar fountain, and flowering plants. With over $14,000 in donated materials and labor, the garden invites rest, reflection, and connection to nature for the women and children who call The Haven home.
Veterans Mural Project
In progress at the Adventist Health Arena, the “Stockton Heroes United” mural honors Stockton veterans and raises awareness of the challenges they face. The public mural project is fully funded, the artist and site are secured, and the mural is expected to be unveiled in Summer 2025. Join us for a ribbon cutting to unveil the mural on July 2nd, 4:00pm at the Adventist Health Arena.
Together, these projects reflect the Class 2025’s commitment to healing, visibility, and community pride. By engaging artists, nonprofits, and volunteers, LS 2025 created meaningful, lasting contributions to the Stockton community—helping lives thrive through connection, creativity, and care.
Leadership Stockton Class of 2024-25
Matthew Amen, Huddle Cowork + Create
Vanity Baker, San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office
Katrina Bambula-Santos, Michael’s New York Style Pizza, Inc.
Maria Rafaela Yunon Belasco, Mafae Management Consultancy, LLC
Shawna Brown, SEIU-UHW
Cristopher Bunnell, San Joaquin Pride Center
Elisa Corral, Parents by Choice
Joshua Diaz, San Joaquin County Mosquito & Vector Control District
Linda Fistolera, Port of Stockton
Gesere Furneri, UNCLE Credit Union
Philana Grayson, AT&T
Joseph Gutierrez, ASM Global
Najja Haynes, United Way of San Joaquin County
David Higares, Stockton East Water District
Consuelo Ishihara, Emergency Food Bank of Stockton/San Joaquin County
Brenda Kiely, San Joaquin County
Robert Liddicoat, City of Stockton, Community Development Dept.
Adam Mancia, Valimet Inc.
Domoniquic McPherson, Operation Iraqi/Endurance Freedom Decorated Veteran
Jasmine Peterson
Rebecca Ray, Family Resource Center
Anita Renteria, KIPP Public Schools
Michele J. Sherman, Platinum Credit Solutions
Michael Sorensen, Friends Outside
Frank Souza, San Joaquin Office of Education
Sarom Teiv, Retired U.S. Army Veteran
JOIN LEADERSHIP STOCKTON
Applications are open for the Leadership Stockton Class of 2025-26!
Here is how to become part of Leadership Stockton:
- Complete the application online below. Should you need a hard copy of the application please contact Timm Quinn at tquinn@stocktonchamber.org or (209) 292-8423
- Your application includes a page to be completed by your employer (if you are not self-employed).
- Application deadline extended to 5:00pm on Friday, June 27, 2025.
- Next an interview will be scheduled. All applicants will be interviewed by a panel of Leadership Stockton alumni. Interviews are usually in late June or early July.
- You will hear in mid to late July if you will be selected for the Class of 2025-2026. The first session will be in August.
- If you are not selected, please apply again next year. With only 25-27 students accepted each year, the selection process is difficult. The interview panels are seeking to make a diverse class that is interested in making Stockton a great place to live, work, and play.
Before you apply, make sure that this is the year for you! Here is more about what to expect:
- Leadership Stockton meets for eleven months. Dates are listed below. There are three mandatory sessions. You may only have one full day absence OR two-partial days. It is important for you to attend all the sessions to fully gain what the program has to offer. Classes are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Lunch is provided, and class members are expected to stay through lunch.
- In addition to the class sessions, class members will be participating in a group project. The class decides on what the project is by determining what the group thinks needs to be improved. The class raises the funds to complete the project. Class members will need to meet outside of class to make the project happen. The completed project is an accomplishment that no one forgets.
- Class members are also asked to complete individual projects. These projects are the class member’s choice and will provide the opportunity to go on a ride-a-long, attend a board meeting, donate blood, and much more.
- Professional dress is required for most sessions. Some sessions may be casual depending on the activities.
- Each month focuses on a specific area of what is important in leadership. Check the application to make sure you will make the dates in the year you are applying.
Sessions for 2025-2026
August 8, 2025: Orientation (mandatory)
August 15, 2025: Leadership Dynamics (mandatory)
September 26-27, 2025: Retreat, Decision of the Class Project (mandatory) Overnight
October 10, 2025: History, Arts, and Culture
November 14, 2025: Economy
December 5, 2025: Local Government
January 9, 2026: Law Enforcement / Justice
February 13, 2026: Community Serving Community
March 6, 2026: Education
April 10, 2026: Health Care
May 13, 2026: Politics
June 11, 2026: Closing Session and Graduation.
Tuition for the Class of 2026 will be $2,000. It is suggested that $200 be paid by the class members themselves. The remainder of the tuition may be paid by an employer, service club, organization, or the class member. The first $200 must be paid before orientation. The remaining balance must be paid by December 31. The Leadership Stockton Alumni Association does offer a partial scholarship. The amount is determined by how many class members request a scholarship. Arrangements for a payment plan must be made prior to class starting.
Questions may be answered by contacting the Leadership Stockton Program Coordinator and/or speaking with an alumni member.
For more information and questions contact Timm Quinn, tquinn@stocktonchamber.org or (209) 292-8423
LEADERSHIP STOCKTON Class of 2025-26 Application
You will be required to submit an Employer Commitment Form along with your application. You will be able to upload the completed form into your online application (on the last page of the application).
If you cannot upload the Employer Commitment Form at the time you submit your online application, please follow the instructions on the form on how to return.
If you can’t fill out the application online, contact Timm Quinn, tquinn@stocktonchamber.org or (209) 292-8423