Leadership Stockton Graduates 26 New Members and Completes Three Community Service Projects

Leadership Stockton, a program of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce the graduation of the 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 2025 Graduates

• Matthew Amen, Huddle Cowork + Create
• Vanity Baker, San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office
• Katrina Bambula-Santos, Michael’s New York Style Pizza, Inc.
• Mafae 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

Applications for the Leadership Stockton Class of 2025-26 are being accepted now! Application deadline is Friday, June 20, 2025.

For more information about the Leadership Stockton Program and for 2025-26 application please visit the Leadership Stockton webpage