THANK YOU!

The Community Advocates Leadership Academy (CALA) class of 2017-2018 appreciates your support so that we might offer scholarships to all participants who requested one.

Here’s what this year’s class had to say about your support:

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in CALA. I could not have done this without your support.” -Nicole Mclane, San Jose

“Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me be part of the incredible CALA experience. Even after the first class I am finding myself transformed and transported into a world of new possibilities.”-Smita Patel, San Jose

“After the first class, I can already see how much I will benefit in sharpening my skills from the Community Advocacy Leadership Academy. I could never have afforded to attend without financial assistance. And so I am very grateful to those who made the CALA scholarship program possible.” -Peter Ruddock, Hollister

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing the opportunity to attend CALA this year. I honestly would not be able to participate if it was not for your generous scholarship. I am so looking forward to learning how to effectively engage elected officials and other important stakeholders and decisions makers towards positive solutions to the pressing problems of our times. I hope I make you proud at some point along my journey.  -Karen Lattin, San Jose

“I couldn’t have participated in the very impressive 2017-2018 CALA without your generous sponsorship, which will successfully guide me to be an effective Community leader. I salute you for choosing to support an outstanding Community oriented program, filled with dedicated support Staff & a class, bursting with  dynamic, diverse, eager people.” -Jane Mio, Santa Cruz

“Thank you so much for your generosity! I greatly appreciate your commitment to community advocacy for providing me with this amazing opportunity.” -Cindy Urquidez, San Bruno

“Thank you for donating to support leadership growth. Because of your kind donation, I’m part of a solid team of activists that will stand strong on issues for years to come!” -Erica Stanojevic, Santa Cruz

“Thank you so much for making it possible for me to participate in CALA; I knew within the first hour that I was in for an amazing experience.” -Elizabeth Softky, Redwood City

“As a person already working in the field, I really need this training to improve my skills so that they more closely reflect my values. Without your generosity, I simply wouldn’t have been able to afford the program. Thank you for allowing me to better serve the community.” -Mitchel Oster, Redwood City

“I can’t tell you enough how much I appreciate your generosity. It has allowed me to be part of CALA 2017-2018. I left the first class so encouraged and excited to learn more. I will not take this for granted. Thank you!” -Jessie Uperesa, Daly City

“I want to thank you for your generous donation, as it has allowed me the opportunity to attend CALA. I know this program will help me personally and will be a contributing asset to the non-profit organizations I participate in. I look forward to using the tools I learn from CALA to help better my community.” -Trina Hineser, San Martin

“Thank you donor, for helping me to refresh my skills as a community activist and advocate. Your generosity is very much appreciated and my community will surely benefit!” -Kyra Brown, East Palo Alto

“I want to thank all the sponsors for the love of giving giving! It’s a blessing for me to get the opportunity to be able to join an amazing program like CALA, empowering individuals like myself on how to serve and advocate effectively in our communities. And the only possible way for me to be able to attend because of you all! Thank you! Proverbs 11:25 “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” -Vaea Sanft, East Palo Alto

“Thanks so much to you, our generous sponsors!  I’m able to attend this year’s Community Advocates Leadership Academy only because of your gracious support.  I am certain that CALA will teach me to be a more effective leader and advocate in my nonprofit and civic work in Redwood City and San Mateo County.  Your contributions will have a ripple effect far beyond those of us in the classroom.  Thank you!” – Rick Hunter, Redwood City

“Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am so excited to learn about how to better serve my community, that which has already helped me grow so much. Without your assistance, I wouldn’t be able to attend this class or have access to such an incredible collection of people and education. Hopefully, with CALA’s lessons, I’ll be able to make real change in the communities that need it the most. Thank you!!” – Lauren Bigelow, Menlo Park

“I’m grateful to be able to participate in the 2017-2018 Community Advocates Leadership Academy and wouldn’t have been able to without a scholarship. Thank you for your generosity and investment in our future.” -Andrew Boone, East Palo Alto

“Your generous support for the Community Advocates Leadership Academy has brought together some amazing folks from a wide variety of backgrounds. You’re helping foster a productive spirit of collaboration that will have a significant positive impact on the Bay Area. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that. Thank you.” -Nick Allen, San Jose

“Thanks to generous donors like yourself, I’m able to participate in CALA. I’m excited to delve deeper on environmental justice issues and contribute to positive change leading to more sustainable, environmentally just communities. I’m happy to be a part of the 2017-2018 cohort and look forward to all that CALA has to offer!” -Rebecca McDowell, Daly City

“Thank you for sponsoring our CALA cohort! The connections and insights gained through this program will enhance the impact of our work. Our first meeting was phenomenal and your support was instrumental in bringing everyone together.” -Flora Kaplan, San Jose (works in San Mateo)

“Thank you for your generosity in fact, and in spirit. Please know that my commitment to the environment is strong and your investment will not be in vain. This training is such an important part of an activist toolkit and to my knowledge it is unique to your organization.” -Cynthia Denny, San Jose

“It is an honor and a privilege for both me and my entire community to be a part of this year’s CALA training. A privilege that was afforded by you, our generous donors.  Malo ‘Aupito (thank you)” – Viliami Young, East Palo Alto