LEAD San Diego Announces Grants for Scholars to Participate in 2008-09 Core Curriculum Seminar Series

September 15, 2008 • San Diego LEAD San Diego announced that three scholarship programs will help support the participation of several members of the incoming Core Curriculum Seminar Series. The grants aid the candidates as they participate in LEAD’s intense nine-month seminar program described as a “Master’s Degree” on San Diego. The seminars are designed to transform a highly motivated group of individuals into a network of leaders with knowledge and commitment that benefits the entire region. The program focuses on building leadership skills, providing a regional issues orientation and participation in Leadership Action Teams- a hands-on Leadership Initiative providing assistance to area non-profit organizations. The grants provide a partial scholarship and each candidate is responsible for acquiring the balance of their tuition from employers or other sources.

“LEAD is grateful for these scholarship grants, which provide opportunities for passionate future leaders who might not otherwise be able to participate in this valuable program,” said LEAD President and CEO Judy Forrester.

AT&T Diversity in Action Scholarship
In addition to participating as title sponsor of the 2008-09 Core Curriculum Series, AT&T will present this scholarship to select women in the incoming LEAD class who clearly express a commitment to make a difference through community service and action. Through this scholarship, AT&T continues its commitment to increase inclusion and create opportunities for diverse populations.

“AT&T is proud to provide leadership development opportunities for these five women who represent a cross section of San Diego communities and might one day serve as our leaders in the business and community fields,” said LEAD San Diego’s Chair Elect, Mark Leslie, Vice President-External Affairs, AT&T.

The scholars receiving the AT&T Diversity in Action Scholarship are:

Tyree Dillingham, Deputy Director, Office of Governor Schwarzenegger
“By gaining more in-depth knowledge of the San Diego region, I hope to have the skills to perform better and serve the community. I see every day how rewarding it is to give back and how critical volunteer leadership can be to the success of a region.”

Shaina Gross, Community Impact Manager, United Way of San Diego
“By participating in LEAD, I hope to increase my knowledge of the resources within the County and exploring how the different sectors work together to improve our region.”

Vanessa Mapula, Project Manager, Ledford Enterprises
“As a first generation immigrant who understands the value of higher education, I hope to impact more high school students to attend college through mentoring programs. I also am interested in helping local community centers develop financial literacy programs for their members.”

Jill Monroe, Policy Associate, Office of Mayor Sanders
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as a role model to a younger generation. I want to become more involved in my local neighborhood, as well as get further involved in issues of sustainability facing the region.”

Antoinette Sanchez, Development Director, Salerno/Livingston Architects
“I appreciate the opportunity to meet and network with individuals who are genuinely concerned about making a difference in our region, as I am committed to doing the same.”

San Diego Union-Tribune Emerging Leaders Grant

Established in 2002, the Emerging Leaders Grant was created in partnership with The San Diego Union-Tribune to benefit seminar candidates from diverse communities. The Emerging Leaders Grant recipients are selected based on the potential value, energy and dedication they bring to community leadership in the region. In addition, the recipients leverage considerable influence with their professional networks, and have demonstrated connections within their communities.

According to Drew Schlosberg, Community and Public Relations Manager for The San Diego Union-Tribune, “We continue our commitment to addressing and meetings the needs of our changing region. By encouraging the development of leaders from diverse communities, we support a wide range of voices and influences on decision making regarding San Diego’s future.”

The scholar receiving the San Diego Union-Tribune Emerging Leaders Grant is:

Francesca Sweet, Business Planner, Sony Electronics, Inc.
“I have always had a strong desire to become involved in the San Diego community and I feel it is my time to give back. As a minority woman, it is my desire to build commonalities among seemingly diverse socio-economic and demographic sects. As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant and a native Californian, I have a unique perspective on border relations and hope we can work to create a more symbiotic relationship with our neighbors.”

Class of 2008 Alumni Scholarship

Established by the LEAD Class of 2008, this award will be presented annually by the recent graduating class to a member of the incoming class that best demonstrates a commitment to leadership in San Diego’s non-profit or government sector. The award symbolizes and celebrates the passing of the torch from Graduate to Class member. The scholarship supports the continued development of extraordinary leaders to serve San Diego’s vital non-profit community.

“The Class of 2008 is proud to ’pay it forward’ to an individual like Melissa Chaty who not only works at the Alzheimer’s Association, but has demonstrated her commitment to our community through her active volunteer participation in performing arts, health and children,” said the 2008 Herbert G. Klein Visionary Award winner Hal Dunning, COO/CFO, and Principal for Barney and Barney.

The scholar receiving the Class of 2008 Alumni Scholarship is:

Melissa Chaty, Project Specialist, Alzheimer’s Association

“Working full time and serving as Miss California made it very difficult for me to be involved in the San Diego community. This chapter of my life is coming to a close, enabling me to become more active and give back to the community. I am just discovering the causes and missions of so many wonderful organizations.”