ABOUT LEADERSHIP STOCKTON

Stockton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Stockton logo

Lead. Connect. Make an Impact.

Leadership Stockton is designed for professionals who want to expand their influence, strengthen their leadership skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the community they serve.

What You'll Gain

  • A powerful network of community, business, and civic leaders
  • Behind-the-scenes access to the organizations driving our region
  • Leadership development that strengthens your professional and personal impact
  • A broader perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Stockton
  • Meaningful connections with a diverse cohort of engaged professionals

The Experience

One day each month for eleven months, participants engage with leaders from across our community through tours, discussions, simulations, and collaborative projects.

Join a Legacy of Leadership

Nearly 1,000 graduates have completed Leadership Stockton since 1981, building a network of leaders who continue to shape the future of Stockton and San Joaquin County.

Ready to grow your network, expand your perspective, and make a lasting impact?
Leadership Stockton is for you.

JOIN LEADERSHIP STOCKTON

Applications are open for the Leadership Stockton Class of 2026-27!

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 Ximena Aguilar Arroyo at events@stocktonchamber.org or (209) 292-8426
  • Your application includes a page to be completed by your employer (if you are not self-employed).
  • Application Deadline Extended to 5:00pm Monday, June 29, 2026..
  • 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-late July if you will be selected for the Class of 2026-2027. 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 2026-2027

August 7, 2026: Orientation (mandatory)
August 14, 2026: Leadership Dynamics (mandatory)
September 18-19, 2026 (NEW DATE): Retreat, Decision of the Class Project (mandatory) Overnight
October 9, 2026: History, Arts, and Culture
November 13, 2026: Education
December 4, 2026: Local Government
January 8, 2027: Law Enforcement / Justice
February 12, 2027: Community Serving Community
March 12, 2027: Health Care
April 9, 2027: Economy
May 5, 2027: Politics
June 10, 2027: 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 Ximena Aguilar Arroyo, events@stocktonchamber.org or (209) 292-8463

CLASS of 2026-27

Stefanie Alfaro

Tomas Bermudez
Tracy Ford

Erica Burton
Public Health Advocates

Manuel "Manny" Castano
Main Street Youth & Family Services

Jelani Dailey
Amazon

Tesia Gampon
Keely's House

Diana Gonzalez
Child Abuse Prevention Council of San Joaquin

Carrie Grover
Tracy Community Connections Center

Shadaneca Harbour
San Joaquin County Office of Education

Bill Johnson
Valimet, Inc.

EJ Kim
University of the Pacific - Westgate Center for Leadership

Ashley Kluza
Stockton Police Department

Jennifer Lemos
Adventist Health Arena - Legends Global

Patrick Martin
Amergis

Rosa Meza
Haggerty Construction Inc.

Heather Mompean
City of Stockton

Ricardo Nunez
Oak Valley Community Bank

Lisa Orosco
San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department

Trevor Parry
San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters

Daniel Ramirez
San Joaquin County - General Services

Francine Redada
University of the Pacific, Pacific College Corps

Hector A. Soto
Office of Congressman Josh Harder

Rashard Stallworth
Mary Magdalene Community Services

Shayla Stroughter
Hammer Head Institute of Training

Maya Taylor
Bear Creek High School

CATALYST FOR BUSINESS GROWTH • CONVENER OF LEADERS & INFLUENCERS • CHAMPION FOR STRONGER COMMUNITIES