The Pomona Leadership Network is now accepting applications for its 2021 (virtual) cohort. The deadline to submit application materials is at 11:59pm on November 20, 2020.
OVERVIEW
The flagship program of the Pomona Community Foundation, the Pomona Leadership Network (PLN) graduated its first cohort in September 2019, setting the foundation for a bright future for a thriving network of Pomona-focused community leaders. The first cohort of graduates proved that the agile leadership curriculum, peer-led sessions, and community projects helped the inaugural cohort grow both personally and professionally. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic shifted the cohort into virtual sessions, along with community projects that adjusted to the new environment. For 2021, an all Zoom session schedule will be the default, with interactions with PLN Alumni, PCF Board Members, and other community members.
PLN 2020 Cohort at January Orientation
2019 PLN Capstone Ceremony
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: REGINA WANG
Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships at Claremont Graduate University.
Regina was interested in the program because she wanted to become more involved in Pomona and develop as a leader. She loves her PLN cohort. There’s nothing like being on a team with like-minded peers who want to help Pomona thrive and flourish. She’s had so much fun getting to know her cohort members over meals and movies. She also enjoyed working with several of them, including designing and executing a workshop and building a capstone project. Oh, and let’s not forget all the group photos they’ve attempted to take.
Regina learned that leadership is not limited to a title or position, but a mindset strengthened by action and perseverance. She appreciated that the board did not share only success stories, but stories of heartaches and mistakes: lessons they had learned along the way, sometimes the hard way. She is reminded of this: instead of complaining, everyone has the option of taking the initiative and responsibility to make change happen. The best part is that she doesn't need to be a lone wolf, especially now that she’s gained a network of fellow change-makers.
...supporting self-starting, local leaders with creative ways to address community issues...
"
"
The Pomona Leadership Network (PLN) is a civic and community leadership program designed to bolster and train a pipeline of diverse leaders with a collective interest in the central issues affecting Pomona and its residents.
By supporting self-starting, local leaders with creative ways to address community issues and tools to increase their own effectiveness, the PLN builds a powerful network of knowledgeable, informed peers and a platform to help them succeed in formal leadership roles across Pomona.
The 2021 PLN program year will begin in late January and end in September 2021, with a culminating presentation of the community projects. Check our FAQs for more information.
Explore what happens behind the scenes in leadership. Pomona City Manager Linda Lowry and Fairplex President Miguel Santana share how the personal side of life intersects with their work.
THE PROGRAM
2020 PLN Community Project presentations
The Pomona Leadership Network (PLN) is an innovative leadership development program designed to foster the next generation of community leaders in Pomona. After completing the program, graduates will be inspired, informed and equipped to take on high-impact leadership roles in their communities.
Successful PLN applicants will have a history of exercising leadership. While a formal title is not necessary, applicants should have experience taking the initiative to try and improve their community - whether that be through their local church, school, neighborhood, or employer.
The PLN is seeking collaborative personalities with entrepreneurial drive and energy.
Candidates should know their values and be able to articulate how those values inform their work as community leaders. Current residents of Pomona and/or people who have exercised leadership in Pomona are strongly preferred.
PLN graduates will be inspired, informed and equipped to be leaders in Pomona.
Graduates will be more knowledgeable about community challenges and potential solutions and have increased capacity to engage with others in community problem solving in order to affect positive change. The PLN will increase its' members understandings of their leadership styles and how they want to contribute to their community. Graduates will get to know current leaders in Pomona as well as establish a strong network with their cohort through the shared PLN experience.
...graduates will be inspired, informed and equipped to be leaders in Pomona.
"
"
PROGRAM OUTLINE
The nine-month program will consist of 17 virtual sessions, including sessions led by PLN participants. Successful applicants are expected to attend all sessions with a maximum of 3 absences allowed in order to graduate from the program. Attendance is required at both Orientation days and the Capstone Ceremony. Please review the below session schedule to ensure it fits with your other commitments. Except for Orientation and the Capstone Ceremony, sessions will take place on Thursdays from 6 pm to 7:30 pm via Zoom.
2020 PLN making it work via virtual sessions
CLASS SCHEDULE
Orientation
January 23, 2021
|
9am – 7pm
Orientation
January 24, 2021
|
9am – 2pm
History of Pomona Part I
February 4, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
History of Pomona Part II
February 18, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Pomona City Government
March 4, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Pomona Nonprofits
March 18, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Pomona Economy
April 8, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Participant-led Session #1 (Fundraising)
April 22, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Public Speaking & Presentation Training
May 6, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Mid-Point Community Project Presentation
May 20, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Participant-led Session #2 (Management)
June 3, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Board-led Session
June 17, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Participant-led Session #3 (Organizing)
July 8, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Participant-led Session #4 (Digital Strategy/Social Media)
July 22, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Board-led Session
August 5, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Reflection and Prep for Capstone
August 22, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm
Capstone Presentation & Ceremony
September 16, 2021
|
6pm – 7:30pm