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The Pomona Leadership Network (PLN) has officially closed applications for its 2026–2027 cohort.
We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who applied and shared their interest in the program.
Please check back for information regarding future cohorts and PLN news.
OVERVIEW
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.
This year, the goal is to build a pipeline of community leaders who will go on to influence decisions affecting prenatal to age 5 (0–5) children and families in Pomona. Through this program, participants will be better equipped to participate effectively in civic spaces (boards, advisory committees, public meetings) and to lead systems-change efforts that strengthen early childhood services and outcomes in Pomona.
Explore what happens behind the scenes in leadership. Foundation Board Members, such as Pomona City Manager Linda Lowry and Fairplex President Miguel Santana, mentor participants by sharing their personal journey to positions of leadership.
[Photo from Cohort 1, 2019]
...supporting self-starting, local leaders with creative ways to address community issues...
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The PLN is seeking collaborative personalities with an entrepreneurial drive and energy. Candidates should know their values and be able to articulate how those values inform their work as established or up and coming 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 an increased capacity to engage with others in community problem-solving in order to affect positive change. The PLN will increase its' members' understanding 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.
THE PROGRAM
...graduates will be inspired, informed and equipped to be leaders in Pomona.
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The 4th PLN cohort is a multi-month program
that will begin in March 2026 and end May 2027.
THE 4th COHORT
This year, the goal of the 4th cohort is to build a pipeline of community leaders who will go on to influence decisions affecting prenatal to age 5 (0–5) children and families in Pomona. Through this program, 20 participants will be better equipped to participate effectively in civic spaces (boards, advisory committees, public meetings) and to lead systems-change efforts that strengthen early childhood services and outcomes in Pomona. Program participants will receive an $800 stipend.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
The 4th PLN Cohort is planned to run
March 2026 through May 2027 and will have:
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March 2026 – January 2027: Active and Mixed
In-Person & Virtual Curriculum Sessions -
February – April 2027: Group Projects
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May 2027: Final Presentations & Graduation
Required Commitment
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Participate in a weekend in-person retreat (March) for cohort formation and program launch.
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Attend two sessions for up to 1.5 hours each per month (primarily virtual) and select in-person gatherings to build relationships and practice civic participation. Dates and times will be confirmed before participant selection to ensure participant commitment.
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Complete brief between-session activities (e.g., reflection prompts, assigned reading, meeting prep, community interviews, or short practice assignments like drafting public comment) as assigned.
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Participate in peer-led sessions including co-facilitating at least one session or segment with appropriate support.
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Engage in final project work (Feb–Apr 2027) and present at the final session.
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Attend civic and community leadership spaces, including advisory bodies such as the Measure Y Committee and Measure Z Community Input Meetings, Pomona Rising task force, PUSD Parent Leads Meetings, or other decision-making forums throughout the duration of the program.
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Attendance is required at both Orientation days and the Capstone Ceremony. In addition to class time, participants must have the time to work (virtually or in person) with other participants on shared projects with a maximum of 3 absences allowed in order to graduate from the program.
The 10-month program that includes research, community projects, and presentations led by Foundation Board Members and PLN participants.
2020 PLN making it work via virtual sessions
Are You A Good Fit For The Pomona Leadership Network (PLN)?
The PLN is looking for future participants.
Though applicants come from very diverse
backgrounds, successful participants often
share some of the following characteristics:
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People that are early in their professional careers or entering a new phase of their work (e.g., new to Pomona, switching careers, retirement).
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People that aspire to positions of authority. While a formal title or position is not necessary, applicants should have experience taking the initiative to improve their community-whether that be through school, workplace, church, neighborhood, etc.
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People that feel a calling to create positive change in the community.
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People that are drawn to public service, such as serving on commissions and nonprofit boards, or running for public office.
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People that are interested in learning how Pomona works (and tackles its problems), from its politics to major institutions, (such as Cal Poly and Pomona Valley Hospital) to community initiatives (such as Pomona's Promise and beautification programs).
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People that have the time to commit to regular evening meetings and collaborating with other participants in a community project.
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People that enjoy working with others or hope to improve their communication, collaboration, or entrepreneurial skills.
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People that have an interest in a community project. This can be either one of their own ideas or one that the program has identified as important to the community. Past projects have addressed the housing crisis, harvesting backyard foods, and early childhood support and resources.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: REGINA WANG
Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships at Claremont Graduate University.
Regina joined Cohort 1 of the PLN because she wanted to become more involved in efforts to improve her hometown. "There’s nothing like being on a team with like-minded peers who want to help Pomona thrive and flourish,” says Regina. She enjoyed the challenge of working together on a groundbreaking capstone project and developing new friendships with future colleagues.
Regina and her fellow participants learned that leadership is not limited to a title or position, but is a mindset strengthened by action and perseverance. Furthermore, though advocates often focus on merely identifying social problems, PLN participants learn the skills to take the initiative, ally with fellow changemakers, and make change happen. Regina added that she appreciated that the program did not only share success stories but also the lessons that can be learned from disappointments and mistakes."
PLN 2020 Cohort at January Orientation
2019 PLN Capstone Ceremony