I want to express my sincere gratitude to the many of you who attended and supported Coro’s 16th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Friday, April 29th.  The theme and topic of our Luncheon, “Seeing Beyond Red and Blue,” strongly resounded with the almost 600 people in attendance. The issues faced by government, labor, business, nonprofits and the world of politics are increasingly complex and polarizing. The theme reflected Coro’s work and focus of over its almost 70 years of training leaders. The need to move from battle to discussion, from antagonisms and animosity to listening, and towards understanding and collaboration, is greater now more than ever. Coro has the history and the tools to help bridge the differences, create dialogue, and lead to solutions. 

Each speaker addressed a divide which he or she has faced or overcome. The Coro Youth Fellows who presented, Jasmine Minato and Michael Andelmeskel, spoke eloquently about their Coro experiences. Jasmine talked about how she found her voice, took off her protective mask, and assumed a leadership role. During his internship at Dodge and Cox Investments, Michael challenged his assumptions and preconceived notions about capitalism, and went back to Oakland Tech to found a Finance Club!

The Coro Fellows, Edit Ruano and Amir Badat, together shared how they overcame biases, learned to listen and found a reason and ability to speak up and make a difference. The invited speakers, Secretary Norman Mineta and Secretary Ann Veneman, spoke about collaboration within the executive branch of government. They both shared that when dealing with a crisis, 9/11 for Secretary Mineta , and the Mad Cow Disease outbreak for Secretary Veneman, there were no parties, just the well being of the nation in mind. Nevertheless, they both lamented the increased polarization in the political realm. 

That atmosphere was cleared by the remarks of San Francisco Mayor, Ed Lee, the recipient of the Coro Community Catalyst Award.  He spoke of de-politicizing politics, of focusing on getting the work at hand accomplished, and the importance of finishing what had been begun before starting something new.  He was both direct and practical, an ideal Coro honoree.

We raised more money at the event than ever before, superseding the $20,000 match gift offered by Coro’s generous donor, Charles Munger Jr. The final total was $31,000!

We thank all of our supporters, speakers, and audience members for making this luncheon one of the best ever. View Pictures from the Luncheon »
Now it is on to the Fellows Graduation and the beginning of the 14th Exploring Leadership Class. 

You are invited to join us for the Fellows Graduation. It will be held at the Port of San Francisco Hearing Room, in the Ferry Building at 6pm on Friday, June 3. We hope to see many of you there or at upcoming Coro events. Thank you for being part of the Coro Community! 
                                    

Susan Shain, Executive Director