I first learned about the Coro Fellows program at an informational meeting my senior year at UC Berkeley. I thought it was a great program and I was interested in public policy so I thought this was a great way to gain experience before returning to graduate school in public policy. I decided to apply and put San Francisco and Los Angeles as my two top choices. In the selection committee’s infinite wisdom, I was offered the Coro Fellowship in New York City. Not knowing how exactly I was going to pay for the program, I accepted the offer and decided to leave my comfort of family and friends and move to the East Coast. Coro would have a lasting impact on me from Selection Day to Graduation day and beyond.

During my time as a Coro Fellow, I learned about teamwork, I improved public speaking, and learned how to be effective and ethical leader. I also learned that I made lots of assumptions, and I quickly realized how that impacts public policy decisions. I learned about how words matter, how to facilitate, and how to run effective meetings. New York City was my laboratory and every day, we had new challenges and opportunities for growth. From working with NYPD under Mayor Giuliani, to working for the Lower East Side Girls Club, and for Newsweek magazine, each assignment provided an opportunity to gain real world experience.

Today, I use the skills I learned through Coro as President of the Governing Board of the Peralta Community College District in the East Bay. Working with a diverse group of trustees I put my Coro training to use regularly. The power of inquiry and listening has really enabled me to help our board build consensus around some tough policy and budget issues. As a Financial Advisor, raising money for CA public school and colleges, I also have to interact with

various stake holders and community groups. In dealing with the public, I know that the process sometimes tends to be just as important as the outcome.

The knowledge that I gained from Coro has helped me navigate both the public and private sector and helped me build trust with my colleagues on the board and to be an effective leader. Coro gave me real tools and training that are needed now more than ever given our current fiscal climate and daunting challenges. I often interact with Coro Fellows. I love hosting Fellows, and look forward to my continued relationship with Coro and the Alumni network.