November 13, 2025
Our final Advance seminar asked one big question: What do you value most, and how will you lead with it?
Our 2025 cohort spent the day diving deep into what it means to lead with purpose and authenticity, and what it truly looks like to step into influence at the board and executive levels.
We kicked off with the day with Deirdre Maloney, the President of Momentum, LLC, who brought her signature candor and humor to an important topic: finding your fit on a nonprofit board. She reminded us that boards don’t just need people, they need your perspective, your strategy, your lived experience and your voice. Deirdre pushed us to reflect honestly on what we bring, what excites us, and what we still need to grow.
Together, we workshopped and explored:
- Why boards exist and what they actually do
- The real value exchange between leaders, companies, and communities
- How to assess alignment, ask the right questions, and choose the right boardroom
- What successful board members practice: governance, accountability, presence, curiosity
The founder of The Direforza Group, Darrah DiGiorgio Johnson, joined us to speak on what courageous leadership looks like. Darrah reminded us that courage isn’t about fearlessness, it’s about choosing to move forward with the fear, grounded in our values and committed to the people we serve. She challenged the cohort to examine the moments where courage shows up quietly: in hard conversations, in boundary-setting, in advocating for ourselves, and in making decisions that reflect who we are rather than who others expect us to be.
We closed the day with LEAD board member and Advance graduate, Dr. La Monica Everett-Haynes (19), the Associate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for San Diego State University. HerStory included the childhood moment that sparked the fire inside her that would eventually shape her path into leadership and impact. Her vulnerability, clarity, and presence offered a masterclass in what it means to own your story and lead from the inside out.
After the seminar concluded, the cohort was celebrated with their mentors, colleagues, family and friends in the graduation ceremony. LEAD Executive Director, Veronica Perondi, left the cohort with these wise words:
“If you weren’t ready, you wouldn’t have the opportunity. And if you weren’t capable, you wouldn’t have the desire.”
Congratulations Class of 2025. Welcome to the LEAD network. We can’t wait to see the impact you make on our community!
Click here to learn more about the LEAD Advance Program
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