The Leadership Rancho Cordova Class XVIII gathered at Rancho Cordova City Hall to celebrate the culmination of their nine-month leadership journey. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - On the cool summer evening of June 12, Leadership Rancho Cordova Class XVIII gathered at Rancho Cordova City Hall to celebrate the culmination of their nine-month leadership journey. Friends, family, mentors and community members filled the room, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere as graduates reflected on their shared experiences and achievements.

The evening featured heartfelt speeches from Class XVIII members and their mentors, each highlighting the growth and bonds that developed throughout the year. A photo slideshow offered a visual recap of the many moments shared by the class, from educational modules and site tours to their completed group project. Government officials from the State of California and Sacramento County presented certificates to the graduates, formally recognizing their accomplishments.

A genuine spirit of esteem and appreciation filled the room as classmates exchanged hugs, encouraging words and even a few tears. Classmate Lisa Gerber of the Rancho Cordova Police Department presented each graduate with a beautiful homemade ribbon lei, adding a personal and touching element to the celebration. Guests enjoyed delicious refreshments courtesy of Howe It’s Done Catering before raising a champagne toast and sharing cake to mark the joyous occasion.

“I was moved by the kindness this year’s class exhibited, especially at a time where the world feels like it’s lacking kindness,” program manager Cassandra Marcum said. “The amount they believed in each other and the words they used to describe each other left me undone by the end of the day.” 

A special highlight of the evening was the surprise presentation of an Honorary Graduate certificate to program manager Dawn Hall. In recognition of Hall’s 15-plus years of dedication to the program, Class XVIII welcomed Hall into the ranks of Leadership Alumni. Starting with the next class of Rancho Cordova leaders, Hall will step into her new role as program director, following the retirement of longtime director Diann Rogers, CEO of the Rancho Cordova Area Chamber of Commerce. Rogers received a round of applause for her many years of passionate leadership as she made the announcement.

Since its founding in 2006, Leadership Rancho Cordova has guided and equipped individuals to become community leaders, advocates and visionaries committed to Rancho Cordova’s future. Now celebrating its 18th graduating class (with only a brief pause in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) the program continues to attract a diverse group of participants. This year’s class included educators, a firefighter, nonprofit professionals, small business owners, representatives from the City of Rancho Cordova and Cordova Recreation & Park District and more, all united by their shared commitment to service and leadership.

As Class XVIII graduates move forward, they join a large network of Leadership Rancho Cordova alumni who continue to shape and strengthen Rancho Cordova’s vibrant community. A few members from this year’s class plan to develop an alumni group for future fundraising opportunities and events. If you are an alum of the program, keep an eye out for an invitation.