The Community Leadership Institute opens north to Snohomish County

Puget Sound Sage celebrated the graduation of 11 emerging leaders of color in Snohomish County late last month, marking the Community Leadership Institute’s (CLI) expansion north of King County. The 12-week intensive was conducted in partnership with Immigrant Guide’s Community Advocacy and Leadership Academy (CALA) program and led by CLI Alums Sibongile Chadyiwa and Mpiima Mugambe, demonstrating the continued leadership pipeline being built through Sage programs.

Throughout the fellowship, participants learned about community organizing, public policy, environmental justice, and local government while building meaningful relationships with one another. Graduate Antonio Fajardo-Mora reflects on his experience during his speech, sharing that despite coming from different backgrounds the cohort quickly found a true sense of community. “My biggest lesson I'll carry with me is that meaningful change happens where people are willing to learn from one another, to challenge one another, and work toward a shared purpose. None of us creates change alone.”

State Representative Cindy Ryu (32nd LD) delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the invaluable knowledge graduates have gained around municipal processes. “It is timely to develop leaders who will have a seat at the table advancing racial and social justice in Snohomish County by equipping and elevating leaders like you who will drive meaningful change in our communities. You all know, and you will learn – housing, land use, transit, climate justice, economic development, and budgeting issues are personal. They are about where we live. Learning the mechanics of local government is not for the faint of heart.” 

Building on the success of this first Snohomish County cohort, the program will expand from its 12-week format to a six-month model, aligning more closely with Sage’s CLI curriculum, and providing participants with even deeper opportunities for leadership development, civic engagement, and community building. 

We are now accepting applications for the next cohort in Snohomish County! Learn more and apply here.