Our History

The San Jose Leadership Council was founded in 1992 as a membership organization for the alumni of Community Leadership San Jose. The concept for the organization's creation was primarily to maintain the personal, professional and civic connections made by alumni during the course of their leadership year, as well as to provide continued opportunities for training and development, similar to what is offered to students in the program.

Since 1990, the total number of graduates from the leadership program has grown to more than 500. Over the years, The Leadership Council has grown not just in numbers, but in strength and maturity as an organization. For instance, SJLC is a 501c3 public benefit corporation, and as a result, a large portion of its operating funds are donated by businesses, philanthropic organizations and individuals.

In 1999, The Leadership Council added its first staff member, an Executive Director. In 2001, SJLC, in collaboration with the San Jose Unified School District and the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, created the San Jose Leadership Academy, a leadership program designed for high school juniors. SJLC graduated its seventh class in 2007.

What community leaders are saying. . .

“SJLC has epitomized a grass-roots organization that today continues to thrive because of the people who make it work and run. It’s been one of the highlights of my time here in San Jose — the leadership opportunities, the networking and simply the time to engage in meaningful, community work has made it an experience I’ll long remember. — Robb Hermanson ('94), Senior Vice President, Development YMCA of Santa Clara Valley