Public Workshop Calendar

• Being a “leader” can be an exciting but lonely journey, and there are moments where it can feel like there is no one to turn to for advice or support.

• Without the right tools, burnout and turnover cost organizations and individuals both time and revenue.

• There is always room to hone our skills in critical leadership abilities like coaching, having difficult conversations, balancing time and resources, setting boundaries, supervising staff, and other challenging demands of our jobs.

No matter what stage of your career you are at, we feel there is always something to be gained by being surrounded by others who are navigating the same waters. Together, we can learn to lead in ways that are both more sustainable and impactful.

Our 6-month series for people in leadership positions is designed to create a community of support and transformation, so that you can truly thrive.

Our community is open to:

• Executive directors

• Department heads

• Team leads

• Program managers

• Site coordinators

In short, anyone who would like to be in a space to learn about and support each other on issues related to their positions of leadership. Please contact us if you have questions about whether this series is right for you!

Together we will engage in:

• An online Orientation Session on February 2, 2027 from 10am – 11am

• Three synchronous 2-hour learning sessions (1 online, 2 in-person in San Francisco)

• Two in-person overnight retreats at the Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma, CA

What you’ll get out of the experience:

• Learn and share new ideas and strategies for increasing your impact and well-being

• Have a space to process and share successes and challenges

• Access creativity as an outlet for dreaming, and find excitement and joy in the possibilities

• Gain clarity on your past, present, and future self as a leader

• Feel supported, uplifted, and appreciated as part of a web of change-makers dedicated to elevating the collective

We begin with a kickoff opening networking session online on Tuesday, February 2 from 10am – 11am via Zoom.

In-person overnight retreats at Westerbeke will take place:

• From 10am on Monday, February 8 to 4pm on Tuesday, February 9, 2027

• From 4pm on Monday, June 14 – 7:30pm Tuesday, June 15, 2027

Learning Sessions will take place:

• Learning Session 1 (virtual): Tuesday, March 9, 10am – 12pm

• Learning Session 2 (in-person): Tuesday, April 13, 10am – 12pm

• Learning Session 3 (in-person): Tuesday, May 11, 10am – 12pm

It is important that you are able to attend all sessions, so please check your calendar before enrolling in the cohort.

• Delicious farm-to-table meals

  • In the February retreat, the overnight retreat will include lunch and dinner on Monday night, and breakfast and lunch on Tuesday (all dietary restrictions can be accommodated)

  • In June, the overnight retreat will include dinner on Monday night, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Tuesday (all dietary needs can be accommodated)

• A shared room for Monday night

• All materials, snacks, and other goodies

• Access to the pool, hot tub, meditation labyrinth and grounds at Westerbeke

• Carpool rides for anyone who is eager to limit our impact on the environment and save money on gas

• In-person Learning Sessions will include brunch (all dietary needs can be accommodated) and materials

We are offering an equity-based sliding-scale payment structure for the retreat. All participants will receive equal access to everything about the retreat, regardless of ability to pay. We encourage you to reach out to foundations and your organization’s funders to sponsor your participation! We consider this to be very cost-effective and essential support that will build equity and resilience within your organization.

Full Rate: $5,000 – If you/your organization is able to pay this amount, it will help discounted rates for those who need financial support.

At-Cost Rate: $3,100 per person – If your organization is helping to pay for you to participate, or if you earn enough for this to be viable for you, this is the actual rate for the series.

Discount Rate: $2,000 per person – If you are paying for the retreat yourself and earn a modest income, or if you work for a small organization that cannot help subsidize your participation, please use this rate.

A limited number of full scholarships for DCYF grantees are available. The link to apply for the scholarships is coming soon. Please do not fill out this form if you will be applying for a scholarship.

→ How can I get to Westerbeke?

We will help to arrange carpools for those wishing to save on gas and ease the burden on the environment. Plus, riding up together offers an excellent opportunity to get to know each other better. Westerbeke Ranch is located at 2300 Grove Street, Sonoma, CA 95476

Yes! You are strongly encouraged to join with a colleague (or two, or three). If cost is a concern, please reach out to find out about group rates.

This series is being facilitated by Natalie Guandique, Terrence Riley, and Eva Jo Meyers – a team of seasoned leaders and practitioners convened by Spark Decks – but the magic centers around the wisdom and experience brought in by participants. Together, we are committed to offering an inclusive and accessible space for all identities and levels of experience. Read more about the team here.

The deadline to enroll is January 19, 2027.

→ What do past participants have to say about the Cohort?

“Thank you for this cohort! I can already feel the value of it all, and how impactful it already is and will continue to be! The amount of guided and non-guided self-reflection we are leaning into is incredible.”

“I’m immensely grateful to our facilitators, Natalie, Terrence, and Eva for making this such a great experience, and fostering such a welcoming environment. I believe while the curriculum/ activities were well-planned, the facilitators elevated it into a whole new level.”

“The food and space was so nourishing! I was so grateful for the facilitating team’s style of leadership and pedagogical approach.”

“Had a great time! This retreat could not have come at a more topical moment. Great community and appreciated the intention behind all of the sessions. Pacing of sessions felt right, and breaks built in were useful.”