|
The CalVet Leadership Summit is California’s premier convening of veteran leadership, where we come together to meet the moment and advance the priorities that matter most to veterans and their families. Discussions will shape policy solutions, advance equity, expand access to justice, and build a resilient workforce. Just as importantly, we will hear regional perspectives, recognizing that challenges and solutions look different in every community. These conversations will ensure California’s veterans remain the most Connected, Protected and Respected in the nation.
|
|
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND OPENING RECEPTION |
Please join us for a welcome reception hosted on the grounds of the Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, providing a relaxed atmosphere for networking, socializing, and camaraderie.
|
|
|
|
|
| Opening Reception (hosted by Ullico & AHEAD) Location: Garden Terrace, 4th Floor: Outdoors
American Legion, Post 6 San Diego Color Guard
Speakers: Lindsey Sin, Secretary, CalVet Senator Bob Archuleta, 30th Senate Distict Tom D'Agostino, Vet Fund Foundation
|
|
|
| MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD LEADERSHIP SUMMIT KICKOFF DAY 1 |
|
The first day of the Summit will feature opening remarks from Secretary Lindsey Sin as we reaffirm our continued commitment to ensuring California’s veterans remain the most Connected, Protected, and Respected in the Nation. Leaders from across state, county, and community sectors will join together to discuss current policies shaping the future of veterans’ services, share regional perspectives from throughout California. We will close the day exploring the findings of the Women Veterans Survey and what comes next. |
|
|
| 8 - 9 A.M. Garden Terrace |
|
Continental Breakfast & Registration (Hosted by SEMPRA) |
|
|
|
|
Opening Ceremony American Indian Warrior Association Color Guard |
|
|
| SESSION 1 9:50 - 10:20 A.M. San Diego Ballroom Sa |
|
Welcome Lindsey Sin, Secretary, CalVet
Special Video Message Governor Gavin Newsom
Meeting the Moment: Setting Leadership Summit Goals Keith Boylan, Undersecretary, CalVet |
|
|
| SESSION 2 10:40 - 10:55 A.M. San Diego Ballroom Sa |
|
Regional Perspectives: State, County, & Community Voices
Keynote by: Roberto Herrera, Deputy Secretary, Veterans Services Division, CalVet
|
|
|
| 11 - 12 P.M. San Diego Ballroom Sa |
|
Northern California Panel Perspectives: North Valley & Central Valley Regions
Moderator: Samuel Griffin, Veterans Services Division, CalVet
Panelists: Chris Flaherty, CEO, Nations Finest Austin Sihoe, Director, Veterans Success Center, CSU Sacramento Rodney Lowery, CEO, Resiliency Center, Fresno Kyle Pennington, County Veterans Service Officer, Fresno |
|
|
| 12 - 1 P.M. Garden Terrace Sa |
|
Keynote Luncheon (Hosted by PORAC & NextGen Policy)
Keynote Speaker: Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, 67th District |
|
|
| 1:15 - 2 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Northern California Panel Perspectives: Bay Area & Central Coast Regions
Moderator: Samuel Griffin, Veterans Services Division, CalVet Lance Strong, San Diego Region LINC, CalVet
Panelists: Tramecia Garner, Executive Director, Swords to Plowshares Morgan Boyd, County Veterans Service Officer, San Luis Obispo Francisco Narewski, Program Director, Veterans Transition Center |
|
|
| 2:20 - 3:05 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Southern California Panel Perspectives: Los Angeles & Inland Empire Regions
Moderator: Anthony Rodriguez, Los Angeles Region LINC, CalVet Merlene Steinbeck, Inland Empire LINC, CalVet
Panelists: Jim Zenner, County Veterans Service Officer, Los Angeles Gregory Coker, CEO, Reaching New Heights Foundation John Gutierrez, Director of Workforce Development & Veterans, JVS SoCal Nicole Starks Murray, Executive Director, U.S.VETS Inland Empire
|
|
|
| 3:10 - 3:55 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Southern California Panel Perspectives: Orange County and San Diego Region
Moderator: Ben Gales, Orange County Region LINC, CalVet Lance Strong, San Diego Region LINC, CalVet
Panelists: Akilah Templeton, CEO, Veterans Village of San Diego Jeff Pagano, Convener, OC Veterans & Military Families Collaborative Ron Stark, President, SDVC & One VA CAB Chair Lori Pack, CEO, Child Guidance Center |
|
|
| SESSION 3 4 - 4:20 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Supporting California's Veterans Through the Treasury
Keynote by: Fiona Ma, Treasurer, State of California |
|
|
| 4:25 - 4:30 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Closing Remarks Lindsey Sin, Secretary, CalVet |
|
|
|
|
| Evening Reception (Hosted by: HSB Solutions & Builders First Source) 4:30 - 7 P.M.
Special Remarks by: Todd Gloria, Mayor, City of San Diego
|
|
|
| TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT DAY 2 |
|
Day two of the Summit focuses on safeguarding California’s veterans benefits through collaboration, advocacy, and leadership. Session speakers will navigate discussions on the crucial role of legal aid and that regardless of age, ability, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or citizen status California veterans are the most Connected, Protected, and Respected in the nation. We will conclude the day honoring an individual who exemplifies commitment and service to California’s veteran community with the presentation of the Lifetime Leadership Award. |
|
|
| 8 - 9 A.M. Garden Terrace |
|
Continental Breakfast & Registration (Hosted by California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce)
|
|
|
| SESSION 1 9 - 9:15 A.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Welcome to Summit day 2 Keith Boylan, Undersecretary, CalVet |
|
|
| 9:15 - 10:30 A.M. San Diego Ballroom
|
|
The Vital Role of Legal Aid
Keynote by: Justice Eileen Moore, Fourth District Court of Appeal
Moderator: Keith Boylan, Undersecretary, CalVet
Panelists: Alison Brown, Director, Veterans Legal Clinic, University of San Diego Kim Turner, Senior Program Analyst, CA State Bar Mo Siedor, Legal Director, Swords to Plowshares
|
|
|
| SESSION 2 10:50 - 12:00 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Predatory Practices: Safeguarding Veteran Benefits
Keynote by: Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, 40th District
Moderator: Roberto Herrera, Deputy Secretary, Veterans Services Division, CalVet
Panelists: Martin Caraway, Director of Veteran Outreach, Bergmann & Moore, LLC Robert Muth, Vice Dean & Professor of Law, University of San Diego David West, County Veteran Service Officer, Nevada |
|
|
| 12 - 1 P.M. Garden Terrace Sa |
|
Keynote Luncheon (Hosted by Academies Securities)
Keynote Speaker: Brigadier General Nick Brown, MCI West |
|
|
| SESSION 3 1:15 - 2:30 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Meeting the Moment: Advancing Equity
Keynote by: Veronica Zerrer, CA Veterans Board
Moderator: Mayumi Kimura, Deputy Secretary, Women Veterans Division
Panelists: Tyler Nicole Smith, Director of Racial Justice & Equity, Legal Aid Foundation Los Angeles Gloria Cruz Cardenas, Chief Impact Officer, The San Diego LGBT Community Center Hector Barajas, Executive Director, Deported Veterans Support House
|
|
|
| SESSION 4 2:50 - 3:30 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Voices of Women Veterans: Survey Findings & the Road Ahead
Presentation by: Mayumi Kimura, Deputy Secretary, Women Veterans Division |
|
|
| SESSION 5 3:35 - 4:15 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Honoring Leadership: Lifetime Leadership Award Presentation
Honoree: Henry Huntley Honoree: Tom D'Agostino |
|
|
| 4:15 - 4:30 P.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Closing Remarks Lindsey Sin, Secretary, CalVet |
|
|
| Evening Reception (Hosted by PMI & SDGE) 4:30 - 7 P.M. |
|
|
| WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT DAY 3 |
|
The final day of the Summit looks ahead to sustaining California’s leadership in serving those who served. Discussions will center on strengthening veteran workforce participation and retention across the state, highlighting innovative programs and partnerships that unlock the full potential of California’s veterans. The Summit concludes with closing remarks that reflect on key takeaways, celebrate collaboration, and reaffirm CalVet’s ongoing commitment to California's veterans and their families ensuring they remain Connected, Protected, and Respected.
|
|
|
| 8 - 9 A.M. Garden Terrace |
|
| Continental Breakfast & Registration (Hosted by Southwest Airlines) |
|
|
| SESSION 1 9 - 9:10 A.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Welcome to Summit Day 3 Remarks Lindsey Sin, Secretary, CalVet |
|
|
| 9:10 - 10:30 A.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Moments That Matter: Barriers to Success for Transitioning Military and Veterans
Keynote by: Senator Bob Archuleta, 30th Senate District
Moderator: David Boone, CEO, San Diego Military Advisory Council
Panelists: Maggie Meza, Executive Director, Blue Star Families San Diego Chris Thorne, CEO, North San Diego Business Chamber Tracy Steele, Military Spouse Staci Reidinger, Co-Founder, Cause San Diego Kevin Cortes, Founder, Veteran Beer Club |
|
|
| SESSION 2 10:35 - 11:30 A.M. San Diego Ballroom |
|
Workforce and Retention: Unlocking Veteran Potential Across California
Keynote by: David Boone, CEO, San Diego Military Advisory Council
Moderator: Lindsey Sin, Secretary, CalVet
Panelists: Brett Hershman, General Dynamics NASSCO Jeff Forbes, CEO, The Patriot Group Nick Weathers, Western Regional Manager, Helmets to Hardats Kevin Matulich, Deputy Secretary, CA Labor & Workforce Development Agency Dr. Marshall Thomas, Director of Veteran Services, CSU Chancellor's Office |
|
|
|
|
| Summit Closing Remarks Lindsey Sin, Secretary, CalVet
|
|
*Agenda subject to change* |
|
| QUESTIONS? For additional information and questions, please contact the Leadership Summit Planning Team Email: summit@calvet.ca.gov Phone: (916) 651-7694
|
|
|
|
|
|
