personal leadership skills , and establishing strong community connections . LEAD San Diego does important work that uplifts our people and economy , work that would not be possible without the right people driving it forward . One such individual is Samantha Beck who has recently taken on the role as the Executive Director of LEAD San Diego . She has been with LEAD for nearly two years , previously serving as Director .
Samantha has served in membership and community engagement roles for many years , predominantly at the Sacramento Metro Chambers . Samantha was
Samantha moderating a inspired to follow community policing discussion
this career path after her own leadership development experience through the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program , where she discovered that her passion was to “ cultivate experiences where leaders could learn from one another and create change through the merging of their own unique talents and experiences .”
For the past 40 years , LEAD has provided opportunities to build networks , professional development skills , and resources for nearly every leader in San Diego . Samantha finds her role at LEAD exceptionally rewarding with the opportunity to observe as change-makers grow in
Samantha with her family
their skillsets , their leadership roles , and in their community . She is also inspired by those around her , emphasizing that she is supported by a team of talented and passionate people who share her vision and teach her how to be a better leader .
She also acknowledges the other organizations that help make San Diego great , such as Southwest Airlines , an avid community partner . When asked what she loved about Southwest Airlines , she shared one of her most memorable experiences with them : “ One trip was on my birthday and the SWA flight attendants made me a ‘ crown ’ of pretzel bags and cocktail stirrers and a toilet paper ‘ birthday cake .’ Flying SWA is always an enjoyable experience and sometimes you get lucky and have a party , too !”
Samantha takes pride in her own leadership and strength , sharing that she had a life-changing neurological event in June 2020 and has celebrated every day of life since . This has contributed to her philosophy : “ Life is too short to not find joy in every day . Be bold , be brave or just take the leap and let the boldness and bravery catch up to you .” A lead we can all gladly follow .
www . sdchamber . org / lead
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