Leadership Development

at FIERCE

Your leadership matters.

At FIERCE Advocates, we believe that leaders are not only found in offices or at podiums. Leaders are parents, caregivers, and youth who step up for their communities every day.

We see you, we believe in you, and we are here to walk alongside you as you claim your power, grow your skills, and use your voice to shape a brighter future for families in Contra Costa.

Start Your Leadership Journey

Lead the change with FIERCE

At FIERCE, leadership development is about more than learning skills. It is about empowerment, liberation, and creating real impact. We invest in you as a leader because when you rise, our communities rise with you.

We believe that when everyday people use their voices and step confidently into public spaces, they can influence policies, challenge systems, and shape a future where families and future generations thrive.

That is why we offer year-round leadership development, including one-on-one coaching to support your advocacy journey. From the moment you join FIERCE, you are not alone. We walk with you to transform policy and culture in ways that reflect the power, values, and vision of our communities.

Community Education Leadership Institute (CELI)

The Community Education Leadership Institute is our flagship leadership development program. CELI is designed to support people like you: everyday leaders with a passion for equity, education, health, and wellness.

Through CELI, you will learn practical skills, connect with peers, and gain the confidence to step into leadership roles on local boards, commissions, and committees. And you won’t do it alone. You’ll be part of a powerful network of advocates who are leading change from the ground up.

Inside the CELI Journey

The Spring 2026 Cohort runs from March to June. It includes one virtual orientation, six training sessions, two site visits, and a graduation. Fellows complete about 30 hours of in-person and hands-on training.

We provide meals, childcare, interpretation (English/Spanish), materials, and a stipend so you can focus fully on your growth.

Apply for CELI Spring 2026

What You’ll Gain

Your voice, amplified.

You will practice public speaking, sharpen your communication, and gain the confidence to share your story with clarity and impact.
Whether you are speaking to neighbors, school boards, or city leaders, you will learn how to make your voice heard and your message move people to action.
Your power, sharpened.

You will learn how systems really work and how to use tools like budget analysis, policy review, and data to drive change.
CELI gives you the knowledge to ask the right questions, hold decision-makers accountable, and influence the choices that affect your community.
Your community, stronger.

You will connect with other parents, caregivers, and youth who share your vision for equity and justice.
Together you will build lasting relationships, strengthen coalitions, and create a network of leaders who support one another long after the program ends.
Your well-being, supported.

Leadership is about sustainability as much as action. CELI will help you explore strategies for self-care, balance, and resilience so you can continue to show up for your community without losing yourself along the way.
You will learn how to nurture your passion while protecting your energy.

Is CELI for You?

CELI is for parents, caregivers, and youth (16+) who want to:

Step into decision-making spaces in education, health, or wellness
Serve on a board, commission, or committee in Contra Costa
Bring lived experience and community insight to leadership tables
Join a network of advocates committed to equity and justice

Applications are open until February 13, 2026

Step Into Leadership Today

Stories of Transformation

CELI is not just about training.

It’s about realizing the leader you already are.

“I thought I was just adding another thing to my plate, and then I realized I’m finally doing something for myself. Just having somebody rooting for you at every step of the way helped me break out of my shell and realize that I am a leader and I can do this.”

Tannia Vargas, CELI Graduate 2024, now serving on the Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee
“Most fellows come in a bit apprehensive, unsure if they can claim the word ‘leader.’ By the end, they own it. They speak with power, and they believe in themselves. That is the heart of CELI.”

Dulce Galicia, CELI Coordinator, FIERCE Advocates
“These workshops opened my eyes to how school budgets really work and how I can advocate for my daughter. I now feel ready to take on leadership roles I never thought possible.”

CELI Participant, 2023

Explore More Stories

This spring, FIERCE Advocates celebrated the graduation of a new cohort from the Community Education Leadership Institute (CELI), a leadership program grounded in the belief that those closest to the issues should be at the center of the solutions.

Read More
As a mother, homeowner, and community member in Richmond, Tannia’s motivation was clear: she wanted to learn how to advocate for her children’s education.

Read More
With a focus on empowering local women in leadership roles, the PAO team continued to expand its impact through the Bay Area Coalition for Education Justice (BASEJ) and the Community Education Leadership Institute (CELI) programs.

Read More
Through FIERCE Advocates’ Community Education Leadership Institute (CELI), Tashii Johnson strengthened her leadership skills and stepped into a vital role on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, where she champions equity in local education funding.

Here Her Story