About Us
Leading Diverse Communities
Facilitating Seminars & Educational Programs
Facilitating Seminars & Educational Programs
A main thrust of the LGBTQ+ LEI since 2016 has been the production and updates of "Transgender in the Workplace: A Guide for Municipalities". The guide was the brainchild of the Leadership Institute's first President, Larry Forrester, and was developed through collaboration among several city leaders and LGBTQ organizations, including the League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus.
Facilitating Seminars & Educational Programs
Facilitating Seminars & Educational Programs
Facilitating Seminars & Educational Programs
Our Mission is to address and educate to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and gender non-conforming populations in California. We provide education by conducting seminars and lectures, and by disseminating educational information to elected and appointed local and state government officials.
Training Future Leaders
Facilitating Seminars & Educational Programs
Training Future Leaders
Ethical and well-informed city officials are essential for responsive, visionary leadership and for effective and efficient city operations.
As LGBTQ+ people continue to increase in visibility nationwide, city leaders, whether elected or appointed, must champion an inclusive city government.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
M. Catherine Carlton
M. Catherine Carlton
M. Catherine Carlton
President
A retired Mayor of the City of Menlo Park in Silicon Valley, Catherine served in local government for ten years. She was appointed to a California state board of consumer affairs by the governor twice, and also wrote and passed state legislation against child human trafficking. Catherine served on the California League of Cities
President
A retired Mayor of the City of Menlo Park in Silicon Valley, Catherine served in local government for ten years. She was appointed to a California state board of consumer affairs by the governor twice, and also wrote and passed state legislation against child human trafficking. Catherine served on the California League of Cities LGBTQ Caucus Board for eight years, serving as President in 2017-2018.
Kathy Val
M. Catherine Carlton
M. Catherine Carlton
Vice President
Kathy Val has been affiliated with the LGBTQ+ Leadership Education Institute for the past six years. She has also served as Executive Director of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada, President of the Board of Directors for the Nevada Chapter of the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect, and is currently a board member of PFLAG Sacramento.
LARRY BLUNDEN
M. Catherine Carlton
LARRY BLUNDEN
Treasurer
Larry Blunden served as an elected City Treasurer for the City of Signal Hil, and joined the League of California Cities LGBTQ Caucus. He currently serves as an executive Board member for the LGBTQ+ Leadership Education Institute since 2016.
Keir Jones
M. Catherine Carlton
LARRY BLUNDEN
Past President / Advisor
As a small business owner, Mayor Jones operates an award winning insurance agency. His creative and pragmatic leadership will ensure that he is both a dynamic and effective leader in the region on behalf of Signal Hill. In addition to his role as a Council Member, Keir's passion for service is rooted in the commun
Past President / Advisor
As a small business owner, Mayor Jones operates an award winning insurance agency. His creative and pragmatic leadership will ensure that he is both a dynamic and effective leader in the region on behalf of Signal Hill. In addition to his role as a Council Member, Keir's passion for service is rooted in the community where he has served on several boards. Currently, he is the President of the Signal Hill Community Foundation.
PORTER GILBERG
DR Meghan Lewis
DR Meghan Lewis
Advisory Board
DR Meghan Lewis
DR Meghan Lewis
DR Meghan Lewis
Advisory Board