Welcome to the Leadership Simi Valley Class of 2026

The Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce the Leadership Simi Valley Class of 2026. This 35th class of 22 individuals kicked off the nine-month program on September 26–27 with a two-day retreat in the Santa Barbara/Solvang area, focused on team building, personal development, and forming strong bonds between classmates.

Founded in 1989, the Leadership Simi Valley Program is an engaging, in-depth initiative of the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce that develops community-minded business and civic leaders of tomorrow. The interactive program provides participants with a behind-the-scenes view of the issues and opportunities that impact the City of Simi Valley. The program is overseen by a steering committee led by Fred Bauermeister, ensuring that curriculum and experiences remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with community needs. "The Leadership Simi Valley program is designed to build future leaders," said Bauermeister.  "And, this year's class will prove that true!"  

Members of the Leadership Simi Valley Class of 2026 include:

• Alyson Arsenault, Simi Valley Family YMCA
• Joseph Ayala, City of Simi Valley
• Jason Beck, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District
• Alex Castaneda, Casa Casttaneda 
• Humberto Castaneda, Casa Casttaneda
• Diego Centeno, Blessed Funeral & Cremation
• Brian Elizondo, Logix Federal Credit Union
• Kendall Forrester, Simi Valley Unified School District
• Christina Henteleff, Coldwell Banker Realty
• Garrett Houghton, Solar Maintenance Now
• Nazlin Kanji
• John Leeper, Leeper Health Coaching
• Tani Leeper, Leeper Health Coaching
• Agustin Luna, Element Heating & Air
• Shelley Lyman, Simi Valley Police Department
• Johanna Medrano, City of Simi Valley
• Mark Mitchelson, Adventist Health Simi Valley
• Steven Osuna, Moorpark College Foundation
• Natalia Santisteban, Blessed Funeral & Cremation
• Dawn Smollen, Simi Valley Unified School District
• Heather Sumagaysay, City of Simi Valley
• Kevin VanFleet, Simi Valley Police Department

Over the next eight months, the Leadership Simi Valley Class of 2026 will take part in a wide range of sessions covering topics such as community history, education, culture, business and economic development, public safety, local government, health and human services, parks and recreation, non-profit organizations, ethics, and media and communications. The class will also work collaboratively to select and complete a service project that will benefit the community.

In May, the Leadership Simi Valley Class of 2026 will graduate in a special ceremony and join the exclusive Leadership Alumni network, which includes more than 600 past graduates of the program.

For more information about the Leadership Simi Valley program, contact the Chamber office at 805-526-3900 or visit the Chamber’s website.


Photo by: Fred Bauermeister 
Photo Caption:  Front row, left to right: Johanna Medrano, Dawn Smollen, Alex Castaneda, Tani Leeper, Christina Henteleff, Humberto Castaneda, Nazlin Kanji, Heather Sumagaysay, Natalya Santisteban.Back row, left to right: Diego Centeno, Kevin VanFleet, Agustin Luna, Steven Osuna, Jason Beck, Joseph Ayala, Brian Elizondo, Mark Mitchelson, Kendall Forrester, Shelley Lyman, Alyson Arsenault, John Leeper, Garrett Houghton.