Mission: The Emerging Leaders of Simi Valley provides young professionals (ages 21-40) with access to networking events, educational workshops, philanthropic opportunities, and interaction with local business leaders.
The Emerging Leaders provides monthly events for young professionals to get involved in the community in a variety of ways.
Events include:
If you're interested in getting started with the Emerging Leaders, email [email protected].
To join the Emerging Leaders Facebook community, click here.
Please contact Kayla Slack at the Chamber via email or phone at 805-526-3900 for more information or with any questions.
The Emerging Leaders provides monthly events for young professionals to get involved in the community in a variety of ways.
Events include:
- Community Connections: community leaders discuss their struggles and successes in their professional life to give young professionals an opportunity to hear their path to success, ask questions, and make connections with community leaders.
- Service/Volunteer Project: Emerging leaders will participate in a volunteer project or service opportunity once a quarter to give back to the community and to become familiar with the various nonprofit and service organizations and opportunities available in the community.
- Happy Hour Hang Out: After-hours networking opportunity for young professionals to grow their professional network and build relationships with others in the community in a relaxed setting.
- Coffee Break: An informal morning meetup over coffee designed to provide young professionals an opportunity to grow their professional network.
If you're interested in getting started with the Emerging Leaders, email [email protected].
To join the Emerging Leaders Facebook community, click here.
Please contact Kayla Slack at the Chamber via email or phone at 805-526-3900 for more information or with any questions.
Upcoming Events
Meet Your Committee
Name: Elizabeth Zachary
Committee Role: Co-Chair and Community Service Chair Occupation: Express Employment Professionals (Business Development Manager) What Emerging Leaders Means To Me: I love being a part of the Emerging Leaders group. We have lots of fun at our Coffee Breaks and Happy Hour Hang Out events. I really do enjoy our Community Connection events, where we can learn from business owners in our age group and hear their stories on how they got to where they are now. I also love that we give back to the community with our service events like the Veteran Wall Restoration at the El Rancho Simi Pioneer Cemetery, Back to School Drive, and Toy Drive this last year. I love that I get to do all these things with such an amazing group of people. Personal Bio: I am the Business Development Manager for Express Employment Professionals. Where we help people throughout the community find jobs and local business to find the right candidate. Last year, I had the honor of being the 2023 Chair for the Ambassadors for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce. In 2020, I was nominated as the Ambassador of the Year and received a reward for the Community Service Award by the Simi Valley Community Council. I was born in Ventura, but I have lived in Simi my whole life. Super excited to Co-Chair with DJ from Party Pros this year. I am also in charge of the community services events. I enjoy making a difference in people’s lives and helping others throughout the community. I love that I can make a difference everyday at my job at Express and as well through the Emerging Leaders community service events. |
Name: Michelle Liddell
Committee Role: Board Liaison Occupation: Business Owner (American Trophies & Awards) What Emerging Leaders Means To Me: As the Board Liaison for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, my primary responsibility is fostering effective communication between the Emerging Leaders and the Board of Directors. Serving on the Board of Directors has been a tremendous honor, and one of the aspects I find most fulfilling is my involvement with the Emerging Leaders committee. I am particularly passionate about this group because of the invaluable opportunities it provides to young professionals in our community. I appreciate the diverse range of activities offered by Emerging Leaders, from networking events and professional development lectures to community service opportunities and exclusive Chamber of Commerce-supported events. As an entrepreneur under the age of forty, I relish the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who are navigating a similar phase in their life journey. The Emerging Leaders program resonates with me because of the enthusiasm and eagerness for learning and growth exhibited by its participants. The open exchange of ideas, coupled with the supportive community atmosphere, is truly inspiring. Engaging with Emerging Leaders allows me to witness firsthand the next generation of leaders in our community, each one driven by a palpable enthusiasm to actively contribute to positive change. Personal Bio: Simi Valley is not just my hometown; it's the place where I proudly own a home and operate a thriving business. Currently serving as the chair-elect for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, I am slated to become the Chairman of the Board in 2025. My husband, Ross, and I are the proud owners of American Trophies and Awards, specializing in exceptional awards for outstanding achievements, personalized gifts for various occasions, and an array of promotional products supporting other businesses and brands. Before embarking on my entrepreneurial journey, I devoted several years to teaching 4th grade at Santa Rosa Technology Magnet School. In 2020, I was honored to receive the 40 Under Forty award, recognizing my contributions to both the professional and community sectors. Giving back to the community is a core value for me, and I find immense joy in supporting local groups and non-profit organizations. |