EMERGE EMERGE Leadership Certificate Program

Applications Open for 2027-28 Cohort

EMERGE-team-stick

Overview

In an evolving aging services landscape, leaders must inspire others, navigate change, and accomplish more with limited resources. LeadingAge California’s EMERGE is a leadership development program designed to help professionals meet these challenges with creativity, resilience, and purpose.

Since 2010, EMERGE has helped professionals transform their approach to leadership and strengthen the organizations they serve. Through experiential learning, personal reflection, and meaningful relationships, Fellows develop greater self-awareness, explore new perspectives, and build a network of peers who support one another and drive change across aging services. EMERGE provides a foundation for continued personal and professional growth as part of LeadingAge California’s Leadership Certificate Series.

Program at a Glance

EMERGE is a year-long, immersive leadership journey featuring:

Four In-Person Sessions

Connect and learn with your cohort at sessions across California.

Experiential Learning

Explore aging services communities through small-group site visits.

Mentorship

Receive personalized guidance from an experienced leadership coach.

Virtual Sessions

Share experiences and perspectives through monthly team meetings.

Complimentary Access

Expand your learning at the BOLD Annual Conference and RISE Policy Summit.

Goals & Benefits

EMERGE prepares future leaders, helps member organizations develop motivated talent, and strengthens the broader aging services community. The program supports Fellows as they:

  • Build a leadership foundation: Develop a shared understanding of leadership and its fundamental principles.
  • Explore transformative leadership: Discover approaches grounded in relationships, collaboration, and meaningful change.
  • Grow as authentic leaders: Strengthen self-awareness and bring greater intention to their individual leadership journeys.
  • Develop lasting connections: Build a supportive network of Fellows who share the program’s values and a commitment to aging services.
  • Strengthen industry engagement: Deepen their connection to LeadingAge California and the wider member community.
  • Bring value to their organizations: Apply new perspectives and leadership practices to support organizational success.

Fellows graduate at the LeadingAge California BOLD Annual Conference, joining a statewide alumni network of transformative leaders.

 

Who Should Apply?

EMERGE is designed for professionals in aging services who are ready to grow as leaders, whether they currently supervise others or demonstrate leadership potential within their organizations.

Ideal candidates include:

  • Emerging leaders preparing for greater responsibility.
  • Managers and supervisors seeking to strengthen their leadership approach.
  • Professionals identified by their organizations as future leaders.
  • Individuals committed to personal growth, relationship building, and making a meaningful impact in aging services.

Applicants must work for a LeadingAge California member organization and demonstrate a commitment to leadership development and aging services. 

Program Details

EMERGE is a year-long leadership development program with four in-person sessions across California and monthly virtual team meetings between sessions.

Through community site visits, leadership readings, group exercises, and guided self-assessments, Fellows explore their leadership styles, strengthen emotional intelligence and communication, and practice strategic thinking. Each Fellow is paired with an experienced leadership coach for individual guidance throughout the program.

Program Schedules

Select a cohort below to view its session dates and locations.

Upcoming Cohort: 2027–2028 Schedule
Sessions Dates Location
Session I
In conjunction with the BOLD Annual Conference		 May 18–21, 2027 Palm Desert, CA
Session II August 2027 Location TBD
Session III November 2027 Location TBD
Session IV
In conjunction with the RISE Policy Summit		 February 2028 Sacramento, CA
Graduation
Held during the BOLD Annual Conference		 May 2028 Location TBD
Current Cohort: 2026–2027 Schedule
Sessions Dates Location
Session I
In conjunction with the BOLD Annual Conference		 May 19–22, 2026 JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Palm Desert, CA
Session II
In conjunction with Executive Connect		 August 5–6, 2026 Hilton Anaheim
Anaheim, CA
Session III November 10–11, 2026 Sequoia Living
San Francisco, CA
Session IV
In conjunction with the RISE Policy Summit		 February 23–24, 2027 Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
Sacramento, CA
Graduation
Held during the BOLD Annual Conference		 May 18–21, 2027 JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Palm Desert, CA

Additional dates and locations for the 2027-2028 cohort will be announced as they become available.

Commitment & Tuition

Fellows should plan for approximately 10–15 hours per month devoted to EMERGE activities, including a one-hour monthly virtual team meeting, plus attendance at the four in-person sessions.

Tuition: $3,995 per Fellow

Tuition is paid by the sponsoring organization and is non-refundable and non-transferable. The sponsoring organization is also responsible for travel and lodging expenses, which vary by session location.

Meet the Facilitator & Coaches

Facilitator

Matthew Neeley
Matthew Neeley

Consultant

Learn More

Matthew Neeley brings more than 25 years of experience leading organizations that serve older adults, including over 20 years as President and CEO of Hillcrest in La Verne, CA. His expertise spans healthcare administration, organizational leadership, and professional development.

Matthew also facilitates LeadingAge California’s EXCEL Leadership Program and teaches graduate-level Gerontology courses at the University of La Verne. He holds an MBA and a Master of Health Services Administration (MHSA) from Arizona State University.

Coach

Karrina Barragán
Karrina Barragán

National Manager of Training & Compliance,
Retirement Housing Foundation

Learn More

At Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF), Karrina Barragán leads workforce development and compliance initiatives that build employee skills, strengthen onboarding, and support consistent practices across the organization.

Karrina designs practical, scalable learning programs and competency-based resources that help employees and leaders understand expectations and succeed in their roles. She brings deep experience in training program development, regulatory training, learning management systems, process standardization, and cross-functional change implementation.

Karrina is committed to developing people and building clear, sustainable practices that support employee success and organizational effectiveness.

Coach

Christine Carrasco
Christine Carrasco

Director of Project Management,
Hillcrest

Learn More

Christine Carrasco is the Director of Project Management at Hillcrest in La Verne, California, where she leads capital improvement, renovation, and development projects across the community.

With over 14 years of experience in senior living, she specializes in construction oversight, facilities coordination, and delivering projects that enhance safety, functionality, and resident experience. Christine is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.

Coach

Lisa Coe
Lisa Coe

Senior Director of Facility Operations,
Paradise Valley Estates

Learn More

Lisa Coe is the Senior Director of Facility Operations at Paradise Valley Estates in Fairfield, California. In this role, she oversees facility operations and capital improvement projects and helps lead the organization's accreditation process.

With over 19 years of experience in senior living, Lisa also supports the community through leadership development programs and service on resident committees.

Lisa earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from San Jose State University in 1992, with a major in Speech Communication and a minor in Public Relations.

Application Information

Ready to invest in your growth as a leader? Review the requirements below and submit your complete application for the 2027–2028 EMERGE cohort by February 22, 2027.

Application & Selection Timeline

Applications Open November 2, 2026
Application Deadline February 22, 2027
Applicants Notified March 12, 2027

Application Checklist

Please submit all of the following information along with your completed application:

  • A resume or brief description of your work experience, educational background and other pertinent information (please limit your submission to no more than two pages).
  • Recent headshot photo (headshot with plain background; in-focus, and appropriate for professional setting; high-resolution of 300 dpi or better; and taken within the last 12 months). The photo will not be included in the selection process. If selected, the photo may be used for any EMERGE promotional purposes.
  • Three separate essays, one to two pages each, responding to the questions below. Provide enough detail to help the selection committee understand your experience, goals, and interest in EMERGE.

  • Three letters of reference: one personal and two professional.

Essays & Letters of Reference

Submit three essays of one to two pages each and three letters of reference, as outlined below. 

  • Essay #1: Your Leadership Experience
    Describe the capabilities you possess that make you an effective leader and the specific ways in which you have utilized these attributes in your personal and professional life. In doing so, please refer to a significant professional achievement, your specific role in attaining that achievement and the impact it has had on you and your organization. 
  • Essay #2: Your Goals for EMERGE
    Describe the perspective and knowledge you hope to acquire as a result of your participation in EMERGE. 
  • Essay #3: Your Commitment to Aging Services
    Describe your personal commitment to the field of aging services and how you envision using your experience in EMERGE to enhance aging services within your organization, your community and at the state level. 
  • Letters of Reference

    Include three letters of reference: one personal and two professional. Each letter should be no more than one page. Contact your references early so all letters can be included in your application by February 22, 2027.


Application Evaluation Criteria

All application submissions will be carefully reviewed to assemble a diverse class of Fellows (in terms of life experience, work experience, geography, type of organization, and other unique characteristics). A committee of LeadingAge California member leaders will evaluate applications using the following criteria:

  • How well-defined, insightful, and introspective are the leadership essays?
  • How well does the applicant demonstrate a personal commitment to the field of aging services?
  • How well does the applicant demonstrate a dedication to life-long learning?
  • To what extent does the applicant possess the capacity to become a transformational leader?

Start your leadership journey with EMERGE and join a community of professionals committed to growing as leaders and strengthening aging services. 

Apply Now

Applications close February 22, 2027. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.

For questions about the application process or tuition scholarship opportunities, contact education@leadingageca.org.

EMERGE Logo - Full Color


Thank You to Our EMERGE 2026-27 Cohort Sponsors

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