Stacey Abrams delivers a powerful opening to the 40th East Bay Leadership Series
Recap of the 2026 East Bay Leadership Series that convened East Bay leaders in meaningful dialogue.
Ann Notarangelo (left), Community Relations Manager, at the the Martinez Refining Company, moderates Q&A with Stacey Abrams (right).
Stacey Abrams kicked off the 40th East Bay Leadership Series with a conversation that felt both urgent and grounded in possibility. In a keynote and Q&A that met the political moment head-on, Abrams offered East Bay leaders a clear-eyed look at where the country stands and what leadership requires right now. The sold-out event drew the largest audience in the history of the Leadership Series, reflecting the depth of regional interest in the issues shaping our collective future. Her remarks balanced realism with resolve, setting the tone for an evening focused on action.
Pam Galley (right), Senior Vise President & Area Manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Diablo Service Area, and Caitlin Sly (left) CEO of the Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano pose with donation check.
That spirit of action was evident from the outset. The evening opened with a meaningful demonstration of local leadership, as Kaiser Permanente announced a $25,000 donation to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano in honor of Stacey Abrams’ visit to the East Bay. The contribution underscored the importance of pairing dialogue with tangible investment.
Abrams then guided the audience through an in-depth examination of the current political climate, the health of democratic institutions, and the stakes of the 2026 elections. She emphasized that while national forces shape the landscape, local and regional leaders remain essential stewards of democracy, particularly as communities navigate polarization, declining trust, and uncertainty about the future.
Abrams framed diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential drivers of real progress, noting that inclusive leadership strengthens institutions and expands opportunity. That message was reinforced by EBLC Board Chair Chadi Chazbek, who underscored EBLC’s commitment to inclusive growth: “We believe that our differences generate greater opportunities for innovation and economic growth and empower our potential as a region.”
Chadi Chazbek, EBLC Board Char 2025-26, delivers remarks at the 2026 East Bay Leadership Series
According to Abrams, “the question is not can we, but how do we.” It’s a posture she urged leaders to adopt as they confront today’s most complex challenges. From the impact of federal funding cuts to the strain on essential services, she emphasized the importance of remaining curious about community needs and prioritizing progress — solving small, tangible problems rather than allowing inaction to stall meaningful change.
Throughout the conversation, a unifying message emerged: the future is not something we wait for, it is something we build. She encouraged attendees to mobilize within their own institutions and networks, urging them to “decide what you can risk and go an inch further,” and reinforcing that sustained local action is essential to shaping a more resilient, inclusive future for the East Bay and beyond.
Youth journalists from Contra Costa Youth Journalism were also in attendance, interviewing Abrams and covering the event. Their reporting and reflections from the evening are now published on CC Spin.
We’re grateful to our Title Sponsor, Kaiser Permanente, and all our sponsors, for their support of the Leadership Series and their commitment to creating space for connection, inspiration, and education.
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