#SAMCEDAontheMove - September 2024

Follow our new series, #SAMCEDAonTheMove, highlighting our connections and collaborations. 

From insightful panel discussions to innovation & leadership beginnings, SAMCEDA is thrilled to have engaged in a diverse range of events and activities. 

Here are the highlights:

Silicon Valley Community Foundation’s 2024 Annual Meeting  

The Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting featuring insights from SVCF’s President & CEO, Nicole Taylor, and PBS News' Senior Correspondent Judy Woodruff.

Woodruff also moderated a thought-provoking discussion on the vital role of journalism in a healthy democracy with industry leaders including: CalMatters’ CEO, Neil Chase, San Jose Spotlight’s Co-founder and CEO, Ramona Giwargis, and KQED’s President & CEO, Michael Isip.


[ From left to right: SVCF’s Nicole Taylor and PBS News’ Judy Woodruff ]


[ From left to right: PBS News’ Judy Woodruff, San Jose Spotlight’s Ramona Giwargis, CalMatters’ Neil Chase, and KQED’s Michael Isip ]

Verizon’s Innovation Lab Tour  

SAMCEDA had the privilege of visiting Verizon’s Innovation Lab in San Francisco, where they highlighted the company’s role in advancing technology and innovation through an in-depth look at their state-of-the-art lab environments and mobile testing platform.


[ Verizon’s Innovation Lab warmly welcomed SAMCEDA’s Rosanne Foust,
featuring a display of SAMCEDA’s logo at the entrance of the facility ]

San Mateo County Historical Association’s 2024 San Mateo County History Maker Event 

The San Mateo County Historical Association’s 2024 San Mateo County History Maker event celebrated culinary ambassador Chef Martin Yan’s remarkable contributions to the culinary arts (with a special cooking demonstration from Chef Yan himself). In addition, attendees raised funds to support the Association’s History Museum Programs.


[ The program for the San Mateo County History Maker showcased
Chef Yan’s extraordinary achievements ]


[ SAMCEDA’s Larisa Ocañada with Chef Martin Yan ]

Caltrain’s Electric Train Launch Party  

Caltrain proudly celebrated the official launch of its new electrified service with fun festivities across San Mateo County! Participants enjoyed the exciting opportunity to ride Caltrain’s modern electric trains for free with community celebrations at both Palo Alto and San Mateo stations. Additional festivities included the grand opening of the Karyl Matsumoto Plaza at the South San Francisco Station (honoring the legacy of former Mayor and Councilmember Karyl Matsumoto), as well as live music and engaging activities all throughout the Caltrain stations. The weekend-long celebration brought communities together to embrace this exciting new chapter for public transit.


[ Local elected officials, business leaders, and community members
unite to commemorate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Karyl Matsumoto Plaza ]


[ The Karyl Matsumoto Plaza is located adjacent to the South San Francisco station ]


[ SAMCEDA’s Rosanne Foust with former Mayor and Councilmember Karyl Matsumoto ]


[ SAMCEDA’s Rosanne Foust and other transportation advocates welcomed attendees with opening remarks at the Caltrain Community Celebration at the San Mateo station ]


[ From left to right: County of San Mateo’s Hon. Vice President Supervisor David Canepa, City of San Bruno’s Mayor Rico Medina, City of San Jose’s Councilmember Dev Davis, California State Assembly’s Hon. Assemblymember Diane Papan, County of San Mateo’s Hon. Supervisor Noelia Corzo, Caltrain’s Michelle Bouchard, Federal Transit Administration's Amy Changchien, City of Millbrae’s Hon. Vice Mayor Gina Papan, City of San Mateo’s Hon. Mayor Lisa Diaz-Nash, SAMCEDA’s Rosanne Foust, and City of Belmont’s Hon. Councilmember Davina Hurt ]

Chamber San Mateo County and SAMCEDA’s 11th Annual Birdies for Business Golf Tournament  

Chamber San Mateo County and SAMCEDA’s hosted their 11th Annual Birdies for Business Golf Tournament at the iconic Stanford Golf Course. The fundraiser offers our members and partners a chance to support the organizations’ programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic vitality of San Mateo County while enjoying a fun day out on the green.


[ From left to right: Chamber San Mateo County’s Amy Buckmaster,
Felicia Basques, & Nicole Gallosa with SAMCEDA’s Larisa Ocañada & Rosanne Foust ]

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center’s Small Business BIG IMPACT Event  

The Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center’s Small Business BIG IMPACT gala was a vibrant celebration of local entrepreneurs in the Bay Area. The event featured a marketplace (with unique products, food, and drinks from Renaissance businesses), highlighted three entrepreneurs for their significant community impact, and honored Sharon Miller for her 25th year as CEO of the organization.


[ The Small Business, BIG IMPACT signage greeting guests to the venue ]


[ The Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center team was celebrated
for their dedicated efforts in empowering small businesses across the Bay Area ]


[ The City of San Francisco honored Sharon Miller for her
work and dedication to the organization with “Sharon Miller Day” on September 26th ]

San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce’s Candidate Forum  

The San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a Candidate Forum, offering a platform for San Mateo City Council candidates, Nicole Fernandez, Dr. Charles Hansen, and Danielle Cwirko-Godycki, to share their visions and address community concerns. San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce's President & CEO, Erica Wood served as the moderator for the discussion panel.


[ From left to right: San Mateo Area Chamber of Commerce’s Erica Wood
and San Mateo City Council Candidates: Nicole Fernandez, Dr. Charles Hansen, and Danielle Cwirko-Godycki ]

Stanford University’s Inauguration and Investiture of Jonathan D. Levin  

Stanford University hosted an inaugural dinner to celebrate its latest 13th president, Jonathan Levin. The dinner brought together faculty, alumni, and friends to honor his vision and leadership as the university embarks on a new chapter. Former United States Secretary of State and Stanford University’s Condoleezza Rice delivered closing remarks to the evening.


[ Attendees enjoyed an elegant dinner celebration ]


[ Closing remarks were delivered by former United States Secretary of State and Stanford University’s Condoleezza Rice ]

Trustees, students, faculty, and attendees gathered the next day for The Inauguration and Investiture of Jonathan D. Levin. The event showcased inspiring speeches and a deep sense of community, setting the stage for a bright future under President Levin's guidance.


[ Guests were provided with the program for the event ]


[ Stanford University’s new president, Jonathan Levin, presented an
inspiring speech on his enthusiasm for his new role and vision for the university’s future ]


Check out #SAMCEDAonTheMove to see past events and activities.