#SAMCEDAontheMove - February 2025

The month of February featured events that sparked connection and celebration.
- Chamber San Mateo County’s Leadership - Business & Economic Development Day
- Kaiser Permanente’s Thrive at MoAD
- Verizon’s FanFest
- San Francisco Business Times’ Bizwomen Mentoring Monday
- County of San Mateo County’s Welcome Breakfast for New Chief of San Mateo County Health
- Leadership Council San Mateo County’s Newly Elected Leaders Training
- Chamber San Mateo County’s 127th Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon
Check out #SAMCEDAonTheMove to see past events and activities.
Chamber San Mateo County’s
Leadership - Business & Economic Development Day
SAMCEDA’s President and CEO, Rosanne Foust, served as Chamber San Mateo County’s Business & Economic Development Day Chair for their 2024 - 2025 Leadership Program. She delivered opening remarks by introducing the significance of economic development.
The day showcased an engaging and diverse group of speakers, each offering unique perspectives. Joint Venture Silicon Valley’s President & Chief Executive Officer Russ Hancock gave a presentation on Defining the Bay Area Economy, San Francisco International Airport’s Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Kone presented on The Economics of San Francisco Airport, followed with a panel discussion on The Importance of Your Career Journey, Your Employer, and How It Fits with Economic Development featuring:
- Ashley Quintana - Public Policy Manager, Meta
- Lena Silberman - Management Analyst, County of San Mateo
- Stacey Wagner - Director of Public Affairs, Kaiser Permanente
- Moderator: Rosanne Foust - President & CEO, SAMCEDA
Held at Stanford University | Redwood City in Redwood City, the Leadership cohort also received an exclusive tour of the campus with insights from Stanford University’s Assistant Vice President, Government Affairs, Lucy Wicks, and Senior Managing Director, Steve Elliot.
[ SAMCEDA’s Rosanne Foust kicked off the day
explaining the importance of economic development]
Kaiser Permanente’s Thrive at MoAD
Many took the opportunity to enjoy Kaiser Permanente’s Community Free Day at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) in San Francisco. Thrive at MoAD offers free admission on the second Saturday of every month.
The museum showcased the exhibits of Ann Johnson’s Love + Basketball: My Freedom Gotta Rim On It, Helina Metaferia’s What We Carry to Set Ourselves Free, and Liberatory Living: Protective Interiors and Radical Black Joy.

[ Guests were greeted by a vibrant display of flower petals
accenting the Museum of the African Diaspora’s signage ]

[ Kaiser Permanente’s Community Free Day ]

[ Ann Johnson’s art piece from her
Love + Basketball: My Freedom Gotta Rim On It exhibit ]

[ Germane D. Barnes’ chair from his
Uneasy Lies the Head That Wears a Crown collection was featured in the
Liberatory Living: Protective Interiors and Radical Black Joy exhibit ]
Verizon’s FanFest
On Super Bowl Sunday, Verizon transformed stadiums across 30 National Football League (NFL) markets into FanFest celebrations.
This event offered more than just the excitement of watching the Super Bowl LIX game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, it provided an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind football fan experience.
FanFest allowed thousands of fans nationwide exclusive access to explore their local stadiums, meet football legends, engage in fun interactive games & activities, enjoy live music/DJ performances, and more!

[ In the Bay Area, Verizon’s FanFest event was held at Levi Stadium,
home of the San Francisco 49ers ]
[ The FanFest signage helped guide the fans to the venue ]
[ Attendees eagerly awaited for the raffle drawing at the Levi’s 501 Club ]
[ FanFest participants received commemorative giveaways ]
[ Football fans gathered to watch the Super Bowl game on big screen ]
San Francisco Business Times’ Bizwomen Mentoring Monday
Every fourth Monday in February, women throughout the nation participate in Business Journal’s Mentoring Monday event. This speed-mentoring event offers busy professionals the chance to meet distinguished business leaders, receive career advice and guidance, and build valuable connections.
In San Francisco, the San Francisco Business Times (SFBT) held their Mentoring Monday event at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. Mentees met with mentors from a diverse array of industries, gaining insights and guidance from experienced professionals (including representatives from Gilead, Coblentz Patch Duffy, Kaiser Permanente, Swinerton, Colliers, and more).
[ Women from all over the Bay Area gathered to meet the 2025 mentors ]
[ Each speed-mentoring session was designed to last 7 minutes, ensuring attendees
had the opportunity to connect with as many mentors as possible ]
County of San Mateo County’s
Welcome Breakfast for New Chief of San Mateo County Health
The County of San Mateo held a welcome breakfast to celebrate San Mateo County Health’s newest Health Chief, Colleen Chawla, at County Center in Redwood City.
County of San Mateo’s County Executive Officer, Mike Callagy, Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, and several other esteemed leaders expressed their enthusiasm and support for Colleen as she steps into her new role.
[ San Mateo County Health’s Colleen Chawla and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier ]
Leadership Council San Mateo County’s Newly Elected Leaders Training
Held at the CZI Community Space in Redwood City, Leadership Council San Mateo County gathered newly elected officials for an opportunity to make valuable connections and hear from incumbent and former elected officials, alongside influential community leaders.
Speakers provided attendees with a historical overview of San Mateo County, shared insights, and highlighted the value of an inclusive approach.
SAMCEDA’s President & CEO, Rosanne Foust, participated as one of the speakers, encouraging elected officials to recognize the importance of the economic vitality that business brings to their communities.
[ Left to Right: SAMCEDA’s Rosanne Foust,County of San Mateo’s President Supervisor David Canepa, Leadership Council San Mateo County’s Kaarin Hardy, and Thrive Alliance’s Georgia Farooq]
Chamber San Mateo County’s 127th Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon
Each year, Chamber San Mateo County recognizes individuals and organizations who have made a positive impact.
The community came together at Domenico Winery in San Carlos to celebrate the Chamber’s 127th Annual Awards & Recognition Luncheon:
- Cornerstone Award - BKF Engineers
- Women of the Year - Alicia Aguirre and Davina Hurt
- Tom Mohr “Champion of Education” Award - Joan Dentler
- Impactful Non-Profit Organization - HIP Housing
To learn more about Chamber San Mateo County’s honorees, please click here.
[ Chamber San Mateo County’s Amy Buckmaster welcomes the attendees ]
[ Guests engaged in lively conversations during the luncheon event ]
Check out #SAMCEDAonTheMove to see past events and activities.