Leadership Yakima

05/20/2026

Throwback to a few weeks ago when we spent a full and inspiring day learning all about our local communities, government, and law & justice systems.

There was so much for the class to take in and learn from throughout the day. The group got a closer look at the history of local government and how it operates (many were surprised by what was learned!), heard from several elected officials, toured local police and sheriff’s departments, watched K-9 demonstrations, and wrapped up the day with a behind-the-scenes tour led by the incredible people who run one of our dispatch centers.

A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to teach, guide, and share insight into some of the important inner workings of our city and community.

Stay tuned for this week’s next session: Quality of Life in the Valley 📚⛳️🎭🌳⚾️

04/17/2026

Agriculture is at the heart of our Yakima Valley community, and this month’s Leadership Yakima Agriculture Day brought that to life in the best way.

We had a full, hands-on look at the depth and diversity of our region through incredible speakers and tours with Washington Tree Fruit Association, Kershaw Fruit, John I. Haas, Good Fruit Grower, Olson Beekeeping, and S. Martinez Livestock, wrapping up the day at Treveri Cellars.

From orchards to hops, livestock to pollinators, it was a powerful reminder of the people, innovation, and hard work that sustain our local economy and way of life. A huge thank you to our partners at Washington Tree Fruit Association for coordinating such a jam-packed and meaningful day!

03/19/2026

What an incredible Leadership Yakima day focused on Education! 📚✨

We kicked things off at YV Tech with an overview of their programs and student-led tours…plus an amazing breakfast prepared by their talented culinary students. 🍳👏

Next stop was Perry Technical Institute, where we toured the campus and explored programs ranging from Medical Assistant and Coding to Business, Construction, HVAC, Electrical, Instrumentation, Automotive, and Welding.
Watching students actively engaged in hands-on learning and preparing for their careers was truly inspiring.

At the West Valley Innovative Center, we heard from a passionate student panel and experienced more student-led tours. Their excitement and pride in their projects made this stop especially memorable!

We wrapped up the day at PNWU, touring their impressive simulation labs and learning more about their OT and PT programs.

A fantastic day gaining insight into the incredible educational opportunities right here in the Yakima Valley! 🌟

02/25/2026

This month, the Leadership Yakima cohort spent a full day participating in Culture Day and gaining an inside look at the history, traditions, and stories that shape our community in the Yakima Valley.

Our morning included meaningful teachings on the diverse history rooted in our valley, along with an authentic and delicious meal at the Filipino Hall in Wapato, where we also learned about the important work taking place within the hall and its community.

The afternoon began with a visit to the Buddhist Church, where we learned more about Japanese history and its lasting influence in our region.

We then continued the day with an insightful history lesson from Esther Huey on African American settlement in Yakima, followed by a moving presentation on Missing and Indigenous women and people and the significant impact this is within our valley.

It was a meaningful and educational day. Thank you to all of our speakers and supporters who helped make this experience possible!

01/26/2026

Healthcare Day gave the Leadership Yakima cohort an inside look at the incredible work happening across the Yakima Valley to support a growing and evolving healthcare system. From tours of Pacific Northwest University and Children’s Village to learning about innovative programs and career pathways, the day was both informative and inspiring.

We’re grateful to our speakers from Highgate Senior Living, Yakima Comprehensive Health Services, Farmworkers Clinic, MultiCare Memorial, and Avail Home Health for helping us better understand the impact and future of healthcare in our community.

11/21/2025

Yesterday, the Leadership Yakima cohort had the opportunity to participate in Economic Development Day, exploring local warehouses and businesses that help the Yakima Valley thrive.

Our tours included the Yakima Airport, Triumph Actuation Systems, Adventurer RV, and the ACE Distribution Center. Participants also heard from the Yakima Parks & Recreation Department and the Yakima County Development Association, gaining insight into the vital work happening across our community.

It was a jam-packed day of learning, connecting, and discovering the incredible opportunities the Yakima Valley has to offer.

11/14/2025

For nearly four decades, Leadership Yakima has been empowering professionals to understand our community on a deeper level — its challenges, its strengths, and its incredible potential. From city government to non-profits, healthcare to small business, our alumni are shaping the future of the Yakima Valley every single day.

Hear it from one of our recent graduates:
“Leadership Yakima changed the way I see our community. It gave me the tools, relationships, and confidence to step up and make a difference.”

This program isn’t just about professional growth, it’s about building a network of passionate leaders who care about creating lasting impact in the place we all call home.
If you’ve ever wanted to be part of something bigger, now is your time to step forward.

10/29/2025

🌟 Leadership Yakima – Human Services Session 🌟

On October 15th, our Leadership Yakima class went on a whirlwind tour of our community’s amazing nonprofit organizations. From youth programs to food security, animal support, and more, it was a full day of learning, inspiration, and yes… a bit of walking (we’re still checking our step counts!).

We started at La Casa Hogar, getting a glimpse into the safe and nurturing environment they provide. After that, we had speakers from Triumph, Swan Graphics, Safe Yakima, Flying H Ranch, the K-9 Foundation, and Entrust, sharing the incredible work they do to support our community.

After lunch, we hit the road again, touring Yakima Specialties, NW Harvest, Lynch Pin, and wrapping up at the Pegasus Project. Each stop sparked ideas for our class project, and though the day was tiring, the warm and fuzzy feeling of seeing so many hearts at work made every step worth it. 💛

A huge thank you to all the organizations that welcomed us—you’re proof that Yakima is full of people who actually make the world better… and we didn’t even have to bring snacks to keep them motivated! 😄

10/09/2025

10/09/2025

Last weekend proved to be a great time of meeting the new 2025-2026 Leadership Yakima Class. The retreat was held on Clear Lake at Camp Prime Time, but the fun and laughs were spread all over Yakima County during our "Community Activity...AKA, Scavenger hunt!" Here's to a new year with new friendships and great adventure ahead!