We had the opportunity to gather Cohort Two of the Young Leaders Award in Joshua Tree, California, for their second and final retreat. This momentous experience marked the closing of their yearlong journey together. The peaceful setting, on the ancestral homelands of the Serrano, Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, and Mohave peoples, offered a powerful backdrop for reflection, connection, and restoration. We created space for the cohort to pause, take stock, and look ahead with intention.

The retreat was structured around two full days of programming, each one blending structured experiences with open time to breathe. Grounding practices and workshops focused on closure and transitions helped leaders process what they had accomplished and consider what comes next. A masterclass taught by Dr. Anita Sanchez on leadership brought new frameworks and insight, while time in nature invited reflection on both the inner and outer landscapes. The design was intentional, allowing Young Leaders to connect with themselves, one another, and the surrounding land. We are grateful to Dr. Anita Sanchez for serving as our featured guest facilitator, who also led a meditative ceremony rooted in her Indigenous heritage, for the Young Leaders and our Walking Softer staff. Having one of our founders, Victoria Smith, in attendance, sharing her experience and insights into what makes a great leader was inspiring for the cohort to hear.

A highlight of the retreat was the facilitated group discussions, during which each Young Leader shared their personal and professional journey over the past year. These reflections were powerful. Many spoke with vulnerability about their challenges and with clarity about their growth. Cohort Two consisted of Young Leaders innovating across diverse focus areas, from climate tech to education, regenerative agriculture to policy change, and each story revealed deep commitment and personal transformation. It was clear that this year had not only strengthened their work but also expanded their capacity to lead with authenticity. We also had quality time in the evening for stargazing, led by our very own Dr. Win Cowger, who happened to have access to a telescope. Seeing Saturn’s rings is something I’ll never forget!

The environment played an essential role in our coming together. We were able to visit Joshua Tree National Park, revel in moments of quiet in the desert, and celebrate evenings spent around firepits, which helped the cohort reconnect with the natural world and with one another. This connection offered more than rest. It created space for new ideas, renewed energy, and a sense of shared purpose that was felt across the group. The setting reminded everyone that regeneration applies to people as much as it does to the planet.

As the retreat came to a close on the last day, what stood out most was the strength of the community that had formed among this cohort. These leaders are not working in isolation. They are part of a collective that listens, uplifts, and challenges each other to grow. We all left Joshua Tree with new insights, deeper relationships, and a shared commitment to continue building a climate-resilient future rooted in justice, creativity, and care.

-Raychel Espíritu, Young Leaders Award Program Manager