Reflections from Lake Tahoe: Launching the Young Leaders Award Cohort 3

The beginning of our Cohort 3 journey in Lake Tahoe felt nothing short of extraordinary. It was a week filled with growth, connection, and inspiration that left me deeply grateful and excited for what lies ahead.

September 19, 2025

The beginning of our Cohort 3 journey in Lake Tahoe felt nothing short of extraordinary. As the Walking Softer Young Leaders Award Manager, I had the immense privilege of spending four days alongside our newest cohort of Young Leaders, our dedicated team, and our incredible executive coaches. It was a week filled with growth, connection, and inspiration that left me deeply grateful and excited for what lies ahead.

Setting the Tone

From the moment we arrived, the energy was palpable. The Tahoe house, with its breathtaking views of the lake, set the perfect backdrop for our time together. That first evening, we welcomed everyone with a history of the house and a reminder of the culture we are building at Walking Softer: one grounded in authenticity, collaboration, and solutions-focused leadership.

We set three intentions for the week:

Develop: Skills development in systems change, authentic leadership, and organizational growth.
Connect: Strengthen community among the cohort, the Walking Softer team, and our coaches.
Storytelling: Refine the way we share our visions and impact with the world.

That night, around the fire, the Young Leaders began to bond, sharing dessert, laughter, and the first threads of what will become lifelong connections.

The Big Picture

Each Young Leader introduced their project in a five-minute pitch, each one being visionary in their own way. Their peers responded with generous feedback.

Executive coach Chúk then led us through a deep dive into systems change and strategic clarity, mapping how each project connects to community and the larger ecosystems they aim to transform. We closed the day with a panel that invited the cohort to meet the Walking Softer team not just as colleagues, but as people. Because this program is not only about what we build, but also who we become.

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Deepening the Journey

The next day began on the lake, we spent time on the water wakesurfing, creating a sense of joy, courage, and camaraderie amongst the cohort. The day unfolded with workshops on Organizational Growth for Impact, peer-to-peer Authentic Leadership circles, and leadership journey shares by Jordan and Meghan on a refreshing hike.

That evening, I had the honor of moderating our Softer Dinner, where every Young Leader sat at one table, sharing stories of resilience and hope. It was one of the most moving moments of the week. Each story had the power to build empathy and solidarity. We closed the night with karaoke and dancing, celebrating both the hard work and the joy of being in community together.

Celebrating Connection

On our final day, we began again with sunshine and wakesurfing before diving into The Art of Connection: Networking, Fundraising, and Business Social Skills with Venu and Wade. I also led a First Impressions exercise that left the room buzzing with laughter and insight. Later, Emma and Jonathan shared their leadership journeys from the deck, and Lauren and I offered a preview of what lies ahead in the program.

We wrapped up the retreat with a gratitude-filled dinner, each person reflecting on what the week had meant to them.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on this retreat, a few things stand out most:

The power of place: The Tahoe house and surrounding nature offered space for both deep reflection and joyful play. From surprise wakesurfing lessons to hikes in the pines, the natural world reminded us why we lead with care for the planet.
The brilliance of our coaches: Seisei, Venu, and Chúk created inclusive, growth-oriented spaces for vulnerability and learning. Their wisdom and adaptability allowed each Young Leader to show up fully.
The strength of this cohort: Our Young Leaders arrived ready and prepared through thoughtful onboarding and were already invested in one another. Their willingness to learn, share, and grow together makes me so excited for the year ahead.

As we close this chapter, I carry with me immense gratitude and unshakable excitement. The seeds we planted in Lake Tahoe will grow into something extraordinary over the next six months. I cannot wait to see the impact this cohort will create, not only in their own communities but in the world we all share.

Here’s to Cohort 3 and their vision for a better future for both people and planet.

- Raychel Espiritu

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