Lindsay Knight will be speaking to us about Leadership Fremont

Leadership Fremont is a program of the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. Leadership Fremont empowers individuals to assume leadership roles while developing a collective resource and problem-solving network to address community needs today and in the future.The future of our community is closely tied to the quality and commitment of our next generation of leaders. Leadership Fremont increases the base of informed, capable leaders willing to volunteer their talents to meet community needs. A diverse group of individuals, representing all sectors of our community, build their personal leadership skills while increasing their understanding of the complex issues facing the region and how various governing bodies interact and affect solutions. Each year, program participants select a project to improve and support our community. This year’s cohort chose a project to support unhoused families. We are working with the nonprofit Abode and their transitional housing shelter, Sunrise Village, to renovate and transform the shelter’s family housing recreation and learning areas, both their outdoor play space and indoor learning and activities area. We are raising $30,000 to fund brand new equipment and furniture for these spaces.

Lindsey Knight is the Membership Development Director at the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. She moved here 10 months ago to join the team at the Chamber. Raised in Monterey County, she previously worked at the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce during the pandemic and was successful in growing their membership and increasing their marketing revenue. Prior to the pandemic, she was the Events & Community Engagement Manager at a startup nonprofit, AIM Youth Mental Health. Prior to moving back to Monterey County, she spent a year doing a fundraising residency program through CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) at an independent primary education school in a Chicago suburb. She moved to Chicago from Portland, where she lived for 9 years after college, working in Early Childhood Education, Business Development, and Nonprofit Advancement. She is a graduate of San Jose State University and Cabrillo College and holds a Bachelors of Science in Sociology.

Christina Briggs will be speaking to us about the State of the City

This discussion will provide an overview of key initiatives taking place within the City of Fremont. It will include updates on the City Council’s established priorities, including financial sustainability, enhancing public safety, addressing homelessness, and enhancing commercial district vibrancy. In addition, it will provide information regarding the City’s Economic Recovery Strategy and how Fremont is adapting to a post-COVID economy.

Assistant City Manager Christina Briggs oversees Economic Development, Communications / Legislative Affairs, City Clerk, Human Services, and Information Technology Services for the City of Fremont. Christina has spent a majority of her career in Economic Development, including serving as Fremont’s Economic Development Director prior to her current role. For nearly 20 years, she has lead efforts in business recruitment, job development, and business retention strategies. She also provides economic health analysis, including development of industry cluster strategies for manufacturing and emerging technology. Christina takes particular pride in serving as an interface between business and government to create “win win” collaborations.Prior to Fremont, Christina worked for the City of Anaheim as a Redevelopment Agency Project Manager, where she managed mixed-use, retail, and hotel development projects. Christina is a member of the Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance, International Council of Shopping Centers, and Urban Land Institute. She received her B.A. in Language Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz and her Master of Public Administration Degree from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.

Mr. Nan Su will be speaking to us about “U.S. Government’s Changing Policy Towards China”

With a bipartisan support, the US government is quickly changing gear on its China policy. The change has left the American public, especially the business society with lots of uncertainties when it comes to dealing with China. The Epoch Times has recently started offering free presentations to our local communities to help Americans understand:

1.  What China’s global expansion means to American
2.  After enjoying investments, technologies, and consumer markets from the West for decades, why didn’t the Chinese government want to have any political reform?
3.  What can Americans do to protect the lifestyles of their future generations?

Mr. Su has been a China Expert and commentator for over 20 years. He has covered a wide range of topics related to traditional Chinese Culture, Human Rights, Forced organ harvesting, Economy, Health, Politics, Covid, etc. with over 300 presentations to various groups in Northern California. His most recent presentation “China’s Global expansion – past and future” has been very well received by audiences in California and beyond.

Please contact The Epoch Times at 1-888-557-3280 Ext. 7 in order to book him for a speaking engagement or interview.

Susan Longini and Julie Gilson will be speaking to us about “Fremont Creates, the Arts Culture & Creativity Project”

Susan Longini has been working in glass for almost 40 years. Her primary technique is pate de verre, literally “paste of glass”. She is collected internationally and has installations in public buildings, offices, spas, and private homes around the country. She was adjunct professor of art at Ohlone College in Fremont, CA for many years, Executive Director of the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI), on the board of the Glass Alliance of Northern California (GLANC), and on the City of Fremont Art Review Board. In addition to being an active studio artist, she is Program Manager for the City of Fremont boxART! Program, transforming utility boxes into works of art.

Julie Gilson, President, Fremont Cultural Arts Council (FCAC); Fremont Creates organizing committee •30+ years resident of Fremont; 20 years’ service FCAC board; 3 years as President; previously Treasurer •Founder, Center Theater Preservation Group (2002-2006; entity now inactive) •Member, Tri City Non-Profit Coalition •Member, Fremont Freewheelers Bicycle Club – 5 years Primavera event organizing committee •Professional experience: CPA (inactive); high- & bio-tech industry accounting consultant