Finding My Voice Through Leadership Orange
By Silvia Marin, Social Media Manager
This past year, I had the privilege of being part of the Leadership Orange Signature Class of 2025, a journey that’s been as eye-opening as it has been transformative. As I stood on stage at graduation to deliver our class address, I realized just how far we’d come—not just as a group, but as individual leaders. Leadership Orange allowed me to help tell a different story, one about community, collaboration, and personal growth.
How It Started
My journey with Leadership Orange didn’t begin with this Signature Program. It started back in 2021, when I joined the Larkin Family Young Professionals Program. That experience lit a spark in me. It opened my eyes to the incredible potential not just in myself, but in the people around me and in the place I’ve called home for over 25 years: Orange County.
Even after living here for two and a half decades, I realized there was so much I didn’t know about the systems that shape our communities, the leaders behind the scenes, and the challenges that many of our neighbors face every day. This program gave me a front-row seat to all of it.
Stepping Out from Behind the Scenes
When I first joined Leadership Orange, I was someone who preferred to stay behind the scenes. I was hesitant to share my ideas or step into leadership roles. But session after session, something shifted. I began to understand that leadership doesn’t have to look a certain way. Sometimes it’s about listening, asking thoughtful questions, or simply showing up with intention.
One of those moments for me came during our Government & Politics day. Listening to the individuals shaping local policy, I realized how many decisions are being made about us without enough of us at the table. That day ignited a sense of responsibility in me, not just to live in Orange County, but to help shape it.
Another memorable session was Health & Human Services, where we participated in a poverty simulation. This exercise made it painfully clear how one missing resource, like reliable transportation or affordable childcare, can trigger a cascade of challenges. That day reminded me that leadership must come with empathy, and that real change starts with understanding systems from the ground up.
Learning by Doing
Early in the program, we were tasked with organizing the annual Leadership Orange 5K, and I had the opportunity to serve as one of the marketing chairs. It pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me lessons in delegation, collaboration, and trust.
Seeing the event come together, from the signage to the sponsors to the community turnout, was incredibly fulfilling. Even more meaningful was knowing that we raised over $37,000 to support the Junior Leadership Orange Program. These funds help cultivate the next generation of leaders, giving young people the chance to grow, build confidence, and engage with their community in a hands-on way.
The GOATs: A Class Like No Other
Our class chose the name “The GOATs”—Greatest of All Time—not because we think we’re perfect, but because we’re committed to excellence, perseverance, and growth. It’s a mindset we embraced: showing up, lifting others, and always striving to be better.
We came from all walks of life: corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, government, education, and entrepreneurship. Some of us were lifelong Orange County residents, while others were newer to the area. Despite our differences, we connected from day one. We listened. We learned from each other. And we made space for every voice.
I truly believe that kind of connection doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you bring together passionate, thoughtful people who care deeply about making a difference.
A Beginning, Not an End
As we celebrated our graduation, one truth stood out: leadership doesn’t end with a program. It’s a mindset, a responsibility, and a daily choice. Whether we’re mentoring young professionals, volunteering in our towns, or simply leading with kindness and intention in our daily lives, we are all capable of making an impact.
