Introducing Coro California

Dear Friends of Coro:

As the board chairs of Coro Northern and Southern California, we have exciting news to share: Our two Coro centers are joining forces to create a single, statewide Coro California!

This historic moment is a strategic evolution for the organization — and a bold commitment to Coro’s long-term legacy and impact. Coro was founded with a mission to strengthen the democratic process by preparing people for effective and ethical leadership. Coro’s highly-regarded programs help leaders deepen their sense of civic duty and engagement, developing the skills to work across differences, address complex challenges, and strengthen our civic fabric. As one united Coro California, we will activate even more leaders who are equipped to help the largest, most diverse state in the union forge a strong, resilient future.

Both Coro centers enter this new phase in positions of financial and programmatic stability, and with incredible, mission-driven staff. Joining our two nonprofit organizations will allow us to bring Coro’s highly-regarded programs to even more communities statewide, and leverage significant new opportunities for partnership and growth. Both regions will continue to offer programs that are locally grounded and rooted in Coro’s experiential methodology — with the benefit of being powered by a robust statewide infrastructure. 

We are thrilled that Natalie Samarjian, CEO of Coro Southern California, will lead the process of uniting both organizations, and effective October 1, 2025, step into the role of Coro California CEO. Natalie is a proud alumna of the Coro Northern California Fellows Program in Public Affairs, and has been instrumental in leading Coro Southern California to a new era of strength over the past nine years — greatly expanding programs, partnerships, revenue, impact, and visibility, and cultivating a vibrant community of alumni. 

The launch of Coro California marks the culmination of Coro Northern California CEO Laney Whitcanack’s long-planned leadership transition. We celebrate Laney’s bold and innovative leadership over the past decade, marked by launching new initiatives, developing powerful partnerships, and expanding Coro’s impact on civic leadership. We are deeply grateful for her lasting legacy and commitment.

This strategic evolution arises from a great deal of consideration and discussion; it means that Coro’s mission and network will not just survive but actively thrive in the coming decades. Our democracy and our Golden State face urgent, complex challenges. By joining forces, we have an opportunity to meet this moment with a stronger capacity, increased statewide visibility and influence, and renewed commitment to upholding the democratic values we all hold dear. 

Over the next few months both organizations’ operations will remain substantially the same, and our programs will continue uninterrupted. We do not anticipate any immediate impact or changes to the work we are doing together. We are truly excited about the opportunities that this integration brings to Coro: more partners and participants in the Bay Area and Southern California, and greatly enhanced access and impact across the state and beyond. 

As we embark on the integration process, we’ll keep our network apprised about expanded opportunities to deepen the work we do together. In the meantime, please reach out to us with any questions you may have. 

Sincerely,