OUR STORY
It started with the stories nobody was telling.
California Leaders was founded from a deep appreciation for the transformative power of leadership. During our tenure with the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, we encountered countless individuals across industries who were driving progress but whose contributions remained in the shadows.
We realized those stories deserved a platform — a dedicated space to celebrate leaders and their impact on businesses, communities and beyond. From industry titans to grassroots changemakers, every story we tell is a testament to the power of leadership to inspire, unite and create lasting change.
MISSION
Strengthening California's economic vitality.
California Leaders is a statewide leadership platform dedicated to advancing California's economic development, workforce development and global competitiveness. Our mission is to strengthen California's economic vitality by telling stories, connecting leaders, developing future leaders, and celebrating the individuals and organizations shaping our state's future.
Through our quarterly magazine, interviews, leadership experiences and community events, we convene leaders across business, government, education, nonprofit and community organizations to foster collaboration, strengthen relationships, exchange ideas and inspire action that creates lasting impact throughout California.
VISION
A California that leads the world in innovation, economic opportunity, workforce excellence and quality of life — because leaders across every sector work together to create lasting impact.
FOUR PILLARS
Tell stories
Elevate authentic leadership stories that inform, inspire and preserve California's leadership legacy.
Connect leaders
Build meaningful relationships that foster collaboration across sectors and regions.
Develop future leaders
Create experiences that equip emerging and established leaders to grow and lead with purpose.
Celebrate leadership
Recognize the individuals and organizations creating lasting impact throughout California.
THEH FOUNDER
Christopher Luna
Publisher & CEO, California Leaders · Public Speaker · Driving public–private collaborations across policy, philanthropy and leadership
Raised in a family business, Christopher Luna brings a lifelong understanding of entrepreneurship, leadership and community responsibility. He is driven by a deep commitment to giving back and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and civic leaders across California.
His family has been part of the Mexican product industry since 1982, with his parents among the early pioneers of importing and distributing Hispanic products throughout the United States. That foundation shaped his understanding of entrepreneurship, responsibility and long-term growth.
Building on that experience, Christopher launched a successful career in banking and insurance, holding roles at State Farm Insurance, Farmers Insurance, Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase. Alongside his wife, he helped grow the family business before ultimately selling it to pursue a broader mission focused on supporting and advocating for businesses and communities statewide.
While earning his Master of Business Administration, Christopher served as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, building meaningful relationships with corporations, nonprofits and community leaders while advancing initiatives that promoted economic growth and lasting community impact.
Today, Christopher is the Publisher and CEO of California Leaders, a multimedia platform that includes a magazine, podcast and leadership experiences dedicated to spotlighting the people shaping California's future. Through long-form storytelling and curated conversations, California Leaders highlights leadership journeys that go beyond titles and recognition, focusing on the values, resilience and service behind the work.
Above all, he is driven by a desire to leave a meaningful legacy rooted in leadership, integrity and service for his two sons and daughter.
BOARD & CIVIC SERVICE
American Red Cross
Board member — disaster preparedness and community resilience
Maryvale
Board member — one of Los Angeles' oldest Catholic children and family organizations
Measure PH Fiscal Oversight Advisory Committee
Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority — appointed by LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Bring Christopher to your stage.
Keynotes, panels, moderation and fireside chats on leadership, relationships and legacy — from someone building a statewide platform spotlighting the people shaping California's future.
SIGNATURE TALKS
Beyond Networking
Building relationships that actually create opportunity.
The Legacy Gap
Why knowledge is not being transferred, and what to do about it.
Leadership in Practice
Lessons from the leaders shaping California.
From Family Business to Statewide Platform
An entrepreneurial journey.
WHY ORGANIZATIONS BRING HIM IN
Real-world experience across business, finance and entrepreneurship
Publisher of a statewide leadership platform
Actionable insights, not theory
Engaging, conversational, audience-driven delivery
Strong perspective on mentorship, legacy and growth
FORMATS & AUDIENCES
Corporate leadership teams
Associations and chambers
Nonprofit boards and organizations
Emerging leaders and professionals
Public sector and civic groups
What we offer
One platform, six ways in — each with its own page, its own audience and its own way to participate.
Launch Parties
Events celebrating the release of each issue, with networking and moments to honor featured leaders.
Founders Club
An exclusive membership for those committed to advancing leadership across California, limited to 24 members.
CONNECTION
We bring together visionaries, innovators and changemakers across every sector.
INSPIRATION
Our stories and events spark ideas and empower people to lead with purpose.
IMPACT
By amplifying the voices of California leaders, we create ripples of positive change.
Join us
Whether you are a leader, a changemaker, or someone who believes in the power of stories to inspire — be part of the mission.