State leaders gather for Maddy Institute reception celebrating bipartisan leadership

The Maddy Institute will host its 12th annual Sacramento Reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 3, at the California Museum, recognizing Senator Shannon Grove and Senator Anna Caballero for their bipartisan leadership and lasting impact on the Central Valley.

The annual reception brings together state leaders, university partners, alumni and friends of The Maddy Institute to support leadership programs, including the Bob Beverly Sacramento Legislative Internship Program, which provides Valley students with paid internships at the State Capitol.

“This event is an opportunity to recognize state leaders who share Senator Ken Maddy’s deep affection for the San Joaquin Valley and commitment to collaborative leadership,” said Blake Zante, executive director of The Maddy Institute. “Every scholarship made possible through this event helps prepare Valley students to become thoughtful, collaborative leaders in California.”

Since 2001, The Maddy Institute has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to nearly 600 students. Both Grove and Caballero have welcomed Maddy interns into their offices, providing them with firsthand experience in the legislative process.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to receive this recognition from The Maddy Institute alongside Senator Shannon Grove,” Caballero said. “Senator Ken Maddy believed the best solutions come from people willing to listen, work together and put service above politics. The Maddy Institute continues that legacy by preparing leaders committed to thoughtful public service. Those same principles have guided me throughout my career. Whether serving my community or the people of California, I have always believed our responsibility is to bring people together, find common ground and deliver results. It has been a privilege to welcome many Maddy interns to my office over the years and watch them begin careers in public service. Their passion and commitment give me great confidence in California’s future.”

Caballero and Grove have represented diverse communities across the Central Valley throughout their legislative careers and have been longtime advocates on issues affecting the region. Caballero has served in the State Senate since 2016, representing portions of Merced, Madera and Fresno counties. Caballero became the first Latina elected to represent the 28th Assembly District in 2006 and was the first woman elected Mayor of the City of Salinas in 1998.

Grove has served in the State Senate since 2018, representing portions of Kern, Tulare and Fresno counties. Grove was the first woman veteran elected to the California Legislature when she served the 34th Assembly District from 2010 to 2016.

“It has been my privilege to fight every day for the needs of Californians. Working in a bipartisan manner, we have passed historic legislation, from combating human trafficking and protecting women and children, to advancing commonsense energy policies that lower costs and strengthen our economy for all families,” Grove said. “Thank you to The Maddy Institute for this recognition and for your continued investment in developing the next generation of Valley leaders.”

Event sponsors include the Spencer family; California Farm Bureau; Rural County Representatives of California; University of California, Merced; The Wonderful Company; California State University, Bakersfield; Capitol Strategies Group; Councilmember Annalisa Perea; The Gualco Group; Hiyama Family; Kristen Olsen-Cate; Meridian Growers; Norwood & Associates; Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians; Precision Civil Engineering; Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland PC; SoCalGas; Swing Strategies; Western States Petroleum Association.

Tickets are $250 and sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $10,000. For event registration, visit themaddyinstitute.org/events/annual-sacramento-event/.