Cathy Leonard, J.D.

Current Position

Principal at Oakland Neighborhoods for Equity and Community Engagement Consultant at University of California, Berkeley

Expertise

  • Community Outreach and Engagement

  • Policy Development and Legislation

  • Urban Planning and Sustainability

  • Civil Rights and Social Action

  • Nonprofit Leadership

Professional Experience

Cathy Leonard has over 35 years of experience in robust community outreach and engagement. She currently serves as the Principal of Oakland Neighborhoods for Equity, where she provides consulting services to local municipalities, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Leonard has been a Community Engagement Consultant for the University of California, Berkeley since 2018, focusing on the Oakland EcoBlock research project. In this role, she has been instrumental in locating potential neighborhoods for Oakland's first EcoBlock and serves as a liaison between the project team and participants.

Throughout her career, Leonard has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement and policy development. She has co-authored significant legislation with Oakland City Council members, resulting in successful ballot measures and the implementation of community-focused programs.

Education

  • Juris Doctor (J.D.), Golden Gate University, School of Law

  • Bachelor's degree, University of California, Berkeley

Contributions to Building Electrification

Leonard has made significant contributions to building electrification through her work on the Oakland EcoBlock project. Her expertise in community engagement has been crucial in identifying suitable neighborhoods and facilitating communication between researchers and community members, supporting the project's goal of creating a replicable model for block-scale electrification and sustainability.

Clubhouse Participation

Leonard was a featured panelist in the "Oakland's Groundbreaking EcoBlock Project Update" discussion, where she shared valuable insights on community engagement strategies and the importance of resident participation in sustainable urban development projects.

Connect with Cathy

Cathy Leonard generously contributed her expertise to the Building Electrification Clubhouse, hosted by BIG Oakland, demonstrating her commitment to advancing sustainable urban development and community empowerment. Her work in bridging the gap between academic research, policy-making, and community needs exemplifies the collaborative approach necessary for successful building electrification initiatives. When not working or volunteering, Cathy enjoys baking, bicycling, walking throughout her city, and spending time with her young nieces, reflecting her deep connection to her community and balanced approach to life.