Event Recap of SAMCEDA’s 2025 ‘THRED Talks’

The San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA) held its 72nd Annual Meeting featuring "THRED Talks" - Weaving Our Region Together event at The Farallon Room at Skyline College in San Bruno in June 2025.

The event convened elected officials, business executives, and community leaders from across San Mateo County and the broader Bay Area for an afternoon of insight, inspiration, and connection.

Attendees heard from a dynamic lineup of speakers, including:

Rommel Angeles - Associate Vice President - Network Engineering for Northern California and Nevada, Verizon
Olivia Asuncion - Architect and Accessibility Advocate
Evan Engstrom - Senior Manager, Creator Public Policy, YouTube
Luz Urrutia - Chief Executive Officer, Accion Opportunity Fund
James Wagstaffe - Partner, Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green

The “THRED Talks” presentations captivated the audience with fresh perspectives on accessibility, the creator economy, community building, and more, sparking thoughtful conversations about the future of our region.

Following the program, guests gathered for a networking reception, an opportunity to forge new connections, exchange ideas, and celebrate the strength of existing partnerships and collaborations.

Launched in 2016, “THRED Talks” has become a signature SAMCEDA program, highlighting San Mateo County’s businesses, innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders while showcasing the County’s unique contributions to the dynamic Bay Area and Silicon Valley region.

SAMCEDA extends its gratitude to all of our sponsors whose generous support made this year’s event possible.

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To view the presentations and to learn more about “THRED Talks,” please click here .
(Click here to read the speakers’ bios)

Event snapshots

[ "THRED Talks" Speakers (from left to right):
Adamski Moroski Madden Cumberland & Green's James Wagstaffe,
Accion Opportunity Fund's Luz Urrutia, YouTube's Evan Engstrom,
Architect and Accessibility Advocate, Olivia Asuncion,
SAMCEDA's Rosanne Foust, Verizon's Rommel Angeles ]