Terrance Dixon

“Being a part of VCLA has been the most memorable experience I’ve had in my life since living in Mexico. I was born and raised in Texas but moved to Ventura County almost seven years ago and this program not only made me realize why I moved here, but made it clear that this is…

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Katlyn Simber-Clickener

“The benefits that this program offers reaches far beyond what is expected. The amount of knowledge you gain, friendships you make, and overall feeling of wanting to help, are all incredible gifts you get from this program.” Katlyn Simber-Clickener (Cohort XXVI), Recreation Coordinator, Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District

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Jennifer Duston

“Although the majority of my VCLA experience took place during Covid and on Zoom I can’t tell you how invaluable this experience was. Aside from learning so much about our county and widening my focus from serving my own city, I met people with whom we WILL make a difference. The thing about VCLA is…

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Nick Odenath

“VCLA is a wonderful program. It helped me better understand all of the amazing work being done in our County. More importantly, VCLA challenged me to critically think about issues facing our communities. I found myself walking away from VCLA with a better perspective on these challenges and having developed life-long connections along the way.”…

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Dhruv Pandya

“Out of numerous qualities VCLA ignites in an individual, the one that really helps is the journey from opinions to facts. I have learned so much about Ventura County with factual information and have had the opportunity to discuss it with the leaders who are experts on the issue. This changes the way to look…

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Susan Craig

“I decided to apply to VCLA to learn more about Ventura County and ways in which I could be of service to our The exposure to so many elements and environments that comprise our county meant so much towards developing an expanded view of the needs that face our community. VCLA opened my eyes and…

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Su-lin Rubalcava

“Ventura County Leadership Academy was a rewarding experience that I highly recommend. During the nine-month academy, I was exposed to a variety of wealth and knowledge about Ventura County’s culture, history, and economy. Best of all, I leave with long lasting friendships!” Su-lin Rubalcava (VCLA Cohort XIII)

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Don’t Let Your Title Define Who You Are

DAnna Michelle

​Michelle D’Anna Community Relations Officer, City of Camarillo “Don’t let your title define who you are.” Let that sink in for a minute. At first, this statement struck me as an odd way to begin a conversation with a room full of professionals who are embarking on a leadership journey. Are we not a diverse cohort…

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Mexicans Don’t Sing About Their Horses

Canko Robert

Robert E. Canko NAM Sustainability & Outreach ManagerBayer – U.S. Crop Science VCLA’s Cohort 27 Legends convened at the Oxnard Union High School District for our sixth session on the first Friday of February 2022.  We enjoyed a wildly enlightening day on the topic of education in Ventura County from a wide cast of selfless…

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Congratulations to VCLA Alumni Jeff Chism

VCLA Alum Jeff Chism

Congratulations to VCLA Alumni Jeff Chism (VCLA Cohort XXVI) on his new position as Chief of Staff for Global Supply Chain at Amgen. After retiring in October of 2021 as Commanding Officer of Naval Base Ventura County, Jeff and his family decided to stay in Ventura County and put down roots. Congratulations Jeff, and thank…

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