Welcome to the Members of Cohort XXXII!
The VCLA mission is to "connect people and issues to strengthen our county" by developing, educating, and inspiring a diverse group of leaders who aim to enhance the quality of life in Ventura County. The curriculum of this year-long program includes ten full-day, interactive sessions, at locations throughout Ventura County. The cohort members hear directly from the subject matter experts on many of the critical issues impacting the region. Other session topics include education, public safety, health care, economic development, arts and culture, agriculture, and housing. Cohort members are also responsible for hosting a group volunteer event, focused on the betterment of Ventura County.
Adam Vega, Community Outreach & Legislative Representative, The Port of Hueneme
Anabel Marquez, PIO/Community Engagement Manager, County of Ventura Library
Angela Sorensen, LCSW, Counseling, Advocacy & Prevention Supervisor (CAPS), NBVC/Fleet and Family
April Remnant, President / CEO, County Schools Federal Credit Union
Ashley Brown, Director of Development, Interface Children & Family Services
Betsy Zuck, Education Manager, Interviewer, Focus on the Masters
Brandi Murphy, Vice President, Employee Benefits, IMA Financial
Charles Dixon, Manager, Accounting II, County of Ventura
Claudia Navarro, Realtor, Resource Real Estate
Cynthia Rendon, Agency Relations Assistant Manager, Food Share of Ventura County
Cyrus Zadeh, Captain, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
Esther Anaya, Executive Director, The Arc of Ventura County
Fallon Wallace, Outpatient Clinic Administrator, County of Ventura Healthcare Agency
Gloria R. Housley, General Manager, RATP DEV, USA.- VCTC
Gretchen Luchsinger Cook, Sales Account Rep., Safeguard Business Systems
Grissel Marquez, Senior Manager Behavioral Health, County of Ventura Healthcare Agency
Hannah Quiroz, Individual Giving Manager, Future Leaders of America
Ian Anderson, Government Relations Manager, Southern California Edison
Jackie Flame, Co-owner, Moorpark Karate & Krav Maga
Jamie Collins, Executive Director, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria
Jessica Jimenez, Human Resources Business Partner & Outreach Liaison, County of Ventura
Jessica Villeda, Marketing Manager, Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County
Jim Salas, Clinical Professor of Marketing and Sales, Pepperdine University Graziadio Business School
Josepha Baca, Associate Vice Chancellor, Ventura County Community College
Juan Villaseñor, Branch Manager, Premier America Credit Union
Kelly Fitzpatrick, Branch Manager, Logix Federal Credit Union
Kyler Carlson, Senior Project Manager, Ventura Housing
Laura Ramirez, Branch Manager II, Ventura County Credit Union
Liz Morales, Program Administrator, County of Ventura
Luann Swanberg, Retired Director, SCC Regional Consortium, California Community Colleges
Luke Erickson, Managing Director, Startup Ventura
Marissa Caringella, Environmental Services Manager, United Water Conservation District
Mostafa Ghous, Vice President of Student Support, Moorpark College
Nathan Castillo, CEO, Castillo Tripodis Consulting
Pam Eppolito, Chief Operating Officer, Museum of Ventura County
Penny Nguyen, Ph.D., Scientist II - Strawberry Plant Breeder, Driscoll’s
Rodrigo Kammer, Director of IT, Zyris
Stephen Watson, Executive Director, Ventura Regional Fire Safe Council
Tony Biasotti, investigative reporter, Ventura County Star
Tony Briggs, Executive Director, U.S. VETS
Cohort XXXI has graduated and can now be found on our Alumni page.
Cohort XXXII Dates (2026-2027)
Orientation Session (Via Zoom) - September 10, 2026 (Thurs @ 5:30)
First Session - September 18, 2026
Second Session - October 15, 2026 (Thurs)
Third Session - November 13, 2026
Fourth Session - December 11, 2026
Fifth Session - January 15, 2027
Sixth Session - February 12, 2027
Seventh Session - Sacramento Trip – Feb 28 - March 2, 2027 (Sun-Tues)
Eighth Session - March 19, 2027
Ninth Session - April 16, 2027
Tenth Session - May 7, 2027
Graduation - May 13, 2027 (Thurs eve)