Mission Statement
Connecting people and issues to strengthen our county.
VCLA Purpose Statement
Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) connects and cultivates a diverse network of passionate, capable leaders through immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth. VCLA’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping cohort members discover their individual pathways toward impacting our region.
The curriculum includes focus sessions on public safety, education, economic development, water, transportation, health care, nonprofits and volunteerism, the environment, agriculture and land use, regional issues, and governance. The sessions are interactive with open dialogue between presenters and program participants. Participants also conduct site visits and field trips as part of background research on the various topics of discussion. It is a nine-month program that includes one full-day session each month from September through May and also includes a two-and-a-half-day trip to Sacramento to study current legislative issues and an immersion activity.
VCLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
VCLA Objectives
CREATE
a leadership development program incorporating, business, social services, education, community, government, and cultural issues throughout Ventura County;
PROMOTE
the inclusion of diverse groups of individuals;
BROADEN
the awareness, understanding and appreciation of a variety of critical issues affecting life in Ventura County, through contacts with community leaders, and participation in workshops, field studies, and related programs.
"I decided to apply to VCLA to learn more about Ventura County and ways in which I could be of service to our community. This program did not disappoint. I learned that there are numerous opportunities to help and an even greater network of generous and helpful leaders willing to work together for the betterment of the entire county. This was such a wonderful program to experience and I highly recommend it to anyone!"
-Christina Tokatlian
VCLA Cohort XXVI
Forensic Scientist/CODIS Administrator
Ventura County Sheriff's Office