On Leadership and Exploring the Deep Sea

By Melissa Baffa, Cohort XVII, President, VCLA Board of Directors

Seven years ago, I was a member of Cohort XVII. It was during our session on education that our director asked for volunteers for the position of cohort representative. It sounded like a fantastic opportunity, but I was afraid to raise my hand. I would need to be elected by these fellow cohort members I was just getting to know. The last time I had run for anything was in high school, and I lost that election pretty badly. Being the cohort rep would mean attending the organization’s monthly board meetings, reporting out on our progress, and offering feedback. It would meanContinue reading

Announcing Cohort XXIV

Cohort XXIV has been selected, and will include the following leaders
from throughout Ventura County:Continue reading

Cohort XXIII Reflections

By Nerissa Stacey, Communications Strategist, Mustang Marketing

It seems like only yesterday that I took my seat at Camp Arnaz for Cohort XXIII’s very first session. I remember looking around the room at a sea of unfamiliar faces, not sure what to expect but excited to find out. And now I’m preparing to sit among my fellow cohorts — no longer unfamiliar faces, but instead cherished new friends — at graduation as we conclude Continue reading

Applications being accepted

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018-19 cohort year. Join a diverse cohort of emerging and seasoned leaders, and acquire the knowledge and skills that will help you to make Ventura County an even better place to live.

Download the application and submit it no later than May 18th.

Have questions? Find out more about the application process.

Take Two – The Creation of “GOAT”

By Eva Gomez, Director of Annual Giving and Special Gifts, California State University Channel Islands

It seemed like just yesterday that VCLA Cohort XXIII had gotten together for their first highly anticipated meeting.  As we all arrived for our second meeting, the anticipation and anxiety over what to expect had long disappeared.  Instead, we were hugging, laughing and looking forward to Continue reading

This Is Not Goodbye

VCLA’s founder, Dr. Priscilla Partridge de Garcia, participated in her last board meeting today. She is moving to Iowa to be closer to family, and we will miss her tremendously! Although we know that Continue reading

Cheers to a Successful Session One

By Nerissa Stacey, Communications Strategist, Mustang Marketing

After much anticipation, the first session finally arrived for all of us in VCLA Cohort XXIII — and it definitely did not disappoint.

In talking with others who have participated in VCLA, I’ve consistently heard two things. First, I’ve been told thatContinue reading

Ventura County Leadership Academy Announces Cohort XXIII

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 9, 2017

CONTACT:
Michael L. Paule
Ventura County Leadership Academy
4001 Mission Oaks Blvd. Suite E
Camarillo, CA 93012
(818) 355-2570
info@VCLeadership.org
www.vcleadership.org

The Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA), founded in 1994, delivers on its mission of “connecting people and issues to strengthen our county” by developing, educating and inspiring Continue reading

ODE TO DEUCES WILD

By C.J. Keavney

To Camp Arnaz with the September air still crisp and mild,
Went the band of 29 known as VCLA’s Deuces Wild.
Just like the 21 before them, Cohort 22 was eager
To learn the wisdom to help each become a leader.Continue reading

We are currently accepting applications for Cohort XXIII!

Become a part of a diverse network of leaders working to make Ventura County even better.

The application process for the 2017/2018 Ventura County Leadership Academy (Cohort XXIII) is open. Submit your application to Continue reading