Alumni Updates
Woman of the Year
We are thrilled to send a hearty and heartfelt congratulations to VCLA’s Executive Director Pattie Braga, who was named a Woman of the Year by California State Senator Monique Limon. Pattie Braga began her tenure at Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) five and a half years ago, in August of 2019. In that time, she has increased VCLA’s brand…
Read MoreNew HACSB Commissioner
Congratulations to VCLA alumni Alejandra Tellez (Cohort XXV) on your recent appointment to the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura. Thank you for your service to our community, Alejandra.
Read MoreVCLA Alumni – 2024 Election Results
Congratulations to the VCLA Alumni who ran for local seats throughout the county, including incumbents Bev Dransfeldt (Cohort XXVII), and Misty Perez (Cohort XXVIII) who will continue to serve on the Pleasant Valley Rec & Park District and the Port Hueneme City Council, respectively. We will also have some new faces on the daises, including…
Read MoreGuardian in Ventura County
Congratulations to Dr. Steve Elson (VCLA Board Member and a member of VCLA’s Class I), CEO Emeritus of Casa Pacifica Children and Family Services for being honored at their recent 30th Anniversary celebration event. Dr. Elson received the Guardian Angel Award, given to individuals that have made a significant contribution to Casa Pacifica. Dr. Elson served as their…
Read MoreCelebrating 30 Years of VCLA Leadership
View the video HERE of the September 10, 2024 County of Ventura Board of Supervisor’s Meeting, where Ventura County Leadership Academy was recognized for our 30 years of Ventura County leadership.
Read MoreCSUCI Distinguished Alumni Honoree
Congratulations to VCLA board member and alumni Dhruv Pandya (Cohort XXVI, center) for being honored as the 2024 Distinguished Alumni at the CSUCI President’s Dinner, held Saturday, September 28, 2024. Dhruv not only serves on the VCLA board, but also on the Turning Point Foundation board, the CSUCI Alumni and Friends Association board, and mentors students…
Read MoreForty Under 40
Natalie Pavia (Cohort XXIX) has been named a 40 Under Forty honoree with the Conejo Chamber of Commerce. Natalie is a financial advisor with Thrivent and is committed to making a difference in people’s lives. With a background in the nonprofit sector, she is involved with many local nonprofits like Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) & ACTION…
Read MoreLeadership Award Announcement
Congratulations to VCLA alumni & Interim President at Oxnard College Oscar Cobian (Cohort XXII) for receiving the 2024 Excellence in Servant Leadership Award from The California Community Colleges Classified Senate! Nominated by members of the OC Classified Senate, Dr. Cobian was recognized for his “exceptional support of the involvement of Classified Professionals in participatory governance at the…
Read MoreMoorpark To Ventura
Congratulations Carlene Saxton (VCLA Cohort XXVIII), who has been selected as the new Assistant City Manager for the City of Ventura. Carlene previously served as the City of Moorpark’s Community Development Director. She is the President of Women Leading Government, helping women succeed in public service.
Read MoreNew Central Coast Director
Congratulations to Hollee King Winegar (Cohort XXVIII), was elected as the new Central Coast Director for the California Chapter of the American Planning Association, and as a member of the APA CA’s State Board. Hollee is the Entitlement Planning Lead for MNS Engineers, a firm based in Santa Barbara.
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