Testimonials

Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) thus far has been a pivotal experience for me this year. I have been afforded a peek into the nuts and bolts -the heart of Ventura County. I am uncovering and deepening my understanding of the gaps between the “system set in place to provide relief to the communities” which…

At the last VCLA session, you could feel how people are really starting to connect. It is amazing to watch people form relationships and talk about things that will truly make our community a better place to live. Lauren Lafferty (Cohort XXVIII), Development Coordinator, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV)

As a Ventura County native, I was surprised at the number of new things I learned about our community through Ventura County Leadership Academy. This intense nine-month program allowed me to hear from distinct leaders from a variety of industries, and better prepared me to come together with my fellow cohort to solve issues facing…

VCLA Alumni Marcelo Bermudez turned his cohort reflection into a recruitment video! Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDjPXhWYP6U Marcelo Bermudez (Cohort XXVII), Chief Executive Officer, Shōkunin, Inc.

“If you’re looking for an opportunity to learn from local leaders and grow in your professional development, then Ventura County Leadership Academy is the perfect choice! VCLA offers a truly diverse learning experience where we hear about critical issues in our own community, such as water sustainability to support agriculture and the affordable housing crisis.…

“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…

“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

“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…