Julius Sokenu, VCLA Cohort XXVI  Interim President, Moorpark College Ventura County Community College District Prior to Friday, November 13, I did not know what it felt like to hold a drum between my legs and place my palms in a V to drum. Now I have proof that drumming is good for the heart and elevates…

Tracy McAulay, VCLA Cohort XXVI  Management Analyst County of Ventura Like the first two VCLA sessions, session 3 was a whirlwind. We delved into the economy, transportation and the arts – no small task for a single day. All of the presentations were fascinating, and I could write pages. As I reflected on the day, I…

Jennifer Duston, VCLA Cohort XXVI  Client Partner Franklin Covey As John Quincy Adams so eloquently stated, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, & become more, you are a leader.” I couldn’t choose words more appropriate to describe Cohort XXVI and our day of learning with community leaders as a part…

Caitlin Brooks VCLA Cohort XXVI Program Manager/Transportation Planning Ventura County Transportation Commission If you don’t like dogs or puns, this recap of VCLA Cohort XXVI Session 2 is going to be ruff. Please furgive me and I promise by the time you’ve finished reading you won’t be hounding anyone for more.  Our second session (but…

Caitlin Barringer VCLA Alumni, Cohort XXV  Development Manager, Kids & Families Together The mission and purpose of Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) is “connecting people & issues to strengthen our county” and it is something that they embody well.  As a recent graduate of Cohort 25 (Aptly named “We Survived”, due to the COVID-19 pandemic…

Jeremey Shumaker VCLA Cohort XXVI  Regional Director of Operations for American Medical Response On September 11th, 2020 the 26th cohort of the Ventura County Leadership Academy met for their first of ten sessions. The date was not lost on me nor was it on the rest of my fellow leaders. As a veteran and as…