Posts Tagged ‘alumni’
Cohort XXXI Gets on the Bus
Sandra Jennings, Workforce/Placement Instructor at Ventura Adult and Continuing Education Friday’s @vcleadershipacademy session focused on transportation, and Cohort 31 had the opportunity to experience it firsthand by riding Gold Coast Transit District buses to several locations across the county. As I reflect on the day, two words stand out: choice and essential. We learned…
Read MoreLooking to the Future of Housing
Sacheen Swan, Civil Law Clerk, County of Ventura – County Counsel “The future is the result of our collective intention now.” ~ Nicholas Deitch, Architect, RRM Design Group Last Friday Ventura County Leadership Academy Cohort XXXI had our fourth session covering issues of housing and homelessness in Ventura County. The high cost of housing and…
Read MoreFirst 5 Names VCLA Alum as Executive Director
The First 5 Ventura County Commission recently appointed Lauren Arzu (VCLA Cohort XXIV) as the organization’s new Executive Director. Arzu joined F5VC in 2017 as a Program Manager, worked diligently on the Census project, and was promoted to Director of Human Resources & Operations in 2020. She also serves on CLU’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership…
Read MoreBeyond the Fleece
Roshin Mathew, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Ventura County Community Foundation I just wrapped my immersion day for the Ventura County Leadership Academy, a program that dares you to leave your lane and dive headfirst into the systems, people, and contradictions that shape this region. So naturally, I chose Patagonia: part outdoor brand, part climate crusader,…
Read MoreVCLA Alum Named Navy Base VC Executive Director
Jon Gathman (Cohort XXIV) was recently promoted to Naval Base Ventura County’s Executive Director. This new position continues duties focused on strategic planning for supporting Sailors and their missions, with the addition of leading and mentoring the installation’s senior leaders. Jon is always on the lookout for creative and cost-effective ways that the installation can…
Read MoreWomen’s United Board Gains VCLA Executive Director
Pattie Braga (VCLA’s Executive Director and a member of Cohort XVII) was recently appointed by Ventura County Supervisor Matt LaVere to the United Way of Ventura County’s (UWVC) Women’s United board. “I’m truly honored to serve,” Pattie says. “VCLA and the UWVC have a long history together, as they were the fiscal sponsor for VCLA…
Read MoreVCLA Alum Appointed to Fair Board
Gloria Martinez, VCLA Cohort XXVII, has been appointed to the 31st District Agricultural Association, otherwise known as the Ventura County Fair Board, by Governor Newsom. Accepting the honor, Gloria said, “The Ventura County Fairgrounds are more than just a venue… It’s a space where tradition, heritage, and community come together. Like so many in our…
Read MoreJonathan Royas is new Assistant City Manager for the City of Moorpark
Congratulations to a member of VCLA’s alumni network, Jonathan Royas (Cohort XXIX) for being appointed as the next Assistant City Manager for the City of Moorpark. Jonathan joins City Manager PJ Gagajena, also a VCLA alum from cohort XXVIII. Jonathan serves on several non-profit and civic organization boards including the Municipal Management of Association of Southern California…
Read MoreNew VCLA Board Member Rabiah Rahman
We are so pleased to welcome Rabiah Rahman to the VCLA Board of Directors. As an alumni of Cohort XXVI, she is a dedicated social justice advocate who utilizes her voice, education, and skills to promote change throughout Ventura County and California. Currently, she serves as Co-Chair on the Ventura County Public Safety Racial Equity Advisory Group, Vice…
Read MoreCohort XXX Reflection
Ingrid Hardy – Assistant City Manager – City of Thousand Oaks This kind of experiential leadership development isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. We all have our own paths. But for those considering VCLA—whether you’re just starting out, mid-career, or well-established—I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore it. I have no regrets, only appreciation.
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