Public Safety-Working Together

Christina Tokatlian, VCLA Cohort XXVI  Forensic Scientist  and Local CODIS Administrator Ventura County Sheriff’s Office November 8, 2018 is a day I will never forget.  I remember waking up that morning to go to work and the first piece of news I heard about was the horrific Borderline shooting that took place the night before and…

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VCLA – Fountain of Knowledge & Inspiration

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…

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Whose Eyes Are You Seeing VC Through?

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…

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Virtually the Best – Reflection

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…

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All Barks & No Bites

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…

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VCLA Inspires

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…

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Alumni Reflection – Kevin Brannon, Cohort XX

Lately, as the success of the Reel Guppy Outdoors program has surged, I have taken some time to reflect upon the people and events that have gotten us here. An important part of my success with this program has been the lessons I took away from my participation in the Ventura County Leadership Academy.  What…

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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…

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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

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