2022 Leadership Program explores Oxnard's economic engines, education system to start the second half

The 2022 Oxnard Leadership Program has entered the home stretch with only three sessions remaining for the current cohort. In August, participants received an insider's view of three economic engines: Naval Base Ventura County, the Port of Hueneme, and the Channel Islands Harbor. And in the first of two September sessions, participants explored Oxnard's education system and how it is preparing youth for the future.

On August 19, Leadership participants were welcomed into NBVC Port Hueneme for an overview of base operations and plans for the future. They visited the Base's portside operations (and witnessed the arrival of a giant roll-on/roll-off cargo ship to the Port of Hueneme), learned about water purification and desalinization projects, and walked through Bard Mansion. Next up was a visit to the Port of Hueneme and a presentation by Dona Lacayo, Chief Commercial & Public Affairs Officer. During a tour of the Port, they got to see cars being driven off the aforementioned cargo ship, and they also visited the innovative, collaborative workspace at Fathomwerx. The day ended at the Waterside Restaurant in the Channel Islands Harbor meeting with Ventura County Harbor Director Michael Tripp. He discussed various projects planned around the harbor, including the soon-to-be-built Hyatt hotel, and proposals received for the former Whales Tail restaurant and at Fisherman's Wharf. 

On September 9, Leadership participants started Education Day in the Board Room at Oxnard Union High School District. Dr. Joe Mendoza, Director of the Special Populations Educational Support Department, delivered an inspirational talk on leadership in education, and OUHSD Superintendent Dr. Tom McCoy shared an overview of the district and a preview of Del Sol High School. An insightful panel discussion moderated by Teresa Telles, Coordinator of Work Based Learning at Oxnard High School,  featured a powerhouse of educators: Monica Phillippe, Career Education Director (OUHSD); Dr. Ginger Shea, Director, Enrichment and Specialized Programs (Oxnard SD); Cara Comstock, Principal, Parkview Elementary (Hueneme SD); Richard Urias, Principal, Oxnard HS (OUHSD); James Jenkins, Principal, Los Colinas Middle School (Pleasant Valley SD); Laurie Lary, Executive Director, Career Education (VCOE); and Ryan Emery, Principal, Rio Del Sol (Rio SD). A student-led tour at Oxnard High School of many of the Career Technical Education programs offered closed out the morning. 

The afternoon was spent exploring higher education offerings. First up was a visit to Oxnard College, with overviews of its Program for Accelerated College Education (PACE), the Oxnard Employee Pipeline and its ESL courses, as well as a glimpse into student life there. The group also visited California State University Channel Islands, with a tour led by Andrew Lorenzana, Community and Government Relations Analyst. They visited John Spoor Broome Library and Mechatronics Engineering Program, and got a preview of the new development being planned on a 32-acre site within the campus’s University Glen residential community.

The 2022 Oxnard Leadership Program is generously sponsored by  the Gene Haas Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1999 by Haas Automation Founder and CEO Gene Haas to support the needs of the local community. Based in Oxnard, Haas Automation is one of the largest employers in the county. We are truly grateful for their generous support!

​​Every year, civic-minded community leaders are invited to apply to the Oxnard Leadership Program. It is a 10-month, 10-session experiential program that connects participants with key decision makers and experts on vital issues that shape the future of the City of Oxnard and its surrounding region. Participants are selected for their commitment to bettering our community and passion for self-improvement with the goal of assisting others.

The Oxnard Leadership Program is an initiative of the Oxnard Foundation For Education And Economic Development (OFEED) a 501(c)(3) organization. Formed in 2014 by the Oxnard Chamber of Commerce (now WVCBA), OFEED's mission is to support the interaction with and advancement of education and development of our future workforce, and to assure the Oxnard community has an adequate supply of quality jobs.​