2024 Oxnard Leadership Program concludes with Health & Human Services Day; alumni enjoy exclusive tour of The Collection at Riverpark

For its final session, the 2024 Oxnard Leadership Program cohort went behind-the-scenes to meet key players from some of the organizations that help care for and feed the community. "Health and Human Services Day" was coordinated once again by Susy Lopez-Garcia, Executive Director of Community Action of Ventura County and a 2020-21 OLP alumna. The day featured conversations about immigration, community health, food insecurity, healthcare, and the unhoused. ​

The program kicked off at Food Share of Ventura County where representatives from Swap Meet Justice, MICOP and El Concilio Family Services shared about resources for the underserved Latino and Indigenous communities. The focus then shifted to the services Food Share provides to the underfed in Ventura County. A presentation and tour of the warehouse was led by Chief Development Officer Jennifer Caldwell and concluded with the cohort packing boxes of vegetables to be delivered to those in need. 
 
The cohort then traveled over the 101 to St. John's Regional Medical where they were met by Director of Strategy & Business Development, and OLP alum, Chris Acker who set up presentations and a tour, as well as lunch provided by the hospital. The presenters included CEO Patrick Caster, COO Saj Pullarkat and Foundation Vice President, and WVCBA Board Member, Heather Huffman. 
 
The day concluded at Community Action of Ventura County where Susy Lopez-Garcia gave an overview of the services provided them. She also invited representatives from Mercy House, Ventura Rescue Mission, and Many Mansions, as well as Jenn Harkey, the Program Director for Ventura County Continuum of Care, to have a discussion about homelessness in Ventura County, specifically Oxnard, and their programs and resources to help those in need. 

But Oxnard Leadership wasn't done yet for 2024! On Wednesday, October 30, alumni from the 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, and 2024 cohorts were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of The Collection at Riverpark from Jennifer Duarte, Director, Property Management of The Collection and graduate of the 2024 cohort. They learned about the history and economic impact of the shopping center, operational and security challenges, and marketing strategies. They also enjoyed a walking (and eating) tour of the property with stops at The Mighty Axe, Blend Superfood Bar, Levity Live and Copper Blues, The Cheesecake Factory, and King & Queen Cantina. A huge shoutout to Jennifer, Operations Manager Miguel Del Castillo, and Juliana Finberg, Marketing and Business Development Manager, for their incredible hospitality and organizing the fun and insightful two-hour event.