The Oxnard Leadership Program is a 10-month experiential course designed to foster civic engagement. Participants gain exclusive, in-person access to influential leaders and experts discussing the critical issues that define our community’s future.
2027 Application Window Opens Mid-September
ABOUT THE OXNARD LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
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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. |
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Civic-minded community leaders are invited to apply to the Oxnard Leadership Program. Since 2016, this interactive, community engagement program has provided an in-depth look at issues impacting the city and region’s economic prosperity and quality of life.
This 10-month, 10-session experiential program connects participants with key decision makers and experts on vital issues shaping the future of the City of Oxnard and its surrounding region. Participants are selected for their commitment to bettering their community, passion for self-improvement, and desire to better serve in leadership roles within their organization or the community. Topics are subject to change and may include health and human services, government, public safety, education, agriculture, energy, trade, defense, and public services. |
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Alexis Minie, Class of 2023Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Oxnard and Port HuenemeThe Oxnard Leadership Program gave me so much more than just a deeper understanding of my community. I gained wonderful friends and colleagues who I continue to learn from, collaborate with, and stay connected to, and I’ve been amazed by how many meaningful partnerships have grown from those relationships. It was a commitment, but one that has added tremendous value to my personal growth, my career, and my organization, and I would wholeheartedly encourage other local professionals to take that same opportunity.
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Felipe Flores, Class of 2024County of VenturaOLP is an exceptional program that provides a rich history, including deeper insight and appreciation to local industries and those working behind the scenes to drive Oxnard and the County forward. It is an eye-opening experience that will completely transform how you view local commerce and community development.
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Benefits:
- Gain in-depth knowledge of the community and how it functions by interacting with influential community leaders.
- Build a diverse network of colleagues and contacts in the city.
- Position yourself or your business as a community partner that is committed to quality-of-life issues.
- Engage in private seminars and discussions with local executives and leaders.
- Acquire valuable information and access to resources to aid your professional work and civic engagement.
Commitment & Tuition:
- Partial scholarships may be available with priority given to self-paying individuals and nonprofits. Please inquire when you submit your application; there is no separate scholarship application.
- Sessions are held one Friday of each month, January through October, from approximately 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (hours vary).
- Participants are expected to attend all 10 sessions.
- Participants may not miss more than two sessions (16 hours total) in order to graduate with the cohort.
- Participants are allowed to make up sessions the following year and graduate then.
- Tuition is nonrefundable.
Requirements:
- Candidates must be at least 21 years of age to apply
- If not self-employed, you must have the support and commitment of their employer.
- Employers are encouraged to sponsor employee participation for professional development.
- In addition to the application, a brief interview (via Zoom) will be scheduled. Soon after the application deadline, applicants will receive an email to schedule the Zoom interview.
2026 SPONSORS
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Nearly 40 deserving individuals have received partial scholarships to the Oxnard Leadership Program, thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Gene Haas Foundation since 2022. The foundation was established in 1999 by Gene Haas, the founder and CEO of Haas Automation. Headquartered in Oxnard, Haas Automation is one of the largest employers in the county, dedicated to supporting its community through impactful initiatives.
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TKC Enterprises |
If your business would like to become a sponsor, please contact Jovie Baclayon at [email protected].
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Dave Wellik, Class of 2022Citizens Business BankAfter 10 years working in Oxnard, I thought I knew the community well, but the Oxnard Leadership Program showed me just how much more there was to learn. The connections and insights I gained led me to become actively involved with the Alliance and eventually serve as Board Chair. If you're looking to expand your perspective, strengthen your network, and grow as a leader, this program is an incredible opportunity.
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Jacquelyn McMillan, Class of 2018Calleguas Municipal Water District (elected in 2022)The program provides a robust look into Oxnard’s history, economic drivers, governance, business and community issues, and more.
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WELCOME CLASS OF 2026!
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Brittny Alamillo, Premier America Credit Union
Michelle Aliano, Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast Erica Ayala, JP Morgan Chase Kevin Brannon, Reel Guppy Allison Cornish, Bayer Crop Science Alexa Garfunkel, Boundless Realty INC Ann Marie Machamer, Oxnard College Juan Martinez, Gold Coast Health Plan Angie Milne, Many Mansions Gregory Ruiz Jr., Point Broadcasting Eric Saavedra, Oxnard Adult School Pamela Scott-Belinfante, Premier Funding Vincent Stewart Anna Varela, Mercy House |
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ALUMNI
2016 (Inaugural Class)
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Tom Buenger
Craig Classen Andrea Dunphy Dawn Noorda-Boldrin Jackie Snider |
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2017
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Alyce Bosacki
Nicole Chavez Justin Cotton Elissa Davalos |
Kathy Gray
Carlos Lopez Peter Marcus Robin Whitney |
2018
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Christopher Acker
Justin Campbell Jacquelyn McMillan |
Theresa Miller
Laura Mullen Alex Renteria |
2019
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Daniel Chavez, Jr.
Yvonne Gutierrez Diana Lopez Taylor Penny Mayra Rincon |
Angela Sanchez
Mark Spellman Marlen Torres Anna Zielsdorf |
2020-21
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Joshua Beck
Nathan Glyer Maya Hoholick CAPT Kirk A. Lagerquist |
Alejandra Lopez
Susana Lopez-Garcia Ashley Montgomery Mayra Plascencia |
2022
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Joseph Cabral
Armando Casillas Arturo Garcia Brenda Heredia Tina Knight Patty Lau-Cho Teo Lopez Carolyn Mullin |
Pete Parker
Jenna Perkovich Sylvia Reyes Margaret Schoep Samantha Shapiro Christopher Wells Dave Wellik |
2023
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Alexis Minie
Anne Amon Cecelia Perez Dolores Lopez Heather D'Anna Nichols Jazmin Charlesworth John Garcia |
Jordan Cruz
Ryan Underlin Samantha Gonzales Timea Szavo Christina Thomas Vanessa Valerio |
2024
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Ashlee Coronado, City of Oxnard
Brooke Primero, Stacy Miller Public Affairs Catalina Solis, Community Action of Ventura County Cherry De Windt, Fight Foundation Doug Riffenburgh, Channel Islands Maritime Museum Felipe Flores, County of Ventura |
Jacy Yu, kidSTREAM
Jennifer Duarte, The Collection at RiverPark Marivic Diswe, Devoted Care Services Seth Wilmoth, SEEAG Summer Santivanez, Bayer Crop Science Torin Curren, Small Business Owner |
2025
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Esther Anaya, The Arc of Ventura County
Daniel Cervantes, OceanAir Federal Credit Union Nicholas Cohen, BluSky Restoration Contractors Michelle Flippo, Visit Oxnard Roberto Gonzalez, Oxnard College Kyle Jewell, West Ventura County Business Alliance Isaac Khalaf, HRL Laboratories Claudia Lozano, Community Action of Ventura County |
Rachel McIver, McIver Consulting
Erin Morhar, Charter Communication / Spectrum Reach Paola Pomeroy, Bayer Crop Science Nichole Susanka, NAVSEA (Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Base Ventura County) Juan Villasenor, Premier America Credit Union |