Our Signature Program

Our Signature Program, for the last 32 years

Leadership Ventura County connects and cultivates a network of passionate, capable leaders through an immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth. LVC’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping each class members discover their individual pathway toward impacting our region.

Specific objectives of Leadership Ventura County are:

CREATE …

a leadership development program incorporating, business, social services, education, community, government, and cultural issues throughout Ventura County;

BROADEN …

the awareness, understanding and appreciation of a variety of critical issues affecting life in Ventura County, through contacts with community leaders, and participation in workshops, field studies, and related programs.

PROMOTE …

the inclusion of diverse groups of individuals;

What to Expect as an LVC Participant

A unique and engaging experience, Leadership Ventura County brings an unmatched depth of knowledge and local leadership perspective. This program includes:

  • Ten Focus Sessions
    Topics such as p
    ublic safety, social services & healthcare, local government & the legislative process, education, housing & transportation, water & agriculture, economics, arts & culture, environment, infrastructure, and more.
  • Cohort Ice-Breakers and Community Building
    Get to know your fellow Cohort members
  • Leadership Training
  • Community Explorations
    Cohorts are divided into small groups and assigned a community to explore
  • Trip to Sacramento
  • Get Togethers with Cohort and Alumni
    Optional monthly happy hours and annual mixers
  • Graduation Ceremony
    Including certificates of commendation on behalf of LVC and numerous elected officials

What is expected of you?

Each person who participates in the LVC brings unique and valuable knowledge, skills, and experience to discussions about our community.  With that in mind, during the time you spend in LVC sessions, we ask that you:

  • Participate at monthly focus sessions –  Be present and engage in active listening, and consider ideas from different perspectives.  Be open to your blind spots and mindful of the intersectionality of privilege and disadvantage.  Discuss & ask questions of presenters utilizing the "LVC introduction", and approach challenges from a place of curiosity.
  • Attendance -  Honor time commitments. Each LVC session is packed with opportunities to learn, engage with our speakers and cohort members.  Because of this, LVC limits the number of absences to two (2) sessions throughout the program.  Please refer to the session dates before you apply, as should you miss a combined total of more than two sessions, you will not graduate with your cohort.
  • Engage with other cohort members throughout the year. Previous alumni have gone on to organize service projects or volunteer together as a team.