VENTURA — While accepting his award from Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) during its 2021 Journey to Leadership Awards, Alumnus of the Year James Joyce, III noted, “VCLA is an accelerator that gave me an incubator year for my business, Coffee with a Black Guy. The simple idea of sitting down to have a conversation with our neighbors builds community around genuine connections, which to me is an extension of what VCLA stands for.” Joining Joyce in being honored were four other impactful Ventura County leaders who exemplify what it means to contribute to our community.
“We are truly honored and grateful to be able to recognize these exceptional community leaders and to celebrate the work they do in support of the citizens of Ventura County,” said VCLA Director, Pattie Braga.
The five honorees represent leaders across multiple Ventura County industries:
- Business of the Year – PODS Moving and Storage
- Educational Leader of the Year – Dianne McKay, Ventura County Community College District Board Member, Area 2, and President, Mustang Marketing
- Non-Profit Leader of the Year – Monica White, President and CEO, Food Share of Ventura County
- Public Sector Leader of the Year – County of Ventura COVID Response Team
- Alumnus of the Year – James Joyce III, Founder, Chief Visionary Officer at Coffee with a Black Guy
“We are honored to support VCLA’s mission of connecting people and issues to make the County stronger,” said Justin Doering of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (VCDSA). “We believe VCLA’s mission ties in well with our mission at VCDSA of uniting community members for economic, professional, and social advancement.”
Journey to Leadership was made possible thanks to the generous support of The Trade Desk and the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association who are joined by a wide range of sponsors including, American Medical Response, Casa Pacifica, Community Memorial Health System, the County of Ventura, Bill & Elise Kearney, PODS Moving & Storage, Nevers, Palazzo, Packard, Wildermuth & Wynner, SoCal Gas, Southern California Edison, Tolman & Wiker, Ventura County Community College District, Ventura County Credit Union, and Ventura County Transportation Commission.
About Ventura County Leadership Academy – The Ventura County Leadership Academy connects and cultivates a diverse network of passionate, capable leaders through an immersion in both critical issues shaping Ventura County and opportunities for personal and professional growth. VCLA’s comprehensive program ignites awareness and inspiration, helping cohort members discover their individual pathway toward impacting our region. – www.vcleadership.org – 805- 253-2683