Speaker Date Topic
Elena Brokaw Mar 21, 2024 7:15 AM
Museum of Ventura County
Museum of Ventura County

Elena Brokaw

Barbara Barnard Smith Executive Director, Museum of Ventura County

For the past seven years, Elena Brokaw has brought the spirit of innovation to the Museum of Ventura County, a 110-year-old institution that is the official repository of historic artifacts, cultural objects, and documented stories of the region. Before joining the Museum in 2016, Brokaw served as the Director of the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Partnerships for the City of Ventura, and has held numerous positions in cultural agencies across the state of California.

Brokaw earned her bachelor’s degree in art history from Harvard University. As a cultural consultant, Brokaw completed and implemented Cultural Plans for the cities of Reno, Nevada; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and San Diego, California. In these broad-based community cultural planning efforts, Brokaw facilitated campaigns that brought representatives of disparate and diverse community groups together and led arts advocacy campaigns on a local level. By working directly with community members while overseeing the bigger picture, Brokaw succeeds in bringing seemingly competing interests to consensus, resulting in successful and actionable cultural planning efforts.  

Brokaw believes deeply in the innovative and enduring spirit of Ventura County: “Telltale threads run through the history of our county and its communities. Over and over, there are examples of ingenuity, creativity, resourcefulness, grit, and compassion. Over and over, Ventura County has lived through seemingly devastating events—and has emerged stronger and more resilient.

Marty Rouse Mar 28, 2024 7:15 AM
Moorpark's Former Chief of Police
Michael Shanklin, Executive Director kidSTREAM Apr 04, 2024 7:15 AM

 Michael Shanklin is a native of Los Angeles and has been an integral part of kidSTREAM over the past seven years, serving as an Advisor and champion of kidSTREAM, prior to taking the helm as kidSTREAM’s inaugural Executive Director in 2020.  Before kidSTREAM, Michael served as the CEO of Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena, CA where he led his team on a $13M capital campaign to rejuvenate the museum, significantly increasing attendance, earned revenue, and access for low to moderate income families and families with different abilities.  Michael believes in service above self and involves himself deeply in local and national causes.  Michael is Past-President for the Sunrise Rotary Club of Camarillo and serves on the Club’s board.

Gene Fisher Apr 11, 2024 7:15 AM
Executive Director, Regional Defense Partnership for the 21st Century (RDP-21)
Sonny Horses 4 Kids Apr 18, 2024

Laura and Russell Libby are native Californians who grew up in the San Fernando Valley and have been residents of Ventura County for over 25 years.

 

Russell went to San Diego State and majored in business and architecture. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Russell has owned and operated many businesses from clothing stores to automobile dealerships. As an artist he has designed and created metal artwork that can be found in businesses, ranches, and homes across the country.

 

Laura went to Pierce College and has enjoyed a lengthy career in business development, staffing, management, HR, coaching and training. She has served on several non profit boards for Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) and Employment Advisory Council (EAC.) 

 

People will tell you that Laura & Russell Libby live their lives “Cowboy Style.” Navigating the wild ride, getting the job done, while always being at each other’s side. They are somewhat of a throwback couple that is keen on hard work and saying “yes” to helping others.

 

In 2022 Russell, Laura and Sonny Boy started the non-profit Sonny Horses 4 Kids. This has now become their lives’ work as they passionately advocate to unite children with Law Enforcement and creating positive interactions and relationships while bringing smiles to children’s faces. Their motto is “one child at a time, and no child left behind.”

Jessica Censotti, President MyChosenVessels May 16, 2024 7:15 AM
Visiting Kenya - and Making a Difference
Visiting Kenya - and Making a Difference

Founded in 2009, My Chosen Vessels (MCV) is a 501(c)(3) Organization in the USA & a registered NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) in Kenya. Their mission is to empower Maasai people through our water, education and culture conservation initiatives. They believe every Maasai person should have access to clean water & education for their ancient culture to survive. Their programs are led by a Maasai Chiefs Council which consists of 15 traditional Maasai chiefs spanning Kenya and Tanzania.

Assembly Woman Jacqui Irwin Jul 11, 2024
Update from Sacramento