LSMV Newsletter |December
Youth and Education Topic Day
Facilitated by: Hugo Guzman, Juan Pliego, Yolanda Zamora, Keith Madsen
On December 5th, the Leadership Santa Maria Valley (LSMV) Class of 2026
convened at the CoastHills Credit Union Community Room to launch their Youth
and Education Topic Day. Breakfast, generously sponsored by The Wisdom Center,
featured breakfast burritos from the ‘A’ Street Café, a workforce development
program of VTC Enterprises that provides training and employment opportunities
for adults with disabilities. This session was designed to immerse participants in
the diverse ecosystem of organizations across the Central Coast that advance
youth development ranging from academic institutions to after-school and
enrichment programs that play a critical role in shaping future leaders.
The day opened with welcoming remarks from the topic leaders, followed by an
inspiring personal story from class member Jacob Limon, who shared his
journey and career path that ultimately led him to his current role as a Project
Manager at Royal Industrial Solutions. His reflection on the mentors,
opportunities, and self-advocacy that shaped his professional trajectory set an
encouraging tone for the day’s theme.
When the team learned that the originally scheduled leadership development
speaker had fallen ill, Topic Day committee member Hugo Guzman stepped in to
facilitate a leadership workshop titled Coaching with Purpose & Impact:
Leadership Practices that Strengthen Teams. The session explored practical
coaching methodologies including identifying coaching styles, applying the
GROW model (Goal, Reality, Options, Will), and utilizing strength-based coaching
techniques. Participants engaged in discussions on how to initiate meaningful
coaching conversations, clarify challenges, explore possible pathways forward,
and reinforce accountability tools they can apply both personally and
professionally.
The first site visit of the day brought the group to Allan Hancock College, where
they were welcomed by Dr. Kevin Walthers, Dr. Jon Hooten, and members of the
college leadership team. The class received commemorative “Changing the Odds”
pins symbolizing resilience, opportunity, and academic perseverance. The tour
highlighted key initiatives shaping the future of local higher education, including
Hancock’s innovative 2+2 graduate pathway in partnership with Cal Poly San
Luis Obispo, along with hands-on vocational programs designed to equip students
with workforce-ready skills. The group also visited Hancock’s nonprofit student-
run wine program, where proceeds support student education, and concluded the
visit in the MESA Success Center, a dedicated learning environment that supports
tutoring, collaboration, and academic achievement for students from all
backgrounds.
Lunch, generously sponsored by CoastHills Credit Union with pizza from local
business Straw Hat Pizza, featured a keynote story from class member Jeimy Paz,
who shared her journey from international beginnings to her current role as
Director of the YMCA. Her narrative highlighted the transformative impact of
youth-centered organizations and the importance of accessible community
programs.
The afternoon included two additional site visits in Guadalupe. At the Boys &
Girls Clubs of Mid Central Coast, the group met with Director of Operations
Roberto Rodriguez, who provided a tour of the facility and discussed the
organization’s critical role in serving youth and families. Staff shared that at
times they support close to 100 children daily, offering structured programs,
mentorship, and a safe environment during out-of-school hours.
The final stop was the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, where Executive
Director Erika Weber introduced the class to their environmental education
programs, including after-school and summer initiatives developed in
partnership with Hancock College faculty. Participants learned how the center
integrates ecological science, local history, and hands-on exploration to ignite
curiosity in young learners. The tour concluded with a look into the Dunes
Center’s unique claim to fame: its involvement in the excavation of the long-
buried 1920s film set from The Ten Commandments, a story that connects
environmental preservation with cultural heritage.
By the end of the day, the LSMV Class of 2026 gained a deeper and broader
understanding of the opportunities, challenges, and innovative approaches
shaping the future of youth and education on the Central Coast. They were
introduced to organizations that might not always receive wide recognition yet
have profound impact on the lives of young people. The experience reinforced
the importance of cross-sector collaboration in building resilient, educated, and
empowered communities.