The Leadership Visalia Connection: February 2026

Welcome to The Leadership Visalia Connection!

A monthly e-newsletter created just for our alumni community. Each issue will bring you updates on the current class, spotlights on fellow alumni, and meaningful ways to stay involved—whether through volunteering, board service, or reconnecting with old classmates.

Dear Leadership Visalia Alumni,

As alumni, you’re part of a community that believes in powering leadership and energizing change. The 7th Annual IMPACT Leadership Conference is a chance to reconnect with that purpose. Our reshaped event is meant to drive thoughtful conversations, shared learning, and meaningful connections with leaders across our region.

We’ve included a special alumni registration rate—use promo code Alumni when registering—and hope you’ll join us for a day designed to spark momentum you can carry forward in this new year!

-Jena Rodriguez

Leadership Visalia Facilitator

Healthcare Day Highlights:

In January, the Leadership Visalia class spent a full day diving into healthcare and its impact on our community. Participants heard from multiple Kaweah Health industry experts on the organization’s role as a public district hospital, local physician shortages, and efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline. The day also featured an OB/GYN panel and hospital tour showcasing maternal and neonatal care, along with a meaningful mental health discussion focused on wellness, common misconceptions, and youth crisis services. The session wrapped up with a high-energy Zumba activity—reinforcing that healthcare goes beyond clinical settings and into the everyday habits that support a healthier community. Thank you to our generous sponsors—American Ambulance of Visalia, Kaweah Health, and The Collective Catering—for helping make this impactful day possible.

Lead Within: Personal Growth & Team Dynamics

The January Afternoon Session encouraged the class to look inward, with a focus on self-awareness, team dynamics, and work-life balance. The second half of the program centers on interactive group work, including podcast presentations and leadership book discussions, giving participants space to reflect, share perspectives, and explore practical ways to lead more effectively—both at work and beyond.

Name: Kelly Pierce

Company: Kaweah Health

Title: Associate Manager Career Pathway Programs & Volunteers

What year did you graduate from Leadership Visalia?

2019

Where do you currently work and what is your role?

Kaweah Health. I am the Manager of Career Pathways and Volunteers. Assisting both our staff and community on their career journey, the liaison for all the CTE Programs for the High Schools in Tulare/Kings Counties, and working with those who simply want to volunteer their time and give back to the community.

How has Leadership Visalia impacted your personal or professional life?

Confidence

What is one leadership lesson or moment that has stuck with you since the program?

The final session where everyone wrote something they would remember about you. I still have that document framed as a reminder that I can be my harshest critic and how others truly see me.

What are you most passionate about in your career or community work?

Being able to live the Starfish Principle every day, making a difference once life at a time.

What advice would you give someone thinking about joining Leadership Visalia?

DO IT. Absolutely worth the time and energy and commitment.

What’s something fun or unexpected that people might not know about you? (Hidden talent, favorite hobby, etc.)

I am part Gypsy at heart. Love to just explore and road trip with no set location or goal in mind. I am also a fabulous Disney travel expert.

Connect with Kelly

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

CASA of Tulare County	Volunteer Opportunities
CSET	Volunteer Opportunities
Habitat for Humanity of Tulare/Kings Counties	Bird House Auction-Seeking Committee Members
Sequoia Riverlands Trust (SRT)	Volunteer Opportunities

Have an Opportunity to Share?

If you have something to share with the Leadership Visalia Alumni Network, please contact Jena Rodriguez to submit your listing.

Provide Input

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