Velocity – Vista Chamber Podcast
Vista Chamber of Commerce CEO Rachel Beld interviews the movers, shakers & changemakers that are moving Vista forward. New episodes every other Wednesday. Check out recent episodes below!
Think you or someone you know would be the perfect guest for Velocity? Let us know!
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Season 3
Episode 13 - Donnell Hilliard, Kingdom Kutz
Donnell Hilliard is the owner/operator of Kingdom Kutz on Indiana in downtown Vista. Originally from New Orleans and raised in Oceanside, Donnell is an Army Veteran who has been working the clippers since he was a teenager. Now, his shop’s bold presence in downtown Vista is making an impact – one so big, Kingdom Kutz was recently named Vista’s New Business of the Year at the Heroes of Vista Celebration event. Join Rachel for a conversation about the power of dreams and importance of teams.
Episode 12 - Martha Alvarado, VUSD Board of Trustees
Martha Alvarado is a Marine Veteran, an educator, and a mom. Her background and passion for students led her to run for VUSD School Board of Trustees in 2018. She now serves as the President of the Board. Join Rachel for a conversation with Trustee Alvarado about the role of a Board Trustee, the latest happenings in Vista Unified and what is next for the District. If you are interested in education in Vista, this episode is for you!
Episode 11 - CEO Greg Wade, Clean Energy Alliance & Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez, City of Vista
Clean Energy Alliance is coming to Vista! Listen in as Rachel sits down with CEO Greg Wade and Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez to discuss the new energy plan options and how they impact residents and businesses. The new program rolls out April 1 so keep your eyes peeled for mailed information so you can choose the plan that works for you!
Episode 10 - Vicente Hinojosa, Vista Education Foundation
Vicente Hinojosa is an advisor with Advanced Financial Solutions who also serves as the CEO of the Vista Education Foundation. The VEF is a non-profit organization that serves Vista students by providing educational funding to support the arts, technology, insternships and scholarships. The Vista Chamber partners with VEF to present Heroes of Vista, an awards event honoring educators, businesses, public safety, and community leaders.
Episode 9 - Dr. Diana Ponsford & NP Joanne Goode, Vista Community Clinic
When Vista Community Clinic first opened in 1972, they set out to provide quality health care to anyone who walked through our doors. Today, over 50 years later, they have helped redefine the community clinic model by pioneering innovative models of primary care delivery. With twelve state-of-the-art clinics treating more than 70,000 patients every year, VCC is a key health provider for the Southern California region. Join Rachel as she sits down with Dr. Diana Ponsford and NP Joanne Goode to discuss their areas of specialty at VCC. These two compassionate providers are defining what it means to be medical practitioners in today's world.
Episode 8 - Luis Gomez, Chick-fil-A
Luis Gomez is the owner/operator of Chick-fil-A Vista. If you've met Luis, you recognize his warm and authentic smile. His unique path to being a Chick-fil-A owner/operator is an inspiration!
Join guest host Kent Leithold as he sits down with Luis to talk about community service, investing in team members, and that Chick-fil-A sauce! Also, learn how your community group can partner with Chick-fil-A.
Episode 7 - Fire Chief Gerard Washington, City of Vista
We're kicking off Black History Month this week with Vista Fire Chief Washington, who joined the City of Vista in August of 2023 after 32 years of fire service experience. He sits down with Rachel to talk about his background, passion for developing talent pipelines, and what's next for the Vista Fire Department. Enjoy this insightful and inspiring conversation with Chief Washington!
Episode 6 - Velocity 2023 Wrapped
2023 is almost over! Join Rachel as she goes over some of her favorite moments on Velocity this past year. Let us know what your favorite moments this year were!
Gratitude Break
We're off this week for a little gratitude break to celebrate with our friends and family. Listen to this special message about ways to support our local businesses and non-profits on this season of giving.
Episode 5 - Shawnta Fleming & Jennifer Vu - Handel's Homemade Ice Cream
Handel's Homemade Ice Cream is a true community partner. Join a sweet conversation with Rachel, Shawnta Fleming and Jennifer Vu who work with six Handel's locations, including Vista. These dedicated ladies help Handel's invest in the future, whether that's through fundraising efforts supporting local schools and nonprofit groups or by hiring local employees - many of them for their very first job! The Handel's team sprinkles love and community support onto every scoop!
Episode 4 - Glen Henry, Beleaf in Fatherhood
Glen Henry, also known as Beleaf, is an online influencer who shares about parenting on his website Beleaf in Fatherhood. With millions of followers on multiple platforms, Beleaf aims to equip fathers, bring hope to mothers, and inspire children. He hopes that real stories of fatherhood will bring connection and healing to people everywhere.
He sits down with Rachel to discuss finding hope, inspiration, marriage, parenting, and so much more. He also shares tips for content creators everywhere. Check out this conversation today!
Episode 3 - Mayor John Franklin, City of Vista
John Franklin has served as Mayor of Vista since 2022, previously serving on the City Council for eight years. Originally from Kansas, Mayor Franklin was drawn to public service as a college student. After serving as a Congressional aide in Washington DC, Franklin chose Vista as his permanent home due to the size of the community, quality of life, and the great weather.
Mayor Franklin is focused on addressing homelessness. Join Rachel for a candid conversation about public service and Mayor Franklin's approach to this critically important issue impacting the Vista community.
Episode 2 - Don Stump, Lifeline Community Services CEO
Don Stump is a lifelong helper. After growing up in Texas and attending school in Boston, an internship with a juvenile court diversion program changed the course of his life, leading him to a career in non-profit leadership. After 30 years as a non-profit leader, and sixteen as CEO for Lifeline Community Services, Don is now preparing to retire. As Lifeline celebrates 50 years on community impact, the organization readies for the next generation of leadership. Join Rachel for a conversation about non-profit leadership, the importance of helpers, and what's next for Lifeline.
Episode 1 - Dr. Star Rivera Lacey, Palomar College President & Superintendent
Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey is the President & Superintendent of Palomar College and is the first Latina to serve in this role. She was born and raised in Oceanside and is proud to have started her post-secondary education at a community college. In addition, to a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies from California State University San Marcos, and a master’s degree in Education, with an emphasis in multicultural counseling, from San Diego State University, Dr. Rivera-Lacey earned her Ph.D. in Education from the San Diego State/Claremont Graduate University joint doctoral program. Her journey is an inspiration! Learn more about Dr. Rivera-Lacey and all the ways that Palomar College is changing lives for students in this season premiere episode!