Putting Students and Families First: A Conversation with Nancy Dunn, VUSD Board President, and Sasha Begell, Superintendent of Vacaville Unified School District

Putting Students and Families First: A Conversation with Nancy Dunn, VUSD Board President, and Sasha Begell, Superintendent of Vacaville Unified School District

Welcome back to Moms Building Community Podcast, where we connect families with the leaders, resources, and conversations that help shape stronger communities. We are honored to welcome Nancy Dunn, Vacaville Unified School District Board President, and Sasha Begell, Superintendent of Vacaville Unified School District, for an important conversation about education, leadership, and the future of our schools. In this episode, we talk about the importance of supporting students not only academically, but also socially, emotionally, and as part of a larger community. We also discuss how families, educators, and district leaders can work together to create stronger schools and more opportunities for every child. This conversation is about putting students first, supporting families, and building a future where academics, connection, and community all come together.

Chief Scott Vermillion: The Journey That Shaped His Commitment to Helping People, Serving Pleasant Hill, and Leading by Example

In this episode, we will learn about Chief Vermillion’s personal journey, the experiences that shaped his heart for service, and how those moments helped guide him into a career dedicated to helping people and protecting his community. We will also talk about his leadership in Pleasant Hill, the importance of building trust between law enforcement and families, and how his example can inspire others to serve with compassion, courage, and purpose. Chief Vermillion’s story reminds us that leadership is not only about a title. It is about showing up for people, listening to the community, and using your journey to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Chief Joe Vigil: Rebuilding Trust, Safety, and Community in Antioch

Welcome to another episode of Moms Building Community and Tomorrow’s Table Podcast. Today, we are honored to welcome Antioch Chief of Police Joe Vigil for a meaningful conversation about leadership, public safety, community trust, and the future of policing in Antioch. Chief Vigil brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience and has stepped into this role during an important time for the City of Antioch. His leadership focuses on rebuilding trust, strengthening accountability, supporting officers, and creating safer connections between law enforcement and the community. In this episode, we will learn more about Chief Vigil’s journey, his vision for the Antioch Police Department, the importance of transparency and community partnership, and how families, youth, and residents can work together with law enforcement to build a safer and stronger city. We are grateful for the opportunity to have this conversation and to bring his voice and vision directly to our community.

California Legal Pathways with Ruthe Catolico Ashley: Opening Doors to Law, Leadership, and Justice

In this episode, California Legal Pathways with Ruthe Catolico Ashley: Opening Doors to Law, Leadership, and Justice, we are honored to welcome Ruthe Ashley, a true trailblazer in law, education, and leadership. Ruthe has dedicated her career to opening doors for students and creating pathways into the legal profession, especially for young people from diverse communities. Through her work with California Legal Pathways, she has helped inspire the next generation of lawyers, advocates, and community leaders by showing students that they belong in spaces where justice, leadership, and change are created. We were also honored to have Judge Daniel J. Healy join us as our guest podcaster for this powerful conversation. Judge Healy serves with the Solano County Superior Court in Vallejo and has been involved in important court programs connected to justice, rehabilitation, reentry, mental health, and community support. Together, this conversation reminds us that access, mentorship, representation, and opportunity can change not only one student’s future, but the future of justice in our communities. We are so excited to share this inspiring episode with our listeners.

One Inch of Hope: Mental Health, Resilience, and Recovery with LaVontae Hill

In this episode, we are honored to welcome LaVontae Hill, also known as Kodak King, for a powerful conversation about mental health, healing, purpose, and community impact. LaVontae is a mental health therapist, Associate Clinical Social Worker, motivational speaker, TEDx speaker, and founder of Open Heart Journey. Through his lived experience and professional work, he continues to help break the stigma around mental health while encouraging others to choose vulnerability, healing, and hope. During this conversation, we talk about his journey, the importance of mental health awareness, how our stories can become a source of strength, and why supporting youth, families, and underserved communities matters now more than ever. This is an inspiring and heartfelt episode about resilience, purpose, and the power of using your voice to help others heal.