PORTERVILLE, CA – Leadership Porterville held its annual graduation at Eagle Mountain Casino inside its new 2,000-seat event center, the first private event held at the newly opened event center. For 25 years, the organization has developed and connected leaders in the Porterville area. The Leadership Porterville graduation class featured Eagle Mountain Casino’s Marketing and Community Liaison Coordinator, Mistie Webb.
“Leadership is not about a title, it’s about being vulnerable, taking risks and being a team player and working with others to achieve a common goal,” said Webb. “It’s about learning who you are as a person so you can better help those around you. You do not need a title to be a leader, you just need to truly care.” Webb began the program as a Marketing Clerk with the goal of networking and graduated as a Community Liaison Coordinator.
Virginia Gurrola, Leadership Porterville Facilitator who is retiring from the position, received a certificate of recognition from State Assemblyman Devon Mathis.
“All of you are leaders and I can see an abundance of things that you are going to do for the community, and I can rest easy knowing that is going to take place,” said Gurrola.
“Being a part of Leadership Porterville has improved my community relations outside of the reservation,” said Shy-La Franco, Youth Chairwoman for the Tule River Tribe and Human Resources Clerk at Eagle Mountain Casino. “Leadership Porterville has helped me gain self-improvement to advance my leadership skills and I would like to acknowledge Matthew Mingrone for introducing me to this program.”
Leadership Porterville donated $8,500 to Alta Vista School to go towards science STEM kits for grades K-3. The funds were accepted by Brandon Chiapa, Superintendent. The funds were raised from the speakeasy event produced by Leadership Porterville.