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Resident Leadership Academies
Resident Leadership Academies (RLAs) are multi-week training programs for San Diego County residents who want to learn how to improve their local communities. Training sessions focus on topics such as community leadership, crime prevention and safety, land use and active transportation, and healthy food systems.
Residents learn skills and best practices to address the issues that most affect their communities, and they work alongside their neighbors to help improve quality of life where they live. Upon graduation, attendees have new knowledge and access to a support network to help them lead community improvement projects.
RLA Updates and Opportunities
Many individuals and organizations are involved in Resident Leadership Academies across the County. The latest updates can be found on social media.
RLA Curriculum
Those who would like to facilitate an RLA can find the Facilitator/Train the Trainer and Participant materials below. The RLA Curriculum consists of a Participant Manual, modifiable PowerPoints, and various templates and handouts. The curriculum covers subjects such as Community Building Principles, Social Determinants of Health, Land Use and Community Planning, and more.
The County of San Diego currently has two approved RLA curriculums available. For groups funded for a particular RLA session or project, the version of the curriculum to be used will be determined by your funder (see links below). For all other groups, either version, or elements from both, may be used for the trainings.
- 1st Edition Curriculum
1st edition curriculum covers resident-driven community improvement efforts, including community building principles, neighborhood assessment activities and strategies for stakeholder engagement. - 2nd Edition Curriculum
2nd edition curriculum expands on the 1st edition to include embedded activities, reflection questions and content on smoke-free environments and climate change.
Additional RLA Curriculum
- Heat Risk Education Curriculum
The Heat Risk Education Curriculum is a set of PowerPoints and facilitator guides meant to support community leaders and residents involved in community engagement work. The curriculum covers strategies for communicating about global warming and heat risk to the community to motivate behavior change, and covers topics such as global warming, heat illnesses, at-risk groups, prevention, and taking action.
RLA Resources & Opportunities
View the Community Health Improvement Partner's Resident Leadership Academy page for the latest on meetings and trainings.
Bi-Monthly RLA Council Meetings
Meetings to provide additional training, discuss RLA updates, and to engage with other RLA practitioners. Anyone in the RLA network (graduates/residents, facilitators, CBOs and agencies supporting RLA) is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Technical Assistance (TA) for RLA Practitioners
TA is provided by the County to any RLA Practitioner involved with RLAs. TA may consist of assistance with planning of future RLAs, and development, refining, and implementation of Community Improvement Projects (CIPs), for example. For groups funded for a particular RLA session or project, the TA provider will be determined by your funder.
RLA Network Supplemental Training Workshops for Current RLA Practitioners
Supplemental trainings are available to anyone in the RLA network (graduates/residents, facilitators). These trainings focus on expanding leadership skills and offering opportunities for current RLA practitioners to engage with one another. The supplemental trainings may cover, but are not limited to, such topics as: Presentation Skills, Meeting Facilitation, and/or Applying for Resources.
New Facilitator Training/Train the Trainer Seminars
Seminar participants attend 3-4 full days of training, which consist of a detailed review of the curriculum, facilitation practice and tips for RLA planning and coordination. One or more new facilitator trainings per year will be offered through 2019.
Contact us for additional information on any of the resources listed above, or to learn about RLAs happening in your community.
RLA Success Stories
Lived Experience Informs the i2 Funding Program
From Alliance Healthcare Foundation 12/10/24 News
Resident Leaders Join the i2 Program Team / Lived experience helps inform our work
This is the second cycle of Alliance Healthcare Foundation's i2 $1 million milestone-based grant in which they’ve invited community resident leaders to contribute their voice and lived experience to the i2 funding program.
The Resident Leaders’ role over the next year includes:
- Contributing perspective informed by their unique lived experience
- Providing feedback on the grant application
- Participating on the evaluation panel along with Alliance Healthcare Foundation (AHF) staff, committee and board members through all phases of the i2 journey
Serving Youth
Esmeralda Muñoz
Esmeralda Muñoz is a trailblazing advocate dedicated to helping young adults—especially former foster youth—build self-sufficient and fulfilling lives. Informed by her personal journey through foster care, Esmeralda understands the power of self-care, healing, and the sense of belonging that comes with strong community support. She empowers others to rewrite their stories and prioritize their well-being by supporting their personal growth, financial stability, and education. Esmeralda’s leadership as a Resident Leader reflects her commitment to advancing equity and creating sustainable opportunities for underserved populations.
Making Change Happen
Barry Pollard
Barry Pollard’s lifelong dedication to his community began in his childhood neighborhood of Valencia Park, where he first recognized the need for equitable opportunities. Focused on Southeast San Diego, Barry addresses issues such as health equity, transportation, environmental justice, and education by mobilizing residents to take collective action. With a background in organizational development and decades of community leadership, Barry emphasizes healing from trauma, strengthening local networks, and promoting sustainable solutions. His work continues to inspire transformation and resilience in neighborhoods across the region.
Advocating for Justice
Simone Van Horn
Simone Van Horn combines her professional expertise as a clinical social worker with a deep personal commitment to advancing health equity and fostering community well-being. Her lived experience navigating the journey toward health and wellness has shaped her passion for creating opportunities that help communities thrive. With a focus on mental health, physical health, and social justice, Simone uses innovative and empathetic approaches to uplift others. As a Resident Leader, Simone is dedicated to amplifying voices within her community and driving long-term, systemic change.
Working in Community
Janice Luna Reynoso
Janice Luna Reynoso grew up in National City and Southeast San Diego, where her mother’s dedication to helping others deeply influenced her path. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Janice draws from her family’s farmworker heritage and her connection to the culture and indigenous history of the region. She blends community gardening, art, music, and storytelling to promote health equity and social justice. A devoted advocate and mentor, Janice works to create spaces where individuals can heal and thrive. Her vision for a more inclusive and connected community is rooted in resilience, creativity, and collaboration.
Boosting Economic Mobility & Wellness
Pedro Estrada, Jr.
Pedro Estrada, Jr. brings over 14 years of experience in social services to his mission of creating a more equitable and thriving community. As the son of immigrant parents, Pedro’s upbringing instilled in him a commitment to hard work and a drive to uplift underserved communities. Blending his academic achievements with his professional expertise, Pedro works to address disparities in health, wellness, and economic empowerment. Guided by his cultural heritage and lived experiences, he seeks to foster holistic well-being and meaningful change. As a Resident Leader, Pedro is passionate about building collaborative solutions for a more just future.
$1 Million Milestone-based Grant Application Open
AHF's Innovation Initiative (i2) - Apply before January 24
Solving our most intractable health challenges requires innovative, transformative, and sustainable solutions. With our Innovation Initiative (i2) funding program, we are seeking market-based and/or transformational systems-change solutions with the potential to improve access, quality, and health outcomes for low-income residents in San Diego County.
Ask the Funder Session Recording / Hear helpful tips
Unable to attend last month's Ask the Funder sessions on the i2 funding program?
Here's a recording to catch you up.