News & Success Stories

Recognized Partners across San Diego County are the driving force behind the strength, reach and impact of the Live Well San Diego vision. Read their inspiring success stories below.

Empowered Individuals, Empowered Communities: RLA Leaders Success Stories

Post Date:01/13/2025 3:31 PM

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Submitted by:Yeni Linqui Palomino, Vice President, Community Health Improvement Partners

 

For over a decade, the Resident Leadership Academy (RLA) has inspired transformative leadership and grassroots advocacy in San Diego County, empowering individuals to create meaningful change in their communities. This year, five exceptional leaders and RLA proponents demonstrated the program’s impact through their remarkable achievements. Let’s celebrate their successes and the lasting contributions they’re making across San Diego County.

 

 Rachel Pinuelas-Morineau: Amplifying Voices in Chula Vista

Rachel Morineau

 Rachel Pinuelas-Morineau, an RLA affiliate since 2017 and Community Engagement Director with SBCS for over a decade, took a historic step in April 2024 by being appointed to the Chula Vista City Council, District 4. Filling a vacancy left by Andrea Cardenas, Rachel was chosen unanimously after a rigorous public interview process. She served through December 2024, carrying forward her deep commitment to community advocacy. 

A 27-year resident of Chula Vista, Rachel has long been a passionate leader, serving on the San Diego County Social Services Advisory Board and co-founding the San Diego County Promotora Coalition. As an RLA trainer, Rachel has played a key role in nurturing future leaders and elevating voices often unheard. Her appointment underscores the power of community-rooted leadership. Reflecting on this milestone, Rachel shared, “This is an amazing opportunity for me. Thank you for listening and hearing all of us out there. I am up here for them. I want to see them in this seat one day.”

 

Lakeysha Sowunmi: Celebrating Veteran Leadership

LaKeyshaSowunmiLakeysha Sowunmi, an RLA Train-the-Trainer (T4T) 2021 graduate and Director of Achieve at Community Housing Works (CHW), received recognition as one of San Diego’s Top 50 Influential Veteran Business Leaders by the San Diego Business Journal in late 2024. A Navy veteran with eight years of service, Lakeysha’s dedication to fostering resident leadership and community resilience has been unwavering. As an RLA trainer and director of CHW’s resident services team, Lakeysha has overseen impactful programs that empower communities to thrive. Her leadership exemplifies the strength of veteran voices in shaping equitable housing and fostering community well-being. This well-deserved honor celebrates her commitment to creating pathways for success and recognition for others.

 

 

Jaime “Jimmy” Figueroa: Leading Oceanside Forward

Jaime FigueroaJaime “Jimmy” Figueroa, an RLA T4T 2014 graduate, made waves in November 2024 by winning the District 4 seat on the Oceanside City Council. A lifelong resident of Oceanside, Jimmy has over a decade of nonprofit and public sector experience, making him a trusted community leader. Jimmy’s approach to leadership emphasizes collaboration and inclusivity, guided by his belief that communities have the power to drive positive change. “I firmly believe that together, as a community, we possess the power to make lasting positive changes in our neighborhoods and create opportunities for all,” he said. His election marks a new chapter for Oceanside, with a focus on uplifting neighborhoods and advocating for families across North County San Diego.

 

 

Janice Luna Reynoso & Barry Pollard: Champions of Bold Transformation

Two inspiring RLA leaders, Janice Luna Reynoso and Barry Pollard, were selected as 2025 Resident Leaders for Alliance Healthcare Foundation’s Innovation Initiative Bold Transformation (i2). Their lived experiences and visionary leadership will inform this groundbreaking program aimed at advancing health and wellness for underserved communities.

 

Barry Pollard 

BarryPollardBarry’s lifelong dedication to Southeast San Diego began in his childhood neighborhood of Valencia Park, where he witnessed systemic inequities firsthand. As the founder of The Urban Collaborative and RLA T4T 2014 Graduate, for over a decade he has worked to address health equity, environmental justice, and education by mobilizing residents and fostering collective action. His work prioritizes healing from trauma, strengthening networks, and promoting sustainable solutions that uplift entire neighborhoods.

 

 

 

Janice Luna Reynoso

JaniceLunaReynosoJanice draws inspiration from her upbringing in National City and Southeast San Diego, as well as her family’s farmworker heritage. As the founder of Mundo Gardens in 2010 and original RLA 2011 graduate, she blends community gardening, art, music, and storytelling to champion health equity and social justice. A devoted mentor and advocate, Janice creates spaces where individuals can heal and thrive, fostering resilience and creativity in every project she leads. Together, Janice and Barry exemplify the transformative power of RLA-trained leaders in advancing equity and innovation.

 

 

 

 

These stories reflect the profound impact of the Resident Leadership Academy in cultivating leaders who bring vision, compassion, and action to their communities. As Rachel, Lakeysha, Jimmy, Janice, and Barry continue to inspire, their journeys remind us all of the limitless potential within each of us to make a difference. For more information on the Resident Leadership Academy or to connect with these amazing leaders email ypalomino@sdchip.org  

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