Moms Building Community

Moms Building Community

di Maryam Trumpf
Stagione 3

Building Futures: Anna Dinh Eaton on Expanding Hope at the Boys & Girls Club.

We had the incredible honor of sitting down with Chief Executive Anna Dinh Eaton of the Vacaville Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club for an upcoming episode of both the Solano Moms Building Community Podcast and Tomorrow’s Table Podcast and let me tell you, it was nothing short of inspiring.Since 2003, Anna has been a relentless advocate and beacon of hope for thousands of youth across Solano County. Under her leadership, the Club has not only provided a consistent, nurturing space for kids to grow, learn, and thrive, but is now moving boldly into the future with a $5.5 million capital campaign aimed at expanding their 13,805 sq. ft. Clubhouse. This means more room, more programs, and deeper impact for the kids who need it most.Anna’s passion radiates in everything she does and it’s contagious. Her personal mantra? “Be patient. Give kids time and understanding.” Those words reflect her deep wisdom and the kind of leadership our communities truly need.

Breaking the Mold with Ashley Newberry: Confidence, Cheer, and Charli’s Story.

We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Ashley Newberry, author of CHARLI BREAKS THE MOLD, on today’s episode of the Solano Moms Building Community and Tomorrow’s Table Podcast! Ashley is a powerful voice for confidence, resilience, and self-expression. As Director of Dream Xtreme Allstars, she’s mentored countless young athletes, helping them build more than just cheer skills. She’s built leaders .Her book is a vibrant reminder that being yourself is your greatest strength, especially in a world that tries to fit you into a mold. Thank you, Ashley, for showing young people how to break the mold! Stay tuned this one’s a must-listen.

Vallejo Mayor Andrea Sorce: Shaping Vallejo’s Future with Integrity

Welcome back to the Solano Moms Building Community Podcast and Tomorrow’s Table Podcast. We’re so glad you’re here with us today, whether you’re tuning in while driving, getting things done at home, or taking a moment for yourself. Today, we’re honored to welcome Andrea Sorce, Mayor of Vallejo, to the podcast. Mayor Sorce has devoted her life to public service, and as a community college economics professor and public policy expert, she brings deep knowledge, compassion, and accountability to her role as Mayor of Vallejo. She is committed to putting people first and delivering leadership that is honest, inclusive, and fiscally responsible. In this conversation, we’ll dive into her vision for Vallejo, how she balances family and leadership, and how her work impacts youth and families in our community.

Investing in Community: Hannah Cordero Chen Community Health Manager at Kaiser Permanente on Health, Equity & Empowerment

Welcome back to another powerful episode of Solano Moms Building Community and Tomorrow’s Table Podcast. Today’s episode is one that truly reminded us what leadership with heart looks like. We had the absolute honor of sitting down with Hannah Cordero Chen, a woman whose dedication to health equity, community investment, and systemic change is nothing short of inspiring. Hannah currently serves as the Community Health Manager at Kaiser Permanente, and brings over 20 years of experience in public health, philanthropy, arts, and project management. Since 2017, she has managed a $15 million portfolio supporting key initiatives like Access to Care, Mental Health, Violence Prevention, and Economic Opportunity. Beyond her professional title, Hannah is a visionary and connector—serving on the Touro University Public Health CAAC, the North Bay Arts Fund Advisory Board, the Solano County CHIP Steering Committee, and as a founding member of the California Latinos in Healthcare Giving Circle. She’s also a proud UC Berkeley graduate with both a BA in Anthropology and an MPH. But what made this conversation even more special? Today was Hannah’s birthday—and instead of taking the day off, she chose to show up and share her insight, passion, and commitment to service with all of us. That’s the kind of leadership we admire.

Chief Polen’s Message to Vacaville: Transparency, Trust, and Teamwork

Today’s recording was insightful and grounded. We had the honor of sitting down at the table with Chief Chris Polen of the Vacaville Police Department and what an incredible conversation it was. For all of us podcasters, especially our youth from Tomorrow’s Table, it was meaningful to speak directly with a leader in law enforcement and hear his perspective, his heart, and his vision for our community. Chief Polen is not only a life-long Vacaville resident, but he’s also someone who deeply understands this city and its people. What stood out most was his kindness, empathy, and commitment to being a good human first, someone who genuinely wants to help, protect, and uplift the community he serves. We learned so much about the work the department is doing, from youth outreach to mental health response, community engagement, and new technology initiatives like the upcoming Real Time Information Center (RTIC). His answers reflected transparency, accountability, and a strong desire to keep building trust between law enforcement and the people. We left this interview with admiration, a deeper understanding, and a lot of hope. Chief Polen is more than a leader, he’s a community builder.

VUSD Board President Nancy Dunn on Advocacy, Access, and the Power of Public Education

A Conversation with VUSD Board President Nancy Dunn. Today, co-host Patty Phillips and I had the honor of sitting down with Nancy Dunn, President of the Vacaville Unified School District Board of Education. Our conversation explored the heart of educational leadership and the pressing issues facing our community. We explored: Board Responsibilities: Understanding the pivotal role the board plays in shaping our schools’ future. Educational Priorities: Discussing initiatives aimed at enhancing student learning and success. Community Engagement: Emphasizing the importance of collaboration between schools and the community. Equity and Inclusion: Addressing efforts to ensure all students have equal opportunities to thrive. Staff Dental Coverage: Highlighting concerns about employee benefits and well-being. Overcrowding in Schools: Examining the impact on students and teachers, and potential solutions. Nancy’s insights shed light on the challenges and triumphs within our district, reaffirming the commitment to transparency, equity, and student-centered policies.

Empowering a Generation: The Women Behind Solano County Pageants featuring Kristina Boggs and Jennifer Johnson

This episode was more than just a conversation. It was a masterclass in legacy, empowerment, and purposeful leadership. Kristina Boggs shared how she’s using pageantry to teach real-life skills from time management to responsibility equipping young women with tools that will serve them far beyond the stage. She’s shaping tomorrow’s professionals, leaders, and changemakers through mentorship and discipline. And Jennifer Johnson, her approach is revolutionary, reminding us that winning isn’t the only goal. She teaches girls to celebrate others, to find pride in participation, and to hold space for sisterhood. Her positive reinforcement approach is shaping confident, kind-hearted competitors who support one another. We left this interview deeply inspired and filled with gratitude for what these women are doing behind the scenes to uplift our youth. The impact of Solano County Pageants is so much bigger than a crown, it’s about building character, confidence, and community.

Finding Balance: Mental Health, Lagom Living, and the Power of Positive Mindset with Kortney Yasenka

We are honored to welcome the deeply insightful and inspiring Kortney Yasenka to this week’s episode of Solano Moms Building Community Podcast! Kortney is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and a dedicated life coach for student-athletes. With a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and a certification in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, she brings a compassionate and holistic approach to healing and personal growth. In this episode, we dive into how Kortney blends Swedish values, ecotherapy, and stoic principles into her work and into her life. Drawing from her cultural roots, she helps people embrace the Swedish concept of Lagom finding joy in just enough and living with balance, simplicity, and mindfulness.

Crowns, Confidence & Community: The Legacy of Solano County Pageants with Carole Warren & Jessica Grech

Crowns, Confidence & Community: The Legacy of Solano County Pageants with Carole Warren & Jessica Grech And a fun behind-the-scenes bonus: You may hear a few cameos from Mrs. Carole’s dog Cocoa, who insisted on being part of the episode! We couldn’t keep him away and honestly; we think he just wanted his own crown. 🐾 In this heartfelt and empowering episode of Solano Moms Building Community Podcast, we sit down with two incredible women shaping the lives of young girls and women in our region — Mrs. Carole Warren and Jessica Grech of Solano County Pageants. With more than 30 years of dedication, Mrs. Carole Warren is not only a community icon but a quiet force behind generations of confident, community-driven young women. Starting from humble beginnings, she built Solano County Pageants into a platform rooted in service, sisterhood, and self-growth. Alongside her is Jessica Grech, an advocate for inclusivity and a passionate leader who has worked to ensure girls from all walks of life including those with special needs, have a voice and a place on the pageant stage. Together, Carole and Jessica reflect on: The history and heart behind Solano County Pageants How pageantry empowers girls far beyond the crown Lifelong lessons in leadership, responsibility, and resilience The importance of community outreach and representation And why they’re committed to shaping not just titleholders, but future leaders Whether you’re a mom, a mentor, a future pageant participant, or someone who just believes in the power of lifting young women, this episode will leave you inspired.
Stagione 2

Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Governing Board President, Ana Petero on Investing in Education, Empowering Students, and Strengthening Community

Welcome back to Solano Moms Building Community, where we spotlight the people making a difference for our families, our schools, and our future. Today, we’re honored to sit down with Ana Petero a woman whose life is a testament to service, resilience, and the transformative power of education. Ana was elected to the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District Governing Board in 2020. Originally from Fiji, Ana immigrated to the United States in 1976 and has called Fairfield home for over 20 years. She’s a proud mother of five, a grandmother of five, and a lifelong educator serving as a Communication Studies professor and former Speech and Debate coach at Solano Community College. Coming from a long line of teachers, Ana believes passionately that investing in education is investing in our future and she has made it her life’s work to serve students and families with dedication and heart. In addition to her work in education, Ana gives back through her involvement with the Solano Commission for Women and Girls, the Solano County Master Plan on Aging, and Fairfield’s Adopt-a-Street program. She has even volunteered her time as a Little League baseball umpire! In this conversation, we explore Ana’s journey from Fiji to Fairfield, her passion for building stronger schools, her advocacy for women, youth, and seniors, and why community involvement matters more than ever. Get ready to be inspired by a woman who truly leads by example and reminds us all that real change starts with education, compassion, and service.
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