Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders - Building a Stronger Community Together - Presented by JCI Santa Clarita

In this special holiday episode of Secrets of Tomorrow’s Leaders, host Noah Morrow sits down with the dynamic co-chairs of JCI Santa Clarita’s 2025 Santa’s Helpers project—Dillon Lutza, Sammi Lutza, and Brian Wisdom. The team offers an in-depth look at how this long-running community tradition is evolving into something even more impactful, thanks to key partnerships, expanded resources, and a renewed focus on opportunity. From the critical support of sponsors like Creed LA, Dynamic In-Home Care, and College of the Canyons, to the behind-the-scenes logistics of organizing gift donations, volunteer efforts, and community outreach, the co-chairs share how this year’s event is set to reach more families than ever before.

Listeners will hear firsthand how Santa’s Helpers continues to thrive through the combined power of local leadership and community generosity. The episode also highlights how every role—from bilingual volunteers to last-minute gift donors—helps create a joyful, inclusive experience for children and families in need. With personal stories, heartfelt gratitude, and a call to action, this conversation captures the true spirit of giving and emphasizes how anyone can make a difference. To volunteer or donate, visit http://santashelpersscv.com .

In this heartwarming episode of Secrets of Tomorrow’s Leaders, host Noah Morrow sits down with Sammi and Dillon Lutza, two of the co-chairs behind JCI Santa Clarita’s beloved annual tradition, Santa’s Helpers. Since 1999, this initiative has brought holiday joy to underserved children and families in the Santa Clarita Valley. Sammi and Dillon share the project’s rich history—from its humble beginnings as a doorstep gift delivery to its evolution into a vibrant community event now hosted at College of the Canyons. With a focus on creating a joyful experience and connecting families to vital resources, the Lutzas emphasize the deeper mission behind the toys: opportunity, dignity, and community connection.

Listeners will hear firsthand how the Lutzas and their fellow co-chair Brian Wisdom are working to make the 2025 event more impactful than ever, aiming to serve over 600 children and their families. They discuss the army of volunteers it takes to make it all happen, the role of local partnerships, and the importance of fostering leadership through service. Whether you’ve been part of Santa’s Helpers before or are curious about getting involved, this episode captures the spirit of giving and the power of community in action.

In this episode of Secrets of Tomorrow’s Leaders, host Noah Morrow is joined by Cindy Castillo and Kennedy Gelnette to discuss the upcoming JCI Wellness Expo, a first-of-its-kind event dedicated to holistic health in the Santa Clarita community. Cindy, founder of La Paz Wellness and a certified wellness coach, along with Kennedy, a marathon runner and Director of Membership for JCI Santa Clarita, share their personal journeys with wellness and their shared vision for creating a day centered on healing, connection, and accessibility. With a focus on emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental alignment, the Wellness Expo is a free event aimed at bringing the community together through classes, vendor booths, and activities, including a charity softball game, all designed to meet people where they are.

Throughout the conversation, Cindy and Kennedy reflect on the deeper meaning of wellness, the value of showing up for yourself, and how intentional self-care creates the foundation for community care. They open up about overcoming personal challenges, the courage to pursue a passion project without a roadmap, and the transformative power of creating space for others to explore their own healing. With the goal of being a bridge between local resources and the people who need them most, this event and episode remind us that wellness is not one-size-fits-all—and that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply show up.

In this heartful episode of Secrets of Tomorrow’s Leaders, host Noah Morrow sits down with Brittany Barlog, the 2025 President of JCI Santa Clarita, for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about the deeply personal and community-driven theme of her presidential year: "Value". Brittany opens up about the origins of her word of the year, touching on the fear of being misunderstood and the power of being seen for who you truly are. She shares how that vulnerability translates into her leadership approach—creating space for others to thrive as they are, planting seeds of growth through support, and honoring the unique strengths every person brings to the organization.

Together, Noah and Brittany explore how grace, humility, and legacy shape authentic leadership. From Brittany's reflections on her caregiving role for her sister to Noah’s journey into social interest rooted in his relationship with his brother, the episode beautifully weaves personal growth with community impact. They discuss the ripple effect of empowering others, how servant leadership fuels transformation, and why being human—and leading with love—might just be the secret to sustaining value far beyond the walls of JCI. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just finding your voice, this episode will inspire you to lead with intention and heart.

In this episode of "Doggone Leadership," host Jimmy McCoy engages in a thought-provoking conversation with California Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. Pilar shares personal stories that shaped her leadership journey, from her near-death experience in a childhood accident to her passion for advocacy and public service. She opens up about her family's military background, her experience in the labor movement, and her deep commitment to justice, courage, and integrity as core leadership principles. With her extensive background in fighting for healthcare access and workers' rights, Pilar offers valuable insights into what it means to lead with compassion and purpose.

Listeners will also learn about Pilar's legislative work, including her efforts to support veterans and bring essential services to her district. The episode delves into the challenges of leadership in public office and how maintaining a foundation of integrity and empathy is essential in navigating tough decisions. Pilar emphasizes the importance of building coalitions and empowering others, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to make a difference in their community.

In this inaugural episode of Doggone Leadership (formerly known as Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders, host Jimmy McCoy, a former Marine, sits down with Monty Lunde, CEO and co-founder of Technifex, to explore the qualities that define enduring leadership. Monty, a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the themed entertainment industry, shares his journey from a young entrepreneur to leading a multi-million-dollar corporation. They delve into the importance of resilience, the necessity of making tough decisions, and the value of cultivating a professional support network. Monty's insights, shaped by his experiences navigating economic crises and global projects, offer invaluable lessons for aspiring leaders.

This episode also touches on Monty's approach to fostering a collaborative work environment, the significance of building a strong reputation, and the importance of being adaptable in a constantly changing market. Whether you're leading a team, starting a business, or simply looking to develop your leadership skills, Monty’s story offers practical advice on how to maintain a growth mindset, cultivate long-term success, and lead by example in any industry.

Welcome to another episode of "Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders." Host Cesar Torres sits down with Jessica Escorza and Fallon Nelms, two co-chairs of Santa Clarita's 40 Under Forty. Jessica, a program director at Agape Village, and Fallon, an event planner, share their experiences organizing this year's event, honoring 40 outstanding individuals aged 18 to 40 for their contributions in the workplace and community. The episode delves into the selection process, the event's significance, and provides a sneak peek into the Hollywood Oscar night theme at Blomgren Ranch on November 30th. Join the celebration and secure your tickets at scv40underforty.com for an inspiring night honoring the leaders shaping Santa Clarita's future.

In this compelling episode of "Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders," host Cesar Torres brings together two remarkable segments that showcase the dedication of leaders making a difference in their community.

The first segment features Stephanie Cassiano and Alex Martin, the co-chairs of JCI Santa Clarita's "Get Real" event, an innovative program designed to empower teenagers with financial literacy skills. They delve into the significance of equipping young minds with practical knowledge about financial stability and responsible decision-making. Through an engaging, real-life role-playing format, "Get Real" aims to bridge the educational gap by teaching students how to budget and make informed financial choices as they transition into adulthood.

The second segment introduces Jimmy McCoy and Arnold Bryant, co-chairs of the inaugural Veterans Resource Fair by JCI Santa Clarita. Drawing from their military backgrounds, they shed light on the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, emphasizing the need for support in accessing crucial benefits and services. Set to take place on October 22nd, this one-stop event at William S Hart Park will connect veterans and their families with essential resources, including veteran service officers, mental health services, family support, VA home loans information, and education benefits.

This combined episode underscores the importance of fostering financial literacy among the next generation and supporting our veterans as they navigate post-military life. Join us on this enlightening journey as these leaders share their insights, experiences, and the profound impact of their initiatives.

In this exclusive interview, join Cesar Torres as he sits down with Justin Wallace, the visionary Director of Business Partnerships and Workforce Engagement at the College of the Canyons.

Discover how Santa Clarita is transforming into the premier HUB for cutting-edge workforce technology education. Justin reveals the exciting initiatives and programs at the College of the Canyons that are turning this dream into a reality.

In this episode of the podcast 'Secrets of Tomorrow's Leaders,' host Cesar Torres welcomes guest David Cantrell, VP Business Development at Solarverse.com Energy Solutions and Chairman of VIA. Together, they explore the importance of effective communication and discuss the networking opportunities available through VIA events in Santa Clarita. They also emphasize the value of engaging in charitable events as a means of personal empowerment. By maximizing your voice, they reveal how it can positively impact other areas of your life.