Moms Building Community

Building a Stronger Sacramento: Lisa Kaplan on Safety, Growth & CommunityCouncilmember Kaplan’s leadership is deeply rooted in community. In this upcoming episode, she shares her commitment to uplifting local voices and addressing the issues that matter most to families and neighborhoods—from public safety and active transportation to economic development, efficient public services, and meaningful investments in infrastructure and family-friendly spaces.This conversation highlights her dedication to listening, collaboration, and building a stronger, more connected Sacramento. Stay tuned for an episode grounded in service, accountability, and community-driven leadership.

It was an honor to sit down with Chief Marshall for a meaningful conversation on leadership, prevention, and the future of public safety. In this episode, Chief Marshall shares how a proactive, prevention-focused approach can strengthen communities while highlighting the critical importance of mental health resources for those who serve. His commitment to supporting his team and leading with transparency offers a powerful perspective on what modern public safety can and should look like.We’re grateful to Chief Marshall and the Fairfield Police Department for their continued dedication and service to the community. Tune in for a conversation rooted in leadership, care, and forward-thinking solutions.

Welcome back to Moms Building Community Podcast / Tomorrow’s Table Podcast. Today we’re spotlighting SANE-SART, a local nonprofit based in Fairfield that provides trauma-informed, evidence-based forensic and mental health services for people impacted by violence—including sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. SANE-SART began as a forensic nursing examination team and has grown into a comprehensive support organization offering advocacy, forensic exams, and trauma recovery services across our region. Content note: this episode discusses sensitive topics related to violence and trauma.

Welcome back to Moms Building Community Podcast. Today’s episode is powerful, resourceful, and deeply community-centered—we’re joined by Mayor Susannah Meyer of Brentwood.Fun fact: we had the honor of recording this conversation inside the City Council Chambers, where community voices are heard and decisions are made that shape everyday life for families and residents.Mayor Meyer shares how she’s preserving the heart of small-town Brentwood while thoughtfully bringing innovation forward—through farm-to-fork initiatives, community gardens, and sustainable local growth that keep neighbors connected to their food and to each other.

Welcome back to Moms Building Community and Tomorrowstable Podcast! Today we’re honored to sit down with Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton. DA Becton has dedicated her career to public service—serving more than 22 years as a judge in Contra Costa County, including as Presiding Judge, and since 2017 leading the District Attorney’s Office. She also made history as the first woman, first African American, and first person of color to serve as Contra Costa County District Attorney. Today, we’re talking about community safety, resources for families, and how youth and residents can stay engaged and informed.

Today’s interview with Judge Dan Healy was nothing short of phenomenal. As Supervising Judge at the Vallejo courthouse, he presides over felony matters and several collaborative treatment calendars including Drug Court, Reentry Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court work that centers treatment, accountability, and dignity for impacted residents. Judge Dan Healy’s insight is vital and needed for our communities. We were in awe listening to how he leads with empathy, understanding, and accountability seeing the human story beyond the charge, without letting the charge define the person. What moved us most was how he conveyed it and how he proceeds as a judge. A leader with compassion is powerful to witness.

Tanya is doing is vital for Solano County, especially for our youth. She is teaching young women and men how to build healthy relationships, recognize the warning signs of abuse, and most importantly, how to thrive without becoming victims of cycles of violence. Her story is one of courage and resilience: as a multi-generational survivor of domestic violence, she transformed her pain into purpose. Through founding VEST (Victims Empowerment Support Team) and launching the RISE Therapy Program, Tanya is giving survivors the resources, healing, and hope they need to reclaim their lives. This conversation is more than an episode, it’s infomative.

Behind the recording with Fairfield Fire Chief John Sturdee🚒 We learned SO much, clear pathways for youth to earn the education and certifications to become firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, plus practical fire-safety tips families can use today. This episode is a must-listen! Chief Sturdee is a man of honor, community, and family—we truly enjoyed this conversation.

Today, our teams at @tomorrowstablepodcast and @momsbuildingcommunity had the incredible honor of sitting down with Congressman Mike Thompson (@repmikethompson) a Vietnam War Purple Heart recipient who served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and now represents California’s 4th District on the House Ways and Means Committee. 🇺🇸With Veterans Day tomorrow, this conversation was especially powerful. Congressman Thompson shared his journey of service from soldier to statesman and reminded us that leadership begins with compassion, courage, and community. We discussed community priorities, youth opportunities, small business, public safety & mental health, education, veterans, agriculture, and infrastructure — inspiring our young podcasters to lead with purpose and action in their own communities.

Joining hosts Patty Phillips and Amaya of Tomorrow’s Table Podcast was Kyle, Youth Development Coordinator with the Vacaville Police Department, who brought valuable insight on youth mental health. Together, they sat down with our special guest John Mackenzie, President of NAMI Solano County, to talk about: His personal journey into mental health advocacy. The role NAMI plays in supporting Solano families Breaking the stigma around mental health for youth. Practical steps families can take to recognize the signs and support loved ones. John is so amazing, with his background in music, he brings a different kind of energy, empathy, and understanding when it comes to mental health. This powerful collaboration highlighted voices from across the community, parents, youth, and advocates coming together to spark meaningful conversations about mental health.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Kennedy Garcia, PhD, known globally as the Spiritual Boss Chick® to both the Solano Moms Building Community Podcast and Tomorrow’s Table Podcast! Dr. Garcia is an international motivational speaker, transformational leader, author, and coach whose impact reaches women, youth, and communities worldwide. From empowering pageant titleholders and college students to coaching executives and entrepreneurs, she has a gift for igniting confidence, leadership, and resilience. Her story is one of perseverance and purpose. A White House Lifetime Achievement honoree, 7-time pageant titleholder, and Stanford graduate, she has been featured on global stages, podcasts, and media outlets, transforming fragile mindsets into fierce leadership. Through her REIGN App and the newly launched REIGNWell Institute, she continues to give women and girls the tools to lead boldly, grow intentionally, and reign with purpose. Dr. Garcia’s mission is clear: to empower women and girls to shatter ceilings, embrace their unique gifts, and transform the world.

The Future Is Now: Dr. Olaf Groth On AI, Youth Leadership And Building A Better Tomorrow, UC Berkeley Professor Olaf Groth Reveals What AI Will Do Next

From the Navy to Leadership: Mayor Pierre Washington's Mission to Serve with Integrity

Today’s conversation is about books, stories, and the kind of inspiration that doesn’t stay on the page. Our guest, Jameelah Hanif, grew up facing barriers that could have turned anyone bitter or hopeless. Instead, she transformed those experiences into fuel—building a movement that gives back the support she didn’t have growing up.What I love about Jameelah’s work is this: the most powerful solutions often come from people who’ve lived the problem. She knows the obstacles, she’s walked the path, and she understands how to help others move forward with dignity. You’ll hear her confidence, her love for community, and her respect for every person in every answer she shares.If you believe stories can spark change—and that healing can become service—this episode is for you. Let’s jump in.”

Today we’re sitting down with Solano County Supervisor Mitch Mashburn—a leader known for steady service, humility, and heart. Patty and I talk with Supervisor Mashburn about what real leadership looks like at the local level, how family and community shape his decisions, and the future he envisions for Solano. We’re also joined briefly by Danette from Mercado, who shares gems of Fairfield history and place. This episode is full of laughs, lessons, and Solano roots, let’s dive in.

Today’s recording with Jared Austin, Co-Founder and Superintendent/CEO of Kairos Public Schools, was one of the most impactful conversations we’ve had on Tomorrow’s Table Podcast and Solano Moms Building Community Podcast.From discussing schools and education innovation to exploring AI in education, Jared shared powerful insights on how student-centered learning and community partnership can transform education and prepare tomorrow’s leaders. His passion for empowering students, mentoring educators, and strengthening families was inspiring to witness in person.

Today we recorded an eye-opening episode with Sarah and Wendy, two passionate community voices, diving deep into the reality of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Solano County.While BESS is often presented as “clean energy,” our guests shed light on the serious risks:⚠️ Toxic chemicals that can leak into our soil, water, and air.⚠️ Fire and explosion hazards that put our neighborhoods at risk.⚠️ Long-term health impacts from exposure to harmful emissions.⚠️ Environmental damage that threatens our families’ safety and future. This isn’t just a conversation — it’s a call to be informed and proactive. The choices we make today will determine whether we create a thriving and safe community for generations to come.

Today’s episode highlights the Real-Time Information Center (RTIC) in Vacaville through the eyes of its manager, Nikki Bell, who has more than 20 years in law enforcement. The RTIC is a modern hub combining video surveillance, dispatch integration, license plate recognition, drones, and other real-time tools to improve response times, officer safety, and community awareness. We had the privilege of touring the facility and sitting down with Nikki Bell, what an amazing, innovative, and safe approach to catching dangerous criminals, protecting our police officers, and providing precise, real-time details about crimes as they unfold. Nikki shares what it means to lead RTIC, how it works day-to-day, its impact so far on public safety, and how citizens can understand and support this new tool.

Leslie’s Journey from Pearl City to Performance Powerhouse. We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Leslie Marie of Les Marie Performance, a dynamic mother of four, lifelong athlete, and elite performance coach who is changing the way we train both the body and mind. With 15 years of personal training, 8 years as a fascia stretch therapist, and 10 years as a health coach, Leslie is the definition of consistency and commitment. From boxing rings to soccer fields, from bikini bodybuilding stages to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu mats she’s done it all. And now, she’s pouring that knowledge into the next generation at GameFit in Dixon. What we explored today: How growing up in Hawai’i shaped her unique mindset around discipline, health, and purpose. The truth about fascia stretch therapy and how it’s changing lives off the field. The real power of motherhood in shaping her approach to coaching. How she teaches young athletes to thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically. And here’s the exciting part: Leslie is launching her own podcast, Proximity with Leslie Marie Podcast, coming June 24th!We walked away from this recording feeling lit up and confident that our youth are in good hands with leaders like Leslie.

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.

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.

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.

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.