On February 21, 2024, Chairwoman Nora Vargas gave her opening remarks during the State of the County Address at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. She said, “This is the year of #GSD, getting stuff done.” Chairwoman Vargas, and colleagues, are leading with their hearts when addressing the county’s major challenges.
Our San Diego County Childhood Obesity Initiative (COI) team members, Luis Galvan and Lan Nguyễn, were there to show support for Chairwoman Vargas, who is the COI Board of Supervisors Champion. They were also there to support the COI members who were in attendance. Regina Moreno, founding member of the Community Council for the COI and 2023 Promotora of the Year said, “I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of community-driven solutions in combating childhood obesity. Our work goes beyond numbers and statistics; it’s about connecting with families, understanding their challenges, and supporting them with the knowledge and resources to lead healthier lives. Under Chairwoman Vargas’s leadership, we’re nurturing a healthier future for our children.”
Blanca Meléndrez, our Executive Director of the Center for Community Health (CCH) was also there to support Chairwoman Vargas and the important partnership that CCH and COI have with Chairwoman Vargas. “Leading with our hearts is essential in addressing our society’s most pressing challenges,” said Blanca. “[Chairwoman Vargas’s] approach, rooted in empathy and compassion, underscores the power of human-centric leadership in fostering meaningful change. Chairwoman Vargas is setting a policy agenda that is nurturing a culture of care with a promise of building a more equitable community. This commitment to leading with heart is what truly transforms lives.”
Together, let’s continue to lead with our hearts to #GSD!