Our Team
Heather Hatchman
Heather is the Founder and Executive Director of VISION Young Leaders' Academy. With an extensive background in psychology and education, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Child Behavior and a Master’s degree in Teaching and Education.
Her journey began in the classroom, where she has dedicated 20 years to teaching and directly witnessed the pressing need for providing access and opportunities to underserved youth. Throughout her own educational journey, she was fortunate to have amazing mentors, teachers, and coaches who set extremely high expectations. Striving to meet these expectations set an example for her of how adults can positively impact and help youth achieve their fullest potential.
Driven by a deep commitment to making a tangible difference, she founded VISION Young Leaders' Academy. The name of the organization reflects her belief in the power of vision and leadership: by seeing their future, youth can believe in it, and as leaders, they have the power to change their circumstances.
Under her leadership, VISION Young Leaders' Academy aims to impact the community by nurturing and developing future leaders. She envisions a community where every young person has the opportunity to realize their potential, break through barriers, and contribute positively to society. Through her dedication, she is transforming lives and building a brighter future for the youth of Ventura County.
Laurie Seiler
Laurie brings over three decades of invaluable teaching experience to VISION Young Leaders' Academy as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors. With a teaching career spanning more than 30 years, she has spent those years shaping young minds as a 6th-grade teacher at Chavez K-8 School in Oxnard, California.
Throughout her tenure at Chavez K-8 School, she discovered a profound passion for working with youth living in poverty. Her deep connection with the community is evident in her unique experience of teaching two generations within several Chavez families, witnessing firsthand the challenges and triumphs they face.
Laurie firmly believes in the power of leadership. She has seen how strong, positive leadership can turn lives around and guide young people down the path to success. Her commitment to nurturing and empowering underprivileged youth aligns seamlessly with the mission of VISION Young Leaders' Academy. As a board member, she leverages her extensive teaching experience and insight into the needs of disadvantaged youth to help steer the organization towards its goal of creating future leaders and making a lasting impact in the community.
ERICA ALFARO
Erica is an award-winning author, keynote speaker, and education advocate. Her story became known in 2019 when her graduation pictures went viral and made headlines worldwide. She was featured in major media outlets such as CNN, The Huffington Post, and Yahoo News.
Erica was a high school dropout, a teenage mother, and a victim of domestic violence, who after many adversities, managed to reinvent herself and become the woman she is today – someone who has achieved everything she thought was impossible.
VISION Young Leaders' Academy first met Erica when she came to speak to our members in September 2019. Since then, we have built a relationship over the years for which Erica supports VISION Young Leaders' Academy in many ways all year long.
Erica Alfaro's books:
Harvesting Dreams
Cosechando Suenos
Los Suenos Se Hacen Realidad - Coming September 2024