Andrea Pedraza, Associate Project Manager, QK
Leadership Visalia Class of 2021
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
QK, Associate Project Manager, CISEC, QSP
How has Leadership Visalia impacted your personal or professional life?
Leadership Visalia helped me discover and better understand my leadership abilities, as well as the reasons behind how I present myself in the world. It also deepened my appreciation for community involvement and revealed how much I enjoy being an active part of Visalia’s growing community.
What is one leadership lesson or moment that has stuck with you since the program?
Sticking up for my thoughts and voice.
What are you most passionate about in your career or community work?
I'm deeply passionate about helping others like me discover their voices and what ignites their motivation. Everyone has something valuable to offer, and there's immense fulfillment in encouraging someone to pursue that potential.
What advice would you give someone thinking about joining Leadership Visalia?
Do it! Joining Leadership Visalia can be a great opportunity for personal and professional growth, especially if you're interested in community engagement, networking, and leadership development.
What’s something fun or unexpected that people might not know about you? (Hidden talent, favorite hobby, etc.)
I can do the splits...lol
Michael E. Rivera, County of Tulare, General Services Agency, Community Outreach Specialist
Leadership Visalia Class of 2004
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
County of Tulare (General Services Agency), Community Outreach Specialist – Responsible for all public relations involving Tulare County Parks and the promotion of events and activities of parks which include park sponsorships, and event oversight. Also responsible for all media contact involving the parks as well as the management of the Parks social media platforms.
How has Leadership Visalia impacted your personal or professional life?
When I went through Leadership Visalia in 2003-2004, I had recently relocated back to the area from Southern California but had been raised in Tulare. Since I was a career banker at the time, I felt it was necessary to become more involved with the community to cultivate more meaningful relationships. The time that I spent going through Leadership Visalia exposed me to many aspects of our community including local leaders, and government. This exposure brought opportunities to sit on local boards, including Pro-Youth HEART as well as chairing the Tulare County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee which I served on for more than 7 years. My time going through Leadership Visalia also showed me how critical the local government, volunteerism, and community involvement is to ensure that the community has enough resources to support the population.
What is one leadership lesson or moment that has stuck with you since the program?
I’ve been in management for over thirty years and going through Leadership Visalia helped me utilize those skills with my peers that went through the program with me. With so many strong personalities, it was critical that effective leadership was in place which I must say that Vicki Stasch was an excellent facilitator. Since my graduation from Leadership Visalia, I was promoted into a high-level leadership position with Valley Business Bank which assisted me with my daily responsibilities including the involvement in the community and the management of my subordinates. Effective listening and team building were critical and used often.
What are you most passionate about in your career or community work?
I’ve learned that you need to be passionate about your job to be effective. When you are passionate about something, you are more inclined to want to do whatever it takes to be successful. Building meaningful and lasting relationships with members of the community falls in line with that.
What advice would you give someone thinking about joining Leadership Visalia?
Go in with an open mind and be prepared to change the way you think about certain things. The beauty of Leadership Visalia is that you are amongst a group of professionals and working as a cohesive group can bring challenges and navigating through those challenges can be a reward in itself.
Carina Mello Company, Work-Based Learning Coordinator , Visalia Unified School District’s Career Technical Education Department Work-Based Learning Coordinator
Leadership Visalia Class of 2008
Where do you currently work and what is your role?
Visalia Unified School District – Career Technical Education Department • As one of the District’s Work-Based Learning Coordinators, I help bridge the gap between education and industry by connecting high school students with hands-on real-world experiences that align with their career pathways.
How has Leadership Visalia impacted your personal or professional life? Leadership Visalia was a great experience that helped shape both my personal and professional growth. As someone who wasn’t raised in Visalia, the program gave me a meaningful introduction to the community, its people, history, resources, and potential. It also helped me build a network of professional relationships that I still connect with today.
What is one leadership lesson or moment that has stuck with you since the program? One of the most valuable leadership lessons I’ve carried with me and that I share with students is the importance of planting seeds. Whether it’s mentoring others, building relationships, or starting something, new, meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, consistency, and care. Leadership Visalia, along with the many leaders I’ve had the privilege to work with over the years, have taught me that true leadership is about investing in others and believing in their potential to grow. I also believe deeply in the mindset of “facing it until you make it.” Challenges are part of the journey, but showing up, staying committed, and pushing through uncertainty builds resilience and strength. These are the values I pass on to students and my own children, reminding them that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about showing up with purpose, perseverance, and a willingness to help others.
What are you most passionate about in your career or community work?
I am very passionate about supporting our high school youth and providing them with work-based learning experiences. Having once been an intern myself, I understand the value of having the support and guidance of someone who believes in your potential and open doors to opportunities you didn’t know existed. Helping students discover their strengths, connect with industry professionals, and explore real career paths is incredibly rewarding.
What advice would you give someone thinking about joining Leadership Visalia?
My advice would be to be open to learning, stay curious, and take full advantage of the networking and collaborative opportunities the program offers. The connections you make can lead to unexpected and meaningful opportunities both personally and professionally.
What’s something fun or unexpected that people might not know about you? (Hidden talent, favorite hobby, etc.)
I’m a big fan of oldies music, especially from the 1950s. While I enjoy all kinds of music, there’s something about the rhythm, lyrics, and nostalgic vibe of the oldies that seems to always lift my mood. I’m also passionate about cooking—and eating too! I come from a Portuguese family where food is more than a meal; it’s how we show love, celebrate, and bring people together.