We’re delighted to highlight an inspiring example of how Leadership Napa Valley alumni continue to foster and expand community-driven initiatives. Molly’s Angels was selected as a practicum project for Class 37, where team members Ana Baber, Anne Retterer, Jolie Baumgardner, Natalia Ramírez Guzmán, and Rigo Nava partnered with the organization to help broaden its offerings. Together, they introduced a free curb-to-curb van service for seniors living in Napa County. The van—purchased by Molly’s Angels with generous support from Napa County Health and Human Services—was a vital first step in launching a program aimed at reducing social isolation and improving quality of life by providing reliable transportation to community hubs such as the library, farmers market, senior center, and local shopping centers.  .

What began with a single van on a targeted route has grown in response to community needs and feedback. One early innovative idea came from Ana Baber, who suggested expanding the service to include transportation to and from Agape Napa Valley, helping seniors access emergency food and essential services. This connection expanded the reach of the van program while weaving together two organizations committed to serving vulnerable populations.

“The practicum team brought us fresh eyes and bold ideas,” said Deveraux Smith, Executive Director, Molly’s Angels. “Their work didn’t just help us launch a service—it helped us build a bridge between seniors, food access, and community connection. We’re still seeing the ripple effects today.”

Reflecting on the project’s lasting impact, Ana Baber shared, “We wanted to design something that solved more than one problem. Connecting Molly’s Angels with Agape Napa Valley felt like a natural fit—two organizations caring for people in different but complementary ways. Seeing the partnership continue is incredibly rewarding.”

This collaboration is a powerful example of how LNV alumni and current members recognize and strengthen the interconnections between local organizations—working together to meet multiple community needs and amplifying their collective impact.

So, we ask you, our alumni: What stories do you have about your practicum projects? How have they lasted, evolved, and connected with other organizations to create meaningful, lasting change? We’d love to hear and share your experiences! 

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