This episode of Leading Las Vegas delves into how COVID disrupted existing support systems for individuals in need of services, and examines leadership approaches that help vulnerable communities during a crisis. We learn how organizations responded to, and embraced, changes they were required to make during the pandemic. Carlito Rayos describes his experience working with the Moapa Band of Paiute, what he learned about their culture, including care of their elders, and the community’s willingness to make sacrifices to keep the population safe. We also hear from Arash Ghafoori, as he reflects on the unique aspects of youth homelessness, and the difficulties this population experienced when COVID led to closure of important resources for them. Throughout this episode, we focus on the importance of providing services to vulnerable populations, and the lessons learned that will help communities prepare for, and respond to, future emergencies and crises.

Produced By

Ionatana Tuitasi

Jon Bakkedahl

Kate Warden

Lois Cumming

Peter Mercado

Audio Engineering

Kevin Krall

Executive Producer

Joel D. Lieberman