Communities thrive when women lead. Here, we celebrate three amazing locals who make the Conejo Valley such an incredible place to live. Using their skills, knowledge and talent to benefit the community and help others in countless ways, they represent the best of the best in an area teeming with accomplishment.
Robin Britt, Executive Director, Community Conscience
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou
A true people person, Newbury Park resident Robin Britt epitomizes the meaning of community service.
Inspired by “Helping others—if I can make a positive difference in even one person’s life, it makes everything worthwhile”—she’s spent the past 25 years serving people in need.
“I began working in the nonprofit sector in 2001 and quickly realized how fulfilling it is to help organizations that improve people’s lives and strengthen the community,” says Robin, who heads a group of 14 nonprofits as Executive Director of Community Conscience, a role she’s held for the past 12+ years.
“The Community Conscience Board of Trustees has been a tremendous source of guidance and inspiration. Their experience, wisdom and servant hearts continually motivate me,” she shares.
Harnessing her expertise in board development, strategic planning, fundraising and organizational management, Robin aims to strengthen collaboration among nonprofit agencies and advance Community Conscience’s mission of improving coordinated services for those in need.
“The people,” says Robin, make it all worthwhile. “I get to work with inspiring board members, generous donors, dedicated staff and individuals who are seeking help. Connecting someone to services that can truly change their life is incredibly meaningful.”
While she notes her work is not without its challenges—"It’s heartbreaking to see people who are underserved or in crisis”—these difficulties drive her to rise to the occasion. “At the same time, those moments reinforce why this work is so important,” Robin emphasizes.
A 2018 graduate of California Lutheran University’s Board Leadership Institute and an inaugural member of CLU’s Executive Leadership Roundtable for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, Robin is also the Immediate Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, Vice President of Cats Cradle Rescue and a 2019 graduate of the Ventura County Leadership Academy, where she was recently honored as the 2026 Nonprofit Leader of the Year.
“I’ve spent many years developing skills in fundraising and leadership, and it’s incredibly rewarding to use those skills to support organizations that make our community stronger,” she shares.
In her personal life as well, Robin strives to bring joy to the community as a face painter, balloon twister and glitter and henna tattoo artist at special events. During the holidays, she proudly performs as a professional Mrs. Santa Claus, creating magical memories for children and families.
Robin’s advice for living reflects her zest for life: “Have a sense of humor. Love people, listen well and lead by example.”
When she’s not at work helping others, Robin can often be found enjoying her favorite place in the Conejo Valley—“the eclectic neighborhood where I live in Newbury Park; it has a wonderful sense of community”—or visiting amusement parks with family.
“Those trips are full of fun memories, and I’m always ready for the next adventure,” she shares, adding, “I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work in a community where people genuinely care about helping one another. When nonprofits, volunteers and community partners work together, we can truly change lives.” —TM
Nathalie Ospina, Ventura County Deputy
Deputy Nathalie Ospina’s path to law enforcement is anything but conventional—and it’s precisely her global, multifaceted journey that shapes the way she serves the community today.
Originally from Colombia, Nathalie was raised in multiple countries, including Mexico, Spain, Brazil and the United States. Before ever stepping into uniform, she built a career rooted in design and entrepreneurship. She earned a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture from Florida International University and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Barcelona, later owning a construction company and continuing to manage an indoor soccer field in Colombia.
But in 2019, after returning to the United States and facing challenges restarting her architecture career, Nathalie chose a different direction—one grounded in service. She entered the Ventura County Sheriff’s Academy at 37 years old and now has 5 years with the department.
“The ability to help people on another level,” she says, is what first drew her to law enforcement.
After beginning her career in the county jails and later patrolling Moorpark, Nathalie found her calling as a School Resource Officer.
“I began my patrol time in the city of Moorpark. I always knew School Resource Officer was the job for me. I feel adult problems start as a child and if I could help prevent a kid from making the wrong choice, I am creating a better path for them to follow.”
That impact is already evident in the connections she builds. One moment in particular has stayed with her: After responding to a family incident and being there for one of the children, the child later saw her months afterward and ran toward her, shouting, “my favorite officer!” before giving her a hug. “That made me believe I was right where I was supposed to be.”
Beyond campus, Nathalie plays a vital role in the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office as an Arrest and Control/Use of Force instructor, women’s committee member, public information officer, Explorer program advisor and instructor for the People with Disabilities Academy. She also leads efforts supporting Special Olympics, coordinating major fundraising events like Tip-A-Cop and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Her passion for Special Olympics is deeply personal.
“With my son being dyslexic, he made part of some special education classes. He came home crying one day, angry because one of his friends had been made fun of due to his disabilities. My son stood up for him and became their guardian; he inspired me to follow his steps and become a guardian as well.”
That sense of purpose fuels the countless hours she dedicates to organizing events.
“Besides the time and dedication, it takes heart and passion. I believe the more heart you put into things the more successful they become.”
One of her most meaningful moments came during the 2025 international conference in Minneapolis. While working, she received a photo of her children playing with Special Olympics athletes.
“While at the 2025 international conference in Minneapolis, I took my kids with me. I was busy working and I get a photograph sent to me via text of some of the athletes and my kids playing together. I completely melted,” she reflects.
Nathalie’s work has earned her the 2025 Guardian of the Flame Award and recognition as Crisis Intervention Team Deputy of the Year, along with a nomination to the Southern California Special Olympics Council. Yet, she remains grounded in gratitude. She handles difficult days by “taking a breath, grounding myself and bringing to my own attention how blessed I am.”
Above all, she considers her most important role as being a mother to her 11-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter.
When asked what “Fabulous Women” means to her, Nathalie’s answer is simple: “Every single one of us.” –AD
Laura Marie Raulinaitis, The Lake Avenue Group at Morgan Stanley
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” –Theodore Roosevelt
“I really care about people and I’m very interested in their lives, so it’s a blessing to be able to talk to them about a topic that is uncomfortable for many and to help them navigate financially,” says Laura Marie Raulinaitis, a Financial Advisor with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Westlake Village.
For 29 years and counting, Laura has been helping clients figure out the best plans for their finances, noting that she sees her role as a financial partner for those she advises.
“Having that unbiased partner to help walk them through how to spend or allocate their money is really helpful” for married couples and for singles alike, says Laura, adding that she’s not worried about AI taking over her job.
“I guide people through their emotional response to money and fluctuating financial markets. The reason I don’t think AI will be able to overtake our jobs is because doing the right thing on paper is very often not what people do when it comes to finances…the goal is to look at investments as long-term and not to pay attention to short-term fluctuation, but when you’re losing money, it’s not easy; so clients need someone to walk them through and level set,” she explains.
As a woman in the financial field, Laura credits several mentors with helping her stay the course.
“Female mentors have really changed my life, including my mother…and I’ve been lucky to have a branch manager that took an interest in me, and helped me to reframe when I was doubting myself as a young person, as well as a female financial advisor, who was tough and helped me get a real picture of what I wanted out of this business.”
Their guidance and encouragement, says Laura, helped her find her footing in a traditionally male-dominated field.
“This is a really intense business, especially in the early years when you’re just starting out—the failure rate is 90%; most do not succeed,” she shares. “All of the people that have been mentors in my life have told me the same thing: ‘Don’t give up! Don’t quit!’”
In turn, she offers similar advice to those just starting out: “If it’s hard, it’s probably worth it,” emphasizes Laura, adding that she finds great satisfaction in her work.
“I really love my job—I think of it as a great workout; it’s a lot of work and you feel great at the end of it!”
And she’s especially grateful for the camaraderie of her team.
“I didn’t have children, so as a woman, you mother everything—this business is my baby and my family; the things that happen to my clients, when they get married, have kids, are exciting to me. My clients are my extended family, and they inspire me and keep me feeling alive. Our team is so tight—we laugh together and cry together and live life together, and it’s really special,” she shares.
She looks forward to “Continuing to be able to share my knowledge with clients and my team, to lead and watch them prosper.”
Living life to the fullest also includes enjoying some free time with family.
“The goal is always to continue to find success while pursuing happiness and a balance in life,” she says, adding that she plans to spend more time traveling with her husband (who is also her business partner) and to “take the advice we give to clients: ‘Take some time for yourself, and refill your own glass and take care of your own needs, so you can give to others.”
Serving on the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Conejo Valley as well as supporting Senior Concerns rate high on Laura’s to-do list.
“Only 2% of national charitable donations go to our seniors,” she notes. “It’s the state of life that most of my clients are at and they almost need us more during this time.” She shares how Senior Concerns helped her family while her father dealt with Alzheimer’s and is grateful for their programs.
“Meals on Wheels is such a great program and one of their many offerings. I love their mission,” she adds.
Referring to the Conejo Valley as “Heaven—I get to live on a lake, which is definitely my happy place,” Laura spends lazy afternoons on their boat, Lake Avenue, cruising around Westlake Lake with her husband and three dogs.
“I’m a big dog lover—they would say the business isn’t my baby, they are,” she laughs, feeling fortunate for the life she’s created.
“I really like being able to talk to people who have different opinions and absorbing their opinions with an open mind,” she notes. “In such a time of polarity, I think that it’s one of the things that makes this time in our lives so interesting. I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to work with so many interesting people. I get to wake up every day with a new thing that’s going to happen; every day is a surprise, a blessing.” —TM