Dr. Evelyn Young Spath – President/CEO, Kern County Black Farmers' Association
Dr. Evelyn Young Spath is the Founder and Executive Director of the Kern County Black
Farmers' Association, building pathways for small farmers to reclaim Black agricultural
heritage and generate generational wealth in the nation's top agricultural producing
county.
Before founding KCBFA, she served 13 years as Chief of Staff to the President of CSU
Bakersfield, where she championed the university's edible garden, food pantry, and
produce distribution programs still serving students today.
She now leads an urban farming movement, transforming blighted lots into community
gardens, establishing farmers' markets, and turning neighborhoods into "agrihoods"
where people grow food, community, and prosperity. She is co-leading a coalition to
build a regional food hub connecting small and mid-size farmers with schools, food
banks, and community organizations across Kern County.
Dr. Young Spath serves on the Dignity Health Board of Community Advisors, the Kern
Food Policy Council, and the Community Alliance with Family Farms board, and is the
USDA FSA Minority Advisor for Kern County.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from UC Irvine, a Masters in Public Administration
from CSU Bakersfield, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from CSU Fresno.
June Nachor - Vice Chairwoman, Tejon Indian Tribe
Born and raised in Delano, California, June Nachor proudly serves as the current Vice
Chairwoman of the Tejon Indian Tribe, bringing strength, compassion, and executive-level
leadership to her role. In February 2025, she was appointed Program Director of the
newly established Tejon Indian Tribe Community Advocacy Program an initiative created
to protect, empower, and support victims within the community. Under her leadership,
the program successfully secured a multimillion-dollar grant from the U.S. Department
of Justice, marking a transformative investment in victim services, safety infrastructure,
and culturally grounded advocacy for Tribal citizens.
June's professional foundation was built over more than 15 years in management and
executive roles within the oil and gas industry. In that demanding environment, she
mastered strategic operations, high-level negotiations, and the ability to navigate
diverse personalities and complex customer needs and skills that now serve her well
as a respected Tribal leader and policymaker.
Her commitment to community service extends far beyond Tribal governance. June is
an active member of the Kern Coalition Against Human Trafficking, serves on the Bakersfield
National Cemetery Support Committee, is a foundation board member for Community Action
Partnership of Kern, and serves on the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, bridging
communities and building collaborative partnerships across the region.
Within Indian Country, June represents the Tribe as a delegate to California Indian
Manpower Consortium, sits on the CalTrans Native American Advisory Board, serves as
a board member of the Tejon Gaming Authority, and is a delegate to the California
Nations Indian Gaming Association.
Grounded in her Delano roots and driven by service, June Nachor exemplifies modern
Tribal leadership, strategic, compassionate, and unwavering in her dedication to protecting
her people and strengthening her community.
Neetu Jhaj - Co-Owner, Countryside Corp.
Neetu Jhaj is the recipient of the NAWBO California Business Woman of the Year Award and
was recognized nationally as a NAWBO Top 10 Woman Business Owner. Alongside her family,
she is co-owner of Countryside Corporation, a construction, real estate acquisition,
and retail development company that owns and operates multiple national brands.
Neetu is the Founder & CEO of REHNA RAIYA, an empowerment clothing line for women
and girls built around a patented fashion innovation. Through the Rehna Raiya Foundation,
a portion of all proceeds supports nonprofit organizations focused on girls’ education
and empowerment. The brand has also been recognized by UPS as a “Proudly Unstoppable
Business.”
A passionate community leader, Neetu has dedicated over a decade to board service
with education-focused nonprofits. She currently serves as Chair of The Open Door
Network, Vice President of NAWBO California, which supports 13 chapters statewide,
and President of NAWBO Bakersfield.
Neetu has also served as a CASA for foster youth, as the first woman president of
Seven Oaks Country Club, and as President of the RBG Educational Foundation Board for
three years.
She is the 2025 Women's and Girls’ Fund Philanthropy Award recipient and Children’s
Book Author of the Year for her bestselling empowerment book I Shine as Bright as a Firefly. She is also co-author of Women Thrive: Inspiring True Stories of Women Overcoming Adversity.
A mom of two daughters, Neetu credits her family, faith, and commitment to service
as the foundation of her work.
Jenni Byer s- Economic and Community Development Director, City of Bakersfield
Jenni Byers is a seasoned public servant with more than 20 years of progressive experience
in planning, economic development, housing, and community development. She currently
serves as the Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Bakersfield,
leading a 24‑member team that specializes in diverse grant funding that advances council
priorities and improve quality of life for residents. Jenni has previously directed
Community Development Departments in Lakeport and Porterville, overseeing multidisciplinary
teams, complex capital projects, and major state and federal grant programs, including
disaster recovery, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization initiatives.
Known for her pragmatic approach, calm leadership, and strong communication skills.
She has led high‑impact projects such as downtown revitalization, navigation centers
for people experiencing homelessness, and multi‑agency infrastructure collaborations.
Jenni excels at building partnerships with elected officials, community stakeholders,
and developers to deliver strategic, equitable, and resilient community outcomes.
Previous Events
Information About Previous Years' Events
Jean Fuller, Senator Emeritus
Fuller served in public office from 2006-2018. She holds a doctorate degree from UC
Santa Barbara, a Master's degree from CSU Los Angeles, a Bachelor's Degree from California
State University, Fresno, and an Associate's Degree from Bakersfield College.
In September of 2024, Georgia Petropoulos was unanimously selected as the first permanent,
full-time CEO and President for B3K Prosperity, which is a collaboration between business
and government leaders to attract industries that can bring higher quality jobs to
Kern County.
Before joining B3K, Georgia Petropoulos was the Executive Director and CEO of the
Oakland Business Improvement District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for more than 20
years, where she helped the City of Pittsburgh diversify its economic development
portfolio through the decline of the steel industry. Before working in economic and
community development, Georgia was an architect in her hometown of Pittsburgh. She
has a Master’s degree in Architecture from Washington Unviersity in St. Louis and
a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture Studies and French Language and Literature from
the University of Pittsburgh.
Deanna Blaise - Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer, Valley Strong Credit
Union
Deanna Blaise is the Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer for Valley Strong
Credit Union, helping to forge relationships between Valley Strong and the Central
Valley business community. In January, she was named as the Chairwoman of the Greater
Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to working with Valley Strong, Deanna Blaise was a Senior Vice President, Director
of Retail Strategy at Rabobank, now known as Mechanics Bank. She has degrees related
to banking, business and organizational leadership from Pacific Coast Banking School,
IESE Business School, and CSUB.
Olivia Calderon - Mayor, City of Arvin
In December of 2024, Olivia Calderon was sworn in as the mayor of Arvin, a rural city
in Southern Kern County. She is the daughter of former Arvin Mayor Olivia Trujillo,
who died in office during her last year of service. Mayor Calderon is also the President
of the Arvin and Lamont Kiwanis Club.
Before returning to her hometown of Arvin, Olivia Calderon worked with the City of
Los Angeles Community Development Department and as a California Legislative Director
with the New America Foundation Asset Building Program. She takes office during a
critical time in the city’s of Arvin’s history, as residents recently celebrated the
long-awaited opening of the Bakersfield College Arvin Educational Center, which is
located across the street from Arvin High School.
Jean Fuller, Senator Emeritus
Fuller served in public office from 2006-2018. She holds a doctorate degree from UC
Santa Barbara, a Master's degree from CSU Los Angeles, a Bachelor's Degree from California
State University, Fresno, and an Associate's Degree from Bakersfield College.
Jennifer Lavers, Chief Operations Officer, Adventist Health Kern County
Since 2009, Jenny Lavers has worked in various administrative roles for Adventist
Health Bakersfield, including as a Manager of Cancer Services and Administrative Director
for Service Lines across Adventist Health’s multiple hospital sites. In June of 2023,
she was promoted to the role of Chief Operations Executive and Administrator of Adventist
Health Specialty Bakersfield, which was formerly known as Bakersfield Heart Hospital.
Jenny Lavers has a Masters Degree in Social Work from Cal State Bakersfield.
Elsa Martinez, newly appointed County Chief Administrative Officer
Elsa Martinez has nearly 24 years of experience working with the County of Kern as
a Budget Manager and Chief Financial Officer. In February, she was appointed to serve
as the county’s interim Chief Administrative Officer, which oversees all of the county’s
finances, communications, economic development initiatives, and information technology
infrastructure. Elsa Martinez started her role as Kern County’s CAO on March 9.
Lauren Skidmore, Chief Executive Officer, The Open Door Network
Lauren Skidmore has served as a Communications Manager for the Greater Bakersfield
Chamber of Commerce, a Director of Kern Citizens for Sustainable Government, and a
District Director for Assemblymember Vince Fong. She is currently the CEO of the Open
Door Network, an organization dedicated to assisting victims of human trafficking.
Lauren Skidmore has a Masters of Science in Community Development from Kansas State
University and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Fresno State.
Dee Dee Watkins-Lewis, Business Owner, Entrepreneur
Since 2005, DeeDee Watkins-Lewis have owned and managed 13 food franchises with her
husband, including Wingstop, Fatburger, and Handel’s Ice Cream. She is the author
of the book “Faith, Family and Franchise: 13 Lessons for Couples to Create a Heart-Centered
Business”. DeeDee Watkins-Lewis also coordinates an annual women’s retreat titled
“Sisters We Are Built for This”
March 30, 2023
Jean Fuller, Senator Emeritus
Fuller served in public office from 2006-2018. She holds a doctorate degree from UC
Santa Barbara, a Master's degree from CSU Los Angeles, a Bachelor's Degree from California
State University, Fresno, and an Associate's Degree from Bakersfield College.
Gloira Cannon, Kern County Superior Court Judge
Judge Gloria Cannon was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2017, making her the
first African American Woman, to serve on the Kern County Superior Court. Judge Cannon
has over 20 years in the field and previously served the community as the county's
Deputy Public Defender for 15 years. She attended the University of California, Berkeley
for her undergraduate studies and then the California Western School of Law in San
Diego. In a news article, Judge Cannon was praised for her compassion and her legacy of fairness. Further,
the article highlights her efforts to serve in her capacity as a judge with equity
and application of the law.
Cynthia Zimmer, Kern County District Attorney
District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer is a native of Coalinga, California, and has proudly
served our community as a prosecutor in the Kern County District Attorney's Office
for 35 years. Five years ago, in 2018, Mrs. Zimmer was elected Kern County District
Attorney. In her role as the DA, she has tried nearly every type of criminal case
including narcotics, sex crimes, and homicides. She was promoted to Supervising Deputy
District Attorney over 20 years ago and spent 12 years supervising the District Attorney's
Gang Unit. As District Attorney, Mrs. Zimmer is working to reduce violent crime in
Kern County, provide better services to victims in rural areas, and keep the public
informed about legislative changes that affect public safety.
Donna Hefner, President/CEO, Sierra View Medical Center
President and CEO of Sierra View Medical Center, Donna Hefner has over 30 years of
experience in the health field. Mrs. Hefner has served in this leadership role for
10 years. She is a native of Tulare County and has resided in the Central Valley of
California for most of her life. She earned her Registered Nurse and Associate of
Science Degree from the College of the Sequoias and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing
from California State University, Dominquez Hills. Mrs. Hefner received her Master
of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from TUI University. Her passion for
the medical field and her deep roots in the central valley, serve as her driving force
in mentoring and helping cultivate the next generation of professionals in healthcare.
March 29, 2022
Jean Fuller, Senator Emeritus
Fuller served in public office from 2006-2018. She holds a doctorate degree from UC
Santa Barbara, a Master's degree from CSU Los Angeles, a Bachelor's Degree from California
State University, Fresno, and an Associate's Degree from Bakersfield College.
Martha Flores, Mayor, City of Porterville
Mrs. Martha Flores is the Mayor of Porterville. Prior to serving as Mayor, Mrs. Flores
worked as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of
Instruction, she retired from this position in 2010. Mrs. Flores also has an entrepreneurship
background, she established Frugal Fashions, which operated from 1992 to 2011. Frugal
Fashions helps community members shop for professional wear at thrift stores. In doing
so, this program empowers participants to attain gear and materials for professional
development on a limited income.
Wendy Avila, Kern County Superior Court Judge
Judge Wendy Avila was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom, making her the first Latina,
to serve on the Kern Superior Court. Judge Avila has over 20 years in the field and
has served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Kern County District Attorney's Office
for 18 years and has been the Senior Assistant Inspector General at the Office of
the Inspector General since 2017. She attended the University of California, Santa
Barbara for her undergraduate studies and then the University of San Francisco School
of Law. In a news article, Judge Avila shared that her upbringing inspired her professional aspirations. She
shared that she was adopted at just three months, experienced the loss of her brother,
who was murdered at age 23, and lost both of her adoptive parents at a young age.
Brenda Lewis CA Board of Education Member (formerly KHSD Asst)
Dr. Brenda Lewis was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to the California Board of
Education earlier this year. Dr. Lewis formerly served as the Associate Superintendent
of Instruction at the Kern High School District for seven years. She has a Master
of Science degree in Physical Education from Oklahoma State University and a Doctor
of Education degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne.
Dr. Lewis has been a pillar in the community and has received several accolades, including
17 News' Remarkable Women and was named the Grand Marshall at the 2022 Black American
History Parade this year.
Karen Goh, Mayor, City of Bakersfield
Ms. Karen Goh is the Mayor of Bakersfield. Ms. Goh has deep roots in Bakersfield where
she has worked as a music educator and more recently as an elected official. Her public
service roles include Kern County Supervisor from 2010 to 2013 and was later elected
Mayor of Bakersfield in 2016. She has also contributed her time and work to nonprofit
organizations that support the most vulnerable members of the community. Mayor Goh
is the second women to be elected to this role.
Bakersfield College is committed to empowering women through inspirational support
and education. In alignment with the College's institutional mission, vision, and
core values, we champion for the next generation of female leaders throughout Kern
County and our world.
Deeply rooted in the history of Bakersfield College, a woman named Grace Van Dyke
Bird first came to teach in 1917 and was appointed as College Chief Executive, the
position now known as President, in 1921. She was among the first to suggest using
the term "community college" instead of junior college, arguing that community was
more descriptive of the institution's role.
A woman of vision, she encouraged instruction in job skills as well as quality education
for students transferring to four-year colleges which remains a primary goal and focus
of the College. As the first woman to lead a public community college in California,
Bird was popular and widely respected as an educator and administrator.
Today, under the leadership of Dr. Sonya Christian, Bakersfield College continues
to support women's leadership development throughout the College and the community.
Panels, workshops and advocacy ensure student success and provide a platform for community
engagement and mentorship. This contributes to a healthier, stronger, and more diverse
future for women seeking pivotal leadership roles.
Women In Leadership Panel
Hosted by BC’s President, Sonya Christian, the panel will include local women in leadership
positions to discuss their influences, challenges, and successes along with words
of advice for young women. The Bakersfield community, along with students, faculty
and alumni are encouraged to attend this free event held in the Levan Center at the
Bakersfield College campus on Panorama Drive.
Panelists
Jean Fuller - California Senator Republican Leader Emeritus
Fuller served in public office from 2006-2018. She holds a doctorate degree from UC
Santa Barbara, a Master's degree from CSU Los Angeles, a Bachelor's Degree from California
State University, Fresno, and an Associate's Degree from Bakersfield College.
Judge Gloria Cannon - Kern County Superior Court
Judge Gloria J. Cannon was born and raised in Los Angeles County, California. She
attended Birmingham High School, where she lettered in basketball and track. Judge
Cannon is the first African American female judge in Kern County. Governor Brown appointed
Gloria in 2017. Prior to serving as the 32nd judge in Kern County, Gloria served as
a deputy public defender in the county since 2002. Judge Cannon is assigned to the
family law department.
Mary Barlow - Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Mary Barlow has spent the majority of her career in education, serving as a teacher,
Director of Children and Family Services, and Superintendent. In 1996 Mary spearheaded
the formation of the Kern River Valley Collaborative, a network of county, private
and nonprofit agencies dedicated to delivering direct medical, dental, and social
services to Kern River Valley children and their families. During her tenure as Superintendent
of the Kernville Union School District, she successfully modernized all district schools
and constructed a new middle school, while focusing on increasing student achievement.
Cynthia Zimmer - Kern County District Attorney
Cynthia Zimmer was elected Kern County District Attorney on June 5, 2018 and took
office in January of 2019. Mrs. Zimmer is a native of Coalinga, California. She graduated
from California State University Bakersfield in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in Political
Science. Mrs. Zimmer received her juris doctorate from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles,
in 1984. She has been a prosecutor at the Kern County District Attorney’s Office for
35 years. Mrs. Zimmer has tried nearly every type of criminal case including narcotics,
sex crimes and homicides. She was promoted to Supervising Deputy District Attorney
over 20 years ago and spent 12 years supervising the District Attorney’s Gang Unit.
Mrs. Zimmer has personally handled numerous high-profile cases including Kerry Hastings,
a serial killer; Billy Ray Johnson, the “Eastside Rapist”; and Corey Johnson, who
killed three people and attempted to kill several others in the longest gang trial
in Kern County history. As District Attorney, Mrs. Zimmer is working to reduce violent
crime in Kern County, provide better services to victims in rural areas, and keep
the public informed about legislative changes that affect public safety.
An event was planned for 2020, but was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bakersfield College kicked off Women's History Month on March 1, 2019 with a panel
focused on Women in Leadership. Hosted by BC's President, Sonya Christian, the panel
included local women in leadership positions who discussed their influences, challenges,
and successes, along with words of advice for young women.
The Women in Leadership Panel was moderated by California Senator Republican Leader
Emeritus, Jean Fuller, and featured a lineup of local women in leadership roles including
Shannon Grove, Blanca Cavazos, Cynthia Giumarra, and Rosalina Rivera.
Community Leaders
Jean Fuller - California Senator Republican Leader Emeritus
Fuller served in public office from 2006-2018. She holds a doctorate degree from UC
Santa Barbara, a Master's degree from CSU Los Angeles, a Bachelor's Degree from California
State University, Fresno, and an Associate's Degree from Bakersfield College.
Blanca Cavazos - Superintendent at Taft Union High School District
Cavazos currently serves as the first female and minority to hold the position of
Superintendent for the Taft Union High School District. She attended Cal State University
Bakersfield, earning both her bachelors and masters degree. She later completed her
doctorate at Fresno State University to become the first female and minority principal
at Arvin High School. Cavazos believes the best way to repay the favors received throughout
our lives is to pay it forward.
After attending college in Indiana, Giumarra decided to pursue a career in the legal
field and attend law school in Texas. She practiced law in Texas and New Orleans practicing
law within the oil industry which ultimately brought her to Bakersfield. After 20
plus years in the legal field, Giumarra now serves in full time ministry at the Canyon
Hills Assembly of God to mentor and counsel women with a true heart for women’s advocacy.
Shannon Grove - Republican California State Senator, Representing the 16th Senate
District
Grove is currently serving as the minority leader of the California State Senate.
A Republican, she represents the 16th Senate State district, encompassing the majority
of Kern County. Shortly after high school, Grove joined the United States Army serving
with the Headquarters Company 5th Corps in Frankfurt, Germany. Following her service,
she and her sister in-law formed a staffing agency and her company is now operating
in four offices throughout the Central Valley.
Rosalina Rivera - Superintendent at Delano Union Elementary School District
After finishing high school, Rivera attended Bakersfield College and became a faculty
member at BC. With over 30 years' experience in the field of Education, River now
serves as the Superintendent of Delano Union Elementary School District. She believes
she is the first Latina Superintendent to serve in the district in over 130 years.
Rivera is both a wife and a mother and believes strongly in seeking guidance and support
from your family and friends.
