Women in Leadership
Previous 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.
Georgia Petropoulos - President/CEO, B3K Prosperity
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.
Our Commitment to Women
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.
Watch the Full Program on YouTube
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.
Cynthia Giumarra - Local Attorney
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.