Emerging leaders convene to gain knowledge on issues crucial to Bakersfield’s future
Bakersfield, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2023) – The Greater Bakersfield Chamber today launched its 10-month annual Leadership Bakersfield program. This high-caliber program will equip 28 emerging leaders with the knowledge and connections they need to lead in our rapidly changing and interconnected world.
“Leadership Bakersfield brings our community’s future leaders together to build relationships that help them be both more effective as professionals and more engaged as citizens,” said Chamber President and CEO Nick Ortiz. “For more than three decades, the program has not only grown the quantity and quality of local leaders, but also improved our quality of life.”
Each session is designed to educate participants on various industry sectors and key community issues. Participants will cultivate a deeper understanding of local industries and government. Sessions include informational tours and hands-on activities tailored to educate participants. During the program, participants are also tasked with implementing a group project that addresses a need in our community.
“Each year, it’s inspiring to see the diversity of our community reflected in our Leadership Bakersfield class,” Ortiz added. “These are the people who already make Bakersfield ‘the sound of something better,’ and I’m excited to see how their participation serves as a catalyst for their future contributions.”
Participating in this year’s Leadership Bakersfield class are the following aspiring community leaders:
- Jamie Absher, ForeFront Power
- Scott Andrews, City of Bakersfield
- Susana Ayon, Panama-Buena Vista Union School District
- Lourdes Bucher, Kern County Superintendent of Schools
- Clay Camp, Kern Machinery, Inc
- Jaron Cramer, Tejon Ranch Conservancy
- Brandon Davis, Aera Energy LLC
- Richard Dossey, Bakersfield Police Department
- Meredith Evans, County of Kern
- Jarred Ghilarducci, E&B Natural Resources
- Adrienne Guirguis, Holistic Lactation of Bakersfield
- Katherine Houchin, ARCpoint Labs of Bakersfield
- Alison Johnson, Aera Energy
- David Madding, The Open Door Network
- Savannah Maldonado, Community Action Partnership of Kern
- Carina Ortiz, Bakersfield Police Department
- Lindsey Panick, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
- Joel Paramo, Hey Salty
- Syleena Perez, Valley Strong Credit Union
- Lori Pesante, Dolores Huerta Foundation
- Stanley Peterson, California State University Bakersfield
- Erick Rodriguez, CoachArt
- Jean-Luc Slagle, Scope Studios
- Shontay Sweeney, Chase Bank
- Joyce Talag, Joyful Transformations LLC
- Lucy Trancoso, Valley Strong Credit Union
- Amy Travis, First 5 Kern
- Jorge Villatoro, California State University Bakersfield
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ABOUT THE GREATER BAKERSFIELD CHAMBER
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber is the region’s leading business membership, networking and advocacy organization, representing the interests of more than 1,100 members and more than 70,000 local jobs. Focused on creating a thriving local economy and improving the quality of life for every resident of Greater Bakersfield; the organization promotes economic vitality, facilitates networking and business development opportunities, and advocates for public policies that support quality jobs and inclusive growth. The Chamber guides Bakersfield toward a better and brighter future. Founded in 1920, the Chamber is driven by the belief that our community thrives when businesses succeed.
CONTACT: Joel Paramo, joel@heysalty.com, call/text: 661-438-1034