Chamber Launches the 38th Annual Professional Development Initiative
Bakersfield, Calif. (Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025) – Today, the Greater Bakersfield Chamber convened its 38th annual Leadership Bakersfield (LB) program, a premier professional development initiative designed to equip emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge and connections needed to shape a brighter future for Bakersfield. This year’s program welcomes 32 professionals from diverse industries eager to make a meaningful impact on their community.
The 10-month program begins on Jan. 9 and culminates with a graduation ceremony on Nov. 6. Throughout the year, participants will engage in monthly themed sessions that explore key industry sectors and pressing community issues. In addition to educational tours and hands-on activities, participants will collaborate on group projects addressing critical local needs.
“Leadership Bakersfield empowers professionals to grow as leaders while making a tangible difference in our community,” said Janelle Capra, President and CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber. “By fostering collaboration and deepening their understanding of our region’s opportunities and challenges, this program equips participants to become champions for Bakersfield’s future.”
The program’s curriculum includes sessions on leadership, energy, arts and culture, education, health and human services, government, law enforcement, agriculture and more. Each session provides participants with direct access to community leaders and industry experts, allowing them to build lasting relationships and gain insights into the complex fabric of Kern County.
“This program is about action,” said Ryan Kroeker, Chair of the Leadership Bakersfield Advisory Council and Captain of the Bakersfield Police Department. “The skills and knowledge gained through Leadership Bakersfield are immediately applied through group projects that address real community challenges. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of their community and a legacy of positive change.”
Since its inception, Leadership Bakersfield has graduated nearly 1,000 alumni, many of whom have assumed leadership roles in government, business and community organizations. Participating in this year’s Leadership Bakersfield class are the following aspiring community leaders:
- Mike Broida, Bakersfield Police Department
- Eric Celedon, Bakersfield Police Department
- Jackeline Cortes, Aspire Counseling Services
- Winston Crite, Dignity Health Sports Complex
- Samantha Davis, Diamond IT
- Flor Del Hoyo Galvan, Kern Health Systems
- Kimee Earnshaw, Garden Pathways
- Joshua Finch, M.D. Atkinson
- Perry Finzel, Bakersfield ARC
- Glenda Garcia, Mission Bank
- Daniel Green, Jim Burke Ford Lincoln
- Cherif Guirguis, LinQride
- Shellena Heber, Valley Center for the Blind
- Keith Jackson, Community Action Partnership of Kern
- Tori Jacobs, CBCC
- Raquel Jimenez, Access Plus Capital
- Imad Jobah, Dignity Health Medical Foundation
- Olivia Kent, Kern Community Foundation
- Mercedes Mayers, City of Bakersfield
- Kara McDonald, KCCD – Bakersfield College
- Emmanuel Mendoza, Golden Empire Transit
- Crystal Meyer, The Gentleman of Bakersfield
- Yesenia Moran, Kern County Cancer Foundation
- Kassie Mullican, Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance
- Shawn Patterson, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital
- Randy Petris, Bakersfield Police Department
- Emily Phillips, Valley Strong Credit Union
- Marlene Ruiz Hernandez, Community Action Partnership of Kern
- Madison Thorp, The Open Door Network
- Sarah Tuohy, CSUB
- Hector Vazquez, American Red Cross
- Kierstin Webb, KCSOS