United Way

WORKSHOP PRESENTERS AND BIOS


Abran Padilla
Owner, Spectrum Data Analytics, LLC
LinkedIn
WORKSHOP: UNDERSTANDING DATA
BIO: Abe is a 22-year veteran in agribusiness and business analytics. As the Director of Almond Operations at Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds, Abe developed many of the operations models still used today. Furthermore, as the Director of Operations Finance and Analytics, Abe developed and implemented analytics strategies which maximized inventory returns, reduced yield loss, and eliminated waste throughout the almond and pistachio divisions. Since leaving Wonderful, Abe developed his own consulting company named “Spectrum Data Analytics, LLC” which helps agribusiness companies and government agencies “improve efficiency, reduce costs, and eliminate waste.” As a hobby, Abe teaches agribusiness management and agribusiness finance as well as data analytics courses at CSUB. Furthermore, Abe also teaches business analytics courses at Loyola Marymount University (in both the undergraduate and MBA programs). Abe possesses a double major from CSUB in Economics and Political Science—with a minor in Spanish.  Furthermore, Abe also has a double MBA in Finance and Computer Information Systems from Loyola Marymount. Finally, Abe also received a Master’s of Science in Predictive Analytics from Northwestern University. Another favorite pastime for Abe is helping students with admission to top-ranked Master’s programs in schools such as MIT, Cal Berkeley, University of Texas at Austin, and Georgia Tech (to name a few). Similarly, Abe helps place agribusiness and analytics students with employers throughout the US.

 


Adrian Nevarez

HR Director, Tasteful Selections
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: LEADERSHIP 101: CULTIVATING SKILLS
BIO: Adrian Nevarez is a Professor of Human Resources at Cal State University Bakersfield and former President of the non-profit board, Kern County Society for Human Resources Management. His 15 years of HR Management experience in multiple industries includes Federal and California employment laws, recruiting, succession planning, and labor relations. Adrian holds his master’s degree in Administration from Cal State University Bakersfield, and has degrees in Business Management, Psychology and Sociology. He is also a Senior Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resources Management and California Law certified through the Human Resources Certification Institute. In addition, Adrian has served on the Kern County SHRM board since 2011 including 3-year term as President.

 


Bob Meadows

Business Development Director, City of Shafter
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: LEADERSHIP 103: MAINTAINING RELEVANCE: HOW OLD DOGS CAN LEARN & TEACH NEW TRICKS
BIO: Bob Meadows became the City of Shafter Business Development Director in 2018 after a 40-year banking career, including 20 years as a branch manager. He had success in commercial lending, leadership training, and state councils, and held leadership positions in local nonprofits. Bob was a University of Washington’s Pacific Coast Banking School Executive Program Honors Graduate. This year he celebrates 44 years of marriage to his wife Vicki, a retired banker and an 8-year breast cancer survivor. Bob won the 2018 Beautiful Bakersfield Award for Business Person of the Year.

 


Christine Lollar

Regional Director of Grants, Adventist Health
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: THE TEAMWORK OF GRANTS AND TOOLS OF THE TRADE
BIO: Pawan Gill is the Director of HRTP & Workforce Development for Bakersfield College.  She most recently served as Kern County's first Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.  She is a seasoned leader who has over 18 years of experience working in multiple sectors including education, healthcare and government.  Pawan is a double alumni of CSUB and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications as well as Masters in Public Administration.  She is active in the community serving on multiple boards and commissions including the Bakersfield Sikh Women's Association, Kern Economic Development Foundation and the Bakersfield College Foundation.

 


Clint Mungary
Program Manager, No Kid Hungry
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: WORKPLACE CULTURE
BIO:  Mr. Mungary is currently employed as the Program Manager at Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign for the Southern San Joaquin Valley. He has spent the past 20 years dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and families throughout Kern County and California. Thrust into a leadership role right out of college, the experience was the catalyst for a lifelong interest in the function of organization culture, management and leadership in organizational and individual effectiveness in the public sector.

 


Gabriela Gonzalez
President, Latina Leaders of Kern County
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
BIO: Gonzales is the External Affairs Advisor for California Resources Corporation. Her role affords her a firsthand view of the needs of the community and has helped her effectively establish key partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to move CRC’s priorities forward. Gonzales was born in Los Angeles, but her family moved to Bakersfield when she was four years old. She attended local schools including Bakersfield College and California State University of Bakersfield.  Gabriela is the President of Latina Leaders of Kern County and serves on the following professional boards: CASA of Kern County, Adventist Health Foundation, Taft College Foundation, and is also President of the Shafter Chamber of Commerce.

 


Jaron Cramer
Executive Director, Tejon Ranch Conservancy
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: SMART STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIC PLANNING
BIO: Jaron Cramer is the Executive Director of the Tejon Ranch Conservancy, a Kern County nonprofit land trust that oversees science, stewardship, education, and public access on 240,000 acres of conserved Tejon Ranch lands. He graduated from the University of Washington's innovative Program on the Environment and has spent his nonprofit career leading strategic initiatives focused on inclusive capacity building and organizational effectiveness for greater mission impact. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Kern County.

 


Jessica Grimes, PhD

Dean of Economic and Workforce Development, Kern Community College District
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: LEADERSHIP 102: STRATEGIC TIME MANAGEMENT
BIO: Jessica Grimes, PhD, is the Dean of Economic and Workforce Development (CTE) at Kern Community College District and works on a number of workforce development initiatives, including the Strong Workforce and K12 Strong Workforce programs. Among her many roles, she serves as the Regional Chair of the Central/Mother Lode Regional Consortium (CRC), an intersegmental partnership among 15 community colleges, numerous industry partners, 230 K12 Local Education Agencies (LEAs), 150 charter schools, adult education partners, Workforce Development Agencies, and community-based organizations. Jessica enjoys serving on a variety of boards, including the United Way of Kern County, Adventist Health, and No Sister Left Behind.

 


Lauren Skidmore
CEO, The Open Door Network
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: THE VISION TRINITY©
BIO: Lauren Skidmore is a pragmatic leader and visionary collaborator, with years of experience working with diverse private and public sectors. As a bridge builder, Mrs. Skidmore has a deep passion for facilitating change and advocacy for all communities in greater Kern County, particularly those who are the most vulnerable. Mrs. Skidmore is currently the CEO of The Open Door Network, formally the Bakersfield Homeless Center and Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. Prior, Mrs. Skidmore was the District Director for Assemblyman Vince Fong of the 34th Assembly District, where she advocated for the broad interests and need of the Assemblyman’s constituents. Mrs. Skidmore also served as the Director for Kern Citizens for Sustainable Government, where she elevated the organization’s impact in government transparency and efficiency. As a fifth generation cattle rancher, Mrs. Skidmore is keenly aware of the impact of small business owners which propelled her to create innovative programs like Bakersfield Young Professionals, while working as the Communications Manager for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Skidmore is actively involved in numerous leadership organizations and committees including Bakersfield College Foundation, Kern County Planning Commission, and Kern Bakersfield Regional Homeless Collaborative. Mrs. Skidmore is a wife and working mother of two children. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration (Management) from California State University, Fresno, and a Master’s of Science in Community Development from Kansas State University.

 


Manuel Barrera

Grants Analyst II / Research Development, Office of Grants, Research and Sponsored Programs (GRaSP) at CSUB
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: GRANTS 101: SETTING A COURSE FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL
BIO: Manuel Barrera is driven to promote research development and external funded projects. As a Grant Analyst at the Grants, Research, and Sponsored Programs office, he supports the development of externally funded proposals involving faculty research, student engagement, and campus initiatives. He holds Master of Public Administration and Educational Doctorate degrees. His experience includes working for the California State Assembly, administering federal and state funding, and nonprofit management. Manuel’s devotion toward his community led him to return to CSUB in seeking to support the University’s priorities, economic development, and student success.

 


Norma Rojas-Mora

Executive Director of Government Relations and Development, Bakersfield College
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
BIO: Norma Rojas-Mora is the Executive Director of Government Relations and Development for Bakersfield College. In this role, she collaborates with municipal, state, and federal agencies, educational institutions, and community service organizations to advance workforce development initiatives for some of Kern County’s most underserved and disadvantaged populations.  Some of the initiatives that have been launched during her tenure include the Rural Health Equity and Learning (HEAL) Collaborative, an eight-county coalition dedicated to addressing healthcare needs in rural areas; the High Road Training Partnership, which is a coalition of labor organizations, research institutes, educators and non-profit groups dedicated to diversifying Kern’s economy, reducing carbon utilization, and providing high-wage jobs with benefits to all residents; as well as Project HireUp, a program that facilitates pathways to housing and employment for Kern County’s unhoused population.  Norma Rojas-Mora is the past president of Latina Leaders of Kern County where she continues to dedicate her time strengthening the leadership development of youth and professional women through the Youth Leadership Program and the Latina Leadership Institute.  Norma-Rojas Mora has a Master of Science degree in Administration from California State University Bakersfield and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Chicana/Chicano Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles.  She currently serves on the following boards:  local Workforce Development Board, Latina Leaders of Kern County, Bakersfield College Foundation, the Women’s and Girls Fund Advisory Committee, and the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Education Foundation.

 


Pawan Gill

Director of HRTP & Workforce Development for Bakersfield College
LinkedIn
WORKSHOP: DEI 101: TOGETHER WE'RE GREATER THAN ANY CHALLENGE
BIO: Pawan Gill is the Director of HRTP & Workforce Development for Bakersfield College.  She most recently served as Kern County's first Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.  She is a seasoned leader who has over 18 years of experience working in multiple sectors including education, healthcare and government.  Pawan is a double alumni of CSUB and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications as well as Masters in Public Administration.  She is active in the community serving on multiple boards and commissions including the Bakersfield Sikh Women's Association, Kern Economic Development Foundation and the Bakersfield College Foundation.

 


Rachel Glauser

Director of Communications, Providence Strategic Consulting
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: INTENTIONAL BRANDING: THINKING BEYOND THE LOGO
BIO: Rachel Glauser is the director of communications for Providence Strategic Consulting, Inc. She has a background in campaigns and business advocacy. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and communications. Rachel has worked on multiple candidate campaigns, statewide ballot initiatives, business advocacy and permitting projects over the past 16 years. She is a member of the American Association of Political Consultants and the Public Relations Society of America and is a partner in Worldcom PR. She specializes in developing communication plans, public outreach campaigns and crisis communications. She loves sports, bad jokes, and visiting wineries!

 


Rachel Parlier

Marketing Manager, Houchin Community Blood Bank
LinkedIn
WORKSHOP: THE POWER OF STORYTELLING THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
BIO: Rachel Parlier is currently the Marketing Manager for Houchin Community Blood Bank; although, her journey did not start there. In 2019, Rachel graduated from San Diego State University where she received a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. Her Marketing career began in the sports industry where she worked for many different sports teams, such as San Diego State Athletics, San Diego Gulls, and the Bakersfield Condors. One month before COVID, Rachel decided to switch the focus of her career from sports to the health industry. Since the beginning of 2020, she has worked her way up to be in charge of the Marketing department for Houchin Blood Bank. She has enjoyed every moment and is happy that she gets to wake up every morning knowing that she is going to help save lives.

 


Richard-Abraham Rugnao

President & Chief Emerge Officer, rār
LinkedIn
WORKSHOP: THE VISION TRINITY©
BIO: Richard-Abraham Rugnao is the president and chief emerge officer for rār, a pulse- generating and tradition-busting brand strategy and experiential/storytelling marketing firm. rār delivers the creative, strategy, and contextual stringency for brands to flourish by leading contemporary culture. As an emerging executive with Yum! Brands, Richard-Abraham was a key architect of the company's highly recognized global diversity department and direction. Richard-Abraham led diversity and inclusion “step-change” in public affairs, brand marketing, government relations, supplier diversity, candidate sourcing and franchisee pipeline development Prior to Yum!, Richard-Abraham was the Sr. Director of Communications and PR for the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC. Richard-Abraham is the founder of the Richard F. Rugnao College Fund, a unique scholarship organization to support college students with parents incarcerated in prison.

 


Sharon Woolfolk

President, NAMI of Kern County
LinkedIn 
WORKSHOP: MENTAL HEALTH & BURNOUT
BIO: Sharon Woolfolk, is a retired Probation Officer with 26 years of service in the area of at-risk families, juvenile and adult offenders. Admittedly, she is a workaholic. She uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others. She currently serves as the  President of NAMI Kern County.

 


Traco Mathews

Chief Program Officer, CAPK
LinkedIn
WORKSHOP: COMMUNITY OVER COMPETITION
BIO: Traco Matthews is the Chief Program Officer at CAPK. He brings extensive leadership skills and deep community connections to this critical position in Kern County’s official anti-poverty agency. His mission is to oversee the majority of CAPK programs which offer direct services to the public. Traco continually seeks to improve culture, processes, and outcomes through his work and in the community. He uses his experience providing leadership development for administrators and directors, contributing strategic analysis, delivering HR expertise, and building a trusted brand through proficient community relations to empower that commitment. Traco’s purpose and greatest passion is encouraging and coaching others. In addition to coaching employees at work, he teaches business courses at Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield, provides mentoring for leaders on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and serves as a Social Pastor and community advocate. He graduated from the University of California, Davis with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2001, and from California State University, Bakersfield, with an M.B.A. in 2017. He is happily married to his wife of 20 years, Dr. Jessica Grimes, a community college district administrator. Bakersfield serves as the home base for their frequent travels and life adventures.

 

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