
Professional Development Conference
For 31 years United Way of Kern County has hosted a professional development conference for members and directors of nonprofit organizations and waymakers. This year, United Way of Kern County will host its 32nd Annual Professional Development Conference for a wider audience in need to include community and health-based organizations, along with city elect officials and those individuals who want to make a positive impact where they live. The conference allows individuals to network and share plans and collaborate to better serve the community.
Keynote Speakers

Sarah Eagle Heart (Waŋblí Šiná Wíŋyaŋ, Eagle Shawl Woman), Oglála Lakota, is an Emmy Award–winning social justice storyteller, entrepreneur, and philanthropic leader. Sarah co-founded Zuyá Entertainment and Eagle Heart Collective to create multi-platform stories based on her unique worldview infused by her Lakota culture.
Ms. Eagle Heart utilizes storytelling to amplify the Lakota worldview and uplift critical issues that affect Indigenous Peoples. She has worked with a number of high-profile allies, activists, and influencers including Anne Hathaway, John Legend, Marisa Tomei, Mark Ruffalo, Monica Ramirez, Piper Perabo, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Taboo from Black Eyed Peas, Portugal The Man and the Obama Administration.
Traco Matthews is the Chief Health Equity Officer (CHEO) for KernHealth Systems (KHS).
Working with the Executive team, he provides leadership in the design and implementation of KHS’s business strategies, stakeholder relationships, and community programs to ensure health equity is prioritized and addressed. Traco brings extensive leadership skills, a strong diversity, equity, and inclusion vision, and deep community connections to this critical position in Kern County’s local Medi-Cal managed care organization.
Traco continually seeks to improve culture, processes, and outcomes through his work at KHS and in the community. He uses his experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to contribute human-centered strategic analysis, effective leadership development, and expertise in building trust with Kern Family Health Care members and other important stakeholders including providers and community partners.

SPONSORS
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Bronze Partners
Media Partners
More Information:
Contact Karla Garcia at:
Phone: (661) 834-1820
Email: Karla.G@uwkern.org
Event Location:
Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center
801 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA
Phone: (661) 323-1900