2024 Class

KLA Class 2024

Carter Beardsley, born and raised in Bakersfield, is a rising senior in high school. Carter has dedicated his life to being an advocate and to community service. Carter, the proud son of two educators, is passionate about policy and education. He represents the students of Kern, Kings, Inyo, and Tulare as the Region 8 President of the California Association of Student Councils, where he represents the over 400,000 students as an advocate on issues relating to education in the Central Valley. He also serves the young people of Bakersfield as the Ward 4 Bakersfield Youth Commissioner. Carter serves as the current and first chairman of the Kern Literacy Council’s Youth Literacy Committee, where he established a program to implement book vending machines in low-income and low-literacy areas. Carter’s aspirations have always included a life of public service, hoping to serve both in the nonprofit sector and in elected office.

Bobby Chalhoub is a dedicated Realtor whose passion for real estate and community service is unmatched. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Bobby tirelessly helps individuals achieve their dream of homeownership. His approach is centered around the unique needs of each client. His professionalism is evident in every interaction, whether negotiating on behalf of clients or offering honest advice. Bobby’s drive extends beyond transactions; he builds lasting relationships, often turning clients into lifelong friends. Before his career in real estate, Bobby gained valuable experience in residential and commercial construction with a concertation in project management. This provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry from the ground up. This background enables him to offer insightful guidance and innovative solutions to his clients. Bobby’s diverse skill set and commitment to excellence are motivation to make a positive impact.  His dedication to fostering these connections underscores his commitment to genuine care and exceptional service.

Stephen Eyherabide, a Bakersfield native, is a testament to determination and resilience. He is a local attorney practicing Real Property Transactions, Agribusiness, and Business & Corporate Law at the law firm of Klein, DeNatale, Goldner, Cooper, Rosenlieb & Kimball, LLP. His journey to this point includes earning an Associate Degree in Business Administration at Bakersfield College, a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and finally graduating from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Before practicing law, he served the students and fellow UCSB community as a Financial Aid Advisor at UCSB’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. His biggest passion is finding his path in the service of others, a journey that has shaped his determination and resilience.

Jake Hall has made a significant impact on the community through his role at Kern Health Systems. His work in overseeing provider contract negotiations, quality grant programs, and healthcare quality initiatives has directly contributed to improving the quality of care available to residents. Additionally, his efforts in provider credentialing and clinical site reviews ensure that healthcare providers meet high standards, which benefits the entire community. Moreover, Kern Health Systems offers various Community Support Services (CSS) as part of the CalAim initiative, which addresses complex medical and behavioral health needs and social determinants of health, and provides support for housing, food, and post-hospitalization care1. Jake’s leadership in these areas helps ensure that vulnerable populations receive the support needed to achieve their health goals. His dedication to the community is evident in his long tenure at Kern Health Systems and his continuous efforts to enhance healthcare services for the residents of Kern County.

Hector Manuel Hernandez Lopez has had an inspiring journey marked by his dedication to his roots and his community. As the co-founder and Executive Director of Centro de Unidad Popular Benito Juarez, Inc. (CUPB), Hector has been instrumental in providing support, resources, and information to Indigenous communities. The organization primarily serves rural, Indigenous, low-income, frontline immigrant farmworkers. It provides language translation services, education on housing and workers’ rights, immigration assistance, and other culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate services. CUPB also serves as a hub for cultural preservation and expression, evidenced by its annual Guelaguetza festival, which showcases Indigenous arts, dances, music, and foodways. Hector’s commitment to his community and his efforts to bridge the gap between Indigenous communities and available resources have made a significant impact. His work with CUPB exemplifies his dedication to improving the lives of marginalized individuals and preserving their cultural heritage.

Daniel House, having grown up in the coastal community of Lompoc, established a strong interest in Environmental Protection and Public Policy. Fostering this interest led to educational stops in Santa Barbara, Monterey, and lastly, Bakersfield, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Resource Management. For nearly 20 years, he has worked in most positions at Clean Harbors Environmental Services in Buttonwillow, CA. While his current primary position is in Waste Acceptance, he uses his leadership abilities to Chairperson committees such as the Safety Committee and Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)- an occupational safety initiative. In his free time, Dan can be found on a softball field, taking up the latest intramural craze, or out enjoying the environment through swimming, kayaking, and hiking. With these pursuits, “House” will never act his age; he might feel it after.

Abby Lehnig, the Kern Regional Director at California Policy Center, brings a wealth of experience from her diverse background. She represents CPC in Kern County through education, outreach, and policy and legislation implementation. With a master’s degree in public policy from Pepperdine University and a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and Spanish from Utah State University, Abby’s career has taken her from the City of Santa Monica to the Center for Growth and Opportunity and even the Embassy of Peru in Washington, DC. A newcomer to Bakersfield, Abby’s upbringing in an active-duty Air Force family has instilled in her a global perspective and adaptability that she brings to her work.

Mercedes Mayers, a Bakersfield native, currently works as the City of Bakersfield’s Office of Violence Intervention & Prevention Outreach Program Supervisor, which oversees one of three of the city’s efforts to reduce gun violence in our community. She has a Bachelor’s in Journalism with a collateral field in Chicano Studies from the California State University of Northridge and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix, and she is working towards obtaining my Doctoral degree in Management and Organizational Leadership. Mercedes actively attends Chester Avenue Community Church as the Women’s Ministry Leader and 4th through 6th-grade Educational Teacher. She actively works on an apprenticeship to become a Church Elder (Board Member). Beyond my Professional and Educational achievements, Mercedes is a servant first, and her heart lies within my community, giving back to others and building lasting connections. “Experience God, Change Your Life, Change The World”

Ilene Parra, serving as the Director of Client Services at The Open Door Network, brings over a decade of experience in assisting adult and child victims of abuse and individuals and families experiencing homelessness. With a people-centered approach, her primary objectives include ensuring top-quality wraparound care for the populations served by The Open Door Network, pinpointing community system gaps, and advocating for changes to reduce homelessness instances and prevent family traumas. Ilene has established partnerships with key stakeholders like local law enforcement, city and county agencies, and homeless nonprofits. In her role within trauma and homelessness services, she aims to persist in educating and advocating for systemic changes that will enhance support for victims of abuse and families affected by homelessness.

Dess Perkins is an extraordinary individual who has made a significant impact in various areas. Her journey from a survivor of human trafficking to an advocate, author, business owner, and educator is incredibly inspiring. Her dedication to raising awareness and supporting survivors, as well as her entrepreneurial spirit in creating opportunities for marginalized individuals, showcases her resilience and compassion. It’s also remarkable how she has taken on the role of a high school counselor and educator, guiding and mentoring young people to prevent exploitation and support at-risk youth. Odessa’s involvement in shaping legislation, particularly her role as a critical witness for SB14, highlights her influence in creating positive change at a systemic level. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one person can have in making the world a better place.