2025 Class
KLA Class 2025
Paris Davis is a dynamic real estate broker, a devoted wife to her life partner and best friend Kenny, and a proud mom to two incredible adult children. Raised by a confident and trailblazing businesswoman, Paris has been surrounded by strong, inspiring women from an early age—and she likes to say she picked up a few powerful lessons along the way. Her passion and dedication were recognized when she was honored as “Woman of the Year” by the National Association of Professional Women—an award she deeply cherishes. Paris is a natural visionary, a creative soul, and a designer of experiences. She thrives on bringing ideas to life and crafting moments that matter. Together with Kenny, she leads The Davis Group Real Estate, Inc., where her love for marketing shines. For Paris, presenting opportunities to clients isn’t just business, it’s pure joy. With a keen eye for design and an intuitive sense of space, she excels at matching the right property with the right person. Negotiating and problem-solving are her superpowers, allowing her to advocate for clients in ways they often can’t for themselves. Paris believes that partnership, collaboration, and authentic connection are the keys to unlocking greatness—and she holds those keys with confidence and grace. Outside of work, she finds joy in decorating, reading, and tending to her garden.
Cesar Delgado is the Chief Information Officer at Kern Family Health Care (KFHC), with over 22 years of experience in business intelligence, data analytics, and systems leadership. A proud Bakersfield native, Cesar joined KFHC in 2013 and has advanced through several leadership roles, consistently leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency and enhance the member experience. As Deputy CIO, he led key initiatives in cybersecurity, data governance, infrastructure modernization, and digital transformation. His leadership has strengthened collaboration, accountability, and alignment across IT and business teams, supporting scalable and effective health care solutions. Cesar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Health Services. He also holds certifications in health services management and agile scrum practices. Cesar is dedicated to serving the community he grew up in and is committed to advancing innovative, technology-driven strategies that improve the organization and health outcomes for members and providers alike.
Jaubrae Dixon is the Founder & CEO of C.H.A.N.G.E.S., a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring justice-impacted youth and adults. He also serves as a Program Educator & Life Coach with the Community Action Partnership of Kern’s CALVIP team. Drawing from lived experience, Jaubrae transforms past trials into tools for preventing others from walking the same path. A certified Peacekeeper through the Urban Peace Institute and trained in Aggression Replacement Training (ART), he delivers transformative, trauma-informed programs rooted in social-emotional learning, self-awareness, and restorative practices. His frontline work includes mentoring, life coaching, public speaking, and strategic intervention to help combat cycles of violence in Bakersfield with healthy alternatives. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences at California State University, Bakersfield, Jaubrae is a first-generation college student who believes that through his education he will use it to make lasting community impact.
Maxx Garris is Chief Financial Operations Officer for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, a role he assumed in May 2025. From 2019 through April 2025, he served as a Fiscal Analyst in the same office, helping support budget oversight for 47 school districts. Earlier, he was Director of Fiscal Services for Fairfax School District (2017–2019) and spent 15 years in successive fiscal roles with KCSOS. He has more than 24 years of school-business experience. Maxx holds an MBA in Finance and dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and accounting from California State University, Bakersfield, and earned the Chief Business Official certificate at USC’s Rossier School of Education in 2019. He also serves as a Supply Officer in the Navy Reserve with 29 years of service. Maxx and his wife of 32 years, Jodi, enjoy traveling together, golf, and time with their adult children, Darby (29) and Maxx III (27).
Rubi Haro is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 12 years of experience in behavioral health. She currently supports students at the Student Health & Wellness Center at Bakersfield College, where she provides brief psychotherapy to help students manage stress, relationship dynamics, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and the challenges of adapting to college life. She is deeply committed to fostering mental wellness and empowering students to thrive academically, emotionally, and personally. Rubi strives to create a compassionate, collaborative space where students feel grounded, supported, and capable of growth. Outside of her professional role, Rubi enjoys walking outdoors, practicing gentle yoga, and exploring new places with her husband—all of which rejuvenate her mind, body, and spirit. She is also currently learning to sew, a creative pursuit that brings her focus, inspiration, and joy.
Seth Hewett is a nonprofit founder, community leader, and current Master of Public Administration candidate at the University of Southern California, pursuing certificates in City/County Management and Public Policy. Based in Bakersfield, Seth serves as President-Elect of Kiwanis, where he helps raise funds for programs supporting local children. He leads Love77, a nonprofit connecting volunteers with humanitarian projects in California and Uganda. His professional background spans client relationship management, brand development, and strategic outreach in both the private and nonprofit sectors. Seth is passionate about strengthening Kern County’s civic engagement, improving local infrastructure, and fostering cross-sector collaboration to address complex challenges. With a family legacy rooted in public service, he aspires to serve Bakersfield and Kern County as an elected representative. He sees the Kern Leaders Academy as an opportunity to deepen his leadership skills and contribute to the region’s long-term vitality.
Jacob Pruett was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA, near the Rosedale highway overpass, and attended Centennial High School when it opened and was part of the first full graduating class in 1997. During that summer, he toured the nation as a baritone player in the Santa Clara Vanguard, where we took third place in the Drum Corps International championship. Jacob served a two-year mission in Texas for the LDS church before starting an entry-level technical support position for Microsoft. With that background, he moved into telecommunications with a local company, Arrival Communications, where he performed and later managed their technical support. After the acquisition by TelePacific, Jacob developed and trained their team in Stockton, CA, before deciding to go back to school for a Biochemistry degree from Arizona State University. From there, he transitioned into his current role as a Lab Manager with Clean Harbors Environmental.
Yesenia Pulido-Mehia is originally from Santa Cruz County, but moved to Bakersfield in 2013 to graduate from CSUB, and currently works in the agriculture industry. She travels throughout the Central Valley working for the Wonderful Company. She began her career as an intern and has progressed to a leadership position that oversees an entire department, and is excited to join KLA and expand her horizons.
Alissa Reed serves as Executive Secretary of the Kern, Inyo & Mono Counties Building & Construction Trades Council, where she champions labor by fostering relationships that expand apprenticeship programs and create economic opportunities for career growth in the construction industry. A dedicated advocate for workforce development, Alissa has served on the Kern, Inyo & Mono Counties Workforce Development Board since 2008, contributing her expertise to community and career advancement initiatives. Before joining the Trades Council, she served as a Human Resources executive in the oil and gas industry, driving workforce and career development efforts. Alissa holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of La Verne and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with concentrations in Accounting and Information Management, from California State University, Bakersfield. Along with her passion for advancing career opportunities in our communities, Alissa enjoys time with her husband, Paul, and her family.
Jesse Waldowski,a proud native of Irvine, California, graduated from Irvine High School in 2000 before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps as a 0313 LAV crewman. He honorably served overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Following his military service, Jesse met Tiffany, the love of his life, and the two were married in 2005. Seeking a community aligned with their values and a place to raise a family, Jesse and Tiffany settled in Tehachapi. Together, they are raising two sons, Ben and Luke, now 13 and 15. In 2008, Jesse began his career with the Kern County Fire Department, where he has risen through the ranks to become Captain at Station 13 in Tehachapi. His dedication to service and leadership was further recognized when he was elected Union President of KCFF Local 1301.