2026 Class
KLA Class 2026
AJ Bhuee, Broker Associate at Watson Realty and President-Elect of the Bakersfield Association of Realtors, has been in real estate since 2011. He works in both commercial and residential real estate and enjoys being involved in the local real estate community. He currently serves as President of the Golden Empire MLS, President-Elect of the Bakersfield Association of REALTORS®, a Director with the California Association of REALTORS®, Vice Chair of the MLS Business & Technology Committee, and a member of the Kern County Assessment Appeals Board. AJ has always been interested in technology and learning new things. He is self-taught in many areas and has also completed a Full Stack Developer program. He enjoys building software and finding ways technology can help local businesses. He is interested in how Kern County can continue to grow, create new opportunities, and prepare for the future while still building on the industries that have made the community what it is today.
Kimee Earnshaw, Community Relations Specialist and Fund Development at Garden Pathways, was born and raised in Bakersfield and is passionate about strengthening her community through leadership, collaboration, and service. A first-generation college graduate, she earned an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Santa Barbara Business College and has since built a diverse career spanning criminal justice, administration, and nonprofit leadership. Since joining Garden Pathways in 2020, Kimee has advanced from Accounting Clerk to Community Relations Specialist. In this role, she develops community partnerships, coordinates fundraising initiatives, leads volunteer engagement, and plans events that expand opportunities for individuals and families across Kern County. Known for building meaningful relationships and bringing people together, Kimee believes lasting change begins with trust, compassion, and collaboration. She is committed to creating a stronger, safer community where future generations can thrive. She is honored to be part of the Kern Leaders Alliance and looks forward to learning alongside fellow community leaders.
Jacob Erakat, Detective with the Bakersfield Police Department and a Bakersfield native, brings a diverse background in public safety, military service, and real estate to the Kern Leaders Academy. A California Army Guard veteran, Jacob served six years as an infantryman, building a foundation in disciplined leadership and team execution. He entered local law enforcement in 2016, holding diverse roles while earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice and actively pursuing an M.S. in Organizational Leadership. Jacob is currently assigned to the Robbery-Homicide Detail. Complementing his public safety career, he is a licensed California realtor and investor focused on value-add acquisitions and revitalization. In his free time, Jacob serves as a worship leader and small-group leader at his church alongside his growing family. Deeply invested in Kern County, Jacob balances his dual careers with a commitment to his faith, family, and community, and is eager to collaborate with leaders to drive regional vitality.
Noe Garcia, Political Coordinator at United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930, grew up in Bakersfield, the youngest of 5 siblings and the son of two immigrants from Mexico. Noe received the Bill Gates Scholarship, which provided a full ride to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he graduated with a B.A. in Public Affairs in 2022. While at UCLA, Noe was elected Financial Support Commissioner in student government to support financial and academic success. Upon graduating, alongside young leaders, he created a political club to develop leaders who could advocate for every individual to have access to affordable healthcare, humane immigration reform, and an accessible economy for all, not just a few. Currently, he is training and empowering In-Home Supportive Service and child care providers to advocate for fair wages and a well-funded program. Most recently, Noe was appointed as the Ward 1 representative on the Public Safety and Vital Services (PSVS) Commission.
Cesar Jimenez, Vice President of Student Services at Bakersfield College, was born and raised in Chicago and moved to Bakersfield in 2023. With more than 17 years of higher education experience, he is a first-generation college graduate and the proud son of Mexican immigrants, committed to expanding educational access. He previously served as a Senior Reserve Deputy Probation Officer with the Los Angeles County Probation Department. Dr. Jiménez studied at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, New York University, and Harvard University, and earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Organizational Change from Benedictine University. He is deeply engaged in the community, serving on the board of Kingdom Men of Action and as a member of the Kern County Food Policy Council, Bakersfield East Rotary Club, and the GET District Community Transit Advisory Group. In 2025, The Bakersfield Californian named him one of Bakersfield’s 20 Under 40.
Yovani Jimenez, Program Administrator at the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation and Trustee of the Kern Community College District, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Master of Public Administration, both from California State University, Bakersfield. He began his public service in 2018 after being elected to the Bear Mountain Recreation and Park District Board, where he worked to improve local parks and expand recreational opportunities. He chairs the FIELD Board of Directors and the EPIC Board of Trustees; organizations focused on higher education and workforce development. Jimenez began his career as a farmworker, an experience that shaped his commitment to equitable access to education and opportunity. He works to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed and advocates for policies and programs that expand educational access, strengthen workforce development, and improve community well-being.
Peter Martinez, Program Manager at WESTEC, where he has worked for 25 years and oversees vocational training programs that prepare students for safe, successful careers. WESTEC provides training in Medic First Aid, CPR, Petroleum Safety, Confined Space, and Agricultural Safety. Before joining WESTEC, Peter worked for ARBOR Inc., helping individuals earn their GEDs and Basic Skills and find employment, and for Kern County Probation, supervising Wards in Custody and maintaining a safe environment. He graduated from Adolfo Camarillo High School in 1987 and attended CSUB. He earned his Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification through Bakersfield College and his Vocational Training Credential through the UCLA Extension Program. In addition, Peter completed OSHA 501 and 511 Training through UCSD to become an OSHA 10 and 30 Trainer.
Jacky Morales, Director of Program Development & Innovation at United Way of Central Eastern California, was born and raised in Los Angeles and relocated to Bakersfield in 2021. She quickly developed a deep appreciation for the strength and spirit of the Kern County community. Since joining United Way of Central Eastern California that same year, she has been committed to building stronger, healthier communities through collaboration, innovation, and service. In this role, Jacky leads initiatives that address local needs, expand opportunities for underserved communities, and strengthen partnerships to create lasting impact. Her bachelor’s degree in public health reinforced her belief that investing in people and providing access to resources empowers individuals and families to thrive. Jacky recently earned her master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management and is excited to continue growing as a community leader while helping create a stronger future for Kern County.
Christine Pence, MPH, RN, RD, Senior Director of Health Services at Kern Health Systems is a healthcare operations leader with more than 15 years of experience across managed care, community health, and ambulatory care. In her role at KHS, she leads clinical teams that deliver high-quality, cost-effective care to 400,000 members while advancing strategic priorities, regulatory compliance, and operational improvement. Her experience spans clinic operations, grant development and implementation, revenue process improvement, and service expansion for vulnerable populations. Christine has led multidisciplinary teams, implemented new care models, strengthened workflows, and supported programs that improve access, quality, and outcomes. She is known for her practical, collaborative leadership style and her commitment to strengthening systems of care, supporting teams, and improving outcomes for the populations she serves. Through the Kern Leaders Academy, Christine hopes to expand her involvement beyond her organization and contribute more broadly to local community priorities.
Lupe Sanchez, Chief Engagement & Partnerships Officer at Wonderful College Prep Academy, provides executive leadership for strategic initiatives spanning community programs, technology, organizational strategy, and executive operations. With more than 20 years of experience in public education, including leadership roles at UC Davis, and as a proud native of Wasco and Lost Hills, she is passionate about creating opportunities that strengthen Kern County through education, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. Lupe is committed to building high-performing teams, fostering meaningful community partnerships, and developing innovative solutions that improve outcomes for students and families. She believes that investing in local leadership and collaborating across education, business, government, and community organizations is essential to preparing the next generation of leaders and ensuring every student can thrive.