The Greater Bakersfield Chamber honored Bakersfield’s most inspiring individuals, businesses and organizations Saturday evening during the 36th Annual Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. More than 700 community leaders, residents, business professionals and supporters gathered to celebrate the people and projects helping make Bakersfield a better place to live, work and visit.
This year’s theme, “The Sound of Our City,” celebrated the voices, ideas and actions that create a stronger Bakersfield. A total of 95 nominees across 17 categories were recognized for their contributions to community service, education, healthcare, economic development, arts and culture, hospitality and civic leadership.
A Better Bakersfield
Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente Kern County
Honors an annual event, project or initiative that greatly improves the quality of life in Bakersfield.
Ford Dimension and Dream Builders Student Leadership: Ford Dimension and Dream Builders Student Leadership empowered local students to tackle real community challenges through service projects focused on education, scholarships and literacy. By connecting young leaders to meaningful opportunities, the program helped inspire the next generation of community changemakers.
Architecture & Design
Sponsored by Ordiz-Melby Architects
Celebrates the completion of an innovative new building or space, showcasing an outstanding interior or exterior design that harmonizes with its environment.
Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire Inc.: Habitat for Humanity Golden Empire Inc. strengthened neighborhoods through affordable housing construction, critical home repairs and financial literacy education. Their work continues to create pathways to stability and homeownership for Bakersfield families.
Arts & Culture
Sponsored by Tejon Ranch Company
Honors the efforts by a group or individual to enrich and elevate arts and culture within the Bakersfield community.
Southwest Library – Leadership Bakersfield Team 4: In 2025, Leadership Bakersfield Team 4 transformed the children’s area at the Southwest Library into a welcoming and engaging space that promotes literacy, creativity and family connection. The project will benefit Bakersfield families for years to come.
Urban Core
Sponsored by City of Bakersfield
Recognizes individuals, businesses, or coalitions working to make downtown Bakersfield safer, more vibrant and economically thriving.
Woolworth’s Building: The historic Woolworth’s Building reopened as a vibrant downtown destination featuring a restored luncheonette, coffee shop and event space. The project created jobs, attracted visitors and breathed new life into Bakersfield’s urban core.
Educational Excellence
Sponsored by California Resources Corporation
Recognizes educators, projects or institutions advancing educational opportunities and achievement across all levels in the community.
Bakersfield College: Bakersfield College expanded educational pathways through record-setting early college enrollment, innovative workforce partnerships and new opportunities in healthcare and advanced technology. Their efforts continue to prepare students for success while strengthening the region’s workforce.
Next-Gen
Sponsored by Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Honors a young individual or group (grades K-12) with exceptional citizenship and community involvement.
Ella Jane Magdalene Porter: Ella Jane Magdalene Porter completed more than 100 hours of community service while organizing fundraisers and connecting fellow students with volunteer opportunities. Her leadership demonstrates that age is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.
Health & Wellness
Sponsored by Heart Vascular and Leg Center
Honors individuals, groups or organizations that go beyond their normal activities to promote healthy living through education, prevention or medical services.
Adventist Health High-Risk Genetics Clinic: The Adventist Health High-Risk Genetics Clinic expanded access to specialized testing, counseling and preventative care, empowering families to better understand and manage hereditary health risks through early detection and education.
Heart of Hospitality
Sponsored by Hard Rock Casino Tejon
Honors outstanding hospitality professionals in lodging, dining, events, travel and recreation who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Amanda Goforth – Mossman’s Catering: Amanda Goforth helped create memorable experiences at countless community events throughout 2025. Her commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail elevated every gathering she supported.
Humanitarian Individual
Sponsored by Dignity Health – Mercy & Memorial Hospitals
Recognizes an individual whose volunteer efforts have made a significant and lasting impact in the community.
Dr. Albert Ma: For more than two decades, Dr. Albert Ma has expanded access to mental health care while also donating his talents to numerous local organizations and charitable causes. His service reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of Bakersfield residents.
Humanitarian Group
Sponsored by Chevron
Celebrates a group whose dedicated volunteer work has made a meaningful difference in the lives of Bakersfield residents.
Jamison Children’s Intake Center – Leadership Bakersfield Team 2: In 2025, Leadership Bakersfield Team 2 transformed the intake experience at Jamison Children’s Center through facility improvements, a new intake video and a community clothing drive. Their efforts created a warmer, more compassionate environment for children and families entering care.
Emerging Nonprofit
Sponsored by Kern Community Foundation
Recognizes a nonprofit organization (1-10 years old) for its significant impact on the community through its grassroots initiatives.
Upside Academy, Inc.: Upside Academy empowered local youth through leadership development, volunteerism and community service projects. The organization provided critical support to families while fostering civic engagement among young people.
Nonprofit of the Year
Sponsored by Kern Family Health Care
Honors a nonprofit organization for its significant and lasting impact on the community.
The Open Door Network: The Open Door Network served more than 5,000 individuals through housing and victim services programs, providing shelter, safety and pathways toward long-term stability. Their recent expansion positions them to serve even more community members in need.
Small Business of the Year
Sponsored by Bank of America
Celebrates a small business (25 employees or fewer) whose contributions, products, or services instill pride and benefit the community.
Maverick Medical: Maverick Medical delivered integrated healthcare services while expanding access to mental health support, obesity treatment and veterans’ care. Through community education and patient-centered care, the practice continues to improve lives across Kern County.
Large Business/Corporation of the Year
Sponsored by ARRC Technology
Recognizes a larger business (26 employees or more) for its substantial impact through volunteer work, donations or community engagement.
Kern Family Health Care: Kern Family Health Care invested millions of dollars into housing, community grants and direct services while supporting dozens of local initiatives. Their employees also volunteered hundreds of hours to strengthen the communities they serve.
Young Professional of the Year
Sponsored by AFC Urgent Care
Recognizes an individual (ages 18-40) whose contributions have significantly enhanced the quality of life in Bakersfield.
Savannah Oates: Through her leadership at CAPK, Savannah Oates expanded access to food, housing and family services while mobilizing volunteers and advocating for vulnerable populations. Her work has positively impacted thousands of Kern County residents.
Business Person of the Year
Sponsored by Tri Counties Bank
Honors a local business owner or manager whose work has made a lasting positive impact on the community.
Nik Boone: Nik Boone continued to grow Ascend Real Estate & Property Management while creating local jobs and workforce opportunities. His partnership with CSUB has helped young professionals launch careers and remain in Bakersfield.
Harvey L. Hall Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by Hall Ambulance Service
Presented to a long-standing community leader (age 55+) who has made an enduring impact on Bakersfield and its residents.
Bryan Burrow: For three decades, Bryan Burrow has provided leadership and service to numerous organizations throughout Bakersfield. His dedication to civic engagement, philanthropy and community improvement has left a lasting legacy across Kern County.
Chairman’s Award
This award is selected by the chairman of the Chamber’s executive board from all nominees and honors an individual or organization that exemplifies excellence and commitment to the community.
Jaubrae Ryan Dixon: Jaubrae Ryan Dixon was recognized for his transformative work mentoring at-risk youth and helping individuals break cycles of violence, gang involvement and incarceration through hope, accountability and personal growth.
President’s Award
Presented at the discretion of the Chamber’s President & CEO, this award celebrates exceptional leadership, partnership and dedication to building a stronger, more vibrant Bakersfield through meaningful support of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber and the broader community.
Chris Kelley, Hard Rock Casino Tejon and Octavio Escobedo III, Tejon Indian Tribe: The recipients were honored for their commitment to regional collaboration, economic growth and community investment.
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The 36th Annual Beautiful Bakersfield Awards will re-air on KGET-TV 17 from 8 to 10 p.m. Sunday, June 28, giving the entire community another opportunity to celebrate.
Nominations for the 2027 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards are now open. Community members are encouraged to recognize outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations making a positive impact throughout Bakersfield and Kern County by visiting beautiful.bakochamber.com.
The deadline to submit nominations for the 2027 Beautiful Bakersfield Awards is Friday, Jan. 29, 2027.