BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference has announced Sophia Amoruso as the keynote speaker for its 2026 event. The conference, now in its 36th year, aims to inspire women and allies to grow, connect, and pursue their dreams. This year’s theme, “Awaken Your Magic,” encourages attendees to rediscover their inner potential.
Lizette Gomez Patterson, CEO and founder of Cazador Consulting Group and the 2026 chairwoman, shared her thoughts on choosing Amoruso. “Sofia Amoruso is someone that went through it. She had it all. She built a multimillion-dollar business, and she lost it all. Yet, she stands strong, and then she unapologetically just is herself about it,” Patterson said.
Amoruso, known for founding the fashion brand Nasty Gal and authoring “#GIRLBOSS,” which inspired a Netflix show, will bring her unique perspective to the event. Patterson explained the theme’s significance: “It’s about awakening that little girl inside you that you let go at one time. That person that you shrink, just because you think that she cannot come out at the moment. We want her to come out during this event.”
Deanna Blaise, senior vice president of the event, highlighted the opportunities available to attendees, including workshops led by business leaders. “We’re providing opportunity for women to network, possibly to be interviewed, learn how to be interviewed, learn to find capital for their company and really just to be connected to many networks in our community,” Blaise said.
The conference, which has previously attracted over 1,300 attendees, will be held at the Dignity Health Arena on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Patterson expressed her hopes for participants: “I want them to realize that they have everything inside of them in order for them to be the person that they want to be.”