BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A program dedicated to developing local leaders and strengthening the Bakersfield community is celebrating a major milestone.
Leadership Bakersfield, a professional development program offered through the Greater Bakersfield Chamber, is marking its 40th anniversary after helping more than 1,200 people develop leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of the community. Janelle Capra, president and CEO of the Greater Bakersfield Chamber, and Marc Caputo, a Leadership Bakersfield Council member, joined ARC Bakersfield to discuss the program’s history, impact and future.
Established in 1987, Leadership Bakersfield is a 10-month program designed to help participants build leadership skills, connect with community leaders and better understand the issues shaping Bakersfield and Kern County.
Throughout the program, participants explore a variety of industries and sectors, including health care, education, agriculture and government.
The goal is to give emerging leaders a broader understanding of how different parts of the community operate and how they can work together to address local challenges.