Archives
Categories

Steve McClain

Untitled design (16)

Steve McClain serves as Finance Manager for the Kern Community Foundation, where he oversees the Foundation’s financial operations and supports its efforts to strengthen philanthropy and create lasting impact throughout Kern County.

Steve brings 30 years of financial and operational leadership experience, primarily within public education, along with experience in the local agriculture industry. Before joining the Foundation, he served as Director of Client Finance at Charter Impact, providing financial leadership and support to California charter schools. He also previously served as Chief Business Officer for Grow Public Schools and Bakersfield City School District, where he oversaw a wide range of business and operational functions. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping organizations navigate complex financial challenges, strengthen operations, and make informed decisions that support long-term stability and success.

Bakersfield and Kern County have been home to Steve and his family for more than 35 years. During that time, he has had the privilege of serving the community in volunteer and board leadership roles with several local non-profit organizations.

Steve is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting from California State University, Long Beach. Steve believes strong organizations and strong communities are built through thoughtful stewardship, collaboration, and a commitment to serving others.

Cameron Reid

Headshot Cameron

Cameron Reid is a Program Specialist with the Kern Community Foundation’s Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (BYJP). She joined Kern Community Foundation in 2026 and works closely with youth and young adults as they explore career pathways, develop professional skills, and gain hands-on experience through internships and apprenticeships. Cameron is passionate about workforce development and creating opportunities that help people build confidence, gain valuable experience, and achieve their goals.

Prior to joining Kern Community Foundation, Cameron worked in youth development and nonprofit programming, supporting children, teens, and families through educational and enrichment programs. Her background includes program coordination, workshop facilitation, and career readiness training for young adults. In 2025, she earned her Master’s degree in Educational Technology and Instructional Design, further strengthening her passion for creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences.

Having relocated from Virginia to Bakersfield, Cameron is proud to support local youth and young adults through her work with Kern Community Foundation. In her free time, she enjoys reading, creating art, playing video games, and exploring the outdoors.

Amy Travis

Amy Headshot 2026

Amy Travis serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Kern Community Foundation, where she leads efforts to strengthen philanthropy, foster community partnerships, and advance initiatives that improve the quality of life throughout Kern County.

Amy brings more than 15 years of leadership experience spanning public service, philanthropy, and community impact. Prior to joining the Foundation, she served as Executive Director of First 5 Kern, a public agency dedicated to improving outcomes for young children and families through strategic investments, partnerships, and systems change initiatives. She also spent nearly a decade with CASA of Kern County, helping expand advocacy and support for children in foster care. Throughout her career, Amy has been recognized for her ability to bring people together around a shared vision, build meaningful partnerships, and translate complex challenges into actionable solutions. Her leadership has focused on strengthening organizations, advancing innovative programs, and leveraging resources to create lasting community impact.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Fresno Pacific University and a Master of Arts in Strategic and Organizational Leadership. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership with a concentration in Coaching at Regent University. A lifelong advocate for community well-being, Amy believes meaningful change happens when generosity, collaboration, and purpose come together to create opportunities for future generations.

Skylar Garcia

Headshot Sklyer

Skylar Garcia serves as Community Impact Coordinator for the Kern Community Foundation, leading grant administration, nonprofit strengthening, and program coordination across Kern County.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration from San Diego State University, is a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), and a Certified Youth Sports Administrator (CYSA). Before joining the Foundation, he served as Program Coordinator for Shafter Recreation & Park District, partnering with the community to strengthen local recreation programs.

Beyond the Foundation, Skylar serves as Vice President of District 61 Little League and is a CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) certified basketball official.

Bernita Stewart

Headshot Bernita

Bernita, a proud Bakersfield, California native, is driven by an unwavering passion to uplift and empower youth, guiding them to create, rebuild, or add to their dreams. As a dedicated Sociology student at CSUB, she blends academic rigor with real-world impact.

In July 2024, Bernita became a program specialist for the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program, where her leadership is already making waves. Her previous role as an Aftercare Lead Case Manager at The Open Door Network saw her excel in case management and housing, transforming countless lives.

Beyond her professional achievements, Bernita shines as a phenomenal mother and devoted wife. Her heart beats strongest for her nonprofit, Soar Solutions Youth Center, where she mentors at-risk and emancipated youth, fostering resilience and ambition in the community she loves.

Olivia Kent

Headshot Olivia

Olivia grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from Liberty High in 2007. She started her career as a foster youth advocate, where she shared her personal foster care story with the community and government officials.

Her passion is serving children and families. She worked at Community Action Partnership of Kern-Head Start program, where she encouraged and empowered people. In 2021 she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Over the last six years, Olivia has been involved in local church ministries. Olivia enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach in her free time.

Rashha Rohina

Headshot Rashha

Rashha Rohina was born in Afghanistan and immigrated to the United States of America in April 2015. Rashha got settled in Bakersfield when she entered the USA. She attended high school and achieved her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kardan University in Afghanistan. She graduated from the California State University of Bakersfield with her master’s degree in Business Administration on May 2022.

Rashha worked as Human Resources Officer for German International Cooperation Education Project (GIZ – BEPA) focusing on teacher education. She has been a women’s rights activist and served an Afghan-Swedish non-profit organization named Afghan Women Empowerment Program (AWEP) for two years. She joined Kern Community Foundation in June 2022 as a Human Resources Analyst. 

Angie Barriga-Griffith

Angie Headshot

Angie Barriga-Griffith serves as the Scholarship Program Manager at Kern Community Foundation, where she oversees the Foundation’s scholarship programs from application through award distribution ensuring a seamless, impactful experience for donors, evaluators, and students alike.

Angie joined the Foundation in February 2018 as the Donor and Foundation Services Coordinator and was promoted to Associate Director of Scholarships in 2024. Since 2019, she has managed more than $4.2 million in scholarship funds, helping over 2,000 students pursue their higher education goals. Her dedication to stewardship, accountability, and student success has strengthened donor engagement and expanded access to educational opportunities throughout Kern County.

Angie’s commitment to service extends well beyond her professional role. For nearly a decade, she has volunteered and fundraised for organizations including the MS Walk, Relay for Life, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Children’s Miracle Network, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County experiences that helped shape her passion for philanthropy and community impact.

Before entering the nonprofit sector, Angie spent more than a decade building a career in customer service, operations, and client relations. She began as a receptionist and advanced to Operations Manager in an import/export auto parts company in Gardena, California, where her participation in SEMA events broadened her industry expertise. After relocating to Bakersfield in 2008, she went on to serve as Marketing Team Lead at Sam’s Club.

A proud mother of three and grandmother of six, Angie considers family her greatest joy and inspiration. In her free time, she enjoys reading and giving back through creative volunteer projects that support local children, families, and nonprofit organizations. Passionate about fostering a culture of generosity, she shares her expertise in event-based fundraising to inspire others to make a meaningful difference in their communities.