Latinas in Business & Leadership
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In honor of Women’s History Month, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce you to Dr. Ana Mena, as part of our annual Latinas in Business & Leadership spotlight series.
Dr. Ana Mena is a Latina immigrant born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX who arrived in this country with her family in search of the American Dream. Ana was raised by a single mother & grandmother who taught her the importance of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Ana’s leadership abilities were always influenced by her Christian faith and her desire to serve others. Whether it was learning a second language, working in the fields or working towards her educational goals, Ana has never been afraid to overcome difficult circumstances.
Ana received her Bachelor’s degree from California State University, Bakersfield in 2009 and her Doctorate degree from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, in 2014. She also graduated from the Alberto Mottessi School of Evangelists with her Associate’s degree. She is now a licensed Psychologist in California with an interest in community mental health and experience working with children, adolescents, and adults.
In 2023, Ana fulfilled one of her dreams & started her own private practice business: MindCare Psychological Services. Much more than a Psychologist, Ana shares her unique integration of Christianity & Psychology as well as her education, experience, and theological background to serve her community. Ana currently resides in Bakersfield, CA with her husband and their 2 beautiful children.
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In honor of Women’s History Month, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce you to Mari Gonzalez, as part of our annual Latinas in Business & Leadership spotlight series.
Mari Gonzalez is the Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police for California State University, Bakersfield. She joined the California State University, Bakersfield Police Department in January 2009 as an officer. During her 16 years with CSUBPD she has been a Patrol Officer, a Sergeant, a Lieutenant, and served as Captain before promoting to Chief of Police. Much of the focus during her time with CSUB has been officer training, community engagement and emergency management.
She is a CSUB Alumni, having earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Chief Gonzalez has been a sworn law enforcement officer for over 22 years, with much of that time being spent in Kern County. She hopes to continue leading the CSUB Police Department in its promotion of excellence in community-based policing.
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In honor of Women’s History Month, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce you to Mina Calvillo, as part of our annual Latinas in Business & Leadership spotlight series.
At Charcuterie by M, we believe that food is more than just nourishment—it’s an experience. Founded by Mina Calvillo, our brand is dedicated to crafting exquisite, artfully arranged charcuterie boards, grazing tables, and curated experiences that bring people together.
With a passion for high-quality ingredients and sophisticated presentation, we specialize in custom charcuterie boxes, themed boards, and corporate catering, tailored to fit every occasion, from intimate gatherings to large-scale events. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond aesthetics—we source premium meats, cheeses, and accompaniments to ensure a perfect balance of flavor in every bite.
As we continue to evolve, our focus remains on delivering luxury charcuterie experiences with impeccable service. Whether you’re looking to elevate a celebration, impress clients, or indulge in a beautifully crafted spread, Charcuterie by M is here to transform your vision into an unforgettable moment.
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In honor of Women’s History Month, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce you to Vanessa Shaw, as part of our annual Latinas in Business & Leadership spotlight series.
Vanessa Shaw is a dynamic business leader with a passion for community development and organizational growth. Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, she has built a career centered around strategic leadership and fostering positive change.
Vanessa serves as the Executive Director of the Downtown Business Association, where she works tirelessly to enhance the vibrancy and success of the downtown area. Prior to this role, she was a Strategic Business Consultant at Paychex HR, offering clients expert guidance on human resources solutions and business optimization.
Vanessa’s career journey spans over a decade in the telecommunications industry, where she climbed the ranks to become a Regional Director. Her leadership and ability to drive performance have been instrumental in her career growth and success.
A proud mom and servant leader, Vanessa is deeply committed to giving back to her community and leading with purpose. She values collaboration, integrity, and the power of positive impact, both in her professional endeavors and personal life. Vanessa’s approach combines a dedication to excellence with a genuine desire to empower others and make a difference in the world around her.
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In honor of Women’s History Month, the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is proud to introduce you to Alekxia Torres Stallings, as part of our annual Latinas in Business & Leadership spotlight series.
Alekxia Torres Stallings is a managing partner at Torres, Torres Stallings Law Corporation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from University California at Irvine and her Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley School of Law.
She has been practicing the area of criminal law, both federal and state, for nearly 10 years. She is active within the legal community holding the position of the President of the Kern County Bar Association in 2021, past Young Lawyers Section President and Past Women Lawyers Section President.
Her firm has played an active part in the California state University Bakersfield, Pre-law program for many years. Through this program we have participated in mentoring students and speaking at events geared to inform prospective students of the rigorous but rewarding area of
law. Our firm is a location site for their legal clinic where we have students work in the firm to be exposed to the legal field. Most recently, her firm participated in an expungement clinic to serve the citizens of Kern County alongside the Prelaw students.
She, along with several criminal defense attorneys, took on cases pro bono and utilized the assistance of the CSUB pre-law students to fill out the court paperwork. Ms. Torres Stallings takes great pride in giving back to the community through the use of her specialized knowledge. Most importantly, giving her time to mentoring our young Prelaw students in the hopes that they will return as her legal colleagues in the future to better serve our community as she did.