Our Two Cents Podcast

Yiuvany Aguilar was born in a typical Peruvian family as the eldest of four children. As a registered nurse by profession, Yiuvany has experienced true pain, frustration, and grief endured by patients and families. She decided to specialize as a holistic nurse, life coach, and Mindfulness and Self compassion teacher, to help her patients, and later, those resources were applied in her own grieving journey.

Dave Plivelich and Dustin Pitcher sit down with Yiuvany Aguilar Onofre, a local holistic nurse specializing in integrative therapies, like GEMT, Mindfulness and Self Compassion. Being a nurse causes Yiuvany to face love and loss everyday so she wrote a guidebook that focuses on navigating life’s many challenges. The book is Pearls of The Soul: Facing Adversity With Love, and you can purchase it from Amazon. If you have recently faced a tragedy and are struggling, please listen to this week’s episode to hear Yiuvany’s inspiring advice.   

LEARN MORE ABOUT YIUVANY AGUILAR ONOFRE:

Website: www.amazon.com/PEARLS-SOUL-FACING-ADVERSITY-LOVE/dp/B0BR7CBWMP

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: yiuvany_aguilar

Facebook: YiuvanyAguilarOnofre

LinkedIn: Yiuvany_Aguilar_Onefre

Tracy is a marketing, political and public relations strategist with over 25 years of experience. She has engaged broad coalitions to support businesses at the local, state and federal levels. She is the founder and CEO of Providence Strategic Consulting, Inc. A firm that represents water, oil and gas, healthcare, defense technology, carbon capture and storage (CCS), government entities, agriculture, national business associations, mining, solar, telecommunications and other exceptional industries and projects. Tracy has represented political candidates at the city, county, state and federal levels as well as multiple successful statewide ballot initiatives. Currently, the firm lobbies government on behalf of business and is a frequent commentator on radio and TV for political analysis, business advocacy and public relations. The firm markets most of the top California political slate mailers. In December 2017, after a rigorous vetting process, Providence was accepted as a partner in Worldcom Public Relations Group®. Worldcom provides access to the international creative capability of over 2000 communications professionals in 115 cities, in 49 countries on six continents.

Troy Burden sits down with Tracy Leach the President and CEO of Providence Strategic Consulting, a local business that specializes in strategic communications for existing businesses as well as effective advocacy resulting in successful project entitlements and permitting. Tracy explains the importance of effective public affairs as well as building public and political support. She also helps guide projects through government permitting all the way to construction. Tune into this week's episode to learn more about public relations and how beneficial it is to our local community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROVIDENCE STRATEGIC CONSULTING INC.:

Website: https://provconsult.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 661-327-1698

Instagram: @provconsult

Facebook: Providence_Strategic_Consulting

LinkedIn: ProvidenceStrategicConsulting

Twitter: @Prov_Consulting

The Beautiful Bakersfield Awards is the biggest night in Bakersfield’s civic life, recognizing individuals, businesses and organizations for accomplishments completed during the prior year to improve quality of life and help make Bakersfield better. Every year since 1990, the Chamber looks forward to highlighting the most positive and heartwarming stories from our fellow community members.

Amanda DiGiacomo sits down with Roberta Nilsson who is the chairman of this year's Beautiful Bakersfield Awards as they discuss what to expect at this great event. Look out for Our Two Cents Podcast since we will be conducting interviews at the after party! We hope to see you there!      

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BEAUTIFUL BAKERSFIELD AWARDS:

Website: https://beautiful.bakochamber.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 661-327-4421

Instagram: @BakoChamber

Facebook: Beautiful_Bakersfield

Kevin Burton, has put over 30 years in community service, and always finds a way to give back to the community he was raised in. He has worked as an EMT, Paramedic, Bakersfield City Reserve Firefighter, and Harvey Hall's PR/Marketing Director. He helped Harvey Hall run his first campaign for mayor along with his twin brother Brent. He then went on to become a political consultant for Gene Tackett, and worked for Law Offices of Young Wooldridge.He was also the President for the San Joaquin Community Hospital Foundation and he is now the Administrator of Client Relations and Governmental/Public Affairs for Klein DeNatale Goldner. In addition to his extensive professional career he also helped raise several million for the now AIS Cancer Center at Adventist Health Bakersfield as well as helped raise millions for the Breast Center, and the then expansion of the Cardiac Services at Adventist Health Bakersfield. 

Dave Plivelich and Jon Slikker Jr. are joined in studio with Kevin Burton as he walks us through his impressive career journey from working as an EMT to being the Administrator of Client Relations and Governmental/Public Affairs for Klein DeNatale Goldner. His love for the community is clear and he discusses the millions he has helped fundraise for local cancer and health centers here in Bakersfield. Kevin is also a part of multiple boards here in Kern County and advises anyone who is starting out to become a part of our giving community. If you are looking for a heartwarming and inspirational story tune into this week’s episode.   

LEARN MORE ABOUT KLEIN-DENATALE-GOLDNER:

Website: www.kleinlaw.com/

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 661-485-2100

Instagram: @kleindenatalegoldner

Facebook: Klein-Denatale-Goldner

LinkedIn: Klein_Denatale_Goldner

Kevin Burton, has put over 30 years in community service, and always finds a way to give back to the community he was raised in. He has worked as an EMT, Paramedic, Bakersfield City Reserve Firefighter, and Harvey Hall's PR/Marketing Director. He helped Harvey Hall run his first campaign for mayor along with his twin brother Brent. He then went on to become a political consultant for Gene Tackett, and worked for Law Offices of Young Wooldridge.He was also the President for the San Joaquin Community Hospital Foundation and he is now the Administrator of Client Relations and Governmental/Public Affairs for Klein DeNatale Goldner. In addition to his extensive professional career he also helped raise several million for the now AIS Cancer Center at Adventist Health Bakersfield as well as helped raise millions for the Breast Center, and the then expansion of the Cardiac Services at Adventist Health Bakersfield. 

Dave Plivelich and Jon Slikker Jr. are joined in studio with Kevin Burton as he walks us through his impressive career journey from working as an EMT to being the Administrator of Client Relations and Governmental/Public Affairs for Klein DeNatale Goldner. His love for the community is clear and he discusses the millions he has helped fundraise for local cancer and health centers here in Bakersfield. Kevin is also a part of multiple boards here in Kern County and advises anyone who is starting out to become a part of our giving community. If you are looking for a heartwarming and inspirational story tune into this week’s episode.   

LEARN MORE ABOUT KLEIN-DENATALE-GOLDNER:

Website: www.kleinlaw.com/

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: 661-485-2100

Instagram: @kleindenatalegoldner

Facebook: Klein-Denatale-Goldner

LinkedIn: Klein_Denatale_Goldner

John Duffield sits down with Bryan Oberg, the owner of The Iron Lily Venue and Cask and Strength Bar and Kitchen. He was given the opportunity to purchase a wedding venue which in turn led to him taking over the restaurant formerly known as The Mark and is now known as The Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen. Through this purchase he obtained a liquor license which has led to the creation of both a Tequila and Whiskey Club! Bryan advises anyone who wants to follow in his footsteps to manage a healthy work life balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IRON LILY:

Website: www.ironlilyvenue.com/

Phone: 661-752-5459

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: ironlilyvenue

Facebook: Iron_Lily_Venue

LEARN MORE ABOUT CASK AND STRENGTH BAR AND KITCHEN:

Website: https://caskstrengthbar.com/

Phone: 661-322-7665

Instagram: CaskStrengthBar

Facebook: Cask_Strength_Bar_and_Kitchen

YouTube: Bryan_Oberg

The vision for the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference originated during the International Year Of The Woman. Phyllis Hullett, then Director of Student Services at Bakersfield College, gathered a group of community-minded women from industry, government, education and service-oriented areas on March 28, 1989. The goal was to discuss the feasibility of producing a business conference geared toward the needs of women. Out of this meeting, twelve women and one lone man, Pat Shaffer, Dean of Development at Bakersfield College, agreed to serve on the executive board. Options Unlimited, The Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference was born.

Amanda DiGiacomo is joined in studio with NaTesha “T” Johnson the CEO of Upside Productions Management, a strategic partnership company here in Bakersfield. She specializes in cultivating relationships focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion outreach. NaTesha is often referred to as the “Community Connector” since she is passionate about empowering the new generation of leaders through personal and professional development. She is also the Chair of the Women’s Business Conference and this year's theme was Bringing Business Back.

Amanda also attended this year's Women’s Conference as one of the many vendors they had on site! She was able to attend the day before where she had the opportunity to interview: Janelle with ADAKC, Adriana with Ikondium Design, Todd Jeffries with Bakersfield Community Healthcare, Heidi with Sugar Daddy’s Boutique, Artisa Mae Moten with Awakened Consulting, Stephanie with SNA Creations and Vonda with Kern Golden Girls. Amanda also attended the day of where she was able to interview: Dress for Success, Charity with Kern County SHRM, Johnny with Great Heritage, Cassidy George with Cypress Avenue Media, Janice with the Department of Human Services, and Jasmine Gutierrez the Job Development Specialist with BC.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BAKERSFIELD WOMEN'S BUSINESS CONFERENCE: 

Website: https://bakersfieldwomen.org/

Phone: 661-378-4707

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @bakersfieldwomen

Facebook: Bakersfield_Women's_Business_Conference

YouTube: @bakersfieldwomensbusinessc3885

The vision for the Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference originated during the International Year Of The Woman. Phyllis Hullett, then Director of Student Services at Bakersfield College, gathered a group of community-minded women from industry, government, education and service-oriented areas on March 28, 1989. The goal was to discuss the feasibility of producing a business conference geared toward the needs of women. Out of this meeting, twelve women and one lone man, Pat Shaffer, Dean of Development at Bakersfield College, agreed to serve on the executive board. Options Unlimited, The Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference was born.

Amanda DiGiacomo is joined in studio with NaTesha “T” Johnson the CEO of Upside Productions Management, a strategic partnership company here in Bakersfield. She specializes in cultivating relationships focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion outreach. NaTesha is often referred to as the “Community Connector” since she is passionate about empowering the new generation of leaders through personal and professional development. She is also the Chair of the Women’s Business Conference and this year's theme was Bringing Business Back.

Amanda also attended this year's Women’s Conference as one of the many vendors they had on site! She was able to attend the day before where she had the opportunity to interview: Janelle with ADAKC, Adriana with Ikondium Design, Todd Jeffries with Bakersfield Community Healthcare, Heidi with Sugar Daddy’s Boutique, Artisa Mae Moten with Awakened Consulting, Stephanie with SNA Creations and Vonda with Kern Golden Girls. Amanda also attended the day of where she was able to interview: Dress for Success, Charity with Kern County SHRM, Johnny with Great Heritage, Cassidy George with Cypress Avenue Media, Janice with the Department of Human Services, and Jasmine Gutierrez the Job Development Specialist with BC.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BAKERSFIELD WOMEN'S BUSINESS CONFERENCE: 

Website: https://bakersfieldwomen.org/

Phone: 661-378-4707

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @bakersfieldwomen

Facebook: Bakersfield_Women's_Business_Conference

YouTube: @bakersfieldwomensbusinessc3885

Jeffrey Johns slipped quietly into heaven in the early morning hours on Sunday, March 1, 2009. He was surrounded by family and friends who had come to say their final goodbyes to a vibrant young man who was deeply loved and who will be forever in our thoughts and prayers. After Jeffrey’s passing the family was presented with the opportunity to donate his organs and tissues. Though the family had never talked about donation in the past, it felt like the right thing to do; Jeffrey was a giving person and if he knew that he could save someone else’s life, he would have done it in a heartbeat. Jeffrey saved the lives of five people in need of organ transplants and healed 50 others through tissue donation. His young and strong heart will continue to beat in the chest of a fortunate person who will hopefully see sunrises and sunsets for many years to come.

Kyle Jones is joined in studio with Lori Malkin the founder of JJ’s Legacy as she explains how JJ’s Legacy educates the Kern County community on the value and importance of organ donation with the goal of increasing the number of registered donors. They also offer different programs ranging from financial medical assistance to help with transportation. The goal for this year's gala is to directly fund their different programs and spread the awareness of such an amazing cause.

Kyle Jones and John Duffield also attended this year's Gala where they had the opportunity to meet Charles, a local Kern County resident whose life was saved by a 19 year old donor. His liver was failing and he was told he only had one year left. However, he received his liver transplant on August 16th, 2014 and has been thankful everyday since. Listen to this week’s episode to hear his heartbreaking, yet wonderful story.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JJ's LEGACY: 

Website: www.jjslegacy.org/

Phone: 661-489-4430

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: jjs_legacy

Facebook: JJ's_Legacy

YouTube: JJ's_Legacy

Got The Dot Club

CASA of Kern County--modeled on a program started by Judge David W. Soukup (now retired) in Seattle--was developed locally by Hon. Robert Anspach. Judge Anspach relied on many of the "movers and shakers" in Bakersfield to make CASA happen. CASA of Kern County was incorporated on July 19, 1993. The first advocates graduated in July 1994 and started serving children. Since then, CASA has held multiple training sessions each year, graduating over 1400 volunteers, and serving over 3000 children. But our story is not over--the problems remain as critical as ever. Child abuse and neglect remain a significant problem in Kern County. While abused and neglected children are often the result of substance abuse, poverty, and homelessness, we know that it can occur in every neighborhood, within any income strata. We have more than 70 children on the waiting list, and we need CASAs now more than ever before.

Amanda DiGicomo sits down with Heaven Vasquez, the Public Relations & Development Manager and Karlee Cain the Communications and Development Coordinator for CASA of Kern County as they discuss how they were founded as well as the different services they offer. They serve as an unbiased 3rd party for foster youth and have helped serve over 3,500 children since they were founded! Heaven explains how their volunteers go through 42 hours of training and agree to an 18 month commitment since their goal is to provide stable and consistent adults in the lives of foster youth. If you are unable to volunteer you can always donate directly or through one of their events like their upcoming Derby on May 6th.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CASA of Kern County:

Website: https://kerncasa.org/

Phone: 661-631-2272

Instagram: kerncasa

Facebook: CASA_of_Kern_County

LinkedIn: CASAofKernCounty

YouTube: CASA_of_KernCounty