Rotary Roundup: Quick Hits & Big Inspiration

If you missed the meeting, here’s the scoop.

The margarita party at Dr. Shambaugh’s is on hold for now, but it’ll be back—and with a twist. When it returns, expect a fundraiser for Waterman and the debut of “Run with Doug and Jim,” a lighthearted 5K on the bike path (yes, early… and yes, margaritas may be involved).

April 23 is our all-club meeting at CTECH, featuring Chris Kelly, President of Hard Rock Cafe, Casino, and Hotel. Be sure to RSVP so we can lock in catering numbers.

We’ve also got a few off-site meetings coming up. Next week we’ll be at Temler, where Dan Betz is expected to keep things lively. We’ll return there April 30 for a cybersecurity talk from Bill Kaiser, and then head to the Steam Yard near Larry Wright Pass on May 7.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and tomorrow is National Wear Blue Day—so don’t forget to participate. The Casa Dolby Party is coming up May 2, with tickets and tables available.

Feeling competitive? The Rotary Trivia Championship is May 1 at the Boys and Girls Club (Westside), 6–8 PM. Teams of four, $100 to enter, and a trophy on the line. There’s already talk of bringing it home.

The Twilight Club is also running an e-bike raffle—two bikes plus helmets, $50 per ticket, limited availability, and all for a good cause.

For something fun and different, the Kern County Museum is hosting its “Get Lit” event on May Day in the neon courtyard—think lights, music, food, and dancing.

We had a great group of guests, including Erin Estell, Brie, and Susan, who shared details about the Valley Strong Invitational Golf Tournament on April 27. It benefits Children’s Miracle Network and Valley Children’s Hospital, and thanks to Valley Strong covering costs, every dollar raised goes directly to the cause. We also welcomed several community guests and visiting Rotarians from the Twilight Club.

The highlight of the meeting was Lizette Gomez, founder of Cazador Staffing and Chair of the 2026 Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference.

This conference draws more than 1,300 attendees each year and continues to grow in impact. This year’s theme, “Awaken Your Magic,” centers on leadership, mentorship, and opportunity.

Programs like ROSE are helping mentor high school girls through real-world experiences, while the Power Pitch Competition has exploded in participation—446 applicants this year, with three finalists pitching live for cash prizes and major exposure.

The event also supports workforce development through mock interviews and employer connections, all organized by an all-women leadership board and powered by dozens of volunteers and speakers from around the world.

This year’s keynote speaker, Sofiana Rosso, built Nasty Gal into a massive brand before shifting into coaching and teaching others about resilience and financial independence.

Pulling it all together takes about $440,000 each year, all raised from scratch, with every dollar going back into the mission. Sponsors like Valley Strong Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Current Health Systems make it possible.

What really resonated was Lizette’s personal story—going from part-time work with no formal education to leading a major conference. A single moment of seeing someone like her on stage changed her trajectory, and now she’s helping create those moments for others.

The takeaway was clear: this conference changes lives. It’s open to women and allies, and organizations are encouraged to bring teams and future leaders. Volunteers are always welcome, and community support keeps it all going.

Big thanks again to Lizette Gomez for an inspiring presentation—and to everyone who made it another great meeting.