Andrea Hansen is an arts administrator, wife, mother, and fellow Rotarian living in Bakersfield. She is the Executive Director of the Kern Dance Alliance, an advocacy organization supporting and promoting the arts in California’s Central Valleys. She also serves on the boards of The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater and the CSUB Arts and Humanities Executive Advisory Committee.
Flag Salute: Bakersfield Youth Marines and Barry Hibbard Song:Bella from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County
Welcome: Sherry Sim, Rotary District 5240 Governor
Program:
Lynda Resnick from The Wonderful Company offered Rotarians a delightful "fireside chat" moderated by Kiyohsi Tomono at CTEC. Rooted in charisma and mixed with quite a bit of humor, Mrs. Resnick shared about her dedication to her work in the Central Valleys through both her companies and philanthropy.
For 50 years, Lynda and her husband Stewart have worked to build a successful global enterprise and their philanthropy is centered around the people and communities where they live and work – improving education, health care, economic mobility, and environmental sustainability.
Throughout the program, Mrs. Rensick elaborated on a variety of topics with a few key takeaways.
Side note: Mrs. Resnick is recovering from back surgery. She shared that she felt it necessary to attend the event because she feels compelled not just to know the Central Valley agriculture community, but also our community business owners and leaders.
15 years ago, Lynda was initially inspired to change the trajectory of future generations through philanthropy by studying the philosophical inquiries of published author and Harvard Professor, Michael Sandel.
Upon a question from Jorge Barrientos about marketing, Mrs. Resnick expressed that it is important to listen to clients, employees, and constituents to ensure companies are meeting the needs of those they serve. The programs and services in Lost Hills were created from focus group conversations.
Responding to a question from Andrea Hansen, the Resnicks are patrons of the arts and stated that arts and culture are intrinsic to their work in West Kern County.
She indicated that she has big dreams for the Central Valleys, and, while she has experienced some setbacks - specifically in building educational institutions, she remains laser-focused on continuing to provide wrap-around services for those within their companies.
The Resnicks are proud of their work in Shafter where they've strategically built the Industrial Park. She invited Rotarians to visit and stay for lunch at their fabulous restaurant!
Joe Hay asked if Mrs. Resnick had a "favorite" company, to which she answered it was like asking who her favorite child was (they have 5). Pivoting quickly, Lynda had the room in stitches as she divulged which of her actual children was NOT her favorite (spoiler alert, it is her son who recently announced he is getting a divorce). From that point, Mrs. Resnick shared that she loves all of their companies and that they have worked hard to be sure all companies stand out from all of their competitors.
Lynda also expressed that they are encouraged to maintain current philanthropy in Lost Hills, Shafter, and Delano and they are looking to take the framework built from their experiences in those locations to usher in support for new communities in the Central Valleys.
The program wrapped on a high note, and as a thank you for Mrs. Resnick's time, a donation was made to Rotary International for the eradication of polio.
Additionally, President-Elect Jeff Gutierrez. presented Mrs. Resnick with a Paul Harris Fellow Award for her unwavering efforts to support the Central Valleys.
Call To Action:
Denise Haynes encouraged Rotarians to sign up for the annual "Thousand Flags Event", May 24 - 25 at the Park at Riverwalk. Volunteers and sponsors are requested - learn more at bbrc.org.
Acknowledgements + Thank Yous:
CTEC Principal, Brian Miller
CTEC Culinary Program Chef, Justin Casey
CTEC Culinary Program
Sherry and Mike - All Rotary Clubs Leaders
All Club Rotary Presidents
Mrs. Lynda Resnick
The Wonderful Company and Wonderful Leaders in attendance at CTEC
The kids at CTEC made a great lunch. Very professional.
Photo bomber.
Mrs. Resnick admits to having Botox injections... in her back.
Andrea Hansen is an arts administrator, wife, mother, and fellow Rotarian living in Bakersfield. She is the Executive Director of the Kern Dance Alliance, an advocacy organization supporting and promoting the arts in California’s Central Valleys. She also serves on the boards of The Historic Bakersfield Fox Theater and the CSUB Arts and Humanities Executive Advisory Committee.
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