Two Bakersfield women honored at state’s Latina Empresaria Luncheon

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The 45th edition of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce convention wrapped up Friday in downtown Bakersfield.

On it’s last day, the 25th annual Latina Empresaria Luncheon was held, and it came with grand news for Kern County.

Bakersfield College professor Olivia Garcia was inducted to the Latina Empresaria Hall of Fame.

“I’m in disbelief, I still can’t believe it,” said Olivia Garcia. “When I got the phone call, I was at home watching Cobra Kai with my kids and I was just like….’Is this really happening?”

As the former Chairwoman of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Garcia knows all too well what it’s like to fight for latinas rights. Also honored at the luncheon was Norma Rojas-Mora, receiving the Pioneer Empresaria of the Year Award.

“I’ve always been a community advocate, I was born and raised in Kern County,” said Norma Rojas-Mora, Associate Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs and Development at Kern Community College District. “I’m the proud daughter of farm workers…worked in the fields myself. I hope that people feel that pride of saying ‘we can accomplish a lot of things.'”

These recognitions only fuel them to keep working for the community and to inspire others.

“Sometimes we doubt ourselves a lot. I think we are our biggest critics at times,” said Garcia. “I think my message to them is saying ‘anything is possible, all you need is ganas, which is the term we talk about, is desire.'”

After three days full of networking and fun, the convention ends with a gala dinner Friday night.

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