Thomas joined Kern Community Foundation as a Project Specialist in August 2024. He graduated from CSU Bakersfield in May 2023 with a Master’s in Public Administration. Within this role, Thomas will support foundation staff with program functions and events.
Originally hailing from Cheshire, England, Thomas moved to the United States to attend West Virginia University before transferring to CSUB. Thomas played 4 years of Division 1 soccer before becoming a graduate assistant for both the Athletic Department and the Men’s Soccer Team at CSUB.
Bernita, a proud Bakersfield, California native, is driven by an unwavering passion to uplift and empower youth, guiding them to create, rebuild, or add to their dreams. As a dedicated Sociology student at CSUB, she blends academic rigor with real-world impact.
In July 2024, Bernita became a program specialist for the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program, where her leadership is already making waves. Her previous role as an Aftercare Lead Case Manager at The Open Door Network saw her excel in case management and housing, transforming countless lives.
Beyond her professional achievements, Bernita shines as a phenomenal mother and devoted wife. Her heart beats strongest for her nonprofit, Soar Solutions Youth Center, where she mentors at-risk and emancipated youth, fostering resilience and ambition in the community she loves.
Drashara Martin-Dennis is the Human Resource Associate for Kern Community Foundation. She is originally from Dayton Ohio, where she attended Central State University and received her degree in Business Administration. Drashara is currently attending the University of Phoenix where she is pursuing her Master of Science in Counseling/Marriage and Child Therapy.
Drashara moved to Bakersfield and participated in the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (BYJP) before pursuing a career in Human Resources while having the pleasure of serving the community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring California.
Olivia grew up in Bakersfield and graduated from Liberty High in 2007. She started her career as a foster youth advocate, where she shared her personal foster care story with the community and government officials.
Her passion is serving children and families. She worked at Community Action Partnership of Kern-Head Start program, where she encouraged and empowered people. In 2021 she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
Over the last six years, Olivia has been involved in local church ministries. Olivia enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach in her free time.
Michelle Dambaev is the Program Manager of the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program. She is a graduate of University of California Santa Barbara with a degree in Political Science and Global Studies.
Michelle moved to Bakersfield and began her work in nonprofits. Previously, she was a Program Manager and Communication Specialist at JJ’s Legacy. She continues to volunteer with the Jim Burke Education Foundation as an advisor for a Ford Dimension Dream Builder team and at Independence High School. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and family.
Rashha Rohina was born in Afghanistan and immigrated to the United States of America in April 2015. Rashha got settled in Bakersfield when she entered the USA. She attended high school and achieved her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Kardan University in Afghanistan. She graduated from the California State University of Bakersfield with her master’s degree in Business Administration on May 2022.
Rashha worked as Human Resources Officer for German International Cooperation Education Project (GIZ – BEPA) focusing on teacher education. She has been a women’s rights activist and served an Afghan-Swedish non-profit organization named Afghan Women Empowerment Program (AWEP) for two years. She joined Kern Community Foundation in June 2022 as a Human Resources Analyst.
Fatima “Teems” Tulfo is a driven advocate for community empowerment. As a project specialist, she began working for Kern Community Foundation in April 2022. Teems currently serves as the Associate Director of Community Impact. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Bakersfield, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her work. Teems graduated from South High in 2008. Teems had the opportunity to attend California State University Northridge through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), a program for disadvantaged, high-potential, first-generation college students. She earned her BA in Asian American Studies in 2013 and went on to complete her Master’s degree in the same field at San Francisco State University in 2015. Her research focuses on Filipina American women caregivers, recognizing the importance of advocating for individuals whose experiences are often overlooked.
After spending time in the Bay Area, Teems returned to Bakersfield in 2020, where she had previously made a notable impact as a Program Director for a before and after-school program. She is excited to engage with the community and make a positive difference with her diverse expertise. In her downtime, Teems finds joy in gardening and playing video games alongside her partner Frein and their son Freiny.
Aaron Falk has served as the President and CEO of the Kern Community Foundation since 2021.
Aaron grew up in Bakersfield, CA and graduated from Stockdale High School. He has a degree in political science from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Masters of Business Administration degree from California State University, Bakersfield. He also completed the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College as a civilian.
Before joining the Foundation, Aaron worked for over a decade as a Congressional staffer. For 7 years in Washington, D.C. Aaron focused on policy supporting the U.S. military, national security, and veterans. He returned to Bakersfield in 2017 and worked for U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy through 2021. As Kevin’s local representative, Aaron saw firsthand both Kern County’s potential and challenges. Through these experiences, Aaron has fully committed himself to improving life for everyone in Kern County.
Aaron lives in Bakersfield with his wife Lauren and daughter Mia.
Angela Griffith, known as Angie to friends and colleagues, joined the Kern Community Foundation in February 2018 as the Donor and Foundation Services Coordinator. In this pivotal role, Angie supports the foundation’s administrative and programmatic functions, including managing events, conducting research, and overseeing data collection. Her work is crucial in coordinating donor services and development activities that advance the foundation’s mission.
Originally from Hawaii and raised in California, Angie’s dedication to nonprofit work has been a driving force in her life for nearly a decade. Her journey in charitable work began with volunteering and fundraising for organizations close to her heart, such as the MS Walk, Relay for Life, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Children’s Miracle Network, and the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County.
Angie’s professional background includes over a decade of experience in the for-profit sector, where she developed her expertise in customer service and client relations. She began her career as a Receptionist and advanced to the role of Operations Manager at Pacific Dualies, an import/export auto parts firm based in Gardena. Her involvement in the Speed Equipment Market Association (SEMA) shows further broadened her industry experience. After relocating to Bakersfield in 2008, Angie transitioned to a Marketing Team Lead position at Sam’s Club, leveraging her extensive network to benefit the community.
Outside of her professional life, Angie is a devoted mother of three and grandmother of four. She cherishes family time and indulges in reading whenever she can. Her commitment to giving back extends beyond her work at the foundation; she has created blankets for NICU babies and toys for the Pediatric Unit at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. Angie is also passionate about educating others on event-based fundraising, sharing her knowledge to foster a culture of generosity and community support.
