Seven female spokespeople appeared in the Fireside Room on March 30 for a panel discussion of “Women Taking Action.”

Women spoke on behalf of their involvement with politics, government and volunteerism, and the goals they have for Kern County’s future.

Norma Rojas-Mora, special projects and Supportive Services program manager for the Kern County Housing Authority and president of Latina Leaders of Kern County, was the first speaker to address what she looks for in Bakersfield’s future.

“I’d like to see gender discrimination come to an end in our work environment. I’ve had to face times where I was the only woman working with all men, and they looked down at me for being a woman. It’d be nice if we could put a stop to this for our future and make people aware of what is fair and what isn’t,” said Mora.

Mora is also an active fighter for immigration rights and social freedoms.

Like Mora, Camila Chavez is a social rights activist and is executive director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, whose mission is to inspire and motivate people to organize sustainable communities and to attain social justice, according to their website.

“As a child I grew up picketing and protesting for labor rights of the farm workers and today as director of the Dolores Huerta Foundation my goal is to see everyone have an opportunity to have clean running water and septic systems running through their houses,” said Chavez.

Former Kern County Supervisor Barbara Patrick is another active contributor to the community and avid supporter of education. “Education is everything. No matter what you do and no matter how hard it may be to finish school, make sure you make it worth it in the end by getting your degree,” said Patrick.

Executive Director of Adobe Krow Archives and leader of the African American Network of Kern, Dee Slade, offered advice to BC students. “You must educate yourself about your community and do some service work. It may help you focus and increase your knowledge.”

Faith in Action of Kern County leader Kalisha Hudgins agreed that service work is a good way to get involved more in the community. “Community service work is a good way to get you more involved and open to the community, whether it’s a church function or cleaning up trash, donating, or being involved with local charities,” said Hudgins.

Each speaker encouraged the audience to challenge their learning abilities and participate in volunteer work.

“When opportunity knocks, you have to open the door – education is critical,” said Patrick.

Wednesday’s event concluded the last days of Women’s History Month and was sponsored by Friends of Women’s History Month.