Emily Duran knows about responsibility. Her resume details an extensive career history with ever-increasing job duties, with titles like “administrative coordinator,” “program supervisor,” “deputy chief financial officer,” “director,” and similarly senior roles. What cannot be listed, however, is the commitment with which she embraces the many facets of her life. Currently in a leadership role as Kern Health System’s chief network administration officer, Emily is also a dedicated mother, wife, daughter, and community supporter.

“We are responsible for more than 308,000 individuals who are our friends, family members, and neighbors in Kern County. Every single person needs health care options, and we help make that care accessible,” said Emily. “My job is fairly demanding. I am extremely proud to take on special projects, in addition to the daily work of making sure we have an adequate member network for all our members.”

An example of a special project Emily oversaw was the construction of the new Kern Health Systems office building, a four-year initiative that took place while she was pregnant with, and then caring for, twin daughters with the help of her husband, mother, and other family members.

“I took on a huge project for the organization: to plan and identify the best location for a building large enough to house all Kern Health Systems staff with room for growth. I was the individual responsible for spearheading the new construction of a 110,000 square-foot four-story building project for our staff and community,” said Emily. “I was responsible for not only ensuring a timely project within budget, but additionally, I had to facilitate the dialogue and decisions between the dynamic board of directors, executive staff, developer, architect, and general contractor, while maintaining compliance with all the regulations of a public works/government project. Strategic decisions were part of the plan to ensure it would be located at the heart of where our population resides, for optimal community use. Not only was the project completed on time and within budget, it was also certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver building.”

She also credits a great work team and the power of leveraging the expertise of a strong, competent staff.

Emily’s skills with people and executive functions stand out; they have served her well in corporate life but also outside the office. The challenge of having balance, familiar to so many women, has also been part of her life, but her message is clear: The power to do all that is required of you and determine your own path is within reach.

“The demands of a working mother are rough. Balancing a career, children, a marriage, aging parents, and serving your community may not always be easy, but it is possible and extremely rewarding,” she said.

Born and raised in Delano, Emily is the first person in her family to graduate from college. She earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration from California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) and returned for a master’s degree in health care management in 2006. The daughter of agricultural workers, her parents and extended family also continue to live in Kern County. Emily describes her mom as one of her biggest supporters. Their example of hard work also inspired her to keep moving forward; a recent Social Security Administration summary Emily received in the mail reminded her she has been officially working in a full or part-time capacity since age 14.

Emily married her husband, Miguel, seven years ago. Emily’s oldest son, Caleb Garcia, is 22. Her stepson, Julian, is 16. Emily and Miguel are also the parents of twin daughters, Rebecca and Charlotte, age 5. Miguel was deployed to Iraq and then continued to serve through the National Guard. He recently graduated with a degree in construction management, an opportunity that came later in life but underscores Emily’s point about choosing one’s own path.

“Together, we make a really good team,” said Emily, of her marriage. “Miguel has supported me in my career and I have supported him going to school. Being a blended family has its challenges but we’ve been really fortunate to have the family dynamic that we do. I want to say, though, that I had to start being realistic about what is possible and how. We see a glamorized version of motherhood on TV. There’s the PTA mom, she’s mom of the year, her nails are done, and she looks so happy. You're trying to be the perfect everything. We need to, as women, build each other up, be realistic, and prioritize what is important.”

The challenge of doing it all, from progressing in a meaningful career to keeping up with home organization and daily cleanliness, caring for aging parents, and in Emily’s case, cultural obligations to also care for extended family, in addition to being the parent every child needs, looms large.

Emily recognizes the value of having a support system of friends and family for help and encouragement. She also considers community service and being involved in local organizations a must for both parents and children of all ages. Recognizing the potential of starting a second chapter in your life is also something she recommends, in addition to asking for help to make it happen and surrounding oneself with strong women.

“So many single mothers are going through that phase of life.  There is help, hope, support. It really does take a village to raise a child,” said Emily. “My mom was a great help to me in caring for my children before they were school age, but I would often have to take my son with me after my divorce to evening meetings and community events. I think seeing some of the needs our community has was a positive factor in his life.”

Emily credits volunteering together, visiting local events and seeing some of the community’s needs with Caleb’s own success. At 22, he is stationed in Germany as a medic in the U.S. Air Force and was promoted to staff sergeant after only three years.

Determining what fits for different phases of life is also key, she reminds us. “When you have little ones, they're loud, they're funny and they deserve your time. It's okay to have some dishes in the sink and toys on the floor,” said Emily. “ I enjoy my career and my community, but my kids come first. They are the priority. I would say every woman should ask herself, ‘What are my priorities, where do I need to start?” and have a very good to do list. Do what is in the best interest of yourself, your family, and your community.”

Finding a self-care practice that works for you is essential, Emily believes. She recommends making a practice of having an enjoyable activity as a way to de-stress. For her, shopping alone each Sunday morning by herself, when there are few shoppers in the store, checks the box. Making time to go to lunch with friends to get their perspectives, celebrate a birthday, or just converse with other women has also been helpful to her. Checking in with friends and cultivating those strong relationships is actually a key component of wellness, according to experts, and recent research ties both friendships and family bonds to longevity.

“We neglect to take care of ourselves when that’s actually the thing we should be doing more. Take time for your own activity,” said Emily. “Having that alone time is sane and healthy, and at the end of the day, we need to be here for our families and our employees and have a good state of mind. Wellness of mind, body, and soul is critical. If we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of others.”

So much comes back to community for Emily. “I love my kids, but there are children in our community who need help,” she explained. “I want to help vulnerable kids and the adults who provide services to them and really look out for them.”

This year, Emily is vice chair of the United Way of Kern County. She also serves on the Kern County Children and Families Commission, better known as First 5 Kern, and on the CSUB President’s Community Ambassadors Committee. Throughout her career, she has been involved in more than two dozen non-profits, volunteer organizations, and agencies for good in Kern County focused primarily on children’s wellbeing and early literacy.

“To all the working mothers: Remember we are stronger than we give ourselves credit for. We have the power to create our own path, determine our own perfection, and secure our own happiness,” she affirmed.

Emily’s vital message highlights the spark of possibility within ourselves, a kind of joy that cannot be summed up on a resume or in a snapshot, but through a life well-lived each day.