Mar 26, 2026
BWBC Executive Board of Directors 2026 Photography credit: Makenzie Photography
Magic happens when people come together for a common purpose. This year, more than 1,300 women from around the Kern County area will gather for the 36th annual Bakersfield Women’s Business Conference on April 23. The event’s theme, “Awaken Your Magic. Ignite Your Future,” is something its board chair, Lizette Gomez, will speak to as part of the day’s events, a personal testament to her life and work.
As founder and CEO of Cazador Consulting Group, Inc., a human resources consulting and talent acquisition company, Lizette sees firsthand the success confident women can have in the job market, at work and in the community.
“What I'd like attendees to know is that they're awakening and coming into a magical experience because of all that comes together on that special day. That’s what happens when you are being authentically yourself,” she explained. “Awaken your magic is about reconnecting with that version of yourself you may have quieted, the one that still dreams big, believes deeply, and keeps showing up even after life’s disappointments. We all suppress that part of us sometimes because of failure, fear, or past traumas, but she never really leaves. This is about giving her permission to rise again, to take up space, and to shine.”
Lizette Gomez
“I saw someone who looked like me when I saw Norma as the speaker and thought that someday, I wanted to be part of that stage. You just never know who could be inspired by the fact that you show up there or who could inspire you,” said Lizette. “I realized I can do it. I started believing in myself when I saw Norma. It’s an opportunity for growth, mentorship and more. I think back to the different versions of myself, at 12, 13 years old, with dyslexia, later as a mother of young children, through life’s struggles. You never know who might be there, in the room, on the stage, as an exhibitor. It’s a reminder not to give up on yourself.”
The conference, which will take place at Dignity Health Arena, Theater, and Convention Center, 1001 Truxtun Ave, has a continuous legacy of outstanding chairwomen and keynote speakers.
“Each year, we do one of the biggest conferences in Kern County. It is focused on girls and women, on empowering and supporting each other. We all have jobs, families and other commitments,” said Lizette. “There are many places we could be but on this one date, we choose to come together and make an impact. What I’m excited about is hearing from our main speaker for the day, Sofia Amoruso. I can't wait to hear her story of perseverance and not giving up on herself.”
Sofia Amoruso is best known as a founder and general partner at Trust Fund, the figure behind the bestselling book and Netflix series “#Girlboss.”
That same spirit of entrepreneurship resonates from Lizette, who started her business in 2021. She is also the mother of two sons, ages 18 and 23, a fact that helps her focus on every person’s unique traits.
“I started my company in 2021 because I believed in myself and that I could make a difference. Staffing is a tough industry. We are so focused on sales and competition. Sometimes, we forget we’re dealing with a human and people’s lives,” said Lizette. “I really wanted to do things differently. I have a pulse on people, after having interviewed and successfully placed thousands of individuals.”
Lizette will speak in the morning and at lunchtime, in addition to a full roster of events, activities and workshop speakers. Buy your ticket today at https://bakersfieldwomen.org/tickets/.
Q&A: Two questions with Lizette Gomez
Q. Mothers may feel especially lonely or isolated as they raise young children. What advice do you have for women during that phase of life?
A. I'd recommend they continue updating their LinkedIn and staying active in the community. Why not join a professional mixer once in a while? Be present there with other business people. You won't feel as alone and you'll constantly see what's going on in business.
Q. What is your parenting PSA? If you could rent a billboard in Kern County, all parents would see, what would that message be?
A. You are building our future. You're making a difference in our future right now.
Fill-in-the-blank questions:
Q. Favorite local restaurant: Chef's Noodle Bar
Q. Strangest thing in my purse today: Dog toothpaste
Q. Best advice you have to share so far: Do it even if you're afraid because mistakes make you better. Make it. You're going to learn from any mistakes you do make. It's okay not to figure out who you are until later in life. We need to embrace the version of ourselves we are at that moment. We're all figuring out life.
