Photo by Jessica Frey
Ida Tagliente
Ida Tagliente
Continued from page 49
Javier Reyes Jr. Javier Reyes Jr., field representative for Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, is local politics’ energizer bunny. The 29-yearold Austin, Texas native first came to Bakersfield a year ago to do volunteer work on Grove’s campaign. He had volunteered with the Texas Legislature, was impressed by Groves’ rising profile within California’s Republican party, and was eager to cut his political chops. Reyes spent last summer going to door-to-door. He returned to Austin to finish his studies at Texas State University while Grove went on to win the 32nd Assembly seat. By year’s end, Grove was assembling her staff and offered Reyes a job. “I moved here as fast as I could,” Reyes said. It is hard to miss his enthusiasm and positive outlook, which undoubtedly left a lasting impression on his boss. Although still a political novice, Reyes is a go-getter who represents a new breed of young Latinos. He is president of the Kern County Congress of Republicans and is a member of California Young Republicans. Ronald Reagan and Winston Churchill are his political heroes, and he credits his father with planting the seeds of conservatism. “I learned my conservative values from my dad who taught me early on to always earn your keep,” he said. “From a young age, my parents taught me that public service is a part of engaging with the community.” 50
Bakersfield Life
July 2011
For Ida Tagliente, Bright House Networks Multicultural Marketing Manager here, reaching out to the community through diversification comes naturally. “Bright House Networks boasts a culturally diverse team,” she said. “Because Bakersfield and the surrounding areas are so diverse, we want to ensure we are not only showcasing the value of our products, but that we are involved in our multicultural communities in an impactful way.” Tagliente, who is a Bakersfield transplant, joined the company two years ago. “Bakersfield is a very family friendly town. I am able to both work in a multicultural space as well as raise a family in an area with diversity. My husband, our twin daughters and I love going places like Mercado Latino for great food and family friendly activities.” Among her community involvements is the Kern Adult Literacy Council. She represents Bright House as a member of its board of directors. “Our involvement with the Kern Adult Literacy Council spans over 14 years,” she said. “Education is a cornerstone to our community involvement and we believe support of local organizations like KALC is important.” Last year Tagliente was instrumental in organizing the Black History Month Forum. She has also been involved in the annual Latina Food Festival and Menudo Cook-Off and Philippine Weekends. “Sponsoring events like this really is representative of who we are at our heart. I am excited to use my own personal experience in multicultural marketing to take it to the next level.”