JenN young

Jenn grew up in a loving home in Simi Valley, CA. Her father’s death in high school and her desire to remain geographically closer to her mom and siblings led to a last-minute decision to attend University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA, rather than a small university in Wisconsin. At UOP she fell in love with two things, the study of human behavior and her future husband Mike. She graduated in 1995 with a B.A. in Psychology, and a year later began her life in Bakersfield where Mike became the first member of the 4th generation in the family farming business. Jenn spent her first several years in Bakersfield as a Behavioral Specialist, working with over 300 Kern County developmentally disabled children and their families. She later put that degree to great use raising three kids.

In late 2019, with two daughters in college and a son in high school, Jenn began to spend time discerning her next path in life. The main requirements were that her mind be challenged, her heart be stretched, and that a positive difference be made in the lives of others. Enter Bakersfield Angels - August 2020. She immediately knew this was the “more” she’d been searching for. After having extremely influential mentors in her own life, Jenn is so excited to be the hands that help connect Kern County youth living in foster care with community mentors as part of our Dare to Dream Program.