About Us
Our mission
The Mission of Learns2LEAD is based on the following foundational principles.
- Leadership Development - developing tomorrow’s leaders today – Servant leadership: Matthew 20:27 “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”
- Mentoring – equipping emerging leaders for the future: Jesus mentored His disciples and led them by His examples. Matthew 10:24-25 “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers and servants like their masters.”
- Academic Scholarship – promoting and supporting academic excellence. Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Our history
Seeing a need for energetic, nonprofit work in this area, we formed our organization in the fall of 2021 to provide training and group mastermind leadership solutions. We've consistently grown since then, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community!
Board of Directors
Dr. Kenneth Robinson, President
Dr. Robinson has more than 20 years of human resources management experience in the public and private sectors. His expertise includes leadership development, staff and professional development, labor relations, and equity & diversity programs.
Kenneth completed a Doctorate in Educational Leadership at California State University, Fullerton, California. In addition, he holds a Master of Arts Degree in Industrial Relations from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, and a Bachelor of Business Administration, from Lawrence Institute of Technology, Southfield, Michigan.
Kenneth is an Executive Director, Consultant, Speaker, and Trainer with The John C. Maxwell Group. He is also the Owner/Principal of Empowered2LEAD Consulting Services. Kenneth recently founded “Learns2LEAD,” a Non-profit Leadership Corporation in 2021, which provides academic scholarships and leadership training to minorities and other underrepresented groups interested in the field of Business Administration.
Valerie Robinson, Vice-President
Valerie Robinson born and raised in Detroit Michigan brings a wealth of experience in the areas of Business Management, Labor Contract Negotiations, Marketing & Sales and Non-profit experience. Her career path includes twenty + years with the City of Detroit Michigan as a Labor Relations Specialist.
In Bakersfield, California, she worked for United Way of Kern County raising funds for over 20+ twenty-plus member agencies. She pursued her career in sales with ‘Proctor & Gamble’ a fortune five hundred company in Marketing & Sales and was extremely successful in pharmaceutical sales.
Valerie received her master’s degree in Public Administration at California State University - Bakersfield California. Her most enjoyable and rewarding career was being employed at Bakersfield College (BC). She is a retired Professor Emeritus. She continues to mentor students at the college.
Valerie is Vice-President of Learns2LEAD, and an active church leader and member of Living Victory Church. In addition, she is a faithful member of Moms in Prayer organization. She has been happily married for over 40+ years. Valerie & Dr. Kenneth have one (1) son Kenneth Lamar who is a Patient Service Manager at Sharp Hospital in San Diego California.
Kevin Jones, Treasurer
Kevin Jones grew up in Long Beach in the southern California-area before relocating to Bakersfield in California’s central valley and is an alumnus of California State University of Fullerton where he attained his bachelor’s in Business Administration, concentration – accounting. During his undergraduate pursuits, Kevin worked for various educational institutions, including his alma mater, as an American Sign Language interpreter to serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities in both Los Angeles and Orange counties.
In present-day, Kevin Jones is a CPA and serves as a Tax Director in the Bakersfield, CA office of CBIZ MHM, one of the Top 10 accounting firms in the US. Kevin has over 15+ years of experience in tax, accounting, and tax planning matters and was awarded a master’s degree in Taxation from Golden Gate University. He specializes in all manners of compliance and planning in income taxation of businesses, trusts, nonprofits and high net-worth individuals.
He is also a huge proponent of financial literacy and stewardship. Kevin currently coordinates the teaching of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at his local church and has followed its tenets in achieving 100%-debt freedom. He is passionate about helping others to seek control over their financial independence.
Vacant, Secretary
We are currently in search of a Board Secretary for the Organization
Steve Watkin, Public Relations
Originally from Fresno, Steven Watkin moved to Bakersfield in October of 2000 to accept the Director of Outreach position at California State University, Bakersfield. With over 32 years of experience in recruitment and retention, Steven has represented four higher educational institutions including Fresno Pacific University, Fresno State, CSU Bakersfield, and Bakersfield College. He currently serves as the Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Enrollment Services at the Kern Community College District.
For the past 10 years, Steven has not only worked for institutions of higher learning, but has also served as the pastor of the Calvary Church of God in Christ, located in Arvin, California. With his gifted leadership, passion for his community, and spirit of welcoming fellowship, the congregation has grown remarkably during his tenure.
Pastor Watkin received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration and his Master’s Degree in Education from Fresno Pacific University, located in Fresno, CA. He has been married to his wife, Kimberly Watkin for 33 years and is the proud father of six children and a grandfather to eleven. He feels truly blessed!
