Board of Directors

Jaime_mendoza@nksthd.org

Jaime Mendoza is a 4^th generation Delano native who has been very active in the community.  In 1986 during his junior year at Delano High School, he was asked to emcee his first Queen Show/Scholarship pageant for Delano Cinco de Mayo Fiesta’s Inc.  Little did he know that he would continue to emcee over 30 more pageants, join the organization as a board member and participate in their annual projects including the food basket giveaways, candy-filled stocking giveaways for children featuring Santa & Mrs. Claus, cook for fundraising BBQ’s, scholarships and more.  He became the Corporate Sponsorship chair and in 2005 was elected President of the organization.  Today he is celebrated as a “Life Member”.

In the fall of 1999, he volunteered to be the public address announcer for the newly formed Delano Bengals Youth Football program where to this day he continues to volunteer his time calling the games and playing music.  He has also volunteered as the P.A. announcer for Cesar E. Chavez and Robert F. Kennedy high schools where he has witnessed many league and valley title games as the P.A. announcer for most of the school’s sports programs.

In the fall of 2000, Jaime was asked to volunteer for the Delano Downtown Beautification Project.  He was selected as the Vice-Chair and was an integral part in keeping the project at budget.  So next time you walk across the paving stones down Main Street between 8^th Ave. and 14^th Ave. and see the old-fashioned streetlights and bollards or sit on one of the stylish terra cotta benches under a tree, remember this – Jaime Mendoza’s fingerprints are all over those improvements.

Jaime began serving on the North Kern South Tulare Healthcare District Board of Directors on September 25^th, 2003, and was elected as President from 2007 through 2019 & again in December 2022 (after a 2-year sabbatical).  In that time he has assisted the Administrator with successful labor negotiations with employees, appointed by the board to hire the new Administrator in 2006 & 2010, attend arbitration negotiations regarding electrical faults which arose from a construction project and provided direction for approval of the settlement in favor of the District, assisted with the implementation process of an emergency generator for the DDSNF in 2008, assisted with the beginning phases of expansion and growth for the District beginning in 2009, presented an application in Sacramento to OSHPD, Cal-Mortgage Loan Insurance Division for refinancing of District bonds ($2,390,000) and funding for the Gloria Nelson Center for Women and Children (4,725,000) in March 2010.  Presided over the Board during the approval and final annexation of the district in January 2010.

In April of 2012, Board President Jaime Mendoza and the Board of Directors of the North Kern South Tulare Healthcare District opened the Gloria Nelson Center a 9800 square ft. state of the art rural health clinic on its campus in Delano.  It offers Family Practice, OBGYN & Pediatric services to the underserved City of Delano and surrounding communities.  It also offers programs for undocumented residents.  On March 13^th, 2019, with the support of the Board of Directors and families who had loved ones in the Delano District Skilled Nursing Facility, he decided to close the DDSNF to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic which led to saving countless lives.

Jaime met his wife Ruth in Delano and they have been married for over 30 years.  They have 2 children, Lorena and Renee, who both achieved their master’s degrees and work in Education.  Jaime has worked in the mortgage industry for over 24 years and specializes in residential, construction, renovation, community lending programs, reverse mortgages, and commercial projects just to name a few.  He has over 300 products to choose from.

Today, Jaime understands that the Hospital District and surrounding community needs even more health care options such as mental health.  He, with support of the Board is looking forward to adding more medical services while continuing to provide quality health care to this community and employment opportunities with fair wages including the CalPERS retirement program.

Gina_martinez@nksthd.org

Gina Martinez has worked for the betterment of the community assisting veterans, seniors, youth, and migrant seasonal farmworkers for over 35 years. Mrs. Martinez is currently a government employee. Having always maintained both a full-time job and part-time job she, has served in various capacities: field examiner for Agricultural Labor Relations Board, migrant seasonal farmworker outreach worker, veteran service navigator, juvenile facility manager, human trafficking and suicide hotline crisis specialist, ESL Instructor, domestic violence, and chemical dependency counselor, just to name a few. Mrs. Martinez is inspired and committed to bring resources to the community. She is dedicated to work to help the community achieve their full potential and ensuring that everyone has a safe place in which to live, work and play. Recognizing that civic and public service are cornerstones of a strong community Mrs. Martinez has devoted significant time and energy to several organizations and activities. A strong believer that, “We are all capable of making a difference in the community,” she enthusiastically promotes community participation to improve our neighborhoods, quality of life, and a brighter future.  In addition to serving on the NKSTHD board of directors she also serves on the Board of Directors for Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK). Mrs. Martinez is the Vice President of Cesar Chavez High School Site Council and President of Cesar Chavez High School ELA Council, Delano Crime Prevention Ad Hoc Committee, and volunteers with many non-profit and environmental organizations.

Mrs. Martinez is mission-driven, well respected among her peers and within the communities she has served. She is for the people and listens to the people and addresses their concerns. One of the keys to her success is a firm commitment with honesty, integrity, and transparency. Mrs. Martinez majored in Psychology at California State University in Bakersfield and is currently participating in an internship and mentoring program with the State of California.

Having been a seasonal farmworker throughout her youth, Mrs. Martinez experienced first-hand the challenges in accessing healthcare. As a result, her career has been centered on delivering high-quality medical, mental and behavioral health, and other services to the medically underserved, especially the economically challenged, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, houseless, seasonal farmworkers, and their families. Mrs. Martinez has a willingness to create and promote an equitable and inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and valued.

When the pandemic hit, Mrs. Martinez was on the frontlines, providing resources, assisting with referrals to supportive services, and volunteering at sites for COVID vaccinations. When the wildfires rampaged, she was assisting evacuees. When the surrounding areas flooded, she volunteered and assisted residents. Post-pandemic she continues to assist the Delano community and surrounding areas with economic and food shortage challenges. Mrs. Martinez is determined to play a significant role in helping the community become a better place to live in for her five children and four grandchildren.

Rosa_lugo@nksthd.org

Rosa Lugo, NKSTHD Board Secretary and a devoted mother of two extends her exceptional dedication to the community of Delano while also actively participating in various community volunteering efforts. In her capacity as a Supervisor at the City of Delano Recreation Department, Rosa goes above and beyond to enhance the lives of Delano residents by organizing tailored recreational activities that foster a sense of community and connection.

Beyond her official duties, Rosa is a committed public servant, involving herself in volunteering initiatives throughout the community. Her work with the American Cancer Relay For Life Leadership Team and as the board secretary on the HomeTown Heroes Committee showcases her broader dedication to causes such as cancer support and honoring Military Veterans and First Responders. Rosa’s positive impact is not confined to her professional role; she consistently seeks innovative ways to engage and bring joy to the Delano population, embodying the spirit of compassion and inclusion. Her multifaceted contributions to Delano, both as a public servant and a community volunteer, highlight Rosa’s exceptional commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those around her.

Joe_aguirre@nksthd.org

Joe Aguirre, an exemplary figure in Delano, California, has dedicated his career to serving the community both in healthcare and public service. His journey began in the 1980s when he served as a Police Explorer, rising to the rank of captain, showcasing his early commitment to public safety. Concurrently, Joe started his career as a firefighter, paramedic, and EMT in Richgrove, solidifying his expertise in emergency management. In 2022, he enhanced his capabilities by obtaining an Emergency Management certificate from Washington, DC. This comprehensive approach continued as Joe ventured into healthcare, making significant contributions at DRMC, Tulare Hospital District, and Bakersfield Heart Hospital.

Joe’s commitment to public service extended to elected office, where he played pivotal roles in the Delano City Council from 2010 to 2014 and again from 2016 to 2020. As Mayor in 2013, he implemented progressive policies, including a zero-tolerance stance on cannabis, reflecting his dedication to community well-being. During his second mayoral term in 2019, Joe achieved remarkable financial milestones for Delano, creating a first-time reserve and establishing a balanced budget after more than two decades.

Throughout his journey, Joe garnered accolades from the State Assembly, US Congress, and the Senate, highlighting his impactful contributions to both healthcare and public service. His expertise and proactive approach were further evident in community initiatives, such as placing “In God We Trust” on Delano Police Department vehicles and developing a crime prevention and witness reward system.

Joe Aguirre’s life and career showcase a harmonious blend of healthcare and public service, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to the well-being and prosperity of Delano and its residents.

Glenda_muldrow@nksthd.org

Glenda Muldrow a lifelong resident and 1981 graduate of Delano High School having attended   Bakersfield College and California State University Bakersfield. Glenda dedicated over 40 years of service to Delano High School in various positions such as the ASB Secretary, Community Laison, Attendance Secretary and retiring as the school librarian in April of this year.  Glenda has served on the California Schools Employee Association (CSEA) for several years as Vice President advocating for employee rights and fair wages.  Glenda donated countless hours as the club advisor for BSU working with students to complete monthly community service projects and attendance to leadership conferences.  Students were taught the importance of giving back to the community and received scholarships. As an advisor I never wanted an end of the year trip to an amusement park, I would tell the kids to think outside the box, many times we would go to Monte De Oro state park for a hike and a picnic.  I was always surprised by the number of students who had never seen the ocean, and to see their first experience in holding a starfish was always priceless.  I have witnessed many students go off to UCLA, Fresno State, UC Davis and other colleges and lead successful lives.  It makes me happy when former students come back and say I had a hand in encouraging them to succeed.   Delano High School will always be a special place for me as it afforded me so many opportunities, lifelong friendships and experiences I will always cherish.   Glenda has been involved with the American Cancer Society Relay for life for all of the 24 years in Delano’s existence. Having lost so many friends and family to cancer, Relay for life will always be a passion that I will hold dear to my heart.  In June of 2017 Glenda received the prestigious Ruby Award from the Soroptimist International group of Delano and in the Spring of 2018, she received the Delano Greater Youth Foundation Volunteer Service Award.  Outside of School Glenda has been a dedicated CASA – Court Appointed Support Advocate for kids in foster care, and a faithful volunteer for the Homeless Mission of Meals on Wheels.  In retirement Glenda has found a home on the North Kern South Tulare Healthcare District board that gives her the opportunity to continue to serve the community and advocate for patients and families.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family especially my two great nieces who make the world a better place.