Feb 27, 2025
An Azusa Pacific University graduate, Kimberly assumed her professional life would follow a typical career path. She holds a business administration degree with an emphasis on marketing.
“I was sure I was going to be something high up corporate but life really took an unexpected turn when I met my husband. One thing I’ve learned about life is you must be okay with yourself and with changing your mind,” said Kimberly. “I decided I would rather be with him than in a corner office by myself.”
The couple recently celebrated their 30th anniversary after meeting as counselors at a Hume Lake summer camp.
“I have been a teacher, a librarian, an instructor at a junior college, a housewife and a homeschooling mother to my special needs child who is now an adult, but I don’t think there is a nonprofit organization in Bakersfield I’m unfamiliar with at this point,” said Kimberly.
She accepted the role as community events manager for the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce last year, with skills honed by participation in The Bakersfield Pageant.
Kimberly’s pageant path started as a mother-daughter bonding activity.
“My younger daughter and I just wanted to do something where we could wear big dresses together,” said Kimberly. “I wasn't going to do it, but the committee convinced me.”
Kimberly did not consider herself pageant-ready at the time.
“I was coming off being a housewife and a substitute teacher. I had done this to myself and been left behind,” she said.
“I jumped in with both feet, but I assumed all the 27-year-olds, some of whom were actual models, would win,” she said. “I did it to have a good time and shocked myself. They sent me to all these events to volunteer after and I realized I had a knack for this type of thing. By the end of the year, the director asked me to serve as the events coordinator,” she said. “We volunteer at up to 90 events per year.”
Pageant participation also benefitted Sydney, who placed as runner-up in the 2018 Teen category. She took Miss Teen the next year, and two years later, won the Miss category. Sydney graduated high school with more than 500 hours of volunteer service.
“It's almost like finding where you're supposed to be by accident. My heart is in the community. That's what I have found works for me. It’s how I’m happy,” said Kimberly.
Q&A: Three questions with Kimberly Price
Q. Raising young children can feel isolated. What advice do you have for women going through that phase of life?
I can tell you what it's like to see the world run past you year after year. I especially remember how it feels to have these other women run past you and know they get to dress up and go other places.
My advice is hugging your kids a lot and don’t sweat the small stuff. I don't look back and think about the days I couldn't get the laundry or the dishes done. I remember the days we sat by the pool because we were too tired to do anything else or the days the kids had mudball fights. Just love them with your actions. Show them that life isn't about the perfect moments or having the perfect house. The best of life is in the messy parts.
I am a perfect example of being able to have a career later in life. There are big gaps in my resume but I am loving my job. When you turn 50, 51, 52, you could end up with a career you never saw coming. It can happen, but you have to have that faith. It's shocking what comes around the corner. More changes than what stays the same.
Q. What should families in the Kern County area know more about in their community?
I thought there was nothing in Bakersfield because that’s what you hear all the time but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Find what you care about and volunteer. It’s a win-win for everybody.
Q. What is your parenting PSA?
Be content but not complacent: Always strive for the best for you and your family but not at the expense of yourself and your family.
Fill-in-the-blank questions:
- My favorite food is... Filet mignon but well done and burned to a crisp.
- My favorite dessert is... Cookies.
- In my pantry, you will always find... Trail mix.
- Before I go out, I always make sure I have... Rootbeer.
- My favorite music group is... Kelsea Ballerini, specifically her song “Subject to Change.”
