Kern County resident Raji Brar has been recognized by Assemblymember Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) as the 2022 Woman of the Year for the 32nd Assembly District.

She is being honored for her accomplishments as a community leader, philanthropist, and local business owner in Kern County. Brar was the first Sikh woman ever elected to a city council seat in the State of California in 2006 for the City of Arvin and employs 450 residents through her small businesses. Additionally, Brar cofounded the Bakersfield Sikh Women’s Association, which gives back to the community through various programs.

“It is my honor to recognize Raji Brar, an individual who has given so much back to our community, as the “Woman of the Year” for the 32nd Assembly District,” said Salas. “As a strong community leader, passionate nonprofit activist, and successful businesswoman, Raji Brar is a pillar of our community who has helped improve the lives of thousands of Central Valley families.”

Born and raised in the Central Valley, Ms. Brar is a first generation Indian American. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Science in Health Care Administration from CSU Bakersfield,
and now owns Countryside Corporation, which has a Construction & Real Estate Development division and operates various franchises that employ over 450 people throughout the Central Valley. Of all the boards Ms. Brar serves on, the one dearest to her heart is the Bakersfield Sikh Women’s Association, which is a nonprofit she cofounded. The mission of the association is to give back to the community through their various programs; Kaur Care, which is a partnership with community hospitals and the public health department to provide free health, cervical and breast cancer screenings as well as COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.

“I am honored to be chosen as woman of the year by Assemblymember Rudy Salas,” said Brar. “I share this honor with all the amazing women who came before me and on whose shoulders I stand on. I look forward to continuing my work with Assemblymember Salas on improving the lives of working families throughout the Central Valley.”

Assemblymember Salas announced the Woman of the Year award on March 8, 2022, which is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century with the first gathering held in 1911 and is an official holiday celebrated around the world.