Aidee Cardenas

Community Engagement Coordinator

As a first generation High School graduate, Aidee was determined to continue with her education and find a career that she would be passionate about. While attending Fresno State University, Aidee developed a strong desire to help people in the community who had a similar background as hers. She began to volunteer as a mentor at various Fresno Unified Schools where she had the opportunity to work with At-Risk youth ranging in ages 8-13. She was excited to help children who had minimal resources available to help them succeed. Through a combination of her education, volunteer work, and her own life challenges, she quickly realized that her absolute passion was in helping improve individual’s quality of life – especially the underprivileged. Aidee later earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, as well as her certification in Cross-Cultural Competency and Serving At-Risk Youth.

Since becoming a part of the Kern Medical team, Aidee has found that the most meaningful part of her job is working together with outside organizations to meet the community’s healthcare needs. In addition, she enjoys working with youth in the community to encourage career success. She has participated in programs such as Health Careers Pathways, which brings high school students into the Hospital setting and introduces them to health care careers and motivates them to pursue careers in the health care fields.

Aidee assumed her role as Community Engagement Coordinator in 2018. Her role allows her to link the community to their healthcare needs through community-based partnerships. In addition, she works closely with the Executive Director in efforts to raise funds that support community health educational programs and helps oversee grant funded programs within the organization.