Meet Natalia Perez
Education & Creative Engagement Manager

Natalia Perez serves as the part-time Education & Creative Engagement Manager for the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, where she leads initiatives that expand access to live symphonic music through education, creative engagement, and community partnerships.

She first joined the Symphony in 2021. After stepping away in 2024 following the passing of her mother, Natalia returned in 2025 with renewed purpose and a full heart, a guiding principle in both her life and her work.

Her commitment to arts education is deeply personal. A proud product of the Bakersfield City School District, Natalia attended Thorner Elementary, a creative and performing arts magnet school. From first through sixth grade, she participated in three after-school enrichment classes each day across the visual and performing arts, including daily keyboard instruction from fourth through sixth grade. This early and consistent access helped shape her creativity and continues to inform her belief in the lasting impact the arts can have on a child’s life.

Natalia’s hands-on commitment to arts education began nearly two decades ago. At age 13, she began volunteering at the Kern County Museum, where she was already entrusted with leading educational activities. She also led Girl Scout badge workshops integrating art and performance. At the Kern County Museum, she went on to coordinate volunteers, develop arts-based programming for children, and advance into a leadership role overseeing school tours and the children’s museum, helping educational programs reach thousands of students each year. At the Bakersfield Museum of Art, Natalia led workshops and school tours, coordinated volunteers, and shared meaningful stories through the museum’s social media.

Natalia holds a BA in Educational Studies and associate degrees in Liberal Arts, American Sign Language, and Art. While still in high school, she completed more than 2,000 hours of volunteer service and earned the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award.

Known for her creativity, empathy, and commitment to service, Natalia is passionate about making the arts accessible, meaningful, and a lasting part of life in Kern County.

Fun Facts About Natalia

“I was a Girl Scout for twelve years!”

“There are over 250,000 photos in my phone!”

”My favorite days are rainy ones.”