Community Highlights: Meet [email protected] PLEASANT-DAVIS of Charmed & Chosen Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to [email protected] PLEASANT-DAVIS.

Hi [email protected], thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Loss and pain forced me to re-write my story from a lil girl moving from Compton to Bakersfield, My life had many challenges as the oldest child of 4 siblings. Not knowing that my mother was suffering from depression. I had to grow up fast and adjust to having a blended family that I would see during the summer or holidays. The only thing that I had was my faith which pushed me to believe that God would carrry me and direct my path, There is power in prayer. Today, I am a driven community leader, devoted wife, mother, proud grandmother and succesful business owner whose work is rooted in faith and purpose. After the loss of my only sister (2009) and father (2011) to illness, After many sleepless nights and accepting my reality, I transformed personal pain into purpose, dedicating my life to serving others as a beacon of hope, healing, and empowerment. I am the CEO of Pleasant Financial Services, where I educate individuals, families, and business owners on building generational wealth and the importance of financial planning amid life’s uncertainties. I am committed to making sure that like-minded professionals and underserved families have access to the tools and financial wisdom needed to change their lives forever through financial services. I am also Vice President and Co-Founder of Charmed & Chosen Inc., a boots‑on‑the‑ground 501(c)(3) nonprofit partnering with local school districts to serve Kern County youth ages 10–18. Through programming centered on mental wellness, emotional intelligence development, college and workforce readiness, financial literacy, and STEM, the organization bridges gaps impacting academic success and social well‑being. History was made in March 2023 with the grand opening of the Charmed & Chosen Youth Empowerment Center, marking the first time the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kern County Black Chamber of Commerce, and the NAACP united in collaboration. Most recently, Charmed and Chosen was honored by Black American History parade committee as the 2026 Grand Marshal in Bakersfield, CA. Charmed & Chosen launched a Pre‑Apprenticeship Program for young adults ages 18–24 in Construction, Cosmetology and Film Production, creating pathways to economic empowerment and opportunity.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not been the smoothest when it comes to accepting that very few family and friends will support you on your journey until they see your success. In many cases, they need the services but often choose to do business with a stranger. Unfortunately, my community is divided in many ways which made it challenging to collaborate in the beginning. Now I see how God has aligned me with individuals who are just as driven as I am to show up and do real work. I learned to block out the noise and be at peace about those who were once supportive speaking negatively on the work being done or become intimidated and now view you as competition. I don’t take it lightly that I am the vessel, chosen by God to complete his assignment and fulfill my purpose. So I must deliver excellence.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Charmed & Chosen is known for delivering excellence during every resource community event and giving our students a first-class fun learning experience, I am so proud of how families and students have learned who Charmed & Chosen through the impact and improvement that our youth have expressed. Our willingness to go serve the families in neighborhoods that are often left behind is what sets Charmed & Chosen apart from others. We strive to make sure that our youth are seen, heard and supported and prepared for the real world mentally, emotionally and academically.

Charmed & Chosen Inc. (C&C) is a nonprofit founded in 2020 to address the social, emotional,
academic, and economic challenges facing youth and families in Kern County. In 2023, C&C
launched the Youth Empowerment Center, providing a safe, supportive space for girls and boys ages
10–18. To date, the organization has served over 2,000 families through school partnerships and
community-based programs.
The Empowering Futures initiative expands this impact through a high-engagement program
model designed to reduce disparities in education, income, mental health, and safety. Currently, 90%
of participants come from low-income households, reinforcing the need for targeted support.
Core Program Areas:
• STEM & Career Exploration: AI, hydroponics, construction trades, and electrical engineering
• Mental Health & SEL: Trauma-informed support building confidence and resilience
• Financial Literacy: Budgeting, credit, college and workforce readiness
• College Preparation: Equip students with knowledge, skills, and confidence to prepare for college
trades, and post-secondary success.
Practical Life Skills: Self-advocacy, communication, conflict resolution, and goal setting
C&C is a 100% volunteer-led organization, directing 80–90% of funding to direct services, including
STEM materials, workshops, meals, and career exposure. Youth help shape programming and build
leadership skills through ambassador roles.
Success is measured through participation, pre/post assessments, and skill development across SEL,
STEM, and financial literacy.
Strong partnerships with school districts, community organizations, and industry partners support
program delivery and sustainability. With minimal overhead and proven impact, C&C is positioned for
growth.
Empowering Futures equips youth with the skills, confidence, and resources needed for academic
success, workforce readiness, and financial independence, driving long-term economic mobility and
generational change in Kern County.

Every dollar donated is re-invested in the youth that participate in our educational empowerment programs. Thank you in advance for being a blessing to the underserved families of Charmed & Chosen.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking and having the right mentor is a must. It has truly shaped my leadership skills. In 2024, I attended a pre-apprenticeship workshop during the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce convention. I stepped out in faith and introduced myself. A professional relationship formed and which lead to a partnership with South Bay Workforce Investment Board. The students learned the importance of having a trade and received hands on training in Construction and Film making. I have learned that every audience is different so I must be intentional, make meaningful connections and listen so that I can fulfil the need. I am excited to share that recently; I was selected by KJLH for the Level Up Business and Strategy Coaching Program sponsored by MKCircle CEO Institute. This is a program created to empower minority women business owners. I am inspired when I meet phenomenal women who are more successful than I am. I believe that A Woman with a Vision is Unstoppable. We as women are so much stronger together.

Pricing:

• Pleasant Financial Services meets the clients financial needs to secure that they have a plan that will last them throughout their lives
• Charmed & Chosen is funded through grants and donations from community and private donors

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pleasantfinancial.net and charmedandchosen.org
• Instagram: financially_freef2r and charmedandchosen.inc

Image Credits
Monte C. Wilson
Christa Hunt Photography