Katherine Layus is a Bakersfield native, raised by immigrant parents from the Philippines who instilled in her a strong work ethic. Motivated by this upbringing, she pursued a B.S. in Business Administration with a focus in Human Resources Management from California State University, Bakersfield.
Katherine’s career began in the oil, gas, and energy industry, working for Chevron, Occidental Petroleum, and California Resources Corporation. With over 13 years of experience in Human Resources, her passion for helping people and creating impactful initiatives led her to her current role as Organization and Well-Being Lead, Worksites for Blue Zones Project Bakersfield.
After expanding her career across Houston, Texas, and Los Angeles, Katherine returned to her hometown of Bakersfield, where she saw a unique opportunity to bring her corporate experience to Blue Zones Project. She is dedicated to helping local business leaders foster a culture of well-being in the workplace.
Prior to joining Blue Zones Project, Katherine worked as a Human Resources Business Partner at Jacobs Engineering Inc., where she supported over 300 People Leaders. During this time, she developed a deep passion for improving employee engagement and well-being—recognizing the significant impact of workplace culture on employees’ daily lives. Now, she is excited to partner with organizations in Bakersfield while also helping her family and friends adopt healthy lifestyle principles in the community she grew up in.
Outside of work, Katherine enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, and incorporating yoga into her weekly routine.
My Power 9
My favorite Power 9 principle is “Positive Pack.” I thrive on being surrounded by individuals who share similar hobbies, values, and interests. I believe that building strong connections with others not only fosters personal well-being but also provides the opportunity to teach others how to live longer, better.
