Arcelia Sención was named Chief Strategy-North County Programs Officer, for Family Service Agency/Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County is pleased to welcome the organization’s new Chief Strategy-North County Programs Officer, Arcelia Sención. She will manage operations at FSA’s North County Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center office at 105 N. Lincoln Street.
Arcelia brings over 30 years of nonprofit experience to FSA/SMVYFC improving access to safety-net programs and developing initiatives to address the prevention of childhood trauma and abuse. She served as Associate Director at Standing Together to End Sexual Assault for the past four years and was previously Director of Healthcare and Social Services at Santa Ynez Valley People Helping People.
“We’re so excited to add Arcelia’s to our leadership team,” said CEO Lisa Brabo. “She is a well-respected member of the community who has a clear passion for service and track record of effective leadership. We look forward to working with her to improve the wellbeing of children, families and seniors in our community.”
Arcelia earned her B.A. in Chicano Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara. In 2021, she received the Future Leaders of America Latino Legacy Award for Non-Profit Leader. She was also awarded 2021 Congressional Woman of the Year, which honors exceptional women across the 24th Congressional District who have left a positive impact on their communities.
Outside of her work life, she volunteers in various community groups. She is a founding member of INCLUSION Santa Ynez Valley and the Santa Barbara Latino Giving Circle. Arcelia serves as a liaison to the Latino Community Foundation’s Latino Giving Circle Network. She is a board member for the Fund for Santa Barbara and was appointed to the Commission for Women in Santa Barbara County.
— Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (FSA) is a nonprofit social service agency that has served the people of Santa Barbara County since 1899. Operating as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center (SMVYFC) in Santa Maria and Little House By The Park (LHP) in Guadalupe, FSA helps the community’s most vulnerable children, families, and seniors meet their basic needs while simultaneously addressing mental health needs. Through this holistic approach, FSA improves the strength and well-being of our community. All services are provided free or on a sliding fee/donation scale and no one is denied assistance because of an inability to pay. Visit fsacares.org or call (805) 965-1001 for more information.