CAPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced that Kenya Rodriguez, a former volunteer for the organization, has been named its new Eureka! and teen coordinator.
Kenya Rodriguez. Courtesy photo
In her new role, Rodriguez will design, implement and manage summer programming at UCSB, monthly meetings and activities throughout the school year, as well as the Eureka! externship component – working to expose local teens to a continuum of hands-on programming with the ultimate goal of seeing them through to college and careers.
“Girls Inc. of Carpinteria played an important role in my life growing up, providing me with the skills to discover my passions and strengths,” Rodriguez stated in a media release. “Returning to Girls Inc. is an opportunity for me to give back to a great organization that elevates the Carpinteria community and brings a brighter future to strong, smart and bold girls.”
Rodriguez previously served as a behavior interventionist with Addison Behavior Resources in Camarillo, where she provided Applied Behavior Analysis techniques and behavioral services to children with Autism, Down’s syndrome, and other special needs.
She holds a B.A. in women’s and gender studies from the University of Redlands. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, she has been an active volunteer in the community since high school, when she was first introduced to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria.
She went on to teach drama, singing, and dance for the organization’s Summer Drama Camp and After-School programs, and was recognized for her service with the Gold Presidential Community Service Award and the Sue Alexander Service Award. Rodriguez also spearheaded a workshop to assist first-generation college-bound students with the application process and financial aid, for which she was awarded with Laguna Blanca School’s Best Senior Project Award. In addition to Girls Inc., she also served as a volunteer for Joseph’s Storehouse of Redlands and Los Ninos Head Start Center.
Girls Inc.’s Eureka! Program is an intensive, five-year program that builds girls’ confidence while providing them with practical exploration in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Eureka! aims to increase girls’ future options for academic achievement and careers, encourage enrollment in college-bound math and science courses, promote positive risk taking, and assist girls in developing networks of peers and mentors to support their future endeavors.
About Girls Inc. of Carpinteria
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is a member of Girls Incorporated®, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. With local roots dating to 1864 and national status since 1945, Girls Inc. has responded to the changing needs of girls through research-based programs and public education efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. We provide programs for girls 6 to 18 years old that focus on science, math, and technology; health and sexuality; economic and financial literacy; sports skills; leadership and advocacy; and media literacy. To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.