Tag: Girls Inc. of Carpinteria

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria adds new music toom to facilities

by Community Contributor • July 30, 2026 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to announce the addition of a fully equipped music room to its campus facilities and extends its gratitude to local Montecito residents and singers/songwriters, Lila and Georgia MacPhail, for their generous contribution of this exciting new learning space.

The addition of this space for the creative arts allows the organization to expand its mission to offer girls abundant opportunities to learn and grow as they become the strong, smart, and bold leaders of tomorrow.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria welcomes new board members

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2026 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is thrilled to welcome Das Williams, Ashley Smith Fraser, and Danielle Bordenave to its Board of Directors, effective July 2026. …

“We are so pleased to welcome Das, Ashley, and Danielle to our board,” said Executive Director Jamie Collins. “Each brings with them a unique perspective that deepens our leadership’s understanding of how to best serve youth in our community and strengthen our mission of inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Eureka! members travel to Washington D.C. for week of advocacy and exploration

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to celebrate a powerful milestone for its Eureka! program participants, who recently returned from an inspiring week-long trip to Washington D.C. filled with learning, exploration, and advocacy.

The trip offered girls the opportunity to explore the nation’s capital, visit world-class museums, tour college campuses, and meet directly with local representatives to discuss the issues that matter most to them.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria celebrates leadership and welcomes new board members

by Community Contributor • July 1, 2025 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to announce the acceptance of two leadership staff into prestigious national leadership programs and the addition of two exceptional women to its Board of Directors, deepening the organization’s commitment to strong, smart, and bold leadership at every level.

Melissa Cornejo, Campus-Based Program Manager at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, has been selected to join the newest cohort of the Girls Inc. National Leadership Accelerator Program—an intensive, year-long professional development experience designed to strengthen leadership across the Girls Inc. network. This program supports and cultivates the next generation of organizational leaders through targeted learning opportunities, collaborative peer communities, and hands-on skill-building to expand each participant’s leadership capacity.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Brings Holiday Cheer to Families with Fifth Annual Operation Holiday Cheer

by Community Contributor • January 5, 2025 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria celebrated its fifth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a beloved family event generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Since its inception in 2020, Operation Holiday Cheer has brought the spirit of the holidays to Girls Inc. families, providing much-needed gifts and cheer during a challenging season.

“This event goes beyond gift-giving; it’s about bringing our community together to create moments of hope and connection that resonate well beyond the holiday season,” said Jamie Collins, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Witnessing the joy on the faces of children and families reminds us of the profound impact a united community can have, all thanks to our remarkable partners at Cox Communications.”

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcomes Four Distinguished Leaders to its Board of Directors

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2024 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — As Girls Inc. of Carpinteria moves into a new fiscal year, they proudly announce the appointment of four esteemed professionals to its Board of Directors: Eleanor Gartner, Alan Griffin, Kirsten Jenkins, and Amber Kaplan. Each brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to empowering young girls in the community.

“We are thrilled to welcome Eleanor, Alan, Kirsten, and Amber to our board,” said Jamie Collins, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Their diverse backgrounds and strong dedication to our community will be invaluable as we continue our mission to inspire the next generation of leaders to be strong, smart, and bold.”

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Celebrates Successful Inaugural Year of ¡Listos! Smart & Ready Program and Announces Expansion Plans

by Community Contributor • June 25, 2024 • Comments Off

Launched in response to the financial challenges faced by local families, particularly exacerbated by the pandemic, ¡Listos! Smart & Ready has empowered parents with crucial financial skills through bilingual financial literacy classes. Topics covered include budgeting, saving, and investing. In its first year, the program provided scholarship assistance to 33 families, who have benefitted greatly from the initiative. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting significant improvements in their financial well-being.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Presents Fuel Her Fire Event Honoring Community Leaders Sonia Aguila, Tim Cohen, and Junior Honoree Ellie Lou Olvera

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria proudly announces Fuel Her Fire, previously known as Women of Inspiration, to be held on April 4th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Girls Inc. campus. Fuel Her Fire is a fundraising and mentorship event designed to champion Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s STRONG, SMART, and BOLD mission, celebrating the remarkable contributions of community leaders who have ignited the passions and fueled the futures of girls in our community.

This year’s event will honor three outstanding individuals whose commitment and dedication have significantly impacted the lives of young girls in Carpinteria: Sonia Aguila, Tim Cohen, and junior honoree Ellie Lou Olvera.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Fourth Annual Operation Holiday Cheer, Presented by Cox Communications, Spreads Joy Amidst Economic Hardships

by Community Contributor • December 18, 2023 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Girls Inc. of Carpinteria successfully hosted its fourth annual Operation Holiday Cheer, a festive family night generously sponsored by Cox Communications. Launched in 2020 and presented by Cox Communications from its inception, Operation Holiday Cheer aims to bring gifts and holiday spirit to Girls Inc. families facing economic hardships.

“This occasion is more than just a gift distribution event; it’s about fostering a sense of community and joy during a season that can be financially challenging for many,” said Jamie Collins, executive director Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “Cox Communications has been an incredible partner in making Operation Holiday Cheer a reality. Their commitment to supporting our community has made it possible for us to bring smiles and happiness to the faces of over 105 families every year.”

Empowering Young Minds Through Play: Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Launches Recess Club in Carpinteria Schools to Encourage Physical Fitness, Educational Opportunities and Social Inclusion

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2023 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to announce Recess Club within the Carpinteria School District!

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is committed to promoting physical and hands-on activities while fostering an inclusive environment for children. The organization is thrilled to introduce Recess Club in elementary schools across the Carpinteria Valley. Recess Club’s mission is to create a secure and welcoming haven for students during school recess, providing engaging and interactive activities to enhance enrichment opportunities, teamwork, and social connections.

Young Change-Makers: Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Eureka! Program Empowers Voices in Washington D.C. Advocacy Trip

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2023 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria A group of eleven young girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s Eureka! Program recently returned after a five-day excursion to Washington D.C. The trip included a visit with Congressman Salud Carbajal and Senator Padilla plus a tour of the white house!

The focal points of this year’s excursion were centered around three main topics: 1) The challenge of healthcare accessibility because of financial obstacles or inadequate insurance coverage, 2) Reversing the decision of Roe vs. Wade and safeguarding women’s reproductive rights, and 3) Inequalities around the pink tax and the financial burdens associated with menstrual products.

“This trip showed me that women and people like me from a small town can truly achieve any dream or goal we may have. It was also impactful because having our voices truly heard by people in congress will help better change/develop our future”, Eureka! cohort member Camila E Hernandez-Sanchez.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Announces New Cohort of Eureka! Program College-Bound Graduates; Celebrates Over $11,000 in Scholarships

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announced today’s its seventh cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is officially gearing up to attend college this fall.

The group of 12 extraordinary young women will be heading off to universities and colleges across the state – from UC Davis to Cal Poly Pomona and SBCC.“Year after year, I continue to be blown away by the dedication and resilience of our Eureka cohorts – and it’s a privilege to see them achieve this significant milestone after all the hard work they have put in to get here,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our team is proud to have been in their corner over these last five years and we know they’ll continue to break barriers and achieve continued success in this next chapter of their lives.”

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Announces 2023 Women of Inspiration Honorees

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2023 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced the 2023 honorees of its newly-formatted Women of Inspiration event: Jane Benefield, chair of the Carpinteria Planning Commission, and Jena Jenkins, programs specialist at the Carpinteria Library.

“Each year, Women of Inspiration recognizes women who are leading the way while also serving as an inspiration for others—Jane and Jena are shining examples of this,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “We are excited to honor them at this year’s event, and we encourage everyone to come out and join us in celebrating all the incredible work they have done for our community.”

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Jumps into Second Gymnastics Session

by Community Contributor • January 19, 2023 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is kicking off the year with a new session of gymnastics classes, following the success of its first programming session that launched in September. The 10-week program, offered on Thursday afternoons for students in TK-5thgradate, is currently serving 32 girls.

Girls Inc. Gymnastics Coach Kendall Clark stated that internal skills were a high point in the previous session, with participants displaying an increased level of mind-body connection, rotation disciple, and self-confidence. Participants also work on foundational skills including conquering successful cartwheels, handstands and back handsprings.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Breaks Ground on New Lynda Fairly Courtyard

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2022 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria recently held a ceremony at its campus on Foothill Road to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Lynda Fairly Courtyard, marking the official start of construction. More than 50 community members and supporters joined Girls Inc.…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcomes New Board President, Four New Members

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2022 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to announce the appointment of Jacquelyn Pawela-Crew, senior director of healthcare and life sciences consulting at Salesforce, as the organization’s new board president. The nonprofit has also appointed four new members to its Board of Directors: Hayley Fedders, Anu Sharma, April Simpson and Bianca Vega.

“Jacquelyn is a tremendous leader and we are so excited to have her serve as our new board president,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “We’re also thrilled to welcome an incredibly talented group of new members who are committed to our mission. Hayley, Anu, April and Bianca have diverse expertise in their respective fields and we know their support will help us advance our work in helping more girls reach their greatest potential.”

Local Philanthropist Kicks Off ‘Her Legacy’ Through $150K Donation to Girls of Carpinteria

by Community Contributor • July 20, 2022 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has unveiled its plans for the new Lynda Fairly Courtyard, and announced a new investment opportunity called ‘Her Legacy’ that will help ensure its programs continue to flourish and inspire future generations of girls.

Philanthropist and community leader Lynda Fairly recently committed $150,000 to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to support a total renovation of its outdoor courtyard. The courtyard will be developed into an intentional mixed-use community space, complete with dedicated outdoor classroom areas and an interactive natural playground, in an environmentally conscious and meditative landscape.

Eureka! Program Celebrates Sixth Cohort of College-Bound Graduates

by Community Contributor • July 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s sixth cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is gearing up for college this fall.

The group of nine extraordinary young women will be heading off to colleges across the state – from Cal Poly SLO to UC Santa Cruz and SBCC.

“It’s an honor to see this dedicated group of young women – all of whom have worked so incredibly hard to get here – achieve such a significant milestone in their lives,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “From college preparation workshops, to internships, and consistently stepping out of their comfort zones, our Eureka students have been preparing for this moment for five years. We know they’ll continue to dream big and achieve success in this next chapter and we look forward to cheering them on.”

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Awarded $50,000 Grant to Support Healthy Living Curriculum

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on March 3 announced it received a $50,000 grant from Cottage Hospital Foundation to provide buffering services to local girls and support growth in the organization’s ‘STRONG’ program, which combines physical activity, nutrition, and a healthy living curriculum to engage the mind, body and soul.

The awarded funds will enable Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to focus on three critical areas to support overall health for the girls it serves, including:

‘Teen Talk’ Educates Local Teens About Sexual and Reproductive Health

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced a new, comprehensive sexuality education series with Planned Parenthood California Central Coast created to ensure teenage girls have the knowledge and skills they need to stay healthy. The weekly series, called ‘Teen Talk,’ will be offered virtually to members of the Eureka! program for college-bound girls and is part of the organization’s ongoing outreach efforts around healthy sexuality.

An evidence-informed and LGBTQ+ inclusive program, Teen Talk will educate girls about sexuality and sexual health, while providing information about healthy relationships, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), birth control, anatomy and physiology, and encouraging parent and trusted adult communication.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Celebrates 50th Anniversary

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Community members joined Girls Inc. of Carpinteria staff, board members, girls and alumnae for a special event on Thursday, July 29 – ‘Cocktails and Conversations’ – to commemorate Girls Inc.’s 50th anniversary. Carpinteria Mayor Wade Nomura, Councilmember Natalia Alarcon and longtime supporters of the organization, including past board members Clyde Freeman, Sharon Organista and Gail Persoon, were among the guests to help kick off the celebrations.

Eureka! Program Graduates Fifth Cohort of College-Bound Girls

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2021 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on Friday announced its fifth cohort of Eureka! program participants has graduated high school and is gearing up for college this fall.

The group of 13 extraordinary young women proudly accepted their diplomas this week and will be heading off to colleges across the state – from UC Berkeley, to SBCC, UCLA, and Chapman University – or moving into their careers.

“We are beyond proud to see this group of dedicated young women achieve this significant milestone and prepare for the next big step in their academic and professional careers,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria. “Our girls have pushed past significant obstacles – including the challenges of this unprecedented year – but their determination to creating a path for success never wavered. We know they will continue to carry the Strong, Smart and Bold values with them in this next stage and look forward to seeing their continued growth.”

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Member Laura Flores Part of Virtual Graduation with Vice President Kamala Harris

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Laura Flores, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member and Carpinteria High School senior, was one of 100 students across the country who were invited to participate in a virtual graduation ceremony with Vice President Kamala Harris. The prime-time special aired May 23 on CNN.

Flores was one of three Girls Inc. seniors — all Teen Advocacy Council members — to participate and represent their fellow Girls Inc. members who are graduating from high school this year.

She was recently selected as a finalist for Jr. Carpinterian of the Year, and was recognized as a 2021 Girls Inc. National Scholar earlier this year. Ranked in the top 10% of her class, she graduates Carpinteria High with a 4.5 GPA and 25 units completed at Santa Barbara City College.

Laura Flores Selected to Join Girls Inc. National Advocacy Council

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2020 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member Laura Flores, 17, has been selected as one of 11 girls from Girls Inc. affiliates across the U.S. to serve on the 2020-2021 Girls Inc. National Teen Advocacy Council (TAC). Flores will be the second member from the Carpinteria affiliate to serve in this national leadership capacity.

The TAC is a leadership body made up of Girls Inc. high school students (ages 14-18) who advise and inform Girls Inc. National’s advocacy work, by learning about and sharing issues facing girls in their respective communities. TAC members support Girls Inc. advocacy efforts through writing blog posts, sharing messages on social media, and speaking publicly on behalf of the Girls Inc. network.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Launches Operation Holiday Cheer to Provide Gifts for Local Girls

by Community Contributor • November 27, 2020 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria on Nov. 23 announced the launch of Operation Holiday Cheer, a holiday giving program created to provide local girls and families with a brighter holiday season following the challenges of this year. Girls Inc. will collaborate with Presenting Sponsor Cox Communications to purchase holiday gifts for local girls and their families.

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Members Awarded $25K from Girls Inc. National Scholars Program

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2020 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria members Michelle Alpizar and Laura Flores have been awarded a total of $25,000 in college scholarships through the competitive Girls Inc. National Scholars Program. Alpizar and Flores are among 23 young women around the…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Announces New Winter Enrichment Programs

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2020 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Calling all girls! Girls Inc. of Carpinteria this week announced the launch of four new winter enrichment programs. The programs, which are open to members and non-members of the organization, offer opportunities for local girls to participate in…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to Honor Ann Garcelon at An Evening in Bloom Gala on Sept. 21

by Community Contributor • September 6, 2019 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will host “An Evening in Bloom” on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm at the Girls Inc. campus, 5315 Foothill Road in Carpinteria. This year’s Polynesian-themed gala will honor the late Ann Garcelon…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcomes Two New Board Members

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2019 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Trustees, Katie Convoy and Eric Neuron. “Katie and Eric bring extensive expertise in fundraising, business and management to our board, along with a…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria names new Executive Director

by Community Contributor • April 23, 2019 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria this week announced the appointment of nonprofit and youth services leader Jamie Balch Collins as the organization’s new executive director. She will begin serving in her new role on May 6. Collins will lead…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Earns Four-Star Rating From Charity Navigator

by Community Contributor • September 4, 2018 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. Since 2002, using objective analysis, Charity Navigator has awarded only the…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Welcomes New Board President, Three New Members

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2018 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is pleased to announce the election of a new board president, Theresa Huerta, and three newest members to its Board of Trustees: Dawn Howards, Chris Jacobs and Diana Rigby. Theresa Huerta is a seasoned,…

Fresh Futures Summer Camp Brings Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Members to SBCC Campus

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2018 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria members converged on the Santa Barbara City College campus for two weeks this summer as part the new Fresh Futures Summer Camp, a program designed to provide incoming fourth through seventh grade girls (ages…

Local Girls Inc. Member Awarded $20K Scholarship from National Scholars Program

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2017 • Comments Off

Carpinteria High senior Ana Delgado selected to speak at Girls Inc. National Luncheon in New York CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member Ana Delgado has been selected as a 2017 scholarship winner in the competitive Girls Inc. National Scholar Program. She is…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Alumna and National Scholar Andrea Delgado Takes ‘Strong, Smart, and Bold’ Experience Abroad

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2016 • Comments Off

Harvard pre-med student gains first-hand healthcare experience in Latin America CARPINTERIA — Andrea Delgado of Carpinteria joined Girls Inc. of Carpinteria when she was just five years old, attending the nonprofit’s After-School Enrichment and Summer Camp programs. Now, the 21-year-old is entering…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Members Visit Washington D.C.

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2016 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Ten local girls from Girls Inc. of Carpinteria recently returned from an inspiring trip to Washington D.C. as part of the organization’s Eureka! program, a five-year, college-bound program that aims to break gender stereotypes and encourages girls to…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Seeks Community Partners for STEM Fridays Program

by Community Contributor • February 29, 2016 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold, is formally launching a STEM Fridays program for kindergarten through fifth grade girls that will introduce them to STEM-related activities with hopes…

Kenya Rodriguez joins Girls Inc. of Carpinteria as new Eureka! and Teen Coordinator

by Amigos805.com • September 8, 2015 • Comments Off

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. In her new role, Rodriguez will design, implement and manage summer programming at UCSB, monthly meetings and…

August cover story: Local teens travel to D.C. to tour sights, talk politics

by Amigos805.com • August 1, 2015 • Comments Off

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria members visit with local representatives, discuss youth mentoring grants, STEM legislation, immigration and other pressing issues By Frank X. Moraga / Amigos805 After a long week of meeting with congressional representatives in Washington, D.C., discussing issues…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria to present eighth annual Mariachi Encuentro featuring Mariachi Diva on May 9

by Amigos805.com • May 4, 2015 • Comments Off

CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will present its eighth annual Mariachi Encuentro featuring Mariachi Divas from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 9 at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus, 5315 Foothill Road, Carpinteria. Coinciding with Mother’s Day, Mariachi Encuentro is…

Girls Inc. of Carpinteria announces three new board members

by Amigos805.com • July 30, 2014 • Comments Off

Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare join board of directors. Clyde Freeman named board president CARPINTERIA — Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold announced the appointment of Theresa Huerta and Tom Ligare…