by Justine Sutton
On Friday, April 30th, AWC-SB was proud to welcome members and guests to the 2020-21 Women of Achievement Awards presented by Women Connect4Good, honoring Barbara Ben-Horin, former CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, and Luz Reyes-Martin, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Santa Barbara City College.
With the theme, โVision, Voice, Advocacy for a New Generation,โ the virtual event was emceed by the effervescent Starshine Roshell, herself a past Women of Achievement awardee, and live streamed with flair by DJ Gavin Roy. Weโve all attended too many Zoom gatherings plagued with technical difficulties and awkward pauses–in contrast, this event was refreshingly smooth and well-organized.
As the former CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, Barbara Ben-Horinโs professional commitment to communication intersects with her passion for advocacy and social justice. Under Barbaraโs leadership, hundreds of girls receive the resources they need to grow up to be healthy, educated and independent.
โBarbara, what an inspiring professional evolution you have to share,โ said Lisa Danhi, AWC-SBโs Board Secretary. โThank you for your commitment and contribution to our community!โ
AWC-SB member Paula Lopez Ochoa said, โCongratulations Barbara! Thank you for your service and your inspiring words.โ
Click Here to view a replay of the Women of AWC-SB 13th Women of Achievement Awards presented by Women Connect4Good
Luz Reyes-Martin identifies as a communications professional, advocate, mother and feminist. She has expertise in the fields of communications, public affairs, marketing and land use planning, which she uses in her role as executive director of communications for Santa Barbara City College. Reyes-Martin also serves as a member of the Goleta Unified School District Board and president of the Santa Barbara Womenโs Political Committee.
โI want to be as cool as Luz when I grow up!โ said Hillary Blackerby. โWe are so much richer for being in community with (her).โ
โLuz, your commitment, intellect, and positivity is a treasure for all of us!โ said Santa Barbara County Supervisor, Das Williams.
To view a replay of the live stream event click here. For full information on the honorees, sponsors, and more, click here to see the event program guide.
Justine Suttonย graduated from UCSB and has adopted Santa Barbara as her hometown. Sheโs a freelance writer, certified in Weddings and Funerals as a Life-Cycle Celebrantยฎ and is currently training as a voice actor.