By Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler
The AWC-SB November event, “Kiss Your Stress Goodbye,” followed by the 2024 Founder’s Awards, was a night to remember. Hosted at the beautifully appointed Workzones Paseo Nuevo, the event drew a full house of members, new faces, and honored guests.
The evening kicked off with an introduction by Ana Papakhian, setting the tone for a dynamic and inspiring program. The first section of the event featured a calming and informative presentation by licensed psychologist Victoria Gonzalez. She guided attendees through practical stress-relief techniques, including a hands-on session of breathing exercises and guided meditation to help navigate today’s stressors.
The second part of the evening celebrated the future of journalism with the 2024 Founders Awards. AWC-SB co-founder Lois Phillips proudly presented the awards to three outstanding student journalists: Cebelli Pfeifer, Joyce Chi, and Rosie Bultman, representing UCSB/KCSB-FM and SBCC. Each honoree spoke eloquently about their passion for journalism and their dedication to truth and objectivity, offering an inspiring glimpse into the future of the profession. Each recipient was presented with a glass award as a token of recognition for their achievements.
The warm and welcoming atmosphere allowed for meaningful connections and networking throughout the evening, reinforcing the strength of the AWC-SB community. Attendees enjoyed the exceptional hospitality of Workzones, whose versatile and pristine event spaces proved the perfect venue for the occasion.
The night was a perfect blend of stress-relief strategies, celebration of excellence, and the camaraderie that defines AWC-SB. Here’s to the continued success of our members and the inspiring future of communication and journalism!