Save The Date
15th Annual
AWC-SB Women of Achievement Awards
The Santa Barbara chapter of the Association for Women in Communications annually honors exceptional women who use their talents as communicators to improve our community.
The chapter is pleased to honor two climate champions in 2023 for their bold communication for a sustainable future. This annual, inspirational event brings together prominent leaders in our community in a celebration of empowered women communicators.
Meet our 2023 Honorees

Hillary Hauser
Executive Director of Heal the Ocean and author
Dr. Leah Stokes
Assoc. Professor of Environmental Politics UCSB

Thursday, April 27, 2023
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Cabrillo Pavilion
1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Sponsorship Opportunities are Available Here
#WomenOfAchievement

(Back L-R): Monica Kunz, Lysa Urban, Hillary Blackerby, Geordie Scully, Lily Dallow, Brooke Holland, Kacey Drescher
(Front L-R): Samantha Scroggin, Lauren Bianchi Klemann, Christina Favuzzi
Additional committee members include: Shelly Cone, Jennifer LeMay, Jade Martinez-Pogue, and Hannah Sullivan
“Personal and organizational resiliency lies within our ability to connect and communicate in an open way that reveals our whole selves — be it about race, gender or other challenging topics,
Women of Achievement Past Recipients
~ 2022~
“Navigating Uncharted Waters”
Santa Barbara Public Health, Van Do-Reynoso
Santa Barbara County Public Health, Jackie Ruiz
Santa Barbara Public Health, Van Do-Reynoso
Santa Barbara County Executive Office, Mona Miyasato
Santa Barbara County Executive Office, Terri Nisich
Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, Suzanne Grimmessey
Former Santa Barbara Communications Manager, Gina DePinto
~ 2020-21 ~
“Vision, Voice, and Advocacy for a New Generation”
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara Barbara Ben-Horin
Santa Barbara City College & Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee Luz Reyes-Martin
~ 2019 ~
“Making a Difference With Stories that Matter”
KEYT Journalist and Anchor Beth Farnsworth
Strategic Samurai Kymberlee Weil
~ 2018 ~
“Courageous Communicators”
State Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson
Dr. Carrie Hutchinson, Chair of the Communication Department SBCC
~ 2017 ~
“Inspirational Women Leaders: Communication, Empowerment, Outcomes”
Helene Schneider, Former Mayor, Santa Barbara
Patty DeDominic, Founder, International Women’s Festival
~ 2016 ~
“Women Stand Up, Speak Out”
Lois Capps, Former Congresswoman
Dr. Lois Phillips, Communications Consultant and Founder AWC-SB
~ 2015 ~
“Pioneers for Change: Communication, Community, Choice”
Sigrid Wright, Director, Earth Day Festival
Marilyn Tam, Author, The Happiness Choice
~ 2014 ~
“Giving Voice: Leadership, Education, Community”
Nancy Leffert, President. Antioch University
Marianne Partridge, Editor in Chief, Santa Barbara Independent
~ 2013 ~
“Money Matters: Journalism, Justice, and Empowerment”
Kathleen Sharp, Author, Blood Medicine
Marsha Bailey, Founder and CEO, Women’s Economic Ventures
~ 2012 ~
“From Breaking News to Awakening the Muse” Perie Longo, SB Poet Laureate Emerita
Paula Lopez, Television journalist
~ 2011 ~
“From Ink to Internet: Honoring Visionaries in Communication”
Lynda Weinman, Founder, Lynda.com
Starshine Roshell, Syndicated columnist
~ 2010 ~
“Writing Truth, Empowering Women”
Sara Miller McCune, Publisher, Sage Communications
Marcia Meier, Author and Director, SB Writers Conference
~ 2009 ~
“Championing Leaders, Building Relationships, Recognizing Excellence”
Catherine Remak, Radio host
Ann Louise Bardach, Journalist
~ 2008 ~
Producer Deborah Hutchinson
and reporters at the Santa Barbara News Press including Jane Hulse, Melinda Burns,
Dawn Hobbs, Melissa Evans, and Anna Davison
In the News
- “6 Honored with Women of Achievement Award” – Santa Barbara News-Press
- “AWC-SB 14th Annual Women Achievement Awards Luncheon” – Edhat
- “Women of Achievement Awards to honor six resilient communicators” – Coastal View News
- 12th Annual Women of Achievement Awards in the Montecito Journal (page 28)
- “Carpinteria represents at the 12th Annual Women of Achievement Awards luncheon”
- Santa Barbara Applauds Women’s History Month Celebrate with the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications