Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara is thrilled to announce the appointment of six individuals to its Board of Directors. These new members bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and passion for empowering young girls and women in our community.

The new members are:

Melissa Guillen, COO, Backyard Bowls
Lauren Hudspeth, strategy and operations consultant
Kendall Lindenbaum, vice president of consultant relations, Progyny, Inc.
Mike Loeza, training and development manager, Towbes Group
Nicole Noren, documentary filmmaker and journalist, ESPN
Angela Scott, founder, The Office of Angela Scott footwear company

“We are delighted to welcome this talented group to our Board of Directors,” said Cydney Justman, interim executive director. “Their collective expertise and commitment to our mission will undoubtedly strengthen our positive impact for the girls and community we serve.”

Paul Portney, chair of the Board of Directors, added, “Our strong board just got much stronger, and we are excited to welcome these outstanding individuals.”

Each new member brings a unique set of skills and perspectives. These leaders have demonstrated a commitment to community service and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing girls today.

“I am honored to join the Board of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara, an organization that is making a tangible difference in the lives of girls in our community,” said Lauren Hudspeth. “I have seen and believe in the transformative power of education, mentorship and empowerment, and am looking forward to working with the dedicated team to further our impactful programs and increase our reach.”

The incoming board members will join a dynamic team of leaders committed to advancing the organization’s goals and expanding its reach within the Greater Santa Barbara community.

“Being a first-generation college graduate from the Central Coast, it is imperative to me that opportunities for growth and empowerment are extended to as many young individuals as possible, as it plays a vital role in our community’s well-being and future,” said Nicole Noren. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the Girls Inc. team, fellow board members, and the broader community to further support the organization’s mission.”

To learn more about the newly appointed board members, click here.

This post is an excerpt from an article published in the January, 20 2024 issue of the Noozhawk.