GIRLS INC. OF GREATER SANTA BARBARA APPOINTS CYDNEY JUSTMAN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SANTA BARBARA, CA – Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara (GIGSB), a local nonprofit with a mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold, today announced the appointment of Cydney Justman as the organization’s Executive Director. In this role, Justman will provide strategic leadership of the organization and oversight of all GIGSB programming, advocacy, staff leadership and community engagement. She will also drive efforts to expand access to programming across Santa Barbara County and usher Girls Inc. into a new chapter of innovative programming and partnerships. Justman, who served as Interim Executive Director since June 2023, reports to the GIGSB Board of Directors.

“The Board of Directors is thrilled that Cydney has accepted the role of executive for GIGSB. Cydney’s leadership, innovation, strategic thinking and focus on Santa Barbara’s youth is exactly what we need at this time. We are truly excited about the future of our organization,” said Tracy Jenkins, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.

Justman served as Diplomatic Liaison at the World Health Organization (WHO)/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) from 2021 to 2023 where she spearheaded and managed strategic partnerships and philanthropic investments for Member States to optimize emergency response and recovery efforts. She previously served as Senior Program Manager, Emergency Response at Direct Relief, where she led the organization’s humanitarian efforts and high-impact partnerships across Latin America for 8 years. Prior to moving to Santa Barbara, Justman worked with Duke Emergency Medicine, contributing to global health research focused on socioeconomic determinants of risk behavior, while stationed in Northern Argentina.

“As I transition my focus from global health to the heart of our local community, I am very excited by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact right here at home. I firmly believe that real change begins within our own neighborhoods, and I am committed to leveraging my experience to ensure that every girl in our community has the support and resources she needs to thrive,” said Justman.

About Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. is a network of 75 local affiliate organizations across the United States and Canada, serving thousands of girls 5-18 years of age each year, working toward the vision of powerful girls in an equitable society. Through mentorship, direct service and advocacy, Girls Inc. equips girls with the knowledge and skills to effect positive changes in their lives and to become leaders who will change the world. Professionally trained staff and volunteers provide mentorship, safe spaces, and programming that address the unique challenges girls face and are proven to help girls succeed, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Together with partners and supporters, Girls Inc. is building the new generation of leaders. Join us at girlsincsb.org.