FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Aubry Watkins
Aubry@GirlsInc-Carp.org
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Celebrates Leadership and Welcomes New Board Members
CARPINTERIA, CA (June 26, 2025) – Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is proud to announce the acceptance of two leadership staff into prestigious national leadership programs and the addition of two exceptional women to its Board of Directors, deepening the organization’s commitment to strong, smart, and bold leadership at every level.
Melissa Cornejo, Campus-Based Program Manager at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, has been selected to join the newest cohort of the Girls Inc. National Leadership Accelerator Program—an intensive, year-long professional development experience designed to strengthen leadership across the Girls Inc. network. This program supports and cultivates the next generation of organizational leaders through targeted learning opportunities, collaborative peer communities, and hands-on skill-building to expand each participant’s leadership capacity.
“What excites me most about this program is working alongside other inspirational leaders at Girls Inc. I’m honored to be accepted into this national leadership program and excited to bring back new skills, insights, and inspiration to empower the girls of Carpinteria,” said Cornejo.
Executive Director, Jamie Collins has also been accepted into the inaugural cohort of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership’s Nonprofit Executive Leader Roundtable, a year-long leadership series designed to foster high-impact executive growth and peer learning across the nonprofit sector.
“These opportunities are a testament to the depth of talent and dedication within our organization,” said Board President, Angelina Lane. “We’re thrilled to see both Melissa and Jamie stepping into these well-deserved roles of influence and growth.”
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria recently welcomed Madeline Balser as its new Development Director. With over five years of nonprofit experience and a background in international aid, Madeline brings deep expertise in fundraising, donor engagement, and communications. She holds a Master’s in Public Health and is a certified Fertility Awareness Educator. Madeline is passionate about girls’ empowerment and reproductive health and is thrilled to join the Girls Inc. community.
Additionally, Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is delighted to welcome Alexandra Crew and Hallie Greene to its Board of Directors, effective July 2025.
Alexandra Crew is the Corporate Strategy Director at SCAN, a nonprofit healthcare organization based in Southern California, where she oversees enterprise alignment and strategic initiatives. She previously worked in strategy consulting and has published thought leadership in AI ethics with Ethical Intelligence and One HealthTech. Alexandra holds degrees from Stanford (BAS) and the University of Oxford (MSc). An alum of Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest, she credits the program for helping her find her voice. She enjoys painting, writing, and hiking, and lives in the Los Angeles area.
Hallie Greene serves in business operations and product strategy at ViQi, a biotechnology company in Santa Barbara. She brings a background in strategic planning and nonprofit governance, with past roles at Cate School and Valiente College Prep. Hallie earned an MBA and Master of Public Policy from UCLA and resides in Carpinteria with her husband and three children. She has been the beneficiary of programs that support girls and women, including a Forté Foundation fellowship for women in business, and is excited to help the next generation access similar opportunities.
“We are thrilled to welcome Hallie and Alexandra to our board,” said Executive Director Jamie Collins. “They both bring deep personal passion and professional insight that will help us continue building a bold future for girls in our community.”
The Girls Inc. of Carpinteria Executive Committee for the coming term will include President Peter Dugre, Vice President Hayley Fedders, Treasurer Amber Kaplan, and Secretary Kirsten Jenkins. This dedicated group of leaders, alongside the full Board of Directors and staff, will help guide the organization through the implementation of a bold new strategic framework focused on deepening impact and expanding access for girls in our community.
As we look ahead, we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Diana Rigby and Katie Convoy, who are rolling off the board after more than six years of outstanding service. Their unwavering commitment, leadership, and belief in the mission of Girls Inc. have helped shape a stronger, more resilient organization. We are deeply thankful for the legacy they leave behind and their lasting impact on the lives of the girls we serve.
For more information about Girls Inc. of Carpinteria or open board and committee positions, please email, Jamie Collins jamie@girlsinc-carp.org or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org
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Girls Inc. of Carpinteria is a member of Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our programming focuses on the development of the whole girl: we deliver life-changing programs and experiences designed to equip girls to overcome serious barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. A combination of long-lasting mentoring relationships, a pro-girl environment and research-based programming prepares girls to lead fulfilling and productive lives and become role models in their community. Girls Inc. of Carpinteria currently serves more than 1100 youth in the Carpinteria Valley, from Pre-K through 12th grade. To learn more, become a volunteer or offer support, please visit www.girlsinc-carp.org/.
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