Gina Carbajal, chief programs officer at the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara, was one of 11 women from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties honored by state Sen. Monique Limón in separate Women of the Year ceremonies on March 20 and 21. The honorees were recognized for their efforts in support of local students, women, children, small businesses, farmers, healthcare providers, and communities in need. The Santa Barbara ceremony took place March 20 at the Braille Institute.
“As the vice chair of the bipartisan California Legislative Women’s Caucus, it is my honor to recognize 11 women in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties as Women of the Year,” said Sen. Limón in a statement. “Each woman has left her mark on her industry and plays an important role in the success of her organization. As a former Woman of the Year, I know just how much this award means to our honorees and I want to congratulate them on this well-earned achievement.”
Mrs. Carbajal, whose lengthy career in the nonprofit sector has included leadership roles at organizations serving local children, families, and disabled individuals, began serving as chief programs officer at Scholarship Foundation in December 2024. Prior to joining the Scholarship Foundation, she served as development director for Special Olympics in Santa Barbara County, having previously been the organization’s regional director. Earlier, Mrs. Carbajal served as executive director of United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, director of health promotion at Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, and as regional program manager for the Community Action Commission’s Head Start services in Southern Santa Barbara County. She has served on the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women and as a Board member for Sarah House, among other organizations, and currently volunteers for the Congressional Club’s First Lady’s Luncheon.
In a separate development, the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women honored Mrs. Carbajal with a 2025 Women’s History Month Service Award during a County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 18. Five women were honored for outstanding service to the community, one from each county district. Mrs. Carbajal was the third district awardee.
“Gina has made a career of lending a helping hand to people in need throughout our community and now is contributing to the impactful work at the Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara,” said Foundation President and CEO Melinda Cabrera. “We are tremendously proud to have her on our team and congratulate her on these richly deserved honors.”
The Scholarship Foundation of Santa Barbara is the nation’s largest community-based provider of college scholarships, having cumulatively awarded in excess of $150 million to some 62,000 county students since its founding in 1962. A nonprofit organization, the Scholarship Foundation also provides free financial aid advising services. For additional information, visit www.sbscholarship.org.
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