Hone Your Elevator Pitch … and Practice It!
The Association for Women in Communication – Santa Barbara Chapter
Wednesday, September 8, 5:30 p.m. (ZOOM)
Do you ever feel taken aback or tongue-tied when asked what you do? Tune up your 30- to 60-second elevator pitch with tips from storyteller, speaker coach, and an AWC-SB Woman of Achievement honoree Kymberlee Weil—and then use it to network with a stellar group of communications professionals. Join the next meeting of AWC-SB on Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom for a chance to polish the story of your skills and talents, plus an opportunity to get to know local writers, coaches, designers, broadcasters, and others.
There is no cost for AWC-SB members, and the fee for nonmembers is $10. Visit https://awcsb.org/ or email news@awcsb.org for more information. (The September meeting will be on Zoom but the plan is to return to in-person meetings as soon as community COVID levels decrease. Being vaccinated will help.)
About Kymberlee Weil
Crushing it. Two words with unlimited potential of possibility. That describes the life path perfectly for Kymberlee Weil.
How else could one possibly explain a person who holds the distinction of NCAA Woman of the Year, 4th Degree Master Level Black Belt, MBA educated, author of two books on technology, founder of an award-winning software company, winner of both The Association for Women in Communications’ Women of Achievement Award and The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award for Professional Services, trainer of over 500 TEDx speakers, improv comedy performer and trainer, international speaker and creator of StorytellingSchool.com, which specializes in high-stakes short-form storytelling to help thought leaders expand their influence.
Kymberlee’s determination to defy her own barriers fused with her unique combination of storytelling, spontaneity, and strategy has resulted in a powerful communication approach that has drawn the likes of CEOs, high-net-worth individuals, influencers, and entrepreneurs the world over.
Links:
Website: https://storytellingschool.com/
Podcast: https://storytellingschool.com/podcast/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/storytellingschool/
Hone Your Elevator Pitch … and Practice It!
The Association for Women in Communication – Santa Barbara Chapter
Wednesday, September 8, 5:30 p.m. (ZOOM)
Do you ever feel taken aback or tongue-tied when asked what you do? Tune up your 30- to 60-second elevator pitch with tips from storyteller, speaker coach, and an AWC-SB Woman of Achievement honoree Kymberlee Weil—and then use it to network with a stellar group of communications professionals. Join the next meeting of AWC-SB on Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom for a chance to polish the story of your skills and talents, plus an opportunity to get to know local writers, coaches, designers, broadcasters, and others.
There is no cost for AWC-SB members, and the fee for nonmembers is $10. Visit https://awcsb.org/ or email news@awcsb.org for more information. (The September meeting will be on Zoom but the plan is to return to in-person meetings as soon as community COVID levels decrease. Being vaccinated will help.)
About Kymberlee Weil
Crushing it. Two words with unlimited potential of possibility. That describes the life path perfectly for Kymberlee Weil.
How else could one possibly explain a person who holds the distinction of NCAA Woman of the Year, 4th Degree Master Level Black Belt, MBA educated, author of two books on technology, founder of an award-winning software company, winner of both The Association for Women in Communications’ Women of Achievement Award and The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award for Professional Services, trainer of over 500 TEDx speakers, improv comedy performer and trainer, international speaker and creator of StorytellingSchool.com, which specializes in high-stakes short-form storytelling to help thought leaders expand their influence.
Kymberlee’s determination to defy her own barriers fused with her unique combination of storytelling, spontaneity, and strategy has resulted in a powerful communication approach that has drawn the likes of CEOs, high-net-worth individuals, influencers, and entrepreneurs the world over.
Links:
Website: https://storytellingschool.com/
Podcast: https://storytellingschool.com/podcast/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/storytellingschool/
Connect. Engage. Advance
Inclusive Communication—From Using Pronouns to Uncovering Unconscious Biases
Professional communicators want to reach as wide an audience as possible, but sometimes inadvertently say or write something that derails the message. No question that it can be difficult to navigate personal and social rules, guidelines, and preferences, which seem to evolve at an ever-increasing rate. But it’s not impossible. Join AWC-SB on Wednesday, November 3, 5:30 p.m. on Zoom, to hear from educators and diversity advocates Cheri Gurse and Anita Perez Ferguson, who will discuss best practices and ways to evaluate and elevate our language.
About the presenting speakers: Cheri Gurse, PhD in Human Development, is an educator, activist, and mentor with more than 30 years professional experience in university classrooms, nonprofit organizations, and community spaces. She is an expert small-group facilitator specializing in building trust across differences; diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice facilitation; and advocacy for individuals who have experienced gender-based harm.
Anita Perez Ferguson, Ph.D., is a cross-cultural educator and consultant. Her work in advocacy and promotion of under-represented communities earned her the 2014 Lacayo Lifetime Achievement Award from the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. She is an Advisor and Former Chair for the InterAmerican Foundation and a Visiting Lecturer for the Council for Independent Colleges.
Member Spotlight: Justine Sutton graduated from UCSB in 1988 and has adopted Santa Barbara as her hometown. A freelance journalist since her 1991 editorial internship at the SB Independent, she has written for a variety of local media outlets since then, including the News-Press, Independent, Noozhawk, Montecito Magazine, Seasons Magazine, Cannabis by the Sea, and the new UCSB alumni magazine. In addition, she writes fiction and memoir and is working on her first novel. She is also in training as a voice-over artist and has dabbled in improv, storytelling, and stand-up comedy. Last year Justine became a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®, providing customized weddings, funerals, and ceremonies to mark all important moments in life. She has been an AWC-SB member and volunteer on and off for a decade and serves as chapter “scribe” by writing recaps of the monthly meetings.
The meeting will be held via Zoom. To register, visit There is no charge for AWC-SB members; there is a $10 charge for nonmembers. To register, visit https://awcsb.org/inclusive-communication/.
AWC-SB Member Bonus: Receive a Local Media Contact List with details on how to submit your freelance pitches or nonprofit news. Not an AWC-SB Member? Join now and save $50. Our AWC Membership Drive runs through the end of October. For more information and assistance, contact Carolyn Jabs, membership chair at membership@awcsb.org.
ABOUT AWC & AWC-SB
AWC is a national organization which has been encouraging women to develop their skills as communicators for over 100 years. The Santa Barbara chapter sponsors monthly meetings which help women at all stages of their careers stay current with important developments in the technology, practice, psychology and ethics of communications. Members are also encouraged to assume leadership roles in the organization, their careers and their communities. For more information, including upcoming events, go to awcsb.org.
Inclusive Communication—From Using Pronouns to Uncovering Unconscious Biases
Professional communicators want to reach as wide an audience as possible, but sometimes inadvertently say or write something that derails the message. No question that it can be difficult to navigate personal and social rules, guidelines, and preferences, which seem to evolve at an ever-increasing rate. But it’s not impossible. Join AWC-SB on Wednesday, November 3, 5:30 p.m. on Zoom, to hear from educators and diversity advocates Cheri Gurse and Anita Perez Ferguson, who will discuss best practices and ways to evaluate and elevate our language.
About the presenting speakers: Cheri Gurse, PhD in Human Development, is an educator, activist, and mentor with more than 30 years professional experience in university classrooms, nonprofit organizations, and community spaces. She is an expert small-group facilitator specializing in building trust across differences; diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice facilitation; and advocacy for individuals who have experienced gender-based harm.
Anita Perez Ferguson, Ph.D., is a cross-cultural educator and consultant. Her work in advocacy and promotion of under-represented communities earned her the 2014 Lacayo Lifetime Achievement Award from the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. She is an Advisor and Former Chair for the InterAmerican Foundation and a Visiting Lecturer for the Council for Independent Colleges.
Member Spotlight: Justine Sutton graduated from UCSB in 1988 and has adopted Santa Barbara as her hometown. A freelance journalist since her 1991 editorial internship at the SB Independent, she has written for a variety of local media outlets since then, including the News-Press, Independent, Noozhawk, Montecito Magazine, Seasons Magazine, Cannabis by the Sea, and the new UCSB alumni magazine. In addition, she writes fiction and memoir and is working on her first novel. She is also in training as a voice-over artist and has dabbled in improv, storytelling, and stand-up comedy. Last year Justine became a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®, providing customized weddings, funerals, and ceremonies to mark all important moments in life. She has been an AWC-SB member and volunteer on and off for a decade and serves as chapter “scribe” by writing recaps of the monthly meetings.
The meeting will be held via Zoom. To register, visit There is no charge for AWC-SB members; there is a $10 charge for nonmembers. To register, visit https://awcsb.org/inclusive-communication/.
AWC-SB Member Bonus: Receive a Local Media Contact List with details on how to submit your freelance pitches or nonprofit news. Not an AWC-SB Member? Join now and save $50. Our AWC Membership Drive runs through the end of October. For more information and assistance, contact Carolyn Jabs, membership chair at membership@awcsb.org.
ABOUT AWC & AWC-SB
AWC is a national organization which has been encouraging women to develop their skills as communicators for over 100 years. The Santa Barbara chapter sponsors monthly meetings which help women at all stages of their careers stay current with important developments in the technology, practice, psychology and ethics of communications. Members are also encouraged to assume leadership roles in the organization, their careers and their communities. For more information, including upcoming events, go to awcsb.org.
As professional communicators, we want to reach as wide an audience as possible, but sometimes we inadvertently write or say something that derails our message. Join AWC-SB on Wednesday, November 3…
The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts (TFPA) is now accepting grant applications!
TFPA grants invest in, nurture, and grow the arts sector by offering support to nonprofit organizations that provide quality performing art opportunities in Santa Barbara County.
The deadline to apply is October 1, 2021. To view Grant Guidelines, visit https://bit.ly/TFPA2021
The Towbes Fund for the Performing Arts (TFPA) is now accepting grant applications!
TFPA grants invest in, nurture, and grow the arts sector by offering support to nonprofit organizations that provide quality performing art opportunities in Santa Barbara County.
The deadline to apply is October 1, 2021. To view Grant Guidelines, visit https://bit.ly/TFPA2021
Does your nonprofit focus on serving senior citizens in southern Santa Barbara County?
If so, you may be eligible for the Senior Programs of Santa Barbara Grant Program! Senior Programs grants are available to support programs and projects directed to the welfare of senior citizens in the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria.
The application deadline is November 30, 2021. To review eligibility and apply, visit
Does your nonprofit focus on serving senior citizens in southern Santa Barbara County?
If so, you may be eligible for the Senior Programs of Santa Barbara Grant Program! Senior Programs grants are available to support programs and projects directed to the welfare of senior citizens in the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria.
The application deadline is November 30, 2021. To review eligibility and apply, visit
Does your nonprofit focus on serving senior citizens in southern Santa Barbara County?
If so, you may be eligible for the Senior Programs of Santa Barbara Grant Program! Senior Programs grants are available to support programs and projects directed to the welfare of senior citizens in the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta and Carpinteria.
The application deadline is November 30, 2021. To review eligibility and apply, visit https://bit.ly/SeniorPrograms2021
Please join Hospice of Santa Barbara virtually on September 22, 2021 for their 9th annual Heroes of Hospice event! Heroes of Hospice is an important source of funding to help families through crippling grief and life-threatening illness. This year’s event will be held virtually, starting at 6:00 p.m. PDT. With any donation of $50 or more, you will receive access to the virtual event. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Get your tickets today!
Please join Hospice of Santa Barbara virtually on September 22, 2021 for their 9th annual Heroes of Hospice event! Heroes of Hospice is an important source of funding to help families through crippling grief and life-threatening illness. This year’s event will be held virtually, starting at 6:00 p.m. PDT. With any donation of $50 or more, you will receive access to the virtual event. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. Get your tickets today! https://www.hospiceofsb.org/heroes