LEAP: Learn. Engage. Advocate. Partner. invites the community to the 6th annual LEAP Awards, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the well-being of children and families throughout the Central Coast.
This year’s event will highlight the achievements of Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons, Ernesto Paredes, and Amir Abo-Shaeer, LEAP’s first-ever Distinguished Alumnus.
A virtual ceremony will take place 4-5 p.m. Thursday, March 13.
“We are thrilled to recognize these inspiring leaders who exemplify the spirit of service and dedication that LEAP stands for,” said Lori Goodman, executive director of LEAP.
“Dr. Fitzgibbons, through her exceptional medical leadership and education efforts at Cottage Hospital, and Ernesto Paredes, with his unwavering commitment to accessible transportation and community advocacy, have positively impacted countless lives,” she said.
“Amir Abo-Shaeer, as our Distinguished Alumnus, represents the transformative power of LEAP’s programs, and we are proud to celebrate his journey and contributions,” she said.
During the free, hour-long virtual ceremony, co-hosted by Goodman and local media personality Catherine Remak, viewers will hear heartfelt stories from staff, community members, and families about LEAP’s expanding services across Santa Barbara County.
The event will feature exclusive interviews with the honorees, spotlighting their accomplishments and dedication to building a thriving, inclusive community, LEAP said.
To ensure accessibility, the event will include interpretation and bilingual captions in English and Spanish.
Proceeds from the LEAP Awards will directly support community services, including:
• Early Education Programs and Children’s Centers
• Family Resource Center
• Diaper Bank, providing essential supplies to families in need
To register for the event, visit leapcentralcoast.org/leap-awards-2025/. For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, contact Kara Shoemaker at karas@leapcentralcoast.org.
The Honorees:
Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons is program director, Internal Medicine Residency Program at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, and medical director for Infection Prevention and Control
Dr. Fitzgibbons is an infectious disease specialist in Santa Barbara, where she plays a role in patient care, community health, and medical education.
She earned her medical degree from the UC San Diego, and completed her residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, followed by an infectious disease fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon.
Ernesto Paredes, executive director of Easy Lift, grew up in Santa Barbara, attending local public schools through SBCC before transferring to USC, where he earned his B.S. in gerontology.
His first job was with the Channel Islands YMCA, then in 1991, he accepted a position with Easy Lift Transportation. After serving as executive director for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), he returned to Easy Lift in 2005 as its executive director, where he continues his work as a community advocate.
Paredes has also been recognized for his community efforts. Recognitions include Court TV’s “Every Day Hero” national award, Santa Barbara Independent “Local Hero” award, Pacific Coast Times’ “40 under 40” award, Leadership of Santa Barbara County Distinguished Leaders award, San Marcos High School Foundation’s “Community Leader” award, and the “Man of the Year” award from the Santa Barbara Foundation.
Amir Abo-Shaeer is a Dos Pueblos High School teacher; MacArthur Fellow in Residence; and co-founder of Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy.
Abo-Shaeer graduated from UCSB with a Bachelor’s degree in physics and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and education
Before becoming a teacher, he was a mechanical engineer working on research and development in academia, the aerospace industry, and the telecommunications industry.
He began teaching science and engineering at Dos Pueblos High School in 2001. In 2010 Abo-Shaeer was named a MacArthur Fellow and has won numerous awards for his work in education.
Currently, he and his wife Emily Shaeer, who is institute director at the DP Engineering Academy, also are working to establish a first-of-its-kind Center for Creative Learning on the Dos Pueblos High School campus. The new facility will house original exhibits designed and fabricated by students in a large gallery.
The new facility will enable a re-envisioning of the way that students’ time during the school day is harnessed for authentic community engagement and contribution.
For more information, visit www.leapcentralcoast.org.