Girls Inc. of Carpinteria will host Fuel Her Fire, a fundraiser previously known as Women of Inspiration, 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 4 at the Girls Inc. campus.
Fuel Her Fire is a fundraising and mentorship event designed to champion Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s “STRONG, SMART, and BOLD” mission, celebrating the contributions of community leaders who have inspired girls in the community.
This year’s event will honor three individuals whose commitment and dedication have impacted the lives of young girls in Carpinteria.
The honorees are Sonia Aguila, Tim Cohen, and junior honoree Ellie Lou Olvera.
From the start of her journey in a small town near Guadalajara, Mexico, Aguila went on to become a celebrated educator, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.
With 26 years of experience as an educator, her advocacy for bilingual education and empowering students have earned her the titles of Carpinteria Unified School District Teacher of the Year in 2017, California Bilingual Teacher of the Year in 2022, and National Bilingual Teacher of the Year in 2023.
A longtime resident of Carpinteria, Cohen was instrumental in the growth and development of Girls Inc. He served on the Board of Directors for 12 years and played a pivotal role in the design and construction of our current facility on Foothill Road.
After concluding his career at an international engineering and environmental services consulting firm, Cohen is inolved in the Carpinteria community, currently serving as the board chair at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center. He also maintains an affiliation with UCSB’s Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, serving on the Dean’s Council.
Olvera, a Fuel Her Fire junior honoree and resident of Carpinteria, embodies the spirit of advocacy and innovation. She has been recognized for her dedication to combating period poverty, a cause affecting a significant portion of the population.
Through her research and experimentation with various eco-friendly materials, Olvera strives to create affordable, safe and reusable menstrual pads, earning her the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Award at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
Olvera also volunteers, plays water sports, and practices flamenco dance, all while homeschooling through Santa Barbara Charter School in Goleta. She aspires to become an environmental engineer.
“Fuel Her Fire is a celebration of all those who champion women and girls’ success,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria. “As we honor Sonia, Tim and Ellie, we’re reminded of the transformative impact individuals can have on the lives of girls. Join us in celebrating their dedication and unwavering support for empowering the next generation of strong, smart, and bold leaders.”
Fuel Her Fire will also celebrate the five Girls Inc. Teens who received Girls Inc. National college scholarships. One of them won a $20,000 scholarship from Powerade, a Girls Inc. National partner.
The evening will feature a cocktail hour, light bites, raffle, and opportunities to contribute to Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s vital mission.
Tickets for Fuel Her Fire are available now for $30 online at www.girlsinc-carp.org.