Emily Jacobs, named one of the Top 10 Scientists to watch by Science News, will be the keynote speaker at Women United’s annual luncheon, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 22 at the Music Academy of the West’s Kuehn Court.
Jacobs is a professor of neuroscience at UC Santa Barbara and director of the Ann S. Bowers Women’s Brain Health Initiative. Her talk will address her extensive body of research, which is redefining the understanding of the brain’s capacity to undergo dynamic neuroanatomical changes and plasticity well into adulthood.
In addition to insights learned from her work in women’s brain health and development, Jacobs will talk about her personal journey as a trailblazer in STEM; the importance of diverse educational opportunities for young girls; and the power of women in transforming the world around them, event organizers said.
Jacobs is a graduate of Smith College and UC Berkeley. She serves on the steering committee of the Women’s Brain Health Coalition, the Milken Institute’s Women’s Health Network, 51 Foundation, and the WHAM Research Collaborative to drive the national and international agenda on women’s health research.
In recognition of her body of work, Jacobs was named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health and Society Scholar, a National Institutes of Health Women’s Health Fellow, and a National Academy of Sciences Frontiers of Science Fellow for “distinguished young scientists under 45.”
Her work has been featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, NPR, TED, and MasterClass.
The luncheon program will also feature a welcome hour, live music, catered lunch. Member and general admission tickets and event sponsorships are available at unitedwaysb.org/United-Luncheon.
Women United is an affinity group of United Way of Santa Barbara County, recognizing women in its supporter network who contribute to the organization’s programs across each of its focus areas: Academic Achievement, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency.
The membership is comprised of local women in philanthropy, business, and community impact who give back through volunteering and support for United Way at events throughout the year.
In 2025, eligible members generated more than $350,000 in contributions to United Way, fueling innovative programs in early learning and education opportunities for Santa Barbara County youth and families.