Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara will host Bright Girls, Bold Futures, a fundraising event and community celebration honoring the life and legacy of Stina Hans, a longtime supporter and community leader.
The event will be 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the Santa Barbara Club. All proceeds will benefit the Stina Hans Impact Fund, supporting Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara’s programs offered at no cost to the community.
For more than 67 years, Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara has championed girls and young women, equipping them to overcome gender, economic, and social barriers and preparing them to thrive in every stage of life.
Bright Girls, Bold Futures will be a joyful celebration of resilience, courage, and the limitless potential of girls, the organization said.
The evening’s program will include:
- Keynote address from Lynn Scarlett, former deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and former Girls Inc. board member.
- Stories from Girls Inc. girls, whose voices embody the impact and promise of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara’s mission.
- A tribute to Hans, followed by a paddle raise to launch an impact fund in her name.
- Live music from Miriam Dance
The Stina Hans Impact Fund supports Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara’s programs offered at no cost in local schools and at their Goleta Valley Center on Hollister Avenue, providing some 250 girls with the confidence, curiosity, and mentorship that are the hallmarks of the Girls Inc. experience, Girls Inc. said.
“Funding guarantees that every girl, no matter her financial circumstances, can benefit from the transformative power of Girls Inc. programs that inspire her to be strong, smart, and bold,” Girls Inc. said.
Hans embodied these values in every aspect of her life. A Santa Barbara resident for some 40 years, she was a tireless advocate for women and girls, serving on the board of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara and holding leadership roles for two decades with the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara.
“Her generosity was matched only by her grace and determination. Whether hosting philanthropic events in her home, mentoring fellow volunteers, or simply offering wise counsel, Stina touched hundreds of lives with her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to community,” the organization said.
“Stina was a devoted champion for girls and we salute her passion, dedication and generosity. Her legacy will live on through the Stina Hans Impact Fund,” said Christy Kelso, event co-chair and longtime friend of Hans.
“It is truly an honor to celebrate Stina’s impact and legacy on Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara,” said Cydney Justman, executive director. “Stina showed us that bold leadership isn’t about recognition, but about ensuring that girls have every opportunity to thrive.
“Her steadfast focus, vision, and unwavering commitment continues to guide us, reminding me each day of the power of perseverance and purpose.”
The event is sponsored by Mechanics Bank, Google Quantum AI, BlueStar Parking, Montecito Bank & Trust, Projects General Construction, Cresset Capital, Fidelity National Title, and SBCCFoundation.
Additional sponsors include Renee Alexandre, Jody Dolan Holehouse, Lauren Hudspeth, Eileen and Tom Mielko, Doug and Patricia Aiken, Tina Berg, The Ruth and Stuart Birdt Charitable Fund, Chita Edlund, Drs. Joanne and Tem Gronquist, Tina Hansen McEnroe, Perri Harcourt, Cydney Justman, Missy and Chuck Sheldon, and Gerald and April Thede.
For tickets or make a donation to the Stina Hans Impact Fund, visit https://girlsincsb.org/bright-girls-bold-futures.
For those who can’t attend but would like to support the fund, contributions can be made directly through the event website or at https://girlsincsb.org/donate.
For more, contact Megan Turley, mturley@girlsincsb.org or 805-572-6984.