Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has announced the 2023 honorees of its newly formatted Women of Inspiration event are Jane Benefield, chair of the Carpinteria Planning Commission, and Jena Jenkins, programs specialist at the Carpinteria Library.
Benefield and Jenkins will be recognized during the Women of Inspiration program, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, April 3 at the Girls Inc. of Carpinteria campus.
“Each year, Women of Inspiration recognizes women who are leading the way while also serving as an inspiration for others. Jane and Jena are shining examples of this,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria.
“We are excited to honor them at this year’s event, and we encourage everyone to come out and join us in celebrating all the incredible work they have done for our community,” Collins said.
Benefield has served on the Carpinteria Planning Commission for almost two decades, often as the only female voice. Before moving to Carpinteria, she spent her career working for the city of Los Angeles and its planning department.
Benefield now lends Carpinteria her wealth of planning knowledge and inspires the community through her bold voice and insightful perspective.
A communications specialist whose heart lies in storytelling, Jenkins has a knack for bringing groups together and building understanding.
In addition to her role at the Carpinteria Library, she co-created project Gather for Good to usher communities toward bonding through project-based volunteerism, and currently serves as vice president of the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District Board of Directors.
Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s in counseling psychology.
This year’s Women of Inspiration will feature a half-day retreat and networking lunch designed to honor and empower a stronger, smarter and bolder community.
For attendees there will be two morning workshops, and a community lunch in Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s new courtyard.
After lunch will be the 2023 Women of Inspiration awards, a speech by a Girls Inc. of Carpinteria member, and a keynote address by comedian, actress, author, and creativity coach Katie Goodman.
Tickets for the event $200; all proceeds will go to support Girls Inc. of Carpinteria’s programs and its mission to inspire girls to be “strong, smart and bold.”
For more information or to buy tickets, call 805-684-6364 or visit girlsinc-carp.org.
Those unable to participate in the half-day event but who would like to attend the luncheon portion honoring Benefield and Jenkins may contact Girls Inc. of Carpinteria.