Jessica Wetzelhas has resigned from her position as director of strategic initiatives at Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, the organization has announced.
Wetzel, who has served Girls Inc. of Carpinteria for nearly a decade, recently was appointed vice president of programs and impact at Techbridge Girls, an award-winning national nonprofit that motivates girls from low-income communities to achieve success through STEM.
“Jessica has served as a remarkable leader, advocate and role model for young women and girls in the community, while playing a key role in the growth of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria and the development of our education, STEM-based and college preparedness programs that nurture strong, smart and bold girls,” said Jamie Collins, executive director of Girls Inc. Carpinteria.
“She will be greatly missed, but we are excited to see her pursue a national opportunity where she can continue to advocate on behalf of girls and encourage young women to reach their greatest potential,” Collins said.
Wetzel joined Girls Inc. Carpinteria in 2011 as an academic coordinator, and was responsible for creating and implementing academic enrichment and support programs in early literacy, math skill building and college access.
She helped spearhead the build-out and launch of the local affiliate’s Eureka! Program, an intensive five-year program that supports the needs of the organization’s teen members, seeing them through to high school graduation, and helping them navigate the college application process.
“It has been my honor to serve the girls and families of Carpinteria for the last 10 years,” Wetzel said. “Countless people along this path have inspired me, pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, and supported my growth both personally and professionally. I am grateful to have served alongside so many powerful women and girls.”
While serving as programs director, Wetzel worked collaboratively with local and national leaders to support program growth in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and helped implement new outcome measurement and data tracking strategies designed to support a bold future for the organization and the communities it serves.
Most recently, she took on the role of director of strategic initiatives, which pulled together her experience and passions across all aspects of the organization to drive strategies for future growth with impact.
“Girls Inc. of Carpinteria has weathered many storms because of the team’s deep commitment to the mission and those we serve,” Wetzel added. “They have shined as resilient leaders through this pandemic, and I look forward to cheering everyone on in the months ahead. I have no doubt they will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a bright, just and equitable future for all girls.”
In her new role on the senior management team at Techbridge Girls, Wetzel will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for all program areas and will represent the organization on a local, regional and national basis. She will bring her experience in program leadership and management, research and evaluation to serve as an external ambassador for the organization and innovate for its future.
For more about Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, call 805-684-6364 or visit www.girlsinc-carp.org.