The Association for Women in Communications Santa Barbara Chapter (AWC-SB) recognized the contributions of two climate champions, Hillary Hauser and Leah Stokes, at its 15th Annual Women of Achievement Awards luncheon, presented by Women Connect4Good.
More than 140 guests, including AWC-SB members, public officials, and sponsors, filled Cabrillo Pavilion on April 27 to recognize the honorees’ work and leadership as they change the way people view and respond to the climate crisis.
Emcee Beth Farnsworth, television journalist and a past AWC-SB Women of Achievement award recipient, led a conversation with Hauser and Stokes at the event.
“It was exciting to celebrate these two courageous women who step forward, speak up, and use their talents to inspire people to take action toward a sustainable future,” said Lisa Osborn, AWC-SB Board president and KCSB-FM news and public affairs director.
“It was fitting that the event took place a few days before our community’s Earth Day celebration,” she said. “The honorees drove home the importance of remaining hopeful and dedicated as our community works to address the climate crisis now, not in a few years or decades.”
While Hauser and Stokes have different professional backgrounds, they share their unflagging optimism, determination, and a belief in the power of effective communication.
Stokes said much of her success comes from holding fast to a positive vision for the future, and her response to naysayers telling her something cannot be done is “Just watch me!”
Asked what her motto might be, Hauser said, “There’s no such thing as impossibility.”
For those interested in getting more involved in climate action, Hauser recommended reading as much as possible and championed the power of writing to express one’s views.
Stokes suggested joining local organizations that are successfully working on solutions, including the Community Environmental Council (CEC), Heal the Ocean, and the Environmental Defense Center. She also urged everyone to “electrify” by shifting to electricity and renewables to power their vehicles and homes.
The 2023 Women of Achievement Luncheon is also supported by the Santa Barbara Independent, SBCC Foundation, Fielding Graduate University, Natalie Orfalea Foundation, SoCal Edison, Oshay Family Foundation, CommUnify, Farmers Insurance Robert Bianchi, Stacy Miller Public Affairs, State Sen. Monique Limón, WEV, County of Santa Barbara Office of Das Williams, CEC, and Sierra Club Santa Barbara-Ventura.
The Association for Women in Communications is a national organization that helps women develop and deepen the communication skills they need to succeed in a variety of fields. Communications consultant Lois Phillips, publisher Mindy Bingham, and producer Deborah Hutchison founded the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Association of Women in Communications in 2006.
AWC-SB is governed by an all-volunteer board. Led by Lisa Osborn, the 2022-23 Board of Directors includes: Lauren Bianchi Klemann, Leslie Dinaberg, Carolyn Jabs, Monica Kunz, Hilary S. Lyn, Jennifer LeMay, and Joan Tapper.