Women of the District

Liliana Encinas

City of Santa Barbara/LISTOS National Program | Public Outreach Coordinator

Mrs. Encinas is a devoted mother of four, who cherishes her time spent with her family and actively engages in volunteerism across various community-based organizations and educational institutions.

With a career spanning over fifteen years, Ms. Encinas' professional journey includes pivotal leadership roles such as Director of the Family Resource Center at La Casa de La Raza Cesar E. Chavez Center, as well as the Aware & Prepare Latino Initiatives and Outreach Coordinator for the County of Santa Barbara Office of Emergency Management.

Mrs. Encinas prioritizes enhancing emergency public education and disseminating vital information, fostering strong connections with the Latino community. Her immigration from Mexico to the United States enriches her dedication to serving diverse populations through outreach, social welfare, programmatic advancements, and holistic well-being promotion.

JoAnne Meade Young

Educator | Retired Principal

JoAnne Meade Young was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio. She served as Principal in four elementary schools in Goleta, California and retired as Principal of Ellwood School after a seventeen-year career in June, 2007.

Prior to assuming her first principal position at Mountain View School in Goleta, JoAnne served as Principal of Dunbar Hill School in Hamden Connecticut for three years. Her career began as an elementary school teacher and included the positions of Primary Language Development Specialist, Library Media Specialist, Instructional Consultant, Director of the Goleta State Preschool, & Principal.

Presently, JoAnne serves on the board of the Democratic Women of Santa Barbara County as Treasurer & Co-Chair of Membership. She serves on the Commission for Women representing District 2 and was most recently elected to the Democratic Central Committee as a District 2 representative. JoAnne was a founding member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee and served on the Board of the Family Services Agency.

JoAnne received her B.S, in Elementary Education from The Ohio State University, her M.A. in Reading from the University of Iowa, her M.A. in Supervision and Administration from Southern Connecticut State University, and her M.A. in Tier II Supervision and Administration from UCSB. She has been married to Michael Young for 47 years and lived in Santa Barbara for 34 years.

Elvia Salazar

Planned Parenthood | Spanish Language Promotora

Elvia Salazar is an outstanding community leader and educator. She has demonstrated exceptional dedication to her community in Santa Maria and a tireless commitment to providing comprehensive sex education over the last seven years as a PPCCC Promotorx Community Health Educator.

In her role as a Spanish language Promotorxs Community Educator, Elvia has consistently shown an unparalleled passion for addressing critical issues related to sexual health and education in her community. Her ability to approach these sensitive subjects with empathy, expertise, and cultural sensitivity has been nothing short of remarkable. Through her efforts, she has not only served as a valuable resource for the Santa Maria community but has also been a catalyst for change, advocating for a healthier and more informed community.

Throughout her seven years, Elvia has led numerous community Cafecitos and outreach events that have directly benefited the community. She has played a pivotal role in breaking down barriers, dispelling myths, reducing stigma, and fostering an open and supportive environment for individuals seeking information about sexual health. Her dedication to promoting safer practices and ensuring individuals have access to accurate information has undoubtedly had a significant and positive impact. She is an exceptional teacher and exudes warmth, empathy, and enthusiasm.

Elvia Salazar is a community trailblazer and advocate for sexual health education. Her unwavering commitment to providing vital information to the Latinx community has empowered individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Planned Parenthood is exceptionally proud of the work she has accomplished in the last seven years and look forward to her continued contributions to their mission. Her dedication to fostering a more informed, healthy, and empowered community is an inspiration to us all.

Dr. Leah Stokes

UCSB Anton Vonk | Associate Professor of Environment

Dr. Leah Stokes is a policy expert with nearly two decades of experience working on climate and energy, including championing a federal Clean Electricity Standard. She has four degrees, including her doctorate from MIT, and was recently recognized on the 2022 TIME100 Next and Business Insider Climate Action 30 lists.

Leah is conversant in a wide variety of climate and energy topics, including public policy, political science, planning, and psychology. Her recent award-winning book Short Circuiting Policy examines why we are behind on climate action, telling the history of fossil fuel companies and electric utilities promoting climate denial and delay. She is the Anton Vonk Associate Professor of Environmental Politics at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a senior policy consultant at Evergreen Action and Rewiring America. Her academic work is published in top journals and is widely read and cited.

Margie Yahyavi (posthumous)

Santa Barbara Education Foundation | Former Executive Director

Margie Yahyavi passed away peacefully in Santa Barbara on Sunday, January 28th, 2024, with her loving family by her side.

Margie was born in Sebring, Florida, in 1955. At the young age of five, Margie and her family moved to Santa Barbara, a place that would become her lifelong home and the canvas for her extraordinary contributions.

Recognizing the power of education and the arts to transform lives, she became a formidable force within the Santa Barbara education system. Her leadership with the Santa Barbara Education Foundation became her mission and legacy in Santa Barbara — a testament to her belief in the potential of every child and the community’s future.

Margie Yahyavi's journey with the Santa Barbara Education Foundation (SBEF) began in 2010 when she took on the role of the organization’s only part-time employee with an annual budget of $300,000. Over the years, her passion and commitment helped SBEF grow to new heights, with an expanded team, an annual budget of $2.5 million, and a portfolio of ten signature programs and 14 fiscally sponsored programs providing essential services to Santa Barbara students.

Yahyavi's vision extended beyond SBEF, creating a collaborative spirit that uplifted the entire educational community. She secured funding for literacy intervention programs, initiated grants for teachers, and raised emergency funds to help students and families bridge the digital divide during the challenging times of the pandemic. Yahyavi's strategic efforts also supported and collaborated with the Santa Barbara Unified School District, piloting and launching literacy intervention programs, grant programs for teachers, and an emergency fund that provided Wi-Fi access for students and their families during the pandemic.

Under her leadership, SBEF saw significant growth in funding and programs. Yahyavi also led advocacy for bond and parcel tax measures resulting in $193 million in support of improved student learning and infrastructure investment for the Santa Barbara Unified School District.

During her 12-year tenure as the Executive Director for the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, Margie made a lasting impact in the Santa Barbara community. She championed music education in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, ensuring access to instruments and music programs for all students. Margie was instrumental in focusing efforts on critical areas such as literacy, recognizing the importance of reading proficiency and teacher development in shaping a brighter future for every student. Each initiative she touched was infused with her spirit of generosity and a relentless drive to uplift and empower others.

She left the Foundation in an improved financial position, with a recent $4 million bequest that will provide long-term sustainability and support. Throughout her journey with SBEF, Yahyavi worked with the community and built relationships with donors who understand the value of investing in education.

Margie’s life was a symphony of love, generosity, and community—a melody that will resonate forever within the hearts of those she touched.

Monica White

Food Share of Ventura County | President & Chief Executive Officer

Monica White joined Food Share of Ventura County as President and CEO in 2017 after having previously served on the Food Share board. Since taking on the role, Monica led Food Share out of a period of financial challenges while responding to some of Ventura County’s most critical hunger relief needs during the Thomas Fire and the COVID-19 pandemic. Entering its 46th year as Ventura County’s food bank, Food Share served over 260,000 individuals last year through a network of 190 community partners. In 2023, Food Share distributed the equivalent of over 15 million meals in Ventura County.

Monica comes to Food Share after working at the Ventura County Star as Director of Consumer Sales and Marketing. Her prior experience includes positions with the Walt Disney Company, ABC Television and Whamo! She recently served as the Board Chair of the California Association of Food Banks and is now a member of the Board of Trustees for Community Memorial Healthcare. Monica has been named in the Top 50 Women in Business by the Pacific Coast Business Times for the past 4 years.

Mary Maranville

SEEAG | Founder, President and CEO

Mary Maranville is the founder and President of Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). Through field trips and in-class learning, SEEAG educates schoolchildren about the farm origins of their food and to appreciate growers, farmworkers, farmland, and the food on our tables. SEEAG programs are locally relevant and give a realistic portrayal of agriculture. Through its programs, SEEAG is creating young agricultural ambassadors and future stewards of our local farmland.

For the first time, SEEAG is poised to attain close to $1 million in revenue this fiscal year, which is a testament to the community's generosity and the importance of its mission.

Since its beginning, SEEAG has reached over 125,000 elementary school students in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, California. This 2023 – 2024 school year, SEEAG will educate more than 10,600 students, including over 3,000 students who will attend 70 field trips to SEEAG’s two Farm Labs in Saticoy and Santa Maria. Many of these students are considered low-income Title 1 students. Under Mary's guidance, SEEAG’s Child Wellness Initiative was developed using agriculture to inspire and empower children to make healthy daily eating and exercise decisions. SEEAG's STEM Career Pathways in Agriculture is for middle and high school children and introduces them to the agriculture industry and STEM career opportunities. Mary’s work with children and their parents led to Mary founding Ventura County Farm Day and Santa Barbara County Farm Day. Each attracts over 6,000 attendees of all ages annually to local farms where visitors can see and learn about the food chain from farm to table. All SEEAG programs, including both Farm Days, are free. Her newest achievement is founding Heritage Farmland Touring Co.., which will benefit SEEAG.

Gagan Pawar, MD, MBA

Clinicas del Camino Real | Chief Executive Officer

As CEO of Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc., Dr. Gagan Pawar has spearheaded numerous initiatives that aim to propel the organization to new heights in excellence. Under her leadership, Clinicas has both expanded to new locations and implemented brand new service lines, while continuing to offer the same quality care that patients in the community have come to expect for over fifty years.

Her contributions to the field have also earned her numerous accolades, including the Pacific Coast Business Times 50 Most Influential People in the Region. Dr. Pawar continues to practice as a Family Medicine Physician to advocate for patient-focused care, health equity and access to quality care. She actively works with policy makers and community leaders to help shape the future of healthcare in Ventura County and beyond. Through her strategic vision, unwavering dedication and profound understanding of healthcare at all levels, Dr. Gagan Pawar continues to drive transformative change, delivering exceptional care and positively impacting the lives of countless patients.

Elizabeth Botello

Ventura High School | Assistant Principal

Elected to the Oxnard Union High School Board of Trustees in 2020, Ms. Elizabeth Botello is an educator and administrator. She is currently an Assistant Principal at Ventura High School. She previously served as an English teacher, Journalism Advisor, and ASB Director at Oxnard High School. Raised in Southern California, Ms. Botello taught in Orange, LA, and Ventura Counties. She graduated with two bachelor’s degrees and her teaching credential from UC Irvine, a master’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley, and a master’s degree in education with administrative credential from UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute.

Ms. Botello is an advocate and ally to our most vulnerable and underserved students. A collaborative educational leader, she is passionate about serving our youth and families across Ventura County. An Oxnard resident, wife, and mother, Ms. Botello strives to support student achievement while being an agent of change for our community.

Celina L. Zacarias

Port Hueneme Board of Commissioners | President

Celina L. Zacarias has held the position of Executive Director of Community and Government Relations for California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), the 23rd campus in the California State University System since 2007. Celina is the first person to hold this position at CSUCI. As Director of Community and Government Relations Celina is responsible for advancing California State University Channel Islands’ positive presence and goodwill at all levels throughout the culturally diverse service region, the state, the nation and internationally by planning, directing, and implementing a comprehensive proactive program of community and government relations. Celina is also responsible for establishing and maintaining strong relationships with local elected officials, Sacramento state legislators, and U.S. Congressional representatives in Washington D.C. and their staff members to communicate positions on issues and obtain support for resources on behalf of the campus.

In February of 2020, Celina was appointed by her fellow Oxnard Harbor District Board of Commissioners: Port of Hueneme to the vacancy left by the passing of Dr. Manuel Lopez and in November 2020 she was elected by the voters to the position for a four-year term and made history by being the highest vote getter in the history of the Oxnard Harbor District. Again, in January of 2024 Celina elected made history by being Elected the First Latina Woman to serve as President of the Oxnard Harbor District: Port of Hueneme.

2023: Graciela Casillas

Graciela Casillas, an 8X Hall of Fame inductee in combat sports, is a martial artist who achieved international recognition as a world-champion self-defense instructor and lecturer. After training in several traditional martial arts, Casillas began competing as a kickboxer in 1976, and in1979 she became the first fighter to hold world titles in both boxing and kickboxing by taking the World Women's Boxing Association's and the World Kickboxing Association's bantamweight championships. Although Casillas' Boxrec record is 5–0, Black Belt Magazine reported in May 1984 that she had 27 boxing matches, winning 15 by KO up to that point.

She holds two master's degrees, is an author, and works as an academic counselor at Oxnard College. She is celebrated globally for her remarkable accomplishments in the field of martial science.

2022: Lawanda Lyons-Pruitt

Lawanda holds an Associate of Arts degree from Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, a Bachelor of Science in Criminology from California State University Long Beach. She began her career with Santa Barbara County in 1979, becoming a Defense Investigator in 1984 and was later assigned to the Public Defender Office. In 1995, Lawanda became the first African-American woman in California to serve as Chief Investigator of a Public Defender’s office. She served in that role until her retirement in 2016, after more than 37 years of service to the County.

Ms. Lyons-Pruitt has been the president of the Santa Maria and Lompoc chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for over 14 years. She is a constant presence within the community and a continuous advocate for progress. Using this platform, she has worked to organize a wide array of initiatives from advocacy focused on civil rights and racial equity to administering COVID vaccination clinics within marginalized communities. Over the course of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Lawanda has continued with her passion to serve. She organized COVID-19 vaccination pop-up clinics serving many communities and focused on educating those who were wary of the COVID-19 vaccine.

2021: Regina K. Hatcher-Crawford

Regina K. Hatcher-Crawford is Ventura County Branch NAACP, President, and California – Hawaii State Conference Central Coast Area director.

While serving in the capacity of Ventura County Youth & College President, she was then elected as Southern Area Youth & College NAACP President representing NAACP Youth & College units across Southern California, Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Utah.

Her parents active in the civil rights movement instilled a strong sense of justice and the importance of standing up for your beliefs and being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Hatcher-Crawford graduated from California Lutheran University (CLU), with an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) and a dual bachelor's degree in Business Organizational Leadership (BS) and Psychology (BA). Hatcher-Crawford is married to Kerry Crawford Sr. and has three adult children Kerry Jr., Ka’sha M., and Kristian Crawford.

2020: Beth Schneider

Professor Beth Schneider has been on the faculty in the Sociology Department at UC Santa Barbara since 1981; she is also a founding mother of the UCSB Women’s Studies Program (now called the Feminist Studies Program). Her primary research areas are in the areas of sexuality and gender studies, political and social movements, and health. Her publications include The Social Context of AIDS; Women Resisting AIDS: Feminist Strategies of Empowerment; and The Lesbian and Gay Studies Reader.

In 2014, she was honored with the Sociology of AIDS Network Award for Career Contributions to the Sociology of AIDS and recently she won both the Feminist Mentoring Award from Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS) and the Simon and Gagnon Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Sociological Association Sexualities Section.

At UCSB, she also received multiple honors for her teaching: Professor Schneider won the university Academic Senate Award as Outstanding Faculty Graduate Mentor, Margaret T. Getman Service to Students Award, and the UCSB Academic Senate Distinguished Teaching Award. Having spent thirty-eight years at UCSB, Professor Schneider has been a champion for diversity and inclusivity for our McNair Program and the larger campus community. Dr. Schneider has been an active member of the Santa Barbara Women’s Political Committee, serving a 3-year term as President, and in recent years, co-chairing its Candidate Development Committee.

2019: Yesenia DeCasaus

Yesenia DeCasaus is a Regional Coordinator for the United Domestic Workers /AFSCME Local 3930. Yesenia is also the Vice-President of the Central Coast Labor Council and represents workers in various capacities to including her service on the Workforce Development Board of Santa Barbara County.

She is an immigrant from Mexico. Born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, she immigrated to this country at the age of 13. She became the head of her household after her disabled veteran father died when she was 17. As a young single mother, she enrolled in one of the California Community Colleges in pursuit of a better future. She later graduated from California State University San Bernardino and obtained a B.A in Communications with an emphasis in Public Argumentation and Rhetoric. She became a student activist and leader on campus.

Her activism, life experiences and leadership led her to the Labor Movement where she found a way to empower herself and others. As a Labor Leader in the Central Coast, she has been a strong voice for working women and has dedicated her career to advocate for workers’ rights. Following the sudden loss of her oldest son in 2014, Yesenia found a need in the community and started a Spanish support group for parents who have lost a child. She established a scholarship that is given to a community college student in her son’s name every year.

2018: Tracy Lehr

Tracy Lehr joined KEYT (ABC affiliate), serving Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties two decades ago as a reporter, anchor and host. She is currently the KEYT, KCOY(CBS) and KKTV (FOX) weekend anchor and evening live reporter. Tracy received her big break reporting on radio and TV in Vail, Colorado.

As the daughter of two university professors she thought it was important to continue her education, earning a master's degree in broadcast journalism from USC. Prior to joining the KEYT team, Tracy anchored at The Business Channel in Los Angeles, KHSL in Chico and the Ventura County News Network. She also co-hosted the national program RV-Today on the Outdoor Life Network.

Tracy solo anchored the Emmy and Bill Stout award winning breaking newscast the day the President Reagan died. Over the years she has won a number of Edward R. Murrow and Golden Mike Awards. Tracy lives in Ventura County and is the proud mother of a high school freshman and a UC Berkeley freshman. Her husband is a film composer and two-time lung cancer survivor.