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Jen Bowman, Director Outreach and Teen Programs
With Girls Inc. since February 2009
Most Inspirational Woman: My mom, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, Mother Theresa, Helen Keller, and many other strong women who have or still are standing up for their rights and beliefs.
Words to live by: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Most proud of: Growing up to be a strong, independent, and educated woman. |
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Scott BonDurant, Santa Barbara Center Director
With Girls Inc. since 2002
Most Inspirational Woman: My maternal grandmother, Ann, for surviving being hit by a train, cancer, being struck by lightning, and five and a half years of life in internment camps during World War II with quiet strength and grace.
Words to live by: “The road less traveled is much more fun."
Most proud of: I taught myself how to play guitar, I still have many friends from my elementary school days, and I stay in good contact with most of my family on both sides. And I take great pride in my work. |
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Beth Cleary, Community Relations
With Girls Inc. since 2005
Most Inspirational Woman: The Race Across America riders. You GO girls! Talk about inspiring....
Words to live by: "My one goal in life is to be the kind of person my dogs think I am."
Most proud of: Three years in Africa with the Peace Corps teaching fish farming, promoting sustainable protein supplies and community development in Cameroon. |
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Melisa Gleason, Director of Program Services
With Girls Inc. since 1999
Most Inspirational Woman: Helen Keller – I have always been fond of Helen Keller. When I was in the fifth grade I did a report on her, and I was absolutely amazed at what she overcame and how she lived her life. I think it is impressive that she was determined to learn how to function without sight. Her ability to live in a world that she could not see and her determination to live life to its fullest is very inspiring. I also believe my mother is very inspiring!
Words to live by: "Live life as if you were going to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were going to live forever."
-Gandhi
Most proud of: I am most proud of the way I live my life. I always try to find humor in all that I do. I love to smile. I am thankful everyday for the opportunity to do what I love...to wake up knowing I get to go to work to inspire young girls. |
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Lynn Lindley, Finance Manager
With Girls Inc. since 2002
Most Inspirational Woman: My baby sister: breast cancer survivor and all around strong, smart and bold gal!
Words to live by: "Appreciate what you have and don’t fret about what you don’t have."
Most proud of: That I, the third child of four, was the first person in my immediate family to receive a college degree (B.S.B.A. in Accounting) even though I didn’t get it until I was 36. I think the fact that I got it so late made it that much more valuable to me. (My baby sister followed with 2 B.S. degrees AND a Masters!) |
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Kathryn (Kary) M. O'Brien, PhD, Grants Manager
With Girls Inc. since 2000
Most Inspirational Woman: Great question that is not easy for me to answer as there are numerous women who inspire me. I am inspired most by women who take risks to do what is right. I think of women in abusive relationships who are able to sum up the courage and strength necessary to leave such hostile confines and embrace their bravery to start anew. I think of women who give selflessly of themselves to make the lives of others better, most noteably, Mother Theresa. I think of women who were the FIRST to do things and the personal struggles endoured to make it. I am inspired by the girl/woman of today who will one day become the FIRST WOMAN President of the United States.
Words to live by: "Enjoy Being."
Most proud of: Taking risks and for me the greatest and most rewarding are my two children, Gavin (born 7.7.2004) and Taite (born 6.6.2007). |
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Dacia Ostlund, Quality Assurance Manager
With Girls Inc. since 1999
Most Inspirational Woman: The most inspirational woman to me is and was my aunt Joann. She was like a second mother to me and fought a very long and difficult battle with cancer all while never losing her sense of humor, compassion, and vivacious spirit. She was a wonderful and amazing woman and whenever I think I am having a rough day, I think of her and all she endured, in order to bring myself back to reality. I am also greatly inspired by any single mother I meet. It is such a demanding, exhausting (and rewarding, too!) job that any woman who can do it on her own automatically gains my immediate and utmost respect. It takes a lot to always put others before oneself and single mothers do that every moment of every day. To me, single mothers are some of the strongest and courageous women I have ever met!
Words to live by: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” At my wedding my best friend and maid of honor read that quote in her wedding speech and it has stuck with me ever since. I have learned in life that it is very important to never take any day for granted because you never know what may lay ahead tomorrow. Never go to bed angry with anyone or anything. Recognize the beauty and opportunity in every single day and be grateful that you get to experience it. Life is too short to waste time and energy on negativity…smile at people. It’s way easier than frowning, and feels better too!
Most proud of: There are many things that I am proud of, but overall I think I am most proud of my accomplishments in building my own life all the way across the country from the rest of my family. This includes putting myself through school, being the first to graduate college in my family, marrying my best friend, establishing a career with an organization I am truly passionate about, and most recently giving birth to my daughter, Gianna, who brings more joy and love to my life than I ever knew was possible and who also inspires me to be the best mom and person I can be every day. |
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Al Roberta, Director of Operations
With Girls Inc. since 1992
Most Inspirational Woman: Rosa Parks and the way she stands up for justice.
Words to live by: "Honesty is the best policy."
Most proud of: My marriage of 41 years. |
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Juanita Sevilla, Business Manager
With Girls Inc. since 2002
Most Inspirational Woman: Two women are the most inspirational to me and have been since I first knew them.
1) My mom, Mina Sevilla – Mom was one of the wisest women I’ve ever known and never “managed” anything more prestigious than a five children household. What she taught me by her example was: "Never threaten anything you wouldn’t want to carry out, but if you have to do so, then follow through responsibly. Be quick to notice and give praise for things well done. Ignore, when you can, what is not done well. Later on demonstrate better methods." Her leadership was amazing, soft spoken and effective. 2) My daughter Therese Pursel - for more reasons than I can say but who also taught me so much.
Words to live by: Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
Most proud of: I am proud that I raised my children to like themselves and to think for themselves. I am most proud that I get to be their Mom. |
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Kristina Webster, Director Goleta Valley Center
With Girls Inc. since 2001
Most Inspirational Woman: I am surrounded by inspirational women each and everyday both at home, in my private life, and at work. If I had to choose one woman who is most responsible for the individual I am today it would, of course, have to be my mom. She has shown and taught me patience, kindness, understanding, flexibility, and what it means to be strong, smart, and bold!
Words to live by: “Let there be more joy and laughter in your living.” –Eileen Caddy
Most proud of: Being Strong, Smart, and Bold and the smiles that I create on the girls' and staff’s faces each and everyday! |
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