First published in the Santa Barbara News-Press on April 17, 2021.
At left, “As a woman of color, mother, leader and feminist, I use my voice to uplift marginalized communities, empower a new generation of communicators and pursue a society that is fully equitable and just for all women,” said Luz Reyes-Martin, who received a Women in Achievement award. At right,
“The past year has made it even more clear that all of us hold the power to make a difference in the world both by taking action when something is not just and by using words to convey kindness, support, courage and empowerment,” said Barbara Ben-Horin, a Women in Achievement award recipient.
Luz Reyes-Martin and Barbara Ben-Horin will be honored by the Santa Barbara Chapter of the Association for Women in Communications at the 13th annual Women of Achievement Awards presented by Women Connect4Good.
They will receive their awards via Zoom at noon April 30.
Starshine Roshell, award-winning journalist and previous Women of Achievement recipient, will emcee the free event. To receive a link to attend and a PDF program, register in advance at awcsb.org.
Ms. Reyes-Martin is executive director of public affairs and communications at Santa Barbara City College. Ms. Ben-Horin is the former CEO of Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara.
A communications professional, advocate, mother and feminist, Ms. Reyes-Martin has expertise in communications, public affairs, marketing and land-use planning. She is a member of the Goleta Union School District board and president of the Santa Barbara Women’s Committee, a nonpartisan organization that endorses candidates who support a feminist agenda, including action opposing discrimination based on gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, age or ability.
“In my roles as school board member, public information officer and president of a political action committee, I think constantly about how to communicate effectively with different audiences,” said Ms. Reyes-Martin. “The essential ingredients are always authenticity, honesty, integrity and respect. At its best, communication bridges the gaps that divide us, connects with audiences with empathy and makes constructive collaboration possible. As a woman of color, mother, leader and feminist, I use my voice to uplift marginalized communities, empower a new generation of communicators and pursue a society that is fully equitable and just for all women.”
