Girls Have the Right
Girls Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara gave their 17th annual celebration luncheon with the theme “Girls Have the Right!” at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort. The ballroom was packed with folks anxious to hear from speaker Brenda Feigen. Brenda is a feminist activist, attorney, constitutional scholar, and film and television producer. She was an honors graduate from Vassar College but credits her feminist awakening to her experiences at Harvard Law School.
She was recently featured in the Ruth Bader Ginsberg doc, RBG. She co-directed the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project. She also founded the Women’s Action Alliance with Gloria Steinem. Their newsletter became Ms. Magazine.
During her speech, she reminded us, “Not that long ago women couldn’t get a credit card in their name or sign a contract in their name only.” Because of the Girls Inc. motto, “Strong, Smart and Bold,” Feigen joked, “This is the most feminist room I’ve ever been in.”
Our master of ceremonies was Itzel Leon, who is 11 years old and has already been at Girls Inc. for seven years. She wants more respect paid to moms, especially single moms. She began at Girls Inc. because her mother had a full-time job. She also gave a speech in a style far beyond her years. When she said, “I want to be boss,” I don’t doubt she will be.
The Strong, Smart, and Bold award presentation went to Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center and was accepted by executive director Pamme Mickelson. One of the Girls Inc. programs is for girls to go to the “horse” place and learn all about the equine, while developing their self-esteem.
The other award went to Leo Bunnin of Bunnin Chevrolet and Cadillac who keeps Girls Inc. fleet of 18 vehicles running for free. Girls Inc. transports girls from 30 local schools and needs safe vehicles. Leo encouraged the audience to donate to a great cause, and he himself gave more at the paddle raise led by Amber Ortiz.
Here’s the Girls Inc. Bill Of Rights: They have a right to be themselves and resist gender stereotypes; to express themselves with originality and enthusiasm; to take risks, to strive freely, and to take pride in success; to accept and appreciate their bodies; to have confidences in themselves and be safe in the world; to prepare for interesting work; and economic independence.
They are celebrating 60 years in Santa Barbara. Check them out at www.girlsincsb.org.
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