Westmont Magazine Educating, Enriching, Empowering: Women Supporting Women

Since 2015, Westmont has invited business owners, entrepreneurs and community leaders from the local area to attend an annual luncheon that focuses on celebrating women and educating, enriching and empowering them. The event encourages women in significant roles throughout the Santa Barbara region to serve as professional and personal mentors for female students. This valuable support can help women at Westmont prepare educationally and vocationally to lead and serve in all spheres of society.

The 2023 luncheon on April 21 featured Lupita Knittel, president of 7Mindsets, an education technology company. A dynamic speaker, she encouraged attendees to pursue great causes with passion and excellence.

Westmont honored Anna and David ’63 Grotenhuis with the inaugural 2023 Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Spirit of Santa Barbara Award, which recognizes people who exemplify the life and spirit of Lady Ridley-Tree. Her generosity made a profound impact on Westmont College and touched the lives of many people and organizations throughout the Santa Barbara community.

Women who participated in the luncheon provided direct support for scholarships and fundraising for female students.

Denice Fellows, a former chair of the Westmont Foundation and a recipient of the Westmont Medal, leads the Women’s Leadership Council, which hosts the luncheon.