The Professional Women's Association was founded in 1993 with the support and encouragement of Barbara S. Uehling, the first and only female Chancellor of UC Santa Barbara. The founders were looking for a forum to network with other professional and academic women at UCSB, to support the mission of the university by increasing opportunities for women to participate in public service activities, and make the campus more aware of the contributions of women to UCSB.

We would like to recognize the founding PWA members for their vision and leadership: Micael Kemp and Martie Levy (Co-Presidents), Christina LaVino, Carol Parsons, Margie Weeks, Jody Kaufman, Louise Moore, Christine Bendele, and Melba Ortiz.

The 1996 -1997 PWA Steering Committee

The 1996 -1997 PWA Steering Committee

OUR purpose

We are a campus-affiliated staff support group dedicated to promoting the advancement of women through professional development, networking opportunities, and community service events.

Since our founding in 1993, our goals have remained the same:

  • To increase awareness of the contributions of women to the mission of UCSB

  • Support activities that further the advancement of women at UCSB

  • Serve as a vehicle for networking and increasing communication among women employees

  • To promote women’s participation in daily life and decision making on campus

OUR FOUNDATIONS & EVOLUTION

1992: Organizers come together to form PWA

1993: PWA becomes an official staff organization supported by UCSB. The Book Grant for non-traditional/re-entry students is established

1994: Community service committee is established to support our local community

1996: PWA hosts our first annual professional development conference

1997: Unsung Heroine awards are established

2012: The organization rebrands as PWA 2.0

2016: PWA rebrands again with the current logo