A wonderful luncheon, an inspiring speaker and a great cause.
Friday, April 24, 2026, 12-1:30 p.m.
Check in opens at 11:30 a.m.
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
633 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara
Join local community leaders, professionals and alums for a wonderful luncheon and hear from an empowering and inspiring speaker.
This exciting annual luncheon supports Westmont’s female students with financial resources as they pursue educational and vocational preparation for lives of impact.
Anja Manuel
Co-Founder and Principal, Rice, Hadley, Gates and Manuel, LLC
Author, former diplomat, speaker and now a sought-after advisor to Fortune 50 and Silicon Valley CEOs, Anja Manuel shares her powerful insights on the rise of emerging markets in Asia and beyond, what this means for us and America’s future role in international leadership.
Special Thanks to Our 2025 Sponsors for a Exceptional Event
GOLD
Renée Curtis
Anna Grotenhuis
SILVER
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Mary Barbour | |
BRONZE
Christine Emmons & Bitsy Bacon |
Denice & Steven Fellows |
Henrietta Holsman Fore |
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Drew and Nick Parisi |
Anne Towbes |
Zegar Family Fund |
TABLE
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Mary Barbour |
Ricardo Calderon,Private Trustee |
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Bill Macfayden |
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Karen Robilio |
Karen Yonally |
2025 Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree Spirit of Santa Barbara Award
Anne Towbes
Local Philanthropist. Community Leader.
Each year, Westmont celebrates the example of a local leader for exemplifying the life and spirit of Lady Ridley-Tree whose generosity made a profound impact on Westmont College and touched the lives of many in the Santa Barbara community. Anne Towbes is an icon of Santa Barbara philanthropy. Her tireless work exemplifies the difference women leaders make in our community.
Past awardees: Dave and Anna Grotenhuis (2023) and Chris Emmons (2024).
"It is what you give of yourself that makes all the difference." Lady Ridley-Tree
Learn More
Read about the spring 2023 event here.
Watch the recorded spring 2023 event here.
See the spring 2023 local news coverage here.
Learn about Westmont's Women's Leadership Council. For information about the luncheon email tramos@westmont.edu or call 805.565.6050.