Women of the Year - Margie Yahyavi (posthumous)

Santa Barbara Education Foundation | Former Executive Director

Margie Yahyavi was a force in the Santa Barbara community dedicated to youth education. Through her leadership at the Santa Barbara Education Foundation, Margie made a lasting impact in the community and broadly expanded the Foundations capabilities.

After joining the Santa Barbara Education Foundation in 2010, Margie not only helped increase the annual budget from $300,000 to $2.5 million, but also added a portfolio of ten signature programs and 14 fiscally sponsored programs providing essential services to Santa Barbara students.

Margie was a champion for music education in the Santa Barbara Unified School District, ensuring students access to instruments and music programs as well as supporting efforts for increased literacy, reading proficiency and teacher development.

Margie passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, January 28th, 2024, surrounded by her family.