Join us on March 13th, 2025 to honor two outstanding community leaders, Ernesto Paredes and Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons at our LEAP Awards. Each year, LEAP hosts a virtual event celebrating two individuals who have positively shaped the lives of the children and families throughout the Central Coast. In addition to recognizing the extraordinary work of these community leaders, proceeds from the event support our vital community services.

Free virtual event

March 13, 2025

4-5pm

Join us for a special celebration!

LEAP Awardees

Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons
Program Director, Internal Medicine Residency Program at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital | Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control

Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons is an infectious disease specialist in Santa Barbara, California, where she plays a role in patient care, community health, and medical education. She earned her medical degree from the University of California, San Diego, and completed her residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, followed by an infectious disease fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. Currently, she serves as the Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and the Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control.

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Ernesto Paredes
Executive Director of Easy Lift

Ernesto Paredes grew up in Santa Barbara, attending local public schools through SBCC before transferring to USC, where he earned his B.S. in Gerontology. His first job was with the Channel Islands YMCA, then in 1991, he accepted a position with Easy Lift Transportation. Ernesto became the executive director for (CASA) Court Appointed Special Advocates in 2001; he was then recruited back to Easy Lift in 2005 as their executive director, where he is now. A self proclaimed “community advocate,” he loves his work in the nonprofit sector.

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Distinguished Alumnus

Amir Abo-Shaeer
Dos Pueblos High School Teacher | MacArthur Fellow in Residence | Co-Founder of Does Pueblos Engineering Academy

Amir Abo-Shaeer graduated from UCSB with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Education. Before becoming a teacher, Amir was a mechanical engineer working on research and development in academia, the aerospace industry, and the telecommunications industry. He began teaching science and engineering at Dos Pueblos High School in 2001. In 2010 Amir was named a MacArthur Fellow and has won numerous awards for his work in education. He is a visionary leader in educational innovation and transformation, both locally and beyond.

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Speakers

Sponsors

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Katya Armistead

LEAP Reads

For more information, contact karas@LEAPcentralcoast.org.

Past Honorees

Katya Armistead, Dr. Liz Barnitz, Jon Clark, Carrie Towbes, PhD, Jordan Killebrew, Monique Limón, Kristen Miller, Steve Ortiz, Ken Saxon, Wendy Sims-Moten