Girls Inc. director honored by Assembly

The state Assembly this week recognized local nonprofit leader Lucy Santana-Ornelas as Woman of the Year, a news release announced Tuesday.

Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Anaheim) nominated Santana-Ornelas for her contributions as executive director of Costa Mesa-based Girls Inc. Orange County since joining the organization in 2002, according to the release.

“Lucy has dedicated her heart, soul, time and talent to the girls and young women in our community,” said Solorio in a prepared statement. “She exemplifies the mission of her organization, ‘inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.’ ”

Among her accomplishments, Santana-Ornelas increased the organization’s budget from $750,000 to $2.5 million. The girls served through the various academic and outreach programs increased from 1,500 to 5,000, according to the release.

“We are so fortunate that our funding has increased during these tough economic times,” Santana-Ornelas said in a prepared statement. “Our proven success in helping girls achieve their potential and the recognition of the growing need for our services are huge factors in our growth.”

—Sarah Peters