Santa Barbara Associates

The idea for a networking group of women in top-level professional or entrepreneurial positions was first hatched in May 1980. Several women were looking for an opportunity to meet other women in high-level positions from companies throughout the area and have the chance to gather in a social environment.

The founding members included Eleanor Van Cott, Mindy Bingham and Barbara Greene. Over the following months, six more women joined the trio to clarify the concept of an organization that would provide a conduit for informal networking among business and professional women.