The passing of Margie Yahyavi on January 28th has left a profound void in our hearts and the community she tirelessly served. Although she retired as SBEF Executive Director in 2022, she was still an integral part of the SBEF family and often still attended our events. Her unwavering dedication to education and transformative leadership have left a lasting mark on the landscape of public education in Santa Barbara.
Margie’s journey with SBEF began in 2010 when she embraced the role of the organization’s only part-time employee with an annual budget of $300,000. Over the years, her passion and commitment propelled SBEF to unprecedented heights, with a growing team, an annual budget of $2.5 million, and a portfolio of ten signature programs and 14 fiscally sponsored programs providing essential services to Santa Barbara students.
Her vision extended beyond the confines of SBEF, creating a collaborative spirit that uplifted the entire educational community. Margie’s strategic efforts secured funding for literacy intervention programs, initiated grants for teachers, and raised emergency funds to help students and families bridge the digital divide during the challenging times of the pandemic.
In her own words, Margie expressed, “I’ve loved every minute of working with this organization, the program directors, the donors, the community, all of it.” Her genuine appreciation for people and her profound understanding of the value of investing in education was the cornerstone of her leadership.
As we bid a fond farewell to Margie Yahyavi, we celebrate a life dedicated to illuminating the path of education, leaving behind a beacon of light that will continue to inspire future generations.