In their 24th annual “40 under 40” special report, Pacific Coast Business Times honored Santa Barbara Foundation’s Yeni Salinas for her contributions to positive change in the Central Coast and Santa Barbara County. In their “40 under 40” honors selection process, Pacific Coast Business Times emphasizes their desire to include members from every sector of the economy, focusing on individuals whose work and passion drive growth throughout the Central Coast.
Yeni Salinas has been the Santa Barbara Foundation’s Human Resources & Administrative Generalist for the last two years. Her passion for this position lies in her ability to create an inclusive and welcoming workplace. She views her role as an opportunity to foster a positive culture, stating, “I’ve found a home here, and ensuring that home remains productive, inclusive, and lively is my top priority.”
Naturally curious and driven by a love for connecting with people, Salinas found her calling in Human Resources. She thrives on turning challenges into opportunities, solving problems, and empowering people to be their best. In her role at the Santa Barbara Foundation, she manages the entire employee experience, from onboarding and payroll to daily operations, all while focusing on creating a culture where everyone feels valued.
Born in El Salvador, Salinas grew up in Long Island, New York, where she spent her school years. After college, she moved to New Orleans, where she immersed herself in the city’s vibrant culture for five years before finding her home and settling down in Santa Barbara.
Salinas shares that she finds joy in being the one-person welcoming committee for new staff members, guiding them through the organization and ensuring they feel informed and appreciated. What she loves most about the Santa Barbara Foundation is its spirit of innovation and the leadership’s willingness to take risks, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward.
Outside of work, Salinas embraces adventure. She enjoys hiking, trail running, rock climbing, camping, dancing, and exploring the arts. She also loves to spend time with her daughters, often finding creative ways to have fun and make lasting memories. Balancing work and family life can be challenging, but Salinas says prioritizing her well-being is crucial in ensuring that she can give her best to those around her.
The 40 under 40 honor took Salinas by surprise, taking her a few days to process the news. However, it was no surprise to her colleagues who nominated her. Evie Rangel, SBF’s Director of Human Resources and Operations explained, “[Yeni] sets a strong example for the rest of the staff and the community by operating with the Foundation’s values of inclusivity, innovation and accountability.”
Salinas’ values motivate everything she does, “What drives me is the desire to do good, to spread love and light, to create meaningful change, and to advance kindness and goodness in every possible way.”
The Santa Barbara Foundation is thrilled to have Yeni Salinas as a valued member of the team and is incredibly proud of her nomination.
Santa Barbara Foundation LOGO