MEET THE AWARDEES
CHRISTINE CHILCOTT
Dedicated Educator and Visionary Leader Inspiring Change
Lifelong learning crusader, catalyst for human potential, and dedicated to
family and community transformation
With over two decades of experience in education and nonprofits, Christine Chilcott is a devoted mom, wife, and dedicated educatorHer journey includes serving Girls Inc. of the Island City, where she rose from Director of Programs to CEO during her 11-year tenure. Christine currently leads as the Executive Director of The Academy of Alameda K-8 public charter school, where her daughters are students. Her educational journey includes a Master's in Education, and she's pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from San Francisco State University. In her leisure time, Christine indulges in reading, swimming, and camping. Alongside her husband, Gabriel, and daughters Preston and Wren, she calls Alameda home, sharing it with their cherished chihuahuas from FAAS, Marshmallow and Cocoa.
CINDY HOUTS
Nourisher: Cultivating Unity, Fostering Heartfelt Community Bonds
Champion of dignity, provided community support with compassion and generosity
Retired Executive Director of the Alameda Food Bank, Cindy Houts, demonstrated unwavering commitment to upholding the dignity of all clients. She pioneered the "all-choice" shopping experience at the Island Community Market, reducing food waste significantly. Cindy's dedication extended to forging alliances with numerous island organizations. Raised in Laguna Beach, she attended Santa Clara University and settled in the Bay Area, dedicating herself to various fields. Before leading the Alameda Food Bank, she served as the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels. After retiring in August 2023, Cindy now enjoys travel, hiking, and competitive dragon boat racing, reflecting her enduring spirit of leadership and adventure.
JESSICA KERBER
Educator Extraordinaire: Igniting Bright Futures
2023 Alameda County Teacher of the Year. Advocate for mental health in education.
Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and having since lived in four different countries, Jessica attended Alameda High School. She then pursued her studies in English Literature at UC Berkeley before embarking on her teaching career, beginning as an English teacher at Encinal High School in 2005. While commencing her teaching journey, she concurrently earned her teaching credential through an internship with Project Pipeline. With almost 20 years of teaching experience at Encinal, located in Alameda, California, she resides with her husband and the three young children they are raising. In April of 2023, Jessica was honored with the title of District Teacher of the Year for AUSD, followed by the distinction of County Teacher of the Year for Alameda County in October of the same year. She eagerly anticipates continuing her role as a dedicated educator and mentor for years to come.
TINA 'BEAN' BLAINE
Artistic Trailblazer and Cultural Visionary
Inspirational Musician, Composer, Sound Designer, and Arts Leader
Long inspired by global traditions and spontaneous music-making, Tina Blaine (aka "bean") is a musician, composer, and sound designer. She served as the executive director of Rhythmix Cultural Works from 2010-2022. Tina holds a Master’s in Entertainment Technology from Carnegie Mellon University, where she also taught for six years. She has composed music for NPR, video games, TV, and documentary soundtracks. Currently, she performs with the Japanese taiko fusion ensemble Maze Daiko and has recorded with Brian Eno, Carlos Santana, Mickey Hart, Tracy Blackman, Haunted by Waters, D’Cuckoo, and more. In 2022, Tina received an Alameda County Arts Leadership Award for her outstanding achievements and contributions to the arts in Alameda County while volunteering as a marine conservation volunteer in Madagascar.
JANELLE BANARIA
Resilient Changemaker, Teen Leader Extraordinaire
Curious STEM Explorer, Unstoppable Achiever, Earth Guardian Advocate, Committed to Excellence and Change
- A Born Leader
Janelle, a daughter and granddaughter of Filipino immigrants, exemplifies excellence with a 5.0 GPA while taking multiple AP/Honors classes. As a member of the Girls Inc Eureka Program, she carries on the essence of the Girls Inc mission of being strong, smart, and bold, through her high school journey as the Co-President of the Girls for Business Club - Alameda Chapter, Secretary of the STEM Outreach Club, and Publicist for the Filipino Club. Her volunteer work with the Salvation Army Oakland Chinatown and the Filipino Medical Mission of Las Vegas further underscores her dedication to community involvement and service. She is also an eclectic athlete who played JV softball and is currently playing for the Varsity basketball team at Alameda High.
Her interest in environmental science and architectural design is aligned with her passion for creating accessible and sustainable spaces. In Janelle's ongoing quest to define her path in life, her time at Girls Inc. has been pivotal, fostering in her a sense of confidence and capability. As she steps forward, she carries the values and lessons learned, ready to make a positive and meaningful impact in her chosen field.
Do You Know What's the Highlight of the Women Who Dare Gala?
If your answer is the captivating participation of the Best Foot Forward (BFF) girls, you are right. After weeks of preparation, which include interviewing the extraordinary Women Who Dare awardees and writing scripts, they take the stage with confidence. Their task: to introduce these remarkable women to an audience of nearly 300. Facing one of humanity's biggest fears, public speaking, this moment is not just a milestone for them but also a vivid illustration of how Girls Inc works, giving them the tools they need to use their voice and have the confidence and courage to fight for what they believe. Their boldness is an inspiration, perfectly capturing the essence of leadership and bravery celebrated at the gala.
