Thoughtfully Plan at Any Age
Lynda Nahra is a champion of women in business, a trailblazer for women in banking, and an avid supporter of the central coast region. She is a long-term supporter of WEV and has amplified the women serving organization with a planned gift that will ensure local entrepreneurs and small business owners continue to thrive for generations to come.
When asked why she decided to leave a planned gift to WEV she said, "as the years went by, I was able to think longer term about my philanthropic choices and WEV always rose to the top. I want to support an organization that has long term viability and contributes to the economic wellbeing of women and the community at large."
WEV is dedicated to the economic empowerment of women - cultivating the power within each woman to realize her dreams, achieve financial independence and succeed on her own terms. Women often face greater hurdles than their male counterparts in the workplace. Inflexible jobs, financial inequity, and a lack of women in leadership roles contribute to the uneven playing field.
Lynda is no stranger to these societal constraints. She started a career in banking in the 1970s when it was difficult for women to attain credit without their husband's consent, the Equal Opportunity Act had yet to be enacted, and men dominated CEO positions. Through the years she blazed a trail for women in banking, going from a teller's assistant to branch manager, and ultimately to president and CEO. She was the first female bank president in Santa Barbara.
In 1997, she connected with some of the women in Santa Barbara that were involved with WEV and was later invited to join the Board. She has been a long-time donor and supporter of the organization ever since.
"WEV was the first non-profit I became involved in locally and one that I gladly continue to support. Since my initial introduction to WEV, I have been impressed by the leadership, dedication and mission of all those supporting the organization," said Lynda.
With a planned gift to WEV, Lynda is creating a powerful legacy that also advances WEV's work. Planned giving is truly about feeling empowered to make financial decisions that will reflect the legacy you wish to create. Although the subject of planned giving can seem daunting, Lynda assures that the experience is anything but complicated.
"Making a planned gift was extremely easy and I would suggest doing it even if you think you are too young. People tend to think of planned gifts as something you do when you are older. That is not true- Do it now. It is truly not about age but about thoughtful planning."
Thoughtful and planned generosity creates a powerful legacy and ensures WEV remains a steady resource for female entrepreneurs in the community. Lynda hopes that by sharing her "why" she will inspire others to also share their planned giving story.
"Hopefully if enough of us who have made a planned gift share this information, others will realize that people from all walks of life can do the same. It is a simple process that can make a significant impact."
