WoLF is excited to announce our next Executive Director, Sharon Byrne, a non-profit and government relations expert with over two decades of advocacy leadership experience. Sharon joins WoLF officially on July 31, following a five-month search by WoLF’s Board of Directors. 

In her role as Executive Director, Sharon plans to hit the ground running as she oversees an era of groundbreaking civil rights advocacy and litigation on behalf of women and girls. 

Sharon brings vital community-building experience and connections; she currently serves as the President of the Santa Barbara United Nations Association and served as a delegate to The UN Conference on the Status of Women and the Generation Equity Forums. In these roles, she conducted forums on human trafficking and disaster recovery, produced events for UN International Women’s Day, and created the UNA Santa Barbara Peace Prize. 

Describing her passion for defending women’s sex-based rights, Sharon said:

“Despite being sold the promise of progress, the United States has unexpectedly been thrust into a disastrous moment for women’s rights. With threats to our safety, dignity, and sovereignty coming from all sides, we have the enormous opportunity before us to forge a powerful, new chapter of women joining together to fight back and preserve our rights. I could not be more honored to be joining WoLF at this moment, helping to shape a shining new era for women's equality and advancement, birthing a far brighter future for our daughters, and all the daughters to come.”

Lierre Kieth, WoLF Board Chair, said:

“We are extremely grateful to have Sharon joining us at this pivotal time in women’s history. Her leadership credentials are impressive, and her passion for women and girls is undeniable. She is exactly the right person to lead our dedicated team of staff and volunteers as we expand our legal advocacy efforts into new territory in the coming years.”  

Sharon is the author of multiple published articles on women’s rights, including an Op-Ed in The Independent revealing the insidious presence of human tracking in Santa Barbara. She also serves on the board of the Santa Barbara Women's Health Coalition and has been a vocal advocate for women’s reproductive sovereignty. 

In June, Sharon was awarded the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office’s Exceptional Civilian Award for her work with the Montecito Association in reducing gang violence, preventing human trafficking, and pioneering a model to end homelessness in the county. 

Sharon holds a Master's Degree in Psychology, a Bachelor's Degree in Management and Economics, and a certificate in Human Rights Consulting from the International Institute for Human Rights. 

Follow Sharon on LinkedIn 

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WoLF is the only US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to this specific, urgent work for women and girls — we rely on our small but dedicated team made possible by grassroots funding.

Help us make a powerful first impression — your generous donation can provide our new Executive Director with the support to hit the ground running!