Announcing our new co-Executive Director

Leading From Within (LFW) is delighted to announce that Elizabeth Scharpf will be joining Katya Armistead as co-Executive Director for the organization. With the full support of the Board of Directors, Elizabeth and Katya will both drive LFW’s success as co-leaders, with distinct roles that maximize their individual and complementary strengths.

Elizabeth brings over 20 years of leadership in both the non-profit and private sector having last founded and grown a pioneering social venture, Sustainable Health Enterprises. Recognized for her innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Elizabeth has focused on leading organizations in periods of growth whether it be in the start-up phase or more mature organizations at an inflection point.  Originally hailing from Bruce Springsteen’s New Jersey, Santa Barbara has been her home for the past 10 years with her wife, Sarita, and two zany boys, Niran and Ronak.  She’s also an active member of The OpEd Project Board and Harvard’s Women’s Leadership Board.

“Now more than ever, we need to invest in our community leaders. I am excited to join Katya and the entire LFW team and lead the organization’s growth as the nexus of purposeful leaders and collective change. Given the urgent challenges, I am compelled to step up locally and meet the moment and I hope others will join us!” ~ Elizabeth

As co-Executive Directors, Katya and Elizabeth will be working hand in hand with our Operations Director, Rubi Castellanos, and alongside the incredible instructors, coaches, trainers, and partners who make this work come alive. This isn’t just about leading an organization—it’s about nurturing a community. We hope you’ll walk with us, continuing to support the people and institutions who are showing up every day to strengthen the social fabric of our region. The future we’re building belongs to all of us.