OUR TEAM

the small but mighty squad changing 500+ young lives a year


JEN BARON

It's been said that I came into this world singing. Having grown up in the California foothills, miles from the nearest town it isn't surprising that I filled my days with make believe, attentiveness to my surroundings, and a deep desire to connect artistically. My childhood home was ripe with music and storytelling was central to our everyday interactions as a family. I began writing music when I was 8 years old and haven't stopped since. I feel beyond fortunate to get to work professionally as a songwriter. I have written upwards of 500 songs and have had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the top songwriters and producers in pop music. I am both a writer and producer. My songs "Vespertine" and "Gypsy Heart" were featured in Sharon Stone's feature length film Femme. "Push Pull" was picked up by DJ Duo team Sam F and Kap Slap to be released in 2017. Also featured articles in Kaboom Magazine, EARS, Soundfly, Alfitude, SOM Magazine, Jammerzine, Bee Hive Candy, and Medium.

DIANA O'CONNELL

Diana O’Connell draws upon her extensive experience providing financial and strategic leadership and creating solutions for complex program needs, and she's been doing this for Girls Rock since 2017. Diana adds strategic thinking, financial leadership, and non-profit executive experience on an as-needed basis. With a focus on financial systems, transparency, and reporting on key metrics, Diana helps Girls Rock achieve our strategic and financial goals through accurate, consistent, clear, and regular reporting. A Santa Barbara native and UCSB graduate, Diana returned home in 2012 after a successful career in Corporate Finance and Management in Silicon Valley and Austin, Texas, and quickly became immersed in the biking, paddling, and triathlon communities as both an active participant and an organizational leader. With a passion for creating opportunities that open people's lives and make their world bigger through experiences and community connection, Diana is drawn toward programs that provide access, equity, and encouragement.

SHANNA DOOLITTLE

Shanna has been involved with various Girls Rock programs, from teaching drums to program directing, for over 20 years. As a renowned drummer, she's performed, recorded, and toured with several bands including The Haggard, STLS, and Cadallaca. As an intersectional feminist, Shanna strives to dismantle systems of oppression and create opportunities for youth to become powerful leaders in creating an equitable world.

DEVIN DAVIS

Devin Davis has studied contemporary songwriting and independent music production for over a decade. She plays a multitude of instruments, but guitar and voice are what she loves the most. After teaching for many years, Devin moved to Los Angeles to focus on being a career musician. She currently fronts the alternative rock band Ramonda Hammer, and as a huge advocate of the DIY musician life, Devin manages her band, produces their videos and marketing content, and books their tours all over the North America. Devin still loves to teach and when she's not on the road, she's at GR.

GRACIE FUENTES

Coming soon!

LUNA VALLEJO-HOWARD

Coming soon!

“Playing music in Los Angeles, I’ve noticed a huge shift in the last few years…

… When I first started playing music, there was definitely this competitive element where women felt like they had to fight each other for a place at ‘the top,’ whatever that means… But when women are united and connected, and you all feel empowered, that makes you stronger. Girls Rock just brings the best people here, I don't know what it is. Maybe it’s that element that really makes you feel comfortable enough to be who you are.”

—Lauren Kop, Music Production Instructor