05/14/2026
The Junior League of Santa Barbara is proud to recognize Nancy Martz as our 2026 Sustainer of the Year! 💙
Nancy joined JLSB in 2001 after returning to Santa Barbara from the Bay Area and quickly became a dedicated leader within the League, serving as Secretary/Parliamentarian, Treasurer, and Finance Council Director during her active years.
Through her involvement with JLSB, Nancy also helped create the Children’s Library at the downtown Santa Barbara Public Library alongside fellow League members. Beyond the League, she has served as a founding member and first Research Committee Chair of the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara, chaired the Marymount book fair, and served on the board of the Children’s Project Academy.
Nancy is the Founder and Executive Director of Apples to Zucchini Cooking School (), a beloved community cooking school that brings people together through food, connection, and education.
Inspired by her family’s Austrian culinary roots, Nancy learned to cook traditional cuisine from her grandfather and uncle at a young age. While attending law school in San Francisco, she discovered another passion while volunteering in a third grade classroom. Twenty years later, she combined these two interests to create a cooking school for children — helping students gain confidence and life skills while learning how to prepare delicious, nutritious, and affordable meals using seasonal and local ingredients.
What began as classes for children has since expanded to include programs for teens, adults, and families, continuing Nancy’s mission of building community and connection through cooking.
Nancy embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and lasting community impact that defines the Junior League of Santa Barbara.
We are excited to celebrate Nancy and all she has contributed to our community at our Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 18th at 6pm at the 28Vic. ✨
