Tell us something about yourself:

Someone said to me: “If you did not make a difference in society, your community, or in someone's life, then the gift of life given to you was wasted.”  I have discovered by just being involved; wow, one can make a difference. My involvement has led me to be an advocate for communities of color, the underserved populations, and small businesses. Over the years, I’ve been honored to receive numerous awards in recognition for my volunteerism in economic development, and community reinvestment. I have served various appointment terms in the public service sector. My background is being a member of several Corporate 500 community advisory boards, state advisory committees and various nonprofits. I am currently a board member of The Greenlining Institute. Currently, I'm involved in energy programs that will provide economic stability and equal sustainability for all communities. In another words, policies that will reflect the real needs for the communities and provide long lasting effects. In the nonprofit world, I’ve created several nonprofits and served in various roles as an officer, chairperson, President, Vice President, mentor, committee member, communication director and advisor. As a consultant for events and nonprofits, I have been instrumental and innovative in producing, directing, and planning many fundraising events i.e. galas, entertainment, and fashion shows. I have participated in public relations platforms and organized community outreach meetings.
 

How did you start playing pickleball?

Foster City had built a “field of dreams and they will come”. I remembered peering through the wire fence, wondering what those lines on the small courts are for. I kept asking “what is the kitchen?” Shortly afterwards, we had a chance to try indoor pickleball playing with the amazing C. G. (a pickleball coach at San Mateo High School). “One paddle leads to another.” When a friend got a paddle for his birthday, I had to get one too. We would go to the courts when no one was around and tried to play pickleball or to “pick up balls”. A sincere thank you to the people that we had met there at the courts and for encouraging us to continue. After learning the pickleball “lingo”, knowing where the kitchen is, and playing with other players, pickleball became part of my routine.
Note: Doctors are recommending to their patients to exercise and socialize for health and mental benefits. For some people, pickleball could be a Rx answer. For others, it could be the natural progression after years of playing tennis.

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What do you like most about pickleball?

1. It is the friendships that are formed on the courts. It is the joy of “dinking” the ball.  One can hear beside the bonging sound of the ball: a lot of laughter and giggles. Often, we hear “was that ball in; are you sure?”  “What’s the score, I forgot?” “I got it and Opps! It’s yours” and “there must be a hole in my paddle”.  Phrases like “good try”, “great setup”, “good serve”, and “good hustle” makes a player smile. It’s fun.

2. It is the community spirit. No age gap. It is people of all ages and skills coming together.

3. It is the “Young at Heart” age 70 plus for a “fun” tournament. It was a counterintuitive approach to prove that senior pickleball players are not to be ignored.

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Why do you serve as Secretary of FCPC?

​To offer my experiences in assisting FCPC to become a foundation and to support the club’s mission and vision. I want Foster City to be proud of its pickleball program and participants. To have FCPC rank above other pickleball clubs and to be involved in the community. To encourage players to volunteer and/or to donate. To help players understand why pickleball is a way to forget life’s pitfalls, to enjoy the game (win or lose), and look forward to tomorrow. It is making a difference in one’s life in order to make a difference in another.