Community

Giving back

Volunteering and giving back is a concept for me that resonates strongly. I am grateful to all of the people in my life who saw more in me than I saw in myself – and subsequently chose to give back and invest their time in me.

I feel that volunteering in my community makes us all better as individuals and collectively as a society. I live in the East Bay Area in Pleasanton with my wife, two daughters and son. I like to spend time with my kids, exploring the outdoors, and currently volunteer as a 4‑H leader and as a soccer referee.

On the field and off

As an outlet for giving back my time, I enjoy refereeing soccer with the many challenges it presents. As a certified USSF soccer referee for 10 years, I referee both youth and high-level adult matches throughout Northern California. I typically referee matches that utilize three-person crews and this often presents opportunities to both mentor and instruct new referees.

As a referee assignor and mentor, I have the opportunity to give back and invest my time in the youth who will become the next generation of leaders. It is fulfilling to work with eager young individuals as we teach the necessary aspects of refereeing soccer, and instill in them leadership skills that will serve them for a lifetime.

Helping build future leaders

4‑H is a U.S.‑based network of youth‑driven organizations that help youth from ages 8‑18 develop and hone life‑skills. Volunteer leaders play a major role in 4‑H programs and facilitate learning opportunities that promote positive youth development.

As a volunteer leader in the Abbie 4‑H chapter, I volunteer my time assisting youth leaders in operating, planning and administering projects and learning sessions. These projects and learning sessions serve to teach youth a wide range of experiences resulting in personal growth and career success.