Impact Advising

You only have the opportunity to play sports at an elite level for so long—but the change you inspire can live on. I have 15+ years of experience at mission-driven organizations like the Clinton Global Initiative along with advising Olympians including Deena Kastor, Tina Charles, and the Bryan Bros. Let’s work together to use your powerful platform as an athlete to create enduring impact for the causes and communities that matter to you.

Give deeper intrinsic meaning to your athletic endeavors by connecting them to a larger purpose.

Expand your horizons and identity beyond athletic achievements by serving as a changemaker.

Turn the temporary experience of being a professional athlete or student-athlete into an enduring legacy of impact.

Services

Impact Strategy Development

Facilitating activities to help you express your purpose and set goals for contributing and connecting to that purpose.

Developing plans identifying specific actions you can take based on your unique platform, brand, priority issue areas, and goals.

Charity Partner Due Diligence

Researching high-quality potential charity partners based on your priority issue areas and other preferences like organization size.

Empowering you to get to know potential charity partners by introducing you to their leadership and coordinating program tours.

Relationship Management

Managing relationships with key contacts at charity partners on your behalf, including you in as many or as few of the details as you want.

Cultivating relationships with media and other stakeholders to drive additional opportunities for exposure.

Professional Development

Guiding you in developing skills such as public speaking; intentional gratitude; and a mindset for applying your strengths from athletics to a professional career

Connecting you with leaders in industries of personal interest for informational interviews.

Impact Measurement & Reporting

Measuring the impact of your efforts through increased contributions to charity partners, media coverage that highlights your commitment to your priority issue areas, and case studies of your influence on others.

Supporting you in telling your story of learning and growth from these experiences.

My Story

The greatest run of my life was not on the track as a USC distance runner and team captain. It wasn’t finishing the 2018 Boston Marathon in historically brutal weather, nor the bright beachside run on my wedding day. It was in December 2009, in the small village of Sikoro, Mali (population 450). I had the opportunity to visit Sikoro for two weeks as part of a USC alternative winter break program.

The morning after donating more than 100 pairs of running shoes and socks to the community through my nonprofit organization Give Running, I laced up my own trainers and went on a six-mile run circling through the village. It was a gorgeous morning as the warmth of the sun began to lift the dew that had settled overnight. My footfalls made quiet, rhythmic music upon the dirt path as I exchanged friendly waves with my curious new neighbors.

After completing the first few laps of my quarter-mile loop in solitude, I was soon joined by three, 10, and finally more than 20 enthusiastic kids. My running partners were wearing the shoes they had recently received; for many, it was their first-ever footwear. Each kid would keep pace for as many laps as their age and fitness level allowed, pause to rest until the next time the group came around, and then hop back in—often with another friend in tow.

Smiles, laughter, and radiating joy gave wings to our feet as we all kicked along the final stretch of the final lap together.

Athletics have transformed my life and served as a bridge to a fulfilling 15+ year social impact career. I’ve had the opportunity to support leading organizations such as the Ford Foundation, Special Olympics, and the LA Dodgers Foundation.

This journey has taught me that service cultivates deep resilience and fulfillment. I’ve gained perspective when navigating my own season-ending injuries by reflecting on the challenges faced by other people. I’ve learned to balance ambitiously pursuing future goals with mindfully savoring the present moment, as my run in Sikoro brought home.

In working to pay forward my many blessings, I am reminded of two of my favorite quotes by the legendary coach John Wooden:

“Make each day your masterpiece.”

“It is our choices that show what we are far more than our ability.”

I hope to mentor today’s athletes to value this wisdom. Just as your choices have made you a champion, how you choose to wield your influence shows your character. You are a role model, so embrace it intentionally. You have a platform, so use it purposefully. Today is a once-in-a-lifetime gift, so make it a masterpiece.

Competing as a distance runner and distance team captain on the USC Track & Field Team

Celebrating with WNBA star Tina Charles at the end of a successful youth program site visit

An early lap during the greatest run of my life before dozens more kids joined in the fun

Meeting President Clinton (one of several times) while working at the Clinton Global Initiative

Contact

More information coming soon. In the meantime, please connect with me on LinkedIn and we can schedule time for an introductory conversation.