Today we’d like to introduce you to Risa B.
Hi Risa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve always been someone who has been a leader my whole life from a young age, so stepping into a leadership role in my community came naturally. I’ve always been involved with organizations around San Diego and in different countries. I travel a lot and I’m always creating. When I started My organization, Paddle for Peace, it was in June 2020, the start of all of the racial and social tension going on. I could not just sit back and do nothing. As a mixed-race woman, surfer and ocean advocate, I wanted to do something meaningful for my community to help them heal. I had the idea to hold a paddle out at the beach, which is normally where I go to heal and find peace. I wanted to provide a safe and peaceful outlet for people to come together with love and support for one another and that’s when Paddle for Peace was born.
All I did was light the torch and everyone else carried it and made it what it was. Paddle for peace is for the community, by the community. After the 1st paddle out, we continued the work. We raised over $2,800 that went towards breast cancer research and treatment for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to that, we held a toy drive for children that are orphaned in Mexico and collected over 106 toys for them for Christmas. We bring awareness to things that matter, and we provide a sense of community where people can create bonds and have a sense of belonging. We all have the same agenda, and that’s to make the world a better place. I am a rebel with a cause and full of ideas and I am always seeking like minded people to surround myself with. In addition to that, I work with Surfrider foundation which is an awesome NPO that focuses on ocean conservation. I was voted on to be an executive committee member this year. I am Stoked to work with them and continue to grow my organization and do better in this world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been bumpy. Doubt, anxiety, loneliness and uncertainty have crept in along the way. It’s easy to get sucked into all of the negative thoughts when you’re an overthinker like me, so you have to be self-aware. I’ve taught myself to keep pushing forward because failure isn’t an option. I will always give my projects my all whether I have the support of 1000 people or ten people or zero people because at the end of the day, my work is not about me or my ego, or monetary gain. It is about doing the right thing. I have to understand not everyone will want to support everything that I do and that’s okay. I’m still going to do it. The main thing that I’ve learned is to pick a side and stick with it regardless of the backlash or negative opinions of others. You only fail when you don’t try. You have to be confident enough, or the obstacles you face will deter you from your dreams and goals.
Another struggle I had Was quite personal. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer the same month I started to paddle for peace so it was extremely hard to stay focused during such a dark time, but when I felt like it was too much, I thought about my sister & her strength reminded me that we share the same blood and I too Am strong. She was so encouraging and supportive with what I wanted to do and that really helped me continue to focus. Support from your loved ones is extremely important. When I’m going through trying times or pain, I always distract, and it makes me want to help others even more, and in return, that helps me to heal. It all becomes a full circle. You get what you give out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been in healthcare for the last 12 years. I’ve worked on both the clinical and business side of things so I’m well rounded. The goal is to be a nurse practitioner and travel around the world to 3rd world countries that need quality healthcare and donate my time to save lives. I also want to respond to crisis/ natural disasters in countries that lack resources and need extra help. I’m most proud of starting and running a wound care clinic for four years. It was a tough path but so rewarding because of how many patient’s lives came through our doors frustrated and left with a better quality of life because of the level of care we gave them. Outside of my career, I am most proud of what Paddle for Peace has done and will continue to do for people not only in San Diego but all around the world. What sets me apart from others is that I cannot be labeled because I am constantly changing, not because I do not know who I am, but because I am constantly learning and growing.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Human connection is vital to our existence, and it’s ever so important to slow down sometimes and be present in the moment, cherish those you love and never take anything for granted.
Contact Info:
- Email: Paddleforpeace@gmail.com
- Website: Paddleforpeace.org
- Instagram: Instagram.com/paddleforpeace
Image Credits:
@colinleibold, @headedanywhere, @bluewesley, and @Sydney.adventures
