George is well-known for his long history in the Bellevue community (he knows everyone), his Batman lunch boxes, and his sneaker collection. On paper, George’s job as a Community Coordinator is facilitating mentor-mentee relationships and supporting families, but his passion for his work and contributions to our community go far beyond that.
What’s your superpower?
I do love superheroes! My superpower I guess is my big heart.
What’s RA’s superpower?
Our mission statement. We are doing the things we say day-to-day, whether it’s sports or summer camp or check-ins. Staying true to the mission is what drives us.
There are good days and bad days, sometimes kids are harder to reach. We’re committed to making things happen and giving them a sense of belonging and belief that it’s going to be okay.
How did you start working at RA?
I worked at and eventually ran an after school program at the YMCA in Redmond for eight years, then I worked for the Bellevue School District as an educational assistant.
I got cornered by a contact of mine after they heard Jesse speak at an event. They told me an open position at Rainier Athletes would be a perfect fit - they were looking for someone bilingual and really connected in the community.
When I interviewed, I didn’t wear a suit and tie. I wanted to address the elephant in the room. And I explained to Jesse and Jacob that I hoped they weren’t offended, but that’s not who I am and that’s not who you’re going to get. Working with youth, I felt as though I broke down barriers and stereotypes by looking the way I do and being who I am. Here we are, four years later!
What makes you passionate about your job?
I grew up in Compton, CA in a single-parent household. My mom worked double shifts to make sure there was food to eat and a roof over our heads, and I didn’t have a positive male role model. After we lost my brother due to gang activity, my family moved to Washington to get away from all the negativity.
English wasn’t my mom’s first language. So at 13, I was the one trying to navigate the system and find resources. I didn’t have anyone to guide me through things like applying to college, and I never got to do sports because we couldn’t afford it. It wasn’t in the books for me. I think back and wonder if all the resources I’m aware of now existed back then, and I just didn’t know who to ask or how to ask.
Despite all that, I found strength in connecting with my community and that inspired me to start working with kids. I want to be that role model and mentor that I never had.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at RA?
Always give grace. Meet people where they’re at and be supportive. Everyone’s situation is different.
What’s your favorite part of summer with Rainier Athletes?
My favorite part of summer with Rainier Athletes is knowing that many students are stepping out of their comfort zone and going to summer camps for the first time, then hearing those same students sharing their experiences and excited to go again and again. I especially love some of the opportunities that RA does with the community such as the 8th grade campout, BBQs, Seahawks training camps, and many other events.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Sneakers! I’m a total movie junkie, a huge Batman and comic book fan. Love bringing people together, at work and outside of work. Spending time with my nieces and nephews.
And I’m checking things off the bucket list. Starting to get into cooking. I want to be more outdoorsy, I enjoy it and need to do it more.
What’s your #1 value to live by?
I believe strongly in treating others the way you want to be treated. We’re taught that as kids and it’s so simple, but as adults, we forget. If we all wrapped our heads around that simple concept, the world would be very very different.