The Sacramento Kings are honoring three local women of influence for their impact on the community. Sister Libby Fernandez of Loaves & Fishes, Rhonda Staley-Brooks of the Nehemiah Foundation and California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye will be recognized for their efforts and positive influence in and around the greater Sacramento region.
Before they take center court during tonight’s Kings/Grizzlies matchup, Kings.com caught up each of them to talk about their careers, inspirations and a host of other topics.
Kings.com: Please share with us your inspiration for choosing your field of work.
Rhonda Staley-Brooks: In high school, I wanted to grow up and own my own childcare center. I knew I wanted to always work with children in some form or fashion. I was able to find Big Brothers Big Sisters on the jobline and couldn’t be more excited to have a job where I can mentor youth. Now at Nehemiah Community Foundation, I’m able to mentor young leaders at the same time as giving back to the community through board service. My two careers have tied together nicely, which has been exciting.
Sister Libby Fernandez: Back in the late ‘70s, women were given so many opportunities in various careers. My parents encouraged me to "shoot for the stars". During high school, class of ‘79 - I wanted to fly jets. Women were finally allowed to apply for the United States Air Force Academy, so I did and received a four-year scholarship. I completed three-and-a-half years, when I felt "called" in a different direction. Being Catholic, I wanted to be a nun and serve God full-heartedly. I left the Air Force Academy, served a few more years as an airwoman, then pursued my masters in social work and entered religious life in 1990 - the Sisters of Mercy.
Tani Cantil-Sakauye: When I was nine years old, our family was evicted from our alleyway home in Sacramento because of redevelopment. My mother fought it by herself in court and lost. She felt she was treated unfairly. At the age of nine, I was a strong believer in fairness and justice and I still am today!
Kings.com: Did you have a specific role model who influenced your decision to go into your field?
Staley-Brooks: My parents gave even when they didn’t have anything. They are my biggest influencers of doing good!
Fernandez: As I was volunteering at Loaves & Fishes in 1985, I saw the Founder, Chris Delany, stirring the Soup and said to myself - "I want to follow in her steps!". She was so humble and was working hard like everyone else. She is and continues to be my inspiration of service. Chris is 85 years old now and still works at Loaves & Fishes!
Cantil-Sakauye: I come from a large, vibrant Filipino community. Your mother is always the first role model in that kind of community. After your mother, it’s all your aunties - blood related or not - and then the community itself.
Kings.com: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
Staley-Brooks: Working with talented individuals who want to continue to learn and grow. Then take that talent and give it back to others.
Fernandez: The most rewarding part of my career is touching the lives of those who are homeless. Each day, I am given the opportunity to bring a sense of dignity, respect and well-being to a person who may have felt unworthy, lonely and hopeless.
Cantil-Sakauye: Representing the people of California. I have three roles: Chief Justice of California, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and Chair of the Judicial Council. In each role, I have the opportunity to work with remarkable, hardworking public servants from all three branches of government.
Kings.com: What has been your greatest obstacle as a woman in a leadership position?
Staley-Brooks: My age for sure. I was appointed to CEO for Big Brothers Big Sisters at the age of 29. I had to learn on the job which caused a lot of unnecessary heartache. I look back and see that I’m a stronger person because of it!
Fernandez:The greatest obstacle for me in being a woman in a leadership role is maintaining a feminine approach to leadership. I like to use a lot of teamwork, collaboration and shared responsibilities. I am no better nor greater than my team. Being humble is a very important aspect of this type of leadership, but is it also very difficult to maintain in a society that sees "humility" as a weakness. As a leader, I must stand tall and strong in my values and positions, but also recognize that I represent others. I am often just a voice for the voiceless.
Cantil-Sakauye: I think many women face an obstacle of not being taken seriously at first in the workplace. But politeness should not be confused with weakness. As we all first learned in sports: Never, ever underestimate your opponent.
Kings.com: What advice would you share with other professional women leaders new in your field?
Staley-Brooks: Don’t give up. It’s not always going to be easy, so work hard at whatever you are passionate about and make it happen.
Fernandez: My advice for other professional women leaders is to be "sharp as a hawk, but gentle as a dove"!
Cantil-Sakauye: Ignore the rules of the common career trajectory. Follow your joy and passion. Keep a good attitude and serve the public.
Kings.com: If you knew then, what you know now, what advice would you give your younger self?
Staley-Brooks: Continue to follow your passion. The paycheck can’t give you happiness, but making a difference will.
Fernandez: If I knew then what I know now I would advise others to reach out beyond your comfort zone. Connect, listen and be open to others with different points of views, different experiences and different lifestyles. I believe that you will grow into a strong leader representing real people with real issues!
Cantil-Sakauye: Same as (my previous answer) above!
Betty Low also contributed to this piece.
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