Warm Welcome to New Board Members!

from the December, 2009 issue of Kiai!

By: Diane Miller, Board Member

The Thousand Waves Board of Directors is pleased to announce the election of its newest board members - Annie Gregory, Ryan Libel, Scott Rapacz, and Julie Swift. Together they bring expertise in not-for-profit management, fundraising, events management, writing, law, and computers. They also share a history of service to the Thousand Waves community. If you participated in Spirit Challenge or Punch and Kick-a-thon this year, chances are you know these new board members. Please take a minute to learn more about their unique talents and what they hope to accomplish by serving on the board.

New Board Member Bios:

Annie Gregory - In February 2008, Annie first came to Thousand Waves after receiving a gift certificate from a friend for a month of karate classes. A lifelong athlete, she quickly came to appreciate learning how to move in this new way. Over the course of her training, she became more familiar with Thousand Waves' mission and non-violence activities throughout Chicago. Annie was honored to join the board in November 2009 and sees her involvement as a way to give something back for the many benefits she has received through her training. When not at Thousand Waves, Annie works as a compliance attorney at Howard Brown Health Center.

Ryan Libel - In 2003, Ryan walked through the doors of Thousand Waves looking for fitness and fun but found a second home. He is new to the board this fall, is active in Thousand Waves violence prevention program, and recently earned his first degree black belt in Seido Karate. In joining the board, he looks forward to further serving and deepening his relationship with an organization he loves. Outside of Thousand Waves, Ryan runs a citizenship preparation program at Albany Park Community Center, is an avid jogger and holds an MA in Linguistics.

Scott Rapacz - Scott discovered Thousand Waves and Seido Karate in 2006 in hopes of finding a more fulfilling physical activity in lieu of weightlifting. He has previously trained in Kenpo Karate and another Okinawan style at the age of 8 and 24. His Seido training and admiration for the Thousand Waves family inspired him to give back by joining the Board of Directors in Nov. 2009. Scott enjoys a career in Storage Networking for Health Care Services Corporation, as well as a passion for motorsports, ice hockey, and electronic music. Scott hopes that his IT background and project management skills will be of use while serving on the board of directors.

Julie Swift - Julie's relationship with Thousand Waves began in 2005. She learned of Thousand Waves from a family at her children's school. Her son Graham started taking classes and karate soon became a favorite activity. In 2007 her son Evan started in Little Kicks. She enjoys spending time at the dojo watching the boys train, and finds it a very peaceful place to spend an afternoon. More importantly, she appreciates the message of nonviolence and peaceful problem solving that her children are learning. Her involvement with the dojo started with the Parents Action Committee; it has been a joy to work with other involved parents. She embraces the mission of Thousand Waves and looks forward to working with the Board of Directors.

Consider Joining the Board

The Thousand Waves Board of Directors is comprised of 15 members who serve staggered, three-year terms so that roughly one third of the board positions become open each year. Each year we look for individuals who are interested in giving back to the Thousand Waves community in a leadership role. We encourage training members, parents, and others with a strong connection to Thousand Waves to consider applying. For more information about next year's board, please contact Chair Patricia Broughton, Board Member Diane Miller or Executive Directors Nancy Lanoue and Sarah Ludden.