OUR TEAM
Board of Directors & TEE's Program Director
Meet Our Board of Directors and the TEE Program Director: A passionate team of hockey enthusiasts dedicated to making a meaningful impact on our young participants. Our team members share a profound connection with the transformative power of hockey in their lives. Through this sport, we aim to impart joy and foster connections among our young participants, helping them not only grow as individuals but also thrive in the exhilarating world of ice hockey.
LISA ELAZEGUI, PHARM.D.
Interim President
Years in hockey: 25+
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What is your superpower? I have an entrepreneurial spirit and own my pharmacy in Pomona, California, where I am a pharmacist and hold my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Loma Linda University.
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What does hockey mean to you? Hockey has been a massive part of my life. It taught me about hard work, time management, and other valuable life lessons. My best friends to this day are my teammates whom I have known for over 20+ years and have become a second family to me.
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Why is it essential to be a part of TEE? I am privileged to be part of The Empowerment Effect and work with these young ladies. I have two daughters, one who plays hockey and loves the sport as much as I do. It's important that my daughters to not only be inspired by my hard work but to see me give back to the community that has given me so much.
KU'ULEI TIPON
Vice President
Years in hockey: 20+
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What is your superpower? Making lemonade (when life gives me lemons)!
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What does hockey mean to you? Hockey has taken me places I would have never thought to go, let alone play hockey in; it's opened doors to countless opportunities and friendships; it's inclusive/supportive/motivating community/family; I've made lifelong friends that have become family; connect with people of all abilities, backgrounds, nationalities, careers.
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Why is it essential to be a part of TEE? People always ask, “How did you start playing hockey, or why hockey?” I've responded, "Why not?". I want to give others the same opportunities and support hockey has provided me. When it's been seen as an unconventional sport, I want to make it the norm!
JAMIE FOOTLICK
Treasurer/Controller
Years in hockey: 15 years
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What is your superpower? My superpower is hard work. And my contagious laugh. I was never the best player on the ice but always the hardest worker!
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What does hockey mean to you? When my kids started playing hockey, Coach Estela was their coach! She encouraged my daughter on and off the ice, and I was inspired. After much reluctance and pushback from Estela in her eagerness to get me on the ice, I finally agreed to try it. I stepped on the ice and haven’t looked back. That was almost 15 years ago. In that time, I have played with and against some of the most amazing people on this planet. We have traveled close and far to play hockey and explore. Hockey has brought me another family. Hockey is my tribe.
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Why is it essential to be a part of TEE? Hockey has enriched my life, and with TEE, I will work hard to share that gift with as many young girls and women as possible.
PEPPER KEMTES
Secretary
Years in hockey: 20+
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What is your superpower? My superpower is my ability to learn and adapt.
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What does hockey mean to you? Hockey has served as a means to find myself as a human being. My core values have been shaped by the incredible women I've met and become friends with in the 24 years I've played. More than just playing a sport, specifically women's hockey, has unquestionably made me a better, more empathetic person.
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Why is it essential to be a part of TEE? I am here to help The Empowerment Effect have a meaningful impact on the lives of girls in our community through the sport of hockey. I’ve met doctors, lawyers, teachers, homemakers, engineers, actresses, moms, musicians, and many other strong, intelligent women I love and admire through this sport. I’m honored to get to work with the next generation of girls who have the power to change the world for the better!
DARINE POKAWATANA
Board Member
Years in hockey: 11+
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What is your superpower? My superpower is finding the positive in any situation.
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What does hockey mean to you? Hockey, to me, is more than just a sport. Initially, it was just a fun way to exercise, but as time passed, it became a means to connect with women of all ages, experiences, and careers. The women that I've met through hockey have impacted me in so many positive ways. I consider them all my family.
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Why is it essential to be a part of TEE? There is so much value in being a part of TEE. I believe that TEE will be able to provide young women with the same experience that I had coming into hockey. A place where you can have fun, learn from others, and build a family of friends and mentors—where everyone grows together and supports each other through that journey.
BLAKE BOLDEN
Board Member
Years in hockey: 15+
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What is your superpower? My shot!
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What does hockey mean to you? I have played hockey most of my life, from youth through college and beyond. I've played professionally in both the CWHL and the NWHL and have been able to travel the world playing hockey, playing in Switzerland for HC Lugano. I was the first Black woman to be drafted in the first round in the CWHL and the first Black woman to compete in the NWHL. I am now the Growth and Inclusion specialist, as well as a Pro Scout for the Los Angeles Kings NHL team, only the 2nd woman behind Cami Granato to hold that position on an NHL team.
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Why is it essential to be a part of TEE? Diversity and hockey haven't always gone hand in hand. Growing up, I was often the only girl and the only Black player on most of my teams. I want young girls to see more people who look like us playing hockey because representation matters.
CAITLIN MCGILLEY
Board Member
Years in hockey: 10 years spread over 3 decades
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What is your superpower? Helping people feel safe. Whether it’s in the net or in life, folks always know that I have their back. As a goalie in 3 different sports, I was always used to high pressure, worst-case scenario environments and I learned to keep my cool. I’ve taken these skills learned from the field and the ice and applied them to my job as a threat assessment professional, helping people through some of their toughest days. It’s my goal to ensure people feel safe when I’m standing behind them!
What does hockey mean to you? There is nothing like the sense of community a hockey team provides. Despite playing nearly every sport, the hockey locker room was always the most special atmosphere and it really always feels like a family.
Why is it important to be a part of TEE? Hockey is the most difficult sport to learn due to the cost of equipment, access to facilities, and availability of coaches. I’m excited to join this amazing team of women to help develop the next generation of hockey players and future leaders in our community.
TERESA RUIZ
Program Director
Years in hockey: 30+ Years
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What is your superpower? Perseverance through adversity
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What does hockey mean to you? When I was 11, my little brother and I each got a pair of rollerblades and a neon Franklin street hockey set. We instantly fell in love with the sport. We’d play for hours, not knowing any rules, we made it up as we went along. Since then, I’ve gone from playing street hockey in the neighborhood, to a cement rink at the local park, to an upgraded Sport Court facility, and finally to where I feel most at home – on the ice.
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For me, hockey has always been more than just a sport. It’s about the memories, the friendships, and the sense of belonging. Sports have the power to bring joy, build character, and keep you active – and hockey has given me all of that. It’s helped me grow as a person, challenged me in ways I never expected, and connected me to an amazing community.
Why is it important to be a part of TEE? As a kid, I wasn’t allowed to play ice hockey because my mom believed it was a boy’s sport. I was crushed. No child should ever feel excluded from something they love because of outdated ideas. That experience drives me to help change the narrative, because hockey is for everyone. It doesn’t matter your gender, race/ethnicity, financial situation, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, or skill level – there’s a place for you in hockey.
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I was fortunate that my grandmother stepped in. She bought our gear, paid for our registration, drove us to practice, and cheered for us at every game. Her support meant everything to me, and it shaped who I am today. That’s why I believe in lifting up the next generation. If you have the chance to show up for a young person in your life, do it. They need you more than you know.
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Being part of The Empowerment Effect is deeply meaningful to me. It’s an organization that equips girls with the knowledge, tools, and community they need to grow in confidence, character, and capability. I’m honored to contribute to a mission that aligns so closely with my own values, and I’m committed to continuing the work of making hockey – and the world – more inclusive and empowering for all.
ESTELA RIVAS-BRYANT
Founder
Years in hockey: 20+
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What is your superpower? Being a "momma bear."
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What does hockey mean to you? I was introduced to hockey as a young adult and immediately fell in love. Little did I know the sport would love me back tenfold and change my life. I met my husband on the rink and now have the honor to watch our 13-year-old son's love of hockey grow. I have coached youth hockey for over 20 years and have been inspired by young and old women in this sport.
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Why is it essential to be a part of TEE? It is my responsibility to do something to better my community. What better way to create change than through you, the sport that taught me so much to help teach and inspire others? There are so many strong, independent women who run the world and play hockey as well that I felt it was socially irresponsible not to bring our superpowers together to make real change.