top of page
231007 move your feet anniversary-28.jpg

MOVE YOUR FEET TENNIS FOUNDATION

Making tennis accessible and affordable with low-cost instruction, events, and a vision for healthy communities.

MISSION & HISTORY

At the heart of the Move Your Feet Foundation lies a vision born from our founder's unwavering passion and dedication. Inspired by a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of sports, education, and community engagement, we are committed to uplifting urban communities through a holistic approach that nurtures athletic talent, fosters overall health, champions academic success, and encourages active community involvement.

 

Our mission is more than a statement; it's a promise to inspire, empower, and make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities. We believe in the potential of every person to excel, not just on the field but in every aspect of their life. By providing access to quality sports programs, educational support, and opportunities for community service, we aim to unlock this potential and pave the way for a brighter, healthier, and more connected future.

The Move Your Feet Foundation is driven by our founder's personal journey, whose life was profoundly changed by the very principles we advocate. This journey, marked by challenges overcome and dreams realized, fuels our commitment to extend the same opportunities to others. We are passionate about breaking down barriers to success and building ladders of opportunity for those who need them most.


In an ever-changing world, our optimism for the future shines bright. We see a world where every individual has the opportunity to thrive, where communities are strong, supportive, and vibrant, and where the power of sports and education acts as a catalyst for positive change. Through our work, we aim to inspire a new generation of leaders, thinkers, and doers who will carry forward the torch of innovation, resilience, and unity.

Join us on this journey. Together, we can create a legacy of hope, health, and high achievement that will resonate for future generations. The Move Your Feet Foundation is not just building better athletes; we're nurturing healthier communities and fostering a world where everyone has the opportunity to move forward together.

MYFT Foundation - NJTL.gif

NJTL Southern California Chapter

Move Your Feet Tennis Foundation (MYFTF) is proud to form part of the USTA Foundation’s flagship National Junior Tennis & Learning Program (NJTL).  With NJTL’s support our foundation is able to further achieve our mission of helping under-resourced youth, through tennis development and education opportunities. We look forward to being participants of the personal and academic success of our promising youth. MYFTF is one of approximately 300 chapters in the country

SERVE UP YOUR TENNIS TALENTS

OUR BOARD MEMBERS

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

These leaders embody the spirit of the Move Your Feet Foundation, driving forward with a shared vision of enhancing lives through tennis, fostering a healthier, more connected community.

Lisa Thomas Move Your Feet Tennis.jpg

President

Lisa S. Thomas

Lisa S. Thomas's journey from a celebrated athlete and coach to a pioneering scientist and now the visionary behind the Move Your Feet Foundation is a testament to her unwavering dedication to tennis and community well-being. Her illustrious career began on the courts and fields of the University of Illinois-Chicago, leading to her induction into the UIC Hall of Fame for her dual achievements in basketball and tennis. She was later inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame as one of the founding members of the Women's Basketball League, a precursor to the WNBA. Transitioning from sports to science, Lisa spent 23 years researching Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis, making significant contributions to the field. Yet, her passion for tennis never waned. Lisa's commitment to spreading the love for tennis through free clinics and programs has not only enriched lives but also fostered a healthier, more vibrant community. Her leadership at Move Your Feet is a beacon of hope, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions while making a positive impact on society.

  • LinkedIn
Stephen Shiao Head Shot_Non-Business_edi

Vice President

Stephen Shiao

Stephen Shiao's love affair with tennis began in high school, a journey that has since taken him from avid player to influential community leader. With a distinguished career in medicine and a history of serving on various national and international boards, Stephen brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to promoting tennis within the community. His work with the Move Your Feet Foundation is driven by a passion for enhancing youth's physical and mental well-being through tennis, embodying the foundation's mission to inspire and nurture future generations.

  • LinkedIn
Icon.png

Treasurer

Carol D. Kay

Carol D. Kay's meticulous approach to financial stewardship ensures the Move Your Feet Foundation's mission is realized on solid ground. Her expertise in managing resources effectively allows the foundation to expand its reach and impact, making tennis accessible to more youths in Pasadena and beyond. Carol's dedication to the foundation's financial health is matched only by her passion for its cause, making her a cornerstone of the team's success.

  • LinkedIn
Icon.png

Secretary

Secretary

###

  • LinkedIn
JON_edited.jpg

Board Member

Jon Fuhrman

Jon Fuhrman's illustrious career journey from a seasoned IT Development Manager, with pivotal roles at Southern California Edison, Hughes Aircraft, Nestle, and Employers Insurance Group, to a beacon of civic leadership and innovation, showcases a profound dedication to service and community upliftment. With an educational foundation rooted in Biochemistry from Cornell and an MBA from UCLA, Jon has seamlessly woven his technical acumen and strategic insight into the fabric of local and county governance. His tenure as a Pasadena City Recreation and Parks Commissioner, a member of the Los Angeles County Information Technology Commission, and a longstanding contributor to the County Citizens Commission on Economy and Efficiency for 27 years, highlights his unwavering commitment to civic excellence. Furthermore, Jon's active participation in the Pasadena Community College Foundation and the Pasadena Educational Foundation, coupled with his financial stewardship for state legislators and local elected officials, underscores his multifaceted leadership.

 

As a board member of the Move Your Feet Foundation, Jon's unique blend of technological expertise and civic engagement enriches the foundation's mission, driving forward initiatives that leverage technology to enhance youth engagement through tennis. His visionary approach and dedication to harnessing technology for the greater good make him an invaluable asset to the foundation, embodying the spirit of innovation and community service at the heart of the Move Your Feet mission.

  • LinkedIn
SUSAN_edited.jpg

Board Member

Susan Kane

Susan Kane's illustrious path from a prominent biomedical research scientist to a dedicated advocate for education and community service showcases her deep commitment to enriching lives and advancing knowledge. Educated at Stanford and Johns Hopkins University, Susan has made significant strides in cancer biology as a professor and leader at the Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope. Her roles have spanned from leading a research lab to serving as Associate Director of Research and Senior Vice President of Graduate and Professional Studies, underlining her dedication to scientific discovery and academic excellence.

 

Her passion didn't stop at the lab. Susan extended her influence into the community, spearheading a science education outreach program with the Duarte Unified School District and serving on several non-profit boards, including as board chair at the Huntington Medical Research Institutes. These roles have allowed her to bridge the gap between complex scientific research and public understanding, emphasizing the importance of accessible education.

 

As a board member of the Move Your Feet Foundation, Susan leverages her extensive background in science and education to champion tennis as a catalyst for youth development. Her ability to intertwine the disciplines of science and sport has made her a key figure in inspiring the next generation to embrace learning and physical activity with equal fervor. Susan's work with the foundation is a vivid example of how dedication to one's passions can lead to meaningful contributions to society, making her a source of inspiration for both budding scientists and athletes. Through her efforts, Susan embodies the foundation's mission, proving that education, research, and engagement in sports can collectively foster a healthier, more vibrant community.

  • LinkedIn
Icon.png

JR Board Member

Gabrielle “Gaby” Shiao

From her first encounter with a tennis racquet at age five, Gaby Shiao's journey has been one of passion and inspiration. Under the guidance of Coach Lisa and the Move Your Feet program, Gaby has blossomed into a formidable player and an enthusiastic advocate for youth tennis. Her unique perspective as a young athlete and her commitment to sharing her love for the game with others reflect the heart and soul of the foundation's mission, making her an inspiring figure for young tennis enthusiasts everywhere.

  • LinkedIn
Icon.png

Board Member 

Kathrin Michelsen

###

  • LinkedIn

Stay in Touch

Contact

(626) 399-1817
office@myftennis.org

2835 Casitas Avenue

Altadena, California 91001

bottom of page