I met Lulu about 18 months ago when I showed up at her Women on Weight Class. She started the class as a way to show women how to get strong, focusing on functional fitness for women of all ages and fitness levels. She wanted women to feel empowered in the rack room too. I was totally new to weight training, and Lulu was incredibly welcoming. Since that time I’ve been a very regular attendee, and I’ve seen how Lulu has built the community. She is energetic, has something positive to say to everyone, is extremely encouraging and helps everyone with their form. She’s often there after the class ends to help people with questions. The women who come are sometimes completely new to exercising, and she always takes the time to help, to encourage and by her example, has created a supportive community for all people wanting to get into shape. She makes weight training extremely accessible to all, and though her class is designed for women, I’ve seen men show up, and she helps them too. She has never said this class is for women only. She welcomes everyone with a smile and positive encouragement.
In addition to helping us get into shape, Lulu has inspired other teachers too. I remember 2 coaches who used to volunteer or shadow her so they could learn to conduct their own classes, and both of them are now teaching weight training to women. She’s generous with her time and her knowledge. She goes above and beyond her responsibilities and incredibly she not only has grandmas in her classes but the teenagers at Berkeley High have discovered her as well, and now they are showing up on Sundays. When we more mature folks were feeling that the class was getting too crowded, Lulu very graciously expanded her teaching to host an additional class on Sunday mornings. She is open to trying new ways to support us to get healthier. She regularly brings in 40 to 50 people per class, so on Sundays now you can be sure that 80 to 100 people show up at the downtown Berkeley YMCA because of Lulu.
I think we all show up because Lulu celebrates not only the big stuff but also the small wins like when someone makes a box jump they had been working on or when someone is able to do a squat with the correct form.
Thank you, Lulu for making such an impact for so many of us. Your kindness shows in all the ways you interact with everyone at the Berkeley Y. You make the world a better place.
Thanks Lulu we love your class.
Lulu is an absolutely amazing person. I met her several years ago and she has been wonderful to me and my fiancé both not only is she a pivotal part of what makes YMCA friendly and warm, but she also heads the disability accessibility role where she helps people with visual impairment, label machines thank you Lulu for making the gym more accessible for us all
Lulu is hands down one of my most favorite colleagues to work with. She is as authentic and generous with both her time, energy and spirit. We are lucky to have her at the YMCA and much like her mentor Katy, I hope to keep her as a friend for years to come. She is simply a gem of a human.
Great nominee and Lulu is an excellent and most deserving candidate!
I am so very proud of the amazing work that Lulu does for the YMCA of the East Bay.