Ride for Ravenswood 2010

Melieni Talakai of East Palo Alto Receives the Volunteer Center Nonprofit Board Leader Award

On Thursday, April 29th at the Volunteer Center's Hats Off event in San Francisco, Melieni Falemaka Talakai of East Palo Alto was invited by Kate Kelly, CBS reporter, and MC to come up on stage to receive the Nonprofit Board Leader Award. This award, given annually, recognizes the achievements of outstanding nonprofit board members in the Bay Area.

Melieni has served on the Board of Ravenswood Family Health Center since 1999 when a board was formed to oversee the development of the new community health center. In the fall of 2000, she was asked to assume the role of chair of the Board. She recalls how daunting it was a first. Ten years later she is serving her second term as board chair.

During her tenure, Ravenswood Family Health Center has grown dramatically from a staff of 13 in 2001 to a staff of 115 employees, now operating five sites, including the new state-of-the-art dental clinic and the Center for Health Promotion on Bay Road across from the main clinic.

CEO Luisa Buada observes, "Melieni is a natural born leader. She sets the tone for our meetings, characterized by warmth and mutual respect, knitting together our diverse multi-ethnic board. She is remarkably committed." Luisa recalls, "When we were planning a silent auction for our 5th Anniversary celebration, Melieni decided to offer to put on a Polynesian Affair as a way of raising money. At her own expense and in the very limited space of her home in East Palo Alto, with one cutting board, she and her 5 children whipped up a huge feast including a dish wrapped in giant banana leaves, fresh fruit, and Ahi tuna. It was a glorious meal for 30 guests and highlighted Polynesian dances performed by her daughters and sons. The affair raised $3,000 for RFHC."

In addition to her weekly involvement at RFHC, Melieni is the co-founder of Taulama for Tongans, a volunteer nonprofit that provides health education to the Pacific Islander community. She also hosts a bi-weekly health education program on KEST 14.50 AM. Her impact is widely recognized. As one of her colleagues at Taulama said, "In the Pacific Islander community, Melieni is the face of health services."

Ravenswood CEO Inducted Into San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame

On Thursday, March 18th, Luisa Buada, CEO of Ravenswood Family Health Center, was inducted into the San Mateo County Women's Hall of Fame which was established by the Board of Supervisors and the Commission on the Status of Women to pay tribute to exceptional women who have left an indelible imprint on San Mateo County and its residents.

Luisa was acknowledged for her vision and leadership that has significantly expanded the safety net of health care services for residents of South San Mateo County. Please take time to read the attached press release.

Press Release

(L to R) Kerry Lobel, Julia McKeon, Luisa Buada, Fiona Murphy, Denise Aquila