‘The sense of empowerment and individuality is one of the best opportunities for females in skateboarding’.
POSEIDEN FOUNDATION
Micaela Ramirez
Co-Founder / President
Poseiden Foundation
August 2024
There is so much you do with the foundation. Can you give us a quick summary on your key activities?
The Poseiden Foundation is a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit organization on a mission to empower lives and provide positive outlets for youth, with a special focus on skateboarding and adaptive sports. Since 2007, our mentorship programs, hands-on workshops, clinics, and events have been inspiring youth through life-changing experiences that motivate them to transform their mindset, chase their passions, and manifest their dreams. Our humanitarian outreach aims to shine a light on the challenges faced by foster, orphaned, and homeless/unhoused families within our communities. Our team’s partner with other nonprofit organizations, city officials, and governmental programs to encourage the importance of giving back to our community. We teach kids from any background to understand that by believing in themselves they have the power to achieve their goals and help others.
You must be very proud on what you have achieved so far. What was one of your proudest moments running the Poseiden Foundation?
It has been a long journey of advocacy, and one of the proudest achievements I’ve had so far is keeping Poseiden Foundation running despite the challenges, negativity, and pushback we’ve encountered along the way. I’ve remained focused on our goals to ensure that kids around the world feel seen, cared for, and empowered. Each success story, every smile, and every tear of happiness shared represents a moment of pride and success for me. Even when faced with adversity, hate, rumors, or a lack of support from the industry, I draw inspiration from the nonprofit’s successes and I think of the successes Poseiden Foundation and the skaters that have been given opportunities to shine, the skaters who we touched, the children that received hope and acknowledgment. It reminds me of the importance of giving back. Knowing that we are creating a ripple effect of love and empowerment is what truly changes the world. If one person’s life is transformed through an act of kindness or by someone believing in them, that is a proud moment for me.
Anything that was particularly funny or embarrassing?
One of the funniest moments that happened to me was during a humanitarian mission in Ecuador. I was there with Vanessa Torres, Amelia Brodka, Andres Chong Qui from SBEC and Syd Ott and family, and our goal was to build a home for a homeless family. Now… one of our tasks was digging holes for the foundation poles. While Vanessa started digging a hole, then walked away for a moment. I was tired and not paying full attention and it was extremely hot, I stepped right into one of the foundation holes she had started. For a second, I couldn’t get my foot out, and I was stuck! The best part was – a little 5-year-old girl who was playing nearby saw me struggling and came to the rescue. I mean, it was a bit embarrassing as an adult needing help from a tiny kid, especially since we were to be the ones helping…. it was super heartwarming that she came to my rescue. She started digging around the hole, and with their help, I finally got my foot out. To make it even better, the family offered me a caramel banana treat, they knew how embarrassed I was. It was one of those moments that’s both funny and touching, and it reminds you of the kindness you can find in unexpected places, especially from little ones. The good thing was only the little girl, Techo por Una Pais program director, and family saw what happened. I still laugh to this day thinking about that moment.
What are some of the most challenging aspects of running the foundation?
The one of many most challenging aspects of running a foundation is time! – There is so much to do and when you are a grassroot organization like ours, there is a constant demand for action, and most tasks are handled by a dedicated team of advisors and myself. The availability of our team members is also limited due to their other commitments. We take pride in maintaining our grassroots identity and making significant impacts with relatively modest donations. It’s important to note that none of the Poseiden Foundation board of directors, including myself, receive a salary. We are driven by a 100% dedication to the cause, and our work is entirely voluntary. We firmly believe that charity work should be motivated by a genuine desire to help, and people should not be compensated for charitable efforts. When one is paid to engage in charity work or volunteerism, it can create a transactional dynamic rather than a truly altruistic one. We ensure that our volunteers are taken care of and receive authentic cultural experiences during tours. This often involves staying in hostels or with host families to keep costs low, allowing us to have a significant impact in the communities we serve. However, this commitment to a more challenging, authentic approach can be a hurdle for those who prefer convenience or luxury. Additionally, challenges arise when things don’t go exactly as planned. People may lose sight of their original motivations when faced with unexpected obstacles. Personalities and interpersonal dynamics can also pose difficulties, as individuals sometimes focus on pointing fingers at others rather than recognizing the collective effort and the positive impact of the foundation. Another substantial challenge lies in securing monetary support from companies. While we appreciate the product support and gear donations from sponsors, financial support, even in small amounts like $100, is crucial for the foundation’s sustainability. While bartering with sponsors can be beneficial, it may not fully address the fundamental operational needs of the foundation. A dear friend once told me, “Life is like a rollercoaster with no seatbelt; you just have to hold on tight, never let go, and enjoy the ride.” I keep this in mind when facing challenges, whether it’s working with others or even when some people view us as competitors. It’s about overcoming obstacles, finding your support system, and understanding that we’re all human and make mistakes. As long as we do our best, challenges can turn into triumphs that no one can take away.
‘And let’s not forget Elissa Steamer, who rocked the streets and showed everyone that girls can compete and dominate in skateboarding competitions.’
Since you ran the foundation, at what point did you notice a big jump in awareness or trend in female skateboarding?
It was in 2007 when we went to Argentina, they were hosting events that had more than 100 girls skating in. While in the USA contest had like 5-10 girls. That’s when I realized that the skate movement was bigger outside the USA and started to raise awareness about the skater girls internationally, which in turn motivated the USA female skaters we worked with back then.
What are some of the opportunities for female skateboarding to grow even further?
I believe that there are numerous opportunities for female skateboarding to continue growing, but we must think outside the box. Skateboarding is all about freedom, yet it often comes with unspoken rules that can exclude many people from pursuing it. The key to further opportunities for females in skateboarding lies in being authentic and breaking away from the molds society tries to impose. Females should understand that they don’t need to conform to any specific image or expectation. They have the power to be themselves, chase their dreams, and go after what they want. This sense of empowerment and individuality is one of the best opportunities for females in skateboarding. I’ve also learned that social media is an excellent tool for getting your voice out there and sharing your love for skateboarding. I’m grateful to Lucy Osinski for pioneering new ways to use social media to amplify our passion for skateboarding and make our voices heard.
What are some of the things where female skateboarders have an advantage over their male colleagues?
Females are graceful and show strength and flow when they skate. Their style is unique and there are some tricks that look magical while they are doing it. These are all advantages female skateboarders have over their males.
If you had to name the Godmother of skateboarding, who would it be and why?
It’s tough to pick just four, but here are some amazing women who helped make skateboarding awesome: Patti McGee: Often regarded as the Godmother of skateboarding, Patti McGee is celebrated for her fearless style and contribution to the sport. Peggy Oki: Peggy Oki is an icon known for her rebellious spirit and street-surf style. She not only pushed the limits of what females can do in skateboarding but also advocated for environmental causes, particularly in protecting our oceans and planet. Laura Thornhill: Laura Thornhill played a pivotal role in opening doors for more females to have their own Pro Model skateboards, leaving an enduring legacy. Judi Oyama: At 63 years old, Judi Oyama continues to inspire by actively skating and even placing 2nd in the 2023 US Slalom Championships against competitors as young as 15. She demonstrates that age is no barrier to skateboarding passion. And let’s not forget Elissa Steamer, who rocked the streets and showed everyone that girls can compete and dominate in skateboarding competitions. There are countless amazing Godmothers, grandmothers, and mothers of skating around the world, and skateboarding didn’t just start in California – it’s a global phenomenon with talented riders everywhere!
What is on your wish list?
My wish for Poseiden Foundation is to bring back our Global Game of S.K.A.T.E. and have companies rally and sponsor, allowing us to expand from 74 countries to 84! We’ve found that through our Global Game of S.K.A.T.E., we can showcase the talent of many female skaters and learn about what’s happening in each country, providing a profound cultural experience. As for my personal wish list, I dream of visiting Japan and the Maldives. I used to live in Japan when I was younger, and it was my first international experience. I haven’t had the chance to return yet. As for the Maldives, it’s a place where you connect with both yourself and the planet. Unfortunately, it’s at risk of disappearing within the next 10-15 years due to rising sea levels, so it would be truly magical to see it before these beautiful islands are no longer part of our planet.
Last question. If you could interview one person, who would it be and why?
The one person I would love to interview is Mother Teresa. I know she is no longer with us, but I would have cherished the opportunity to learn more about how she initiated her mission, how she tackled difficult situations, and how she managed to radiate positivity while working in challenging environments. I’d also be interested in understanding what actions she believes humanity can take to make the world a better place and how she envisions bringing peace and unity to our world. I deeply admire her profound understanding of life, her unwavering compassion and empathy for those in need, and her ability to effect change in the lives of those society often overlooked. What intrigues me the most is her spiritual perspective, and she focused on caring for all in need through love and compassion. I DO WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED POSEIDEN FOUNDATION! YOUR SUPPORT MAKES DREAMS COME TRUE!
‘Life is like a rollercoaster with no seatbelt; you just have to told on tight, never let go, and enjoy the ride.’
