“I definitely want to make a positive impact.”

That’s the main reason Nerissa “Rissa” Valdellon says she serves on the Foundation Board. But it could just as easily describe her approach to everything in her life, from family to faith to career.

“Serving the community, being part of something that’s bigger than I am, that is fulfilling to me,” she says.

A native of Chino Hills and mother of two boys, Rissa graduated from California State University, Fullerton. A second generation Filipino-American, she found success in the fledgling digital advertising industry during the 1990s. Following a 23-year career, she switched gears to consulting to spend more time with her family, which she says is the central focus of her life.

Whether it’s volunteering with their church, travelling the world or hitting the slopes, Rissa and her family seem to do everything together — and that’s no coincidence. She and her husband make a conscious effort to set positive examples for their two sons.

“We need to make sure that we’re setting the foundation for them because they’re our legacy,” she says. “Not only as a family, but as good citizens, and eventually good husbands and fathers.”

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that her own father has been her biggest inspiration. “He worked hard and tirelessly as an engineer to support his family, teaching me the importance of work ethic, dedication and perseverance,” she explains.

It’s a safe bet she’s succeeded in that goal, considering how gracefully she balances her roles as a wife and mother, professional, church volunteer and Foundation board member, always exuding a natural joy that’s as visible and ever-present as her smile.

But Rissa is not one to rest on her laurels. She says she’s excited about her new role on the Memorial Foundation board, particularly because of the hospital’s commitment to serving the underprivileged in our community.

“Caring for the poor, caring for the homeless is in my faith. That is one of the most important things,” she says. “That’s definitely an area that I would like to focus on. I know that I have gifts and talents that could potentially help.”