Cardte Hicks, President/CEO

Cardte Hicks is a former professional women’s basketball player who founded the non-profit organization “The Legends: Kids First” in 1997. Her organization is dedicated to empowering children, families, and individuals by building healthy bodies, strong minds and productive lives. Legends programs are designed to provide guidance, tools and support so that all may achieve their full potential.

Cardte rose from humble beginnings in San Pedro, California. Her love of basketball began at a young age as she played on a team with her brothers.  Even as a child, Cardte dreamed of playing professionally and later fulfilled that dream playing in Europe from 1977 – 80.  Returning to the states in 1980, she joined the San Francisco Pioneers WBL professional women’s league.

In 1984 the WBL discontinued operations.  At that time, Cardte returned to Europe where she eventually retired in 1994 after the death of her beloved mother. In 1999 Cardte was awarded the California Lottery “Heroes in Education” award. A well known motivational speaker and singer, she continues to address audiences of young people across America.  By sharing her own challenges and experiences, she encourages them to stay in school and achieve their dreams.

Richie Fernandez, Treasurer

Richie Fernandez is a Financial Services Manager of the Sacramento office of Mechanics Bank Located at Alta Arden and Howe. He was born and raised in Southern California and upon graduating from UC Davis decided to make Sacramento his permanent Home.

Richie was a member of the Rotary International Group Study exchange mission to Austria in 2008, is Metro Chamber Leadership Sacramento Alumni, and is a current member of the Rotary Club of East Sacramento to keep him active in the community. He enjoys spending time with his family playing soccer, and the live arts. We welcome Richie to our team as a member of the Legends Board of Directors as our Treasurer.

Carolyn Peirce Ewing- Vice President

Carolyn Peirce Ewing is the majority owner of The Ewing Group, Inc. which is a government relations firm in Sacramento, California.  The Ewing Group designs and implements strategies for public agencies and private industries that seek to do business with government.  The professional services include analysis and implementation of public and private funding opportunities for transportation projects, facilitation and negotiation of process issues, general business development, project analyses, strategic plans and general governmental relations.

Prior to organizing The Ewing Group, Ms. Ewing was appointed by Governor George Deukmejian to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in October 1983.  She served as Deputy Director for eight years and was responsible for the administration divisions within the Department.  Her responsibilities included working with officials at every level of government, members of the Administration, the California Legislature, and numerous business organizations.

Ms. Ewing represented the Administration before various committees of the State Legislature, as well as, the California Transportation Commission (CTC).  She demonstrated her knowledge of transportation and speaking skills before numerous state, national, and international audiences including the American Public Works Association, the League of California Cities, the California Chamber of Commerce, the California State Association of Counties, the American Road and Transportation Builders Association and the US/Mexico Foundation for Science and Technology, to name but a few.

Prior to 1983, Ms. Ewing was mayor and city councilwoman for the City of Yorba Linda.  She served two, non-consecutive terms as mayor during her first four years on the City Council.  Subsequent to public office, she served as Executive Director of the Orange County Division, League of California Cities and was Executive Assistant to an Orange County Supervisor.  She was twice appointed by former Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. to the Santa Ana Region Water Quality Control Board, serving as Chairman of that organization during each of her terms.

Ms. Ewing is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Arizona, and she has done graduate work at The George Washington University, Washington, DC.  She is the recipient of many scholastic achievement awards including the Merrill P. Freeman Medal and being selected a Marshall Scholar.  Ms. Ewing was one of two women recruited, nationally, by the Central Intelligence Agency in 1963.  She worked for five years for the Library of Congress.

Martha Pauli- Board Member

Dr. Martha Pauli is a practicing pharmacist and pharmacist educator who is one of only a few Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacists (BCPP) and Certified Geriatric Pharmacists (CGP) in Northern California.  She works as a CVS Pharmacist and an independent consultant.  As a consultant she serves long-term care communities by being an advocate for both the facilities and the residents for rational drug therapy.

Her services include clinical assessment for drug therapy best practices, individually tailored quarterly drug regimen reviews and staff and resident teaching.  She helps facilities decrease risks of medication administration and use by identifying drug interactions, and avoiding unnecessary or problematic drug therapies, including making recommendations regarding high risk drugs such as psychotropics and anticoagulants.  As a retail pharmacist she serves the local community by providing excellent patient care.

Dr. Pauli’s 30 years of experience includes working for U.C.Davis Medical Center’s inpatient clinical services, & as a Kaiser Permanente Drug Education Coordinator, writer/editor and peer reviewer for Pharmacist’s Letter, Long-Term Care consultant, retail CVS pharmacist, pharmacy school preceptor & expert witness. The Legends welcome Dr. Martha Pauli to our team as a member of the Board of Directors.

Valinda Ala'Chappelle-Norman - Board Member/Head Advisor