Sheryl Ishizaki – Southwest Region

Sheryl was first introduced to Canine Companions during the summer of 2011 at a unique hotel event, “Yappy Hour” at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, where she serves as the director of food & beverage. It was an event full of passionate and outgoing puppy raisers who introduced her to adorable puppies and the mission of Canine Companions. An invitation to a graduation ceremony soon followed, and that as the start to her volunteer journey with us.

 

Since then, Sheryl has been a passionate, hands-on volunteer. She serves at graduation brunches; assists with volunteer appreciation events; volunteers as a photographer at events; serves as a puppy sitter; helps at graduation and puppy matriculation; and attends and supports DogFest events. She has participated in our TEAMS Volunteer Conferences as an attendee and presenter. Sheryl has been serving on the Southwest Regional Board since 2017 and has been the president of the board for the last three years. 

 

Sheryl is a true leader; she is always gracious and appreciative of the staff and regional leadership working hand in hand on many initiatives. She not only is a generous donor herself, but she also seeks any opportunity to make new connections for Canine Companions and has introduced us to various companies who have since become generous supporters of our mission. She was the first to raise her hand when our region needed a chair for our Sit. Stay. Sparkle. Event, and she stayed the course, never losing focus or momentum, even when the first two events were virtual. In 2022, all her efforts paid off with an in-person event at the Newport Beach Country Club, which was a smashing success, raising more than $360,000 for Canine Companions.  

 

The Southwest Region is fortunate to have such an inspirational, motivated and driven board member and volunteer. Thank you, Sheryl, for all that you do to advance our mission.