Be the Change: Regina Weston – A Busy Mom Helping Her Community

Regina Weston often jokes that like Michael Keaton’s character in the movie “Multiplicity,” she needs a clone. The program director of the Family & Community Resource Center of Weed (FCRCW), Regina is also a member of the Siskiyou County Local Child Care Planning Council. She’s a certified American Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructor. She’s an active member of Jefferson State Roller Derby, and over the past 5 years, worked hard alongside other founding members to see their team become recognized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In addition, Regina is a student pursuing her master’s degree, and is also a wife and the mother of two busy daughters.

“Regina’s commitment to her community, compassion for children and families, loyalty to excellence, and vision towards collective impact is admirable,” says Karen Pautz, executive director of First 5 Siskiyou. “She has stepped into a very important position with FCRCW, and in a short time has proven to be successful in building relationships and providing high-quality family-centered programs.”

Regina’s caring nature extends to derby, says Thaen Saelee, aka Kelly K8tana, a member of Jefferson State Roller Derby. “Reg embodies what it is to be a healthy and strong female role model on and off the track. She has the wisdom and life experience that give her the unique ability to bring a sense of cohesiveness to the team.”

How does such a busy woman get it all done and keep it all together? We talked with Regina to find out:

What is your life philosophy?

Life is fraught with many challenges, and how you choose to handle those challenges shapes the person you become. Taking the step to change your career, further your education, try a new sport, or move to a new place – all of those steps lead you to new and exciting possibilities.

What do you think is the most important wisdom to share with youth today?

You don’t need to have everything figured out. There is so much pressure on the youth of today, and I would want them to know that it’s okay not to know what you want to do and where you want to go. You have time to figure it out. Apply yourself in school, and be open to lots of possibilities. The rest will fall into place.

What are you most proud of?

I’m proud to say that I was born and raised in Weed, California, and I’m now raising my children here. Being able to serve my community at the resource center makes me very proud.

Who inspires you?

The women I’ve met through my time playing roller derby. I always say that I found “my people” once I joined roller derby, and there really is no other way to describe it. I’m humbled to know such a great group of women (and men too!) that work so hard for the sport that they love.

What moment in your life stands out above all others?

Well, it has not technically happened yet, but it is something that I have been waiting for for a long time. Making the decision to go back to school to finish my bachelor’s degree was scary, but this spring, when I walk across that stage to receive my degree in organizational leadership from Simpson University, I’m sure it will be something I’ll never forget. Graduating with honors, with a 4.0 GPA, is something I am very proud of.

What is your life’s goal?

I have always known that I want to work to serve my community in some capacity. I’m currently pursuing my education at Simpson to obtain my master’s in organizational leadership with an emphasis in non-profit management, so I can have the skills and knowledge to continue growing in this field. 

Tell us about your family

One fun thing about my family is that we are all involved in roller derby. My husband Steve is our coach and he also plays on men’s teams. Elysia, a junior at Weed High School, is entering her second full season playing with our team and she is a force to be reckoned with on the track. And 8-year-old Alex is our little helper at practice.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Please go out and support your local community resource centers. They offer a variety of programs and services that meet the specific needs of their communities and they’re always looking for volunteers and support. Whether it’s parenting education classes, playgroups, senior programs, or Medicare assistance, they are there to help.

To reach Regina at the Family & Community Resource Center of Weed, call (530) 938-9914.