In December 2021, after a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $93,000, Natalie opened "Always Yours Bakery" here in Castro Valley (20634 Rustic Drive in Castro Valley Village). Her venture quickly became a beloved staple in our community, enriching our local culture with its delightful offerings and warm, inviting atmosphere.
Inducted by Misti Short, Membership Chair
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Today, I have the profound privilege of officially welcoming a new member to our esteemed Rotary Club of Castro Valley. Allow me to introduce Natalie Wong.
Natalie's story is one of determination, passion, and community engagement. Originally hailing from the broader Bay Area, she and her husband Jevon, along with their beloved Pomski, Emmi, have recently laid down roots in San Leandro, marking the beginning of their commitment to our local community.
Natalie's academic and professional trajectory is notable for its blend of business acumen and personal passion. A proud alumna of San Francisco State, she earned her degree in Business Management in 2017. However, her collegiate years were not just defined by academic pursuits; they were also a time when her passion for baking began to flourish. This hobby, nurtured during her college days, was well-loved by friends and family and hinted at the immense potential that lay within.
Her career commenced at Cushman and Wakefield, where she distinguished herself first in a research capacity, and subsequently in property management. However, it was Natalie's passion for baking, a skill nurtured alongside her corporate responsibilities, that truly defines her entrepreneurial spirit. Her baked goods, renowned among friends and family for their exceptional quality, hinted at a latent talent waiting to be unleashed. Heeding the call of her passion, Natalie made a bold decision to pivot from her career trajectory, embracing her love for baking full-time.
In December 2021, after a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $93,000, Natalie opened "Always Yours Bakery" here in Castro Valley (20634 Rustic Drive in Castro Valley Village). Her venture quickly became a beloved staple in our community, enriching our local culture with its delightful offerings and warm, inviting atmosphere.
Natalie's journey from a corporate professional to a cherished local entrepreneur embodies the Rotary values of service, leadership, and community building. Her ability to inspire through her actions, to innovate in the pursuit of her passion, and to contribute positively to the community aligns with the very principles we uphold. It is these qualities—her dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and community focus—that make her an exceptional candidate for our club.
As we induct Natalie Wong into our Rotary family today, we are not merely welcoming a new member; we are embracing fresh perspectives, passionate community service, and enriched camaraderie within our club.
Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad. Our motto, "Service Above Self," encapsulates our mission to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Now, as part of this special occasion, I would like to invite Natalie to recite the Four-Way Test, a cornerstone of Rotary’s ethical guidelines:
Today, I have the profound privilege of officially welcoming a new member to our esteemed Rotary Club of Castro Valley. Allow me to introduce Natalie Wong.
Natalie's story is one of determination, passion, and community engagement. Originally hailing from the broader Bay Area, she and her husband Jevon, along with their beloved Pomski, Emmi, have recently laid down roots in San Leandro, marking the beginning of their commitment to our local community.
Natalie's academic and professional trajectory is notable for its blend of business acumen and personal passion. A proud alumna of San Francisco State, she earned her degree in Business Management in 2017. However, her collegiate years were not just defined by academic pursuits; they were also a time when her passion for baking began to flourish. This hobby, nurtured during her college days, was well-loved by friends and family and hinted at the immense potential that lay within.
Her career commenced at Cushman and Wakefield, where she distinguished herself first in a research capacity, and subsequently in property management. However, it was Natalie's passion for baking, a skill nurtured alongside her corporate responsibilities, that truly defines her entrepreneurial spirit. Her baked goods, renowned among friends and family for their exceptional quality, hinted at a latent talent waiting to be unleashed. Heeding the call of her passion, Natalie made a bold decision to pivot from her career trajectory, embracing her love for baking full-time.
In December 2021, after a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised $93,000, Natalie opened "Always Yours Bakery" here in Castro Valley (20634 Rustic Drive in Castro Valley Village). Her venture quickly became a beloved staple in our community, enriching our local culture with its delightful offerings and warm, inviting atmosphere.
Natalie's journey from a corporate professional to a cherished local entrepreneur embodies the Rotary values of service, leadership, and community building. Her ability to inspire through her actions, to innovate in the pursuit of her passion, and to contribute positively to the community aligns with the very principles we uphold. It is these qualities—her dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and community focus—that make her an exceptional candidate for our club.
As we induct Natalie Wong into our Rotary family today, we are not merely welcoming a new member; we are embracing fresh perspectives, passionate community service, and enriched camaraderie within our club.
Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad. Our motto, "Service Above Self," encapsulates our mission to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.
Now, as part of this special occasion, I would like to invite Natalie to recite the Four-Way Test, a cornerstone of Rotary’s ethical guidelines:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The Rotary pin you will now receive is a symbol of your membership and our shared commitment to service. Wear it proudly as a reminder of the Rotary family you are now part of. (Ceta Dochterman, Natalie’s sponsor, presented Natalie with her Rotary pin.)
Additionally, I present to you this membership certificate, which marks your official entry into the Castro Valley Rotary Club. (Membership Co-chair Michelle Biche presented Natalie with the Rotary membership certificate.
Natalie, we are thrilled to have you join us. Your journey, dedication, and passion are truly inspiring, and we look forward to the many contributions you will undoubtedly make to our community and beyond.
Please join me in welcoming Natalie Wong to the Rotary Club of Castro Valley!
To conclude, before you leave today, I encourage each of our members to make their way over to Natalie to personally introduce yourselves and congratulate her for joining our club. Let’s make her feel the warmth and camaraderie that define our Rotary family.
Welcome to the Rotary Club, Natalie!
Additionally, I present to you this membership certificate, which marks your official entry into the Castro Valley Rotary Club. (Membership Co-chair Michelle Biche presented Natalie with the Rotary membership certificate.
Natalie, we are thrilled to have you join us. Your journey, dedication, and passion are truly inspiring, and we look forward to the many contributions you will undoubtedly make to our community and beyond.
Please join me in welcoming Natalie Wong to the Rotary Club of Castro Valley!
To conclude, before you leave today, I encourage each of our members to make their way over to Natalie to personally introduce yourselves and congratulate her for joining our club. Let’s make her feel the warmth and camaraderie that define our Rotary family.
Welcome to the Rotary Club, Natalie!