About Us

Patti Guerrero hands out balls to school kids in Compton Unified's first afterschool sports program, 4Kics Intl.

At the City of LA’s 1st Annual African Community Soccer Tournament. BWB event volunteers left to right: Director of Development James Platt, Project Director Samuel Lewinson, Canadian National Team defender Sasha Andrews on hand for autographs and Founder, Viva Guerrero. Griffith Park, Ca 2011

 

BWB is proud to be a 100% community based vollunteer run organization. That’s right, we do it because it’s fun!

Board of Directors

Viva Ann Guerrero (President and CEO)
“Balls Without Borders combines my love for soccer with my concerns for the world.”

Viva has over 10 years of experience playing soccer, having been the highest ranked player in her regional American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) before pursuing the competitive CLUB soccer circuit on State and National Championship teams. By the end of her career she could juggle the ball over 1000 times having focused her game on skill and technique. She has played soccer in every condition- from stadium fields to foreign beaches and concrete jungles.

Graduating from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) with a B.A. in International Studies-Political Science with an emphasis in Sociology has broadened her horizons and enhanced her perspective of the issues that face the world at large. Viva received her A.A. from Santa Monica College; language certification from the Universidad de Costa Rica, and completed courses at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley. Viva has worked for the City of Los Angeles, Mayor’s Office, in the Office of Federal, Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations (LIGR). In 2010-2011 she served as General Manager of the USL-W back-to-back National Champions the Pali Blues, currently the highest level of Women’s soccer in the United States.

Dr. Richard Robinson (Chairman)

Dr. Robinson has 25 years experience in public policy and management. He worked for much of his career at the Rand Corporation where he specialized in analysis of large scale operations policy and budget studies for the DOD as well as working in Health Care Pricing, Judicial practice assessments, and Technical Risk Assessments.

Throughout his career Dr. Robinson has worked with non-profit and political organizations principally in fundraising and membership management. In his career he has raised funds for the American Red Cross, the Sierra Club, Greenpeace, ADL, the Audubon Society, LACMA as well as several political organizations. The son of a Ford Foundation VP, Rick was born in New Orleans, holds a Masters in Public Management and a PhD in Public Policy, and has often advised new organizations on the path they need to take to gain access to serious philanthropists, meet pass through requirements and offer a breadth of services that make for a sustainable organization.  He recently completed a year working for the US Census Bureau as the Manager of the West San Fernando Valley & The Beaches Census Office. This office’s region encompasses 27 local communities from Santa Monica to Ventura, CA.

Robert Gandara (Chief Financial Officer)

Robert is a self-proclaimed soccer hooligan and most likely to leave the office early on Friday to see his daughter play in matches around the nation. He currently serves as Executive Vice President and CFO at DMI Music & Media Solutions which is the world’s premier full service music branding agency.  Prior to DMI, Robert led the finance team at Live Nation, Inc. In this capacity, he oversaw the finance department for the company’s billion-dollar North American Music division. Robert has held a variety of key financial and strategic planning roles for major entertainment companies, including EMI, Sony BMG, and Universal Music Group. Robert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from California State University Northridge, an Executive Management degree from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

Alexander Wiederhold (Chief Technology Officer)

Alexander Wiederhold was awarded his MBA degree with merit in 2006 at the Bristol Business School, England. He studied Business and Social Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley – Walter A. Haas School of Business. His recent academic focus is on Business Development, Knowledge Management and Transfer.

In addition to over 20 years of experience in software development, network security, and computer operations, Alexander holds degrees in marketing and business communications from schools in Europe, is the owner of his own IT consultancy, and works as business analyst and market strategist for financial institutions. Having lived in Germany, the UK, and Canada he acts as European Liaison for Balls Without Borders internationally.

Gordon Bosserman (Senior Attorney at Law)
Spolin, Silverman, Cohen & Bosserman LLP

Gordon Bosserman is the Founder of the Bruin Rugby Foundation and the former Team Manager of a nationally ranked Club soccer team for many years.

A business trial lawyer, his practice focuses on the representation of corporate entities in complex litigation.  Gordon was admitted to the American Board of Trial Advocates, ABOTA, an organization made up of some of the finest and most prominent trial lawyers is the nation.

Patti Guerrero (Back Office Manager)

Patti Guerrero has a proven record of administrative positions for various large organizations. Her familiarity with computer applications in an office environment as well as her rigor in managing schedules makes her the backbone of the organization at our home base in Los Angeles. Besides working for BWB Patti is a freelance writer and proud Soccer Mom.

EXECUTIVE COMMITEE

Samuel Lewinson (Project Director)

Samuel is a tireless advocate for worthy causes. As a proven manager in operations and project management, Samuel led field operations and a staff of over 1,300 during the 2010 Census at the West San Fernando Valley office; the largest and most efficient office in the country!  Sam’s natural enthusiasm, intelligence, and born leadership qualities have propelled him into ever higher ranks within the public service sector. His motivation to get things done effectively and professionally is what propels Balls Without Borders forward in its daily front office tasks. Samuel has also held lead positions at LFT Properties and Protein Therapeutics Inc. Samuel received his Master of Science in Applied Biosciences from The University of Arizona.

James Platt (Director of Development)

James Platt is a lifelong athlete whose adventures have taken him across hundreds of golf courses, basketball courts, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds. Be it sailing, dancing, acting or modeling, James Platt has the ability to fit into any situation he wants to by exuding regal poise and a gracious demeanor. James has extensive experience leading Field Operations teams for the Department of Commerce-US Census Bureau. A natural leader in the face of adversity, James once guided hundreds of people canvasing Los Angeles’ homeless population at night, during the hours before dawn, a time his approach was most easily trusted. His can do attitude, smile, and univeral understanding are what makes James an indespinsable part of balls Without Borders team. Here, James is in charge of project development, building partnerships within the community and managing event organization. Whether we are going to an inner city, out of state, or a fundraiser/ball drive  James will be there to greet you! James is also the owner of two auditing firms in Los Angeles.

Ben Alkaly (Public Relations Director)

Ben Alkaly is the voice of Balls Without Borders. Currently he serves as the Director of Communications for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. Prior to the Sparks, Ben served as Marketing and Communications Manager for FOX Soccer – with an emphasis on the network’s public relations efforts – and as an Assistant Media Relations Director for UC Santa Barbara’s Athletic Department, where his passion for “the beautiful game” first developed. He has been contributing writer for the NCSAA Soccer Journal, as well as a FOX Journey to Excellence youth mentor. Ben’s ability to navigate multiple media platforms – print, broadcast, social media, etc. – in an organized and strategic way has allowed Ben to take the communications reins here at BWB with a remarkable ease in transition. Ben received his B.A. in Communications and a Minor in Sports Management from UC Santa Barbara.

CFO Robert Gandara, Director of Development James Platt and far right is Dr. Rick Robinson presenting South African Consul Sagie Chetty a photo commemorating the support they gave our endeavor during World Cup 2010

In Memory of:

Professor William Sonnenschein (Honorary Board member)
UC Berkeley Haas Graduate School of Business

Professor Sonnenschein was our first Chairman of the Board. A founding Board member and Mentor to both our CTO and CEO, Professor Sonnenschein provided invaluable insight and guidance for Balls Without Borders. Unfortunately for our organization and for those who knew him, Bill passed away in 2009 while working in a remote jungle during his service as Special Advisor to the President of Madagascar. Bill will be remembered for working with town Mayors to find solutions to environmental concerns within the country. His work entailed visiting remote jungle areas and Malaria ridden communities to witness firsthand the issues the government is working to address. In the United States, Professor William Sonnenschein was a Senior Lecturer at the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business where he served since 1992. Professor Sonnenschein lectured MBA courses and served as a Coordinator for the MBA Writing Program. He wrote books on Diversity Management and served at the Berkeley Center for Executive Development where he has taught courses including Leading Diversity, Leveraging Diversity and Leadership Communication.


Balls Without Borders is a registered 501(c)(3) Public Charity Non-Profit Organization helping children in need find a new perspective through sport. Photos and current activity reports will be updated periodically so please check back.