While YTA’s focus is its kids, it is undeniable
that it’s also a vehicle that can drive the
change many parents sacrifice so much for.
It is hard not to be a huge fan of both Yawo
and Enam. YTA thanks them both for the
energy they bring to our small but mighty
organization. Outside of the tennis
programming and academic tutoring that
YTA provides to six different sites across the
Bay Area, YTA is what it is because
of parents like Yawo and student-
athletes like Enam. We hope a
glimpse at their story inspires you
in the same ways it inspires us.
YOUTHTENNISADVANTAGE.ORG 9
8 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
Yawo credits YTA,
“for giving Enam the
confidence to be who
she is and because of
that confidence she
is now blooming.”
He continues,
“YTA provides a platform for
Enam to seek who she is and
shine as she is doing today.”
2023 USTA NorCal Diversity & Inclusion
ACES Awards go to Three YTA Staff!
USTA Northern California takes pride in recognizing individuals contributing
to tennis through the ACES (Awards Celebrating Excellence in Service),
celebrating players, program participants, volunteers and organizations
for their dedicated service to tennis. In 2023, three YTA staff
won an ACES award in the Diversity & Inclusion category.
Congratulations to Terry Stewart, Wing-Yan So, and Shahand Esmaeili
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Awarded to those driven to create an organization and tennis community
that is more inclusive. We pay tribute to those who have championed
the cause for diversity and inclusion both on and off the tennis court.
MARK MANNING ICON AWARD
SERVICE AWARD
LEADERSHIP AWARD
For outstanding
leadership and
contribution at the
national, sectional and
local levels of the USTA
for advocating,
representing and
contributing to
Diversity & Inclusion
issues and strategies.
Photo: Terry Stewart with a
YTA Leadership Team student,
Bushrod Park, Oakland
Recognition of individual,
program or organization
for a proven significant
and outstanding
leadership in the
coaching, mentoring
and/or volunteerism
in the multicultural,
LGBT and people with
disabilities tennis
communities.
Photo: Shahand Esmaili with
two YTA Juniors at a tournament
at Goldman Tennis Center,
San Francisco
Recognition of individual,
program or organization
for lifelong service and/
or groundbreaking
service and for having
made a significant impact
on the lives of others in
an organization/
program, individual and
in the multicultural,
LGBT and people with
disabilities tennis
communities.
Photo: Wing-Yan So, center,
with members of Team YTA at the
2023 Impact Team Tennis Junior
Nationals, Orlando, FL.