SCORE Client Joins As a Volunteer to Give Back To The Community

The day after graduating high school Rhonda Murphy applied to the California Fire Academy. There were over 400 applicants, and of those only 10 were women. There had never been a female firefighter, and up to that point in time, women had never been allowed to apply for the job. In 1982 she became the first female graduate of the California Fire Academy. Rhonda went on to work as a first responder/firefighter for the California Department of Forestry and National Park Service. She was also part of the elite US Forest Service Hotshots unit. 

In 1986, Rhonda’s firefighting career ended when she was in a car accident involving a drunk driver that left her with a broken back. 

It was at a bodybuilding competition that she attended with a friend that Rhonda found her new passion, fitness. In 1996 she opened her own gym, Rhonda’s Fitness. She built her gym with a feeling of family and friendship. Rhonda is a true motivator and a cheerleader. You can see her on her regular morning spot on ABC-30, Workout Wednesdays. She has been encouraging people in their living rooms for over 25 years. 

"In 2020, when COVID shut down businesses in California and across the country, my business had to pivot, and we had to think outside the box for ways to keep our business going and keep our doors open. I reached out to SCORE and Peter Fong; he was beyond kind. He gave me ideas, options and helped me navigate through different and new ways to operate."

"In 2021, I received another devastating blow when I found out I had breast cancer and would have to go through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. As the owner and operator of small business I could have easily panicked, but Peter came to my rescue, again. My business not only survived but thrived. Each and every time I talked to him, I felt better. I felt calmer. I knew that I could weather the storm."

"SCORE helped resuscitate my business, especially after the last few years. I am extremely grateful! I have always been passionate about paying it forward and helping those I can. Especially if that includes helping the next small business that needs ideas, inspiration, and someone to believe in them. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to assist SCORE and help share my expertise with others. 

"The training I am receiving with SCORE is so valuable it is giving me a fresh perspective on ways to operate my business. I am learning and growing as a person and as a business owner. "

Rhonda is back after 20 years and two-year battle surviving the era of COVID and cancer survivor will be providing Workout Wednesday on ABC30, again starting August 2, 2022. 

See you Wednesday as we all stay fit together so we can help others.

"I recommend SCORE to my friends and colleagues if you have a few hours a month to give back with your experience and gain knowledge in life long learning with SCORE. "

Rhonda Murphy, SCORE Certified Mentor

Rhonda.Murphy@scorevolunteer.org