What is your first name, occupation, and role (or roles) you most identify with?
Ethel, Retired Health and Welfare Manager for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Sister, Coach E, Auntie, Great Auntie, Bikini Diva INBA/PNBA competitor and supporter.

What is the most positive thing about being a woman now?
Being able to inspire and motivate others of all ages.

What is the hardest thing about being a woman now?
I don't feel I have experienced a hard thing about being a woman. I am the youngest of seven and for the me the most difficult is losing loved ones and seeing my siblings ill and changing as they age.  

When did you first notice that society treated men and women (or boys and girls) differently?
I can say it has been in my life at jobs. However, I feel I have not allowed it to stop me and has made me a stronger and wiser human being.

Why do you vote?
I vote because my ancestors fought for and died for the right for me to vote. Growing up my parents emphasized how important it was because just one vote can make all the difference

How do you maintain your resiliency in these times?
I keep an attitude of gratitude. I stay humble at all times. I am a breast cancer conqueror and I give my time to anyone is going through this challenge or any other health crisis. I know being the best me and having control over myself keeps me young and vibrant. Supporting women, men, children and other athletes on their journeys keeps me resilient and energized.

I have been active all my life. I started dancing at age six, ran track in junior high and danced. I decided to enter a bodybuilding competition at age 65 and it has been my saving grace and my resiliency ever since even when I am not competing. I have continued doing some form of exercise daily and eating healthy.  I became a vegetarian in my 30s and a vegan in my late 50s a decade ago. I keep a positive mindset and talk the talk and walk the walk.

I had back surgery when I was 23 after a car accident. Someone told me lifting weights would help my back. I found a little gym in an apartment building and started working out and walking around Lake Merritt. I was the catcher on the Kaiser softball team where I worked for 30 years, and even won several awards for " health nut" in an annual office  competition. In my 30s, a trainer at my gym saw how hard I worked and suggested I start competing. I entered and won several trophies for my class.

I stopped competing in my mid-thirties but picked it up again after losing my sister in 2012. That’s when I met a trainer who encouraged me at age 65 to start competing again. In 2015 I won Ms. Olympia for my sister, Thelma Stephens, and then went on to win two Natural Olympia Ultra Masters Champion, 2016 and 2017 in Las Vegas. I won World Championship in Budapest Hungary in 2016, traveled to Italy and Greece. Also competitions in the Bay Area.  I became a judge in 2018. I love the bodybuilding lifestyle and community and I consider them my fit family from all over the world. 

I know anything is possible and I’m just getting better with age. Living a healthy lifestyle has helped me heal and deal with so much loss, and in turn helped me care for others and encourage them to care for themselves.

Why do you think past movements haven't moved the needle for women?
I feel a lot has changed for women in my time. I believe women to be powerful regardless of what society says. 

Do you think the current movement will be the one to change things for future generations?
Everyday there are changes in life and in the world. Women are a big part of this change. Women are Goddesses—and Goddesses will be victorious in the end.

What needs to happen for us to move forward?
Continue staying strong, knowing our worth and loving ourselves.

What can women do to make it better for other women?
Continue motivating and inspiring women to get out of our comfort zones and tap into our powers. It’s important to support other women on their journey. Be there for women lifting them up and not tearing them down. 

What can men do to make it better for women?
Men can appreciate and respect women for their minds as well as all aspects of a woman. Men can listen more and not feel they have to fix everything. 

Where there any influences you loved growing up that made you realize your power?
I am a dancer, so I have always been on stage. Books like “What You Think Of Me Is None Of My Business,” by Terry Cole Whitaker. “Power of Positive Thinking,” by Norman Vincent Peale. My parents always told me as a child I could be and do whatever I wanted. I believe in myself.