For all the countless and thankless hours Doris Obih has poured into her non-profit 40 Love Foundation over the years, she has never expected a good word or pat on the back. The reward has always been in the results. 

“When I do the work that I do I don’t expect to be recognized and I kind of stay in my lane and make sure I’m always doing it for the kids,” said Obih, who grew up in Inglewood and returned to her community to start her foundation that has inspired hundreds of young adults over the years. “But when I do get recognized it does feel nice and reminds me that I’m on the right path to keep doing what I’m doing.” 

In announcing Obih as this year’s Women & Girls Who Ace Award winner, Nancy Abrams, USTA Southern California Director of Engagement & Industry Relations, cited Obih’s unselfish attitude and her willingness to always give back to her community that so often doesn’t have examples to follow. 

“In recognition of her outstanding work as the CEO and Founder of 40 Love Foundation, and dedication to mentoring young women on and off the court, we are delighted to honor Doris with the 2024 Women & Girls Who Ace Award,” Abrams said. “Please join us as we recognize Doris on Sunday, August 4, for a day of learning and allyship, and an afternoon of celebration!” 

Abrams added: “In the years to come, we will continue to reach, educate and motivate a new generation of tennis players together. We look forward to a memorable few days at the annual Women & Girls Who Ace Summit.” 

Previous winners of the award include Jami Yonekura-Jones, head coach of women’s tennis at SDCC in 2023 and legendary former USD women’s tennis coach Sherri Stephens in 2022. For more information and to register to attend the event in San Diego, click here.

The 40 Love Foundation’s focus has always been on the youth but Obih said her immediate goals for the foundation are to continue to work with the parents and instill in them a positive attitude that can be passed on to their kids. 

“It starts with the parents,” Obih said. “As we know, sports parents can kind of be hard on their kids so we started doing parenting classes so they could learn it’s not that easy to play tennis. They get a break and don’t have to be in that child’s head every second and pressuring them. It’s important for them to know the kids are doing the best they can out here.”

Sports and tennis has always been the outlet for Obih, who said she grew up in an area that was plagued by violence, gangs and drugs. Tennis was her lifeline, and she was able to leave her neighborhood and play college tennis.

“Sports in general can teach you so many things but to be a well-rounded adult is the main goal when it comes to our community,” she said. “We have to give these kids the tools for whichever path they decide to go.”

In this age of social media, Obih said anxiety and stress continue to affect the young adults she mentors and that depression is a big issue. Mentoring extends beyond the girls and includes men and boys Obih works with.

“I have young men who can’t express themselves and don’t look people in the eye when they shake hands,” she said. “We want these boys to grow up and be examples to the next generation.” 

On August 4 the spotlight will shine on Obih as she receives her well-deserved award in front of her peers and other young women and girls she inspires. 

“I am so honored and so blessed to be asked to be a part of such a special weekend,” Obih said. “We do it for the community but it’s so nice to be recognized and that people take note of all the hard work being done.”