These are the faces behind the change being implemented by #ETG. Get to know us and join us on this journey!
Helyne Joseph, Founder
CEO, Empowerment Through Golf (ETG) | LPGA Class A Professional
CEO, Gift of Travel | Travel Concierge and Industry Coach
Born in Antigua & Barbuda, Helyne Joseph discovered her love for golf as a young girl, learning the game from her father in their living room and front yard. Encouraged by her mother to pursue her growing passion, Helyne’s early experiences on the course inspired her vision to make golf accessible and transformative for young people worldwide.
At age 12, Helyne qualified for the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (O.E.C.S) Team in the Caribbean Junior Championships, marking a pivotal milestone in her journey. Throughout her junior years, she competed in various local, regional, and international tournaments, including the Teens On The Greens and other events in the U.S. Later, her strong interest in the sciences led her to pursue a degree in Material Science & Engineering, balancing rigorous academics with competitive golf whenever possible. Upon completing college, she continued her path in golf, qualifying for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Symetra (EPSON) Tour, and ultimately becoming a Class A instructor.
As CEO of Empowerment Through Golf (ETG), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Helyne leads with a commitment to using golf as a platform for social change. Under her leadership, ETG has evolved from a post-hurricane rebuilding initiative in Barbuda to an influential organization providing S.T.E.A.M. and golf education opportunities for underserved students across San Diego, the Caribbean, and Africa. Through ETG, she has spearheaded programs that connect young athletes with global mentors, while building strategic partnerships with educators to foster personal and academic growth through sports.
In 2022-2023, Helyne expanded her impact by coaching as part of the staff for Bishop High School’s Varsity golf team, guiding them to CIF and Regional Championships. She also achieved her LPGA Class A certification, furthering her expertise in professional golf education. Today, ETG supports underserved students in San Diego, providing them with exposure to golf and educational opportunities.
As CEO of Gift of Travel, Helyne brings her vision of global connectivity to life, offering concierge travel experiences and coaching others on leveraging the travel industry’s $8 trillion market as an income stream. Her role unites her passion for travel, cultural exchange, and economic empowerment, allowing clients to experience the world while creating lasting value for their own communities.
Sriya Malladi, Operations
Born and raised in the Silicon Valley, Sriya has always been interested in STEM. She is currently a Global Marketing Manager for a Seattle-based Biotech company. She studied Biochemistry & Cell Biology with a Minor in Business at UC San Diego in La Jolla, CA. During Sriya’s time as a Biotech professional, she has held various positions in R&D, Applications, and Sales.
In her free time, she partners with local STEM programs to educate youth about science and genomics. Additionally, Sriya is a mentor for undergraduates pursuing Life Science fields at UC San Diego. As an avid player of sports, Sriya joined ETG to help empower athletes interested in pursuing STEM fields. Feel free to reach out to her to learn more about her story!
Fred Elis, Partner Relations
Board Member
Fred began his career as an equipment engineer & process engineer in the semiconductor industry, then in the plastics industry before entering the biotech industry. Currently, he leads the operational strategy & portfolio management and is tasked with navigating his company through competing priorities to ensure execution in alignment with corporate initiatives. He hopes to translate his experiences in support of the mission of Empowerment Through Golf.
Sherrie Bainer, Digital Solutions
Board Member
Sherrie is a resourceful and innovative business leader. She brings over 15 years of experience as a global business development manager with expertise in all facets of account development, cultivation, and overall management to Empowerment Through Golf.