Our Mission
Bridge to Skate uses skateboarding to transform the lives of youth by creating dynamic new paths to self-confidence, personal empowerment and responsibility for each other and their communities.
Chantelle Heroux
Founder & Director
When Chantelle was 12 years old, strangers offered her a gift that changed her life. The skateboard she received taught her patience, perseverance and discipline. Because of that gift, she was welcomed into a supportive new family with whom she could share laughter and adventures. Skateboarding provided her with a growing confidence that inspired a lifelong commitment to philanthropy. Today, it’s only natural for Chantelle to turn to her roots to spread the light that was ignited in her as a child, and to give back what was so generously given to her.
“Words can’t do justice to how incredible our lil’ movement is. Bridge to Skate is changing the world and because of that, I can’t stop smiling!”
Manny Hernandez
Director
Manny Hernandez is an actor and filmmaker who lives in the Inland Empire with his wife, Norma, and their three dogs. Born in Tijuana, Mexico, Manny arrived in California at the age of four. From the start, both economic barriers and challenges of understanding English steered his growth and inspired a determination to overcome the odds. After meeting Chantelle Heroux, Manny became familiar with Bridge to Skate and discovered an immediate connection with the kids involved in the organization. “It was as if I was looking at myself at a younger age,” he says. Manny recognized a situation in which great kids had simply been cast into a difficult environment. All they required was support, guidance and the opportunity to grow in order to achieve their full potential.
“I feel very fortunate for the opportunity to work with Bridge to Skate and look forward to being a part of the continued success.”