Kimberly Clark of the Blue Water Foundation

By Sir Kippy Marks–

Picture Kimberly Clark standing at the helm of a sailboat, the wind catching her hair as she guides a group of foster youth across the San Francisco Bay—not just steering the vessel, but also anchoring each moment in love, presence, and possibility. As the seventh PMLE, Practice Makes Love Easy recognition champion, Kimberly exemplifies what it means to show up with heart and purpose.

Kimberly’s journey reminds us that love isn’t just something we feel; it’s something we do, again and again, until it becomes second nature. As you read her story, may you be inspired to practice love wherever you are: with consistency, with courage, and with the quiet power of showing up.

In the rhythm of the San Francisco Bay, where wind meets water and resilience meets joy, her practices exemplify how PMLE teaches us: through consistency, courage, presence, and action. A lifelong community builder, she is a living testament to the truth that love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a practice. It’s showing up, listening deeply, and creating spaces where healing and hope can take root.

Recently recognized by California State Senator Josh Becker for her courage in sharing her lived experience and her unwavering commitment to advocacy, Kimberly continues to uplift the transformative power of community-based rehabilitative programs. But her real recognition comes from the youth she mentors—justice-involved teens, foster youth, and young people from marginalized communities—who find safety, joy, and empowerment aboard the sailboats of the Blue Water Foundation.

With every sail she organizes, Kimberly invites young people into a space where they can just be kids. They laugh, learn, and discover their own strength. Her “position” isn’t defined by a title; it’s defined by her presence. She’s a connector, a mentor, and a quiet force of love in motion.

Kimberly’s journey began in her early twenties, not with a formal decision, but with a simple instinct to help. Whether coaching youth sports, providing gear for those in need, or mentoring young people through life’s crossroads, she was practicing love before she had a name for it. Inspired by everyday heroes like her daughter’s track coach, Mike Hammerquist, who led with compassion even while battling illness, Kimberly learned that leadership is about showing up, even when it’s hard.

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Kippy Marks: Please tell us more about Blue Water Foundation, and how you strive to practice love through your work there.

Kimberly Clark: I’ve been practicing love through service for as long as I can remember, but, in recent years, I’ve been living it out with Blue Water Foundation. Love, for me, is about showing up: being present, dependable, and creating safe spaces where young people feel valued. With Blue Water Foundation, that means welcoming justice-involved teens, foster youth, and youth from marginalized communities to an environment where they can just be kids—laugh, explore, and believe in themselves. Beyond the sails, my “position” is simply to be a connector: someone who lifts others, builds community, and makes people feel seen.

Kippy Marks: Who or what motivated you to become the community activist and organizer genius that you are today?

Kimberly Clark: My motivation comes from people who showed me what love in action looks like. My daughter’s first track coach, Mike Hammerquist, gave so much of himself even while battling Crohn’s disease. He poured into kids, including my daughter, and showed me that leadership is about compassion, patience, and consistency. I also think of the young people I’ve met over the years—some carrying the weight of incarceration of themselves or family members, homelessness, lack of positive influences in their lives. They remind me why I stay committed, because love can be the difference between someone giving up or moving forward with hope.

Recently, I was honored to receive recognition from Senator Josh Becker of the State of California for my commitment to advocacy, my courage in sharing my lived experience, and my dedication to uplifting the powerful impact of community-based rehabilitative programs. That acknowledgment reminded me that the path I’ve chosen is not just necessary, but meaningful.

Kippy Marks: How old were you when you made that decision?

Kimberly Clark: I was in my early 20s when I knew community work was in my heart. It wasn’t a formal decision; it was just me stepping up, helping where I could, and realizing that this is where I feel most alive and purposeful. So, I coached youth in various sports, provided uniforms and gear for youth who needed financial support, and mentored some as they were making decisions about where their next step will take them. I never thought much of what I was doing. I was just being me.

Kippy Marks: What advice would you give to others on how to practice love on the daily?

Kimberly Clark: Practice love by being consistent and intentional. Listen without judgment, follow through on your word, and show kindness even in the smallest ways. Love doesn’t have to be grand gestures. It’s often in the everyday actions: remembering someone’s name, checking in on a friend, or encouraging someone when they doubt themselves. Love is simple when it’s real.

Kippy Marks: If you were granted two universal wishes, what would you wish for?

Kimberly Clark: First, I’d wish for every young person to know their worth; to feel that they are enough exactly as they are. Second, I’d wish for healing and wholeness for justice-impacted individuals and their families, because everyone deserves a chance at redemption and belonging.

Kippy Marks: Where can our readers find you? And please share some practices that you follow.

Kimberly Clark: One practice I live by is intentional listening—really hearing people’s stories without rushing to fix or judge. Another is choosing joy—finding reasons to celebrate, even in small victories, and letting people know they matter.

You can usually find me on the bay with Blue Water Foundation, helping young people discover what they’re capable of. Sailing teaches lessons that can’t always be taught in a classroom: teamwork, confidence, trust, and resilience. Out there, justice-impacted youth learn to work together, take the helm, and realize that their voice and actions matter. Those hidden gems—life skills, compassion, and courage—shine through every time a sail is raised or a boat changes course. Most of all, you’ll find me wherever love and community are needed, because that’s where I’ll always show up.

If you would like to support Kimberly Clark and the Blue Water Foundation, please visit: https://www.bluewaterfoundation.org

Sir Kippy Marks is a spirited solo entertainer whose shows are permeated with an infectious joy. His distinctive sound arises from his heart, through his 1822 violin consort, Izabella. Marks’ rare talent, broad smile, and radiant warmth will brighten any event to create lasting impact. He is also Grand Duke XL of The Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco. He is the first ever elected African-American Grand Duke.

Practice Makes Love Easy
Published on August 28, 2025