Dr. Kim White has entered her second year as the exalted ruler of the San Pedro Elks Lodge after she became the first woman leader of the San Pedro Elks Lodge in 2023. The San Pedro Elks were established in 1905, and they only began to accept women as members about 20 years ago.

White is a triathlete and has a doctorate in natural medicine, focusing on holistic health. She grew up in the local community, even attending Miraleste High School when she was a teenager. With her deep roots in the Palos Verdes and San Pedro community, she looked for ways to give back.

“It's beautiful. It's a wonderful place to live and grow up in,” White says. “And I'm proud to be a part of the community here and in San Pedro.”

For White, participating in charitable organizations is nothing new. Decades ago, she joined the Cabrillo Beach Polar Bear Club, eventually becoming the president. Former president of the Polar Bears Ray Falk invited her to check out the Elks, and she ended up joining the organization.

For 13 of her 19 years in the Elks, she has served in an officer position. Initially, she did not plan to pursue a leadership position, but she decided to become a chair officer and move through the leadership positions until she eventually ran for exalted ruler.

“I had never thought about being the first,” White says. “I was just serving my lodge and trying to help the lodge do better. And then suddenly, it came down to it. I ran for exalted ruler and nobody ran against me.”

As exalted ruler, White serves as the president and CEO of the lodge. She presides over meetings, represents the lodge at the state and national conventions for the Elks, and manages the large Elks Lodge facility. It includes gym and pool facilities, a restaurant and special events spaces that can be rented out for functions. The club is large, containing nearly 2,600 members. As leader, White helps manage conflicts among members, as well.

However, the Elks Lodge is mainly involved in charitable efforts. As a part of the national Elks foundation, the lodge offers scholarships for students seeking funding for higher education, supports local veterans and homeless people, invests in grants and offers programs for kids that promote causes such as drug awareness. As a part of the California-Hawaii Elks organization, the lodge raises money to help kids with challenges by funding physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, vision screening and other programs to support these children.

White has always viewed volunteering in the community as a natural and important part of her life. In 2023, she was also inducted into the L.A. Sportswalk of Fame for her community service.

“When I was growing up, my mother volunteered at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Volunteering was always within my family. My mother and dad volunteered at their church all the time,” White says. “When I got involved at the Elks, I saw some of the kids [we have helped] have actually joined lodges and become members because they got such good care. And taking care of the veterans who have served our country [is special]. It's just amazing to see the good work that we do.”

As the first woman leader, White has also left her mark on the organization.

“When I first got into the position, a lot of the older guys who were around before women were allowed to be in were very skeptical about having a woman exalted ruler,” she says. “But when it came to this year, when I was voted in for a second year, at least 10 of those guys who didn't want to have me as an exalted ruler came to vote for me. So over the year throughout the various challenges we have had, [they’ve changed their minds].”

Although the Elks is primarily a charitable organization, White also loves the camaraderie she has found through its members and community.

“I don't have family here, but the Elks became my family,” White says. “I can go up to the Elks Lodge and get hugs from people and talk to the members. There's a camaraderie with these people dedicated to charity. Our guiding principles are charity, justice, brotherly love and fidelity. And most of our members take that seriously — they really believe in a brotherly love.”

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