This year marks ten years since I became a Rotarian. I was first recruited by my boss to join Rotary Downtown in La Crosse, Wisconsin, which set me on a rewarding leadership journey back to Seattle, joining University District Rotary Club, becoming a committee chair, club president, and now Assistant Governor (AG) supporting four clubs: University District, University Sunrise, Fremont, and Ballard.
Along the way, Rotary has taught me invaluable leadership and collaboration skills that have enriched both my personal and professional life. Some may wonder what does an Assistant Governor do? In District 5030, there are thirteen AGs who serve as vital links between our clubs and the district, helping club leaders stay connected, supported, and informed. I attend meetings, join service projects (favorites include Teen Feed and Sandwich Making) and committee meetings. My goal is simple: To strengthen every club I serve.
Empowering Through Servant Leadership: The RISE Program
Another transformative part of my Rotary story has been helping to launch and grow Rotarians Inspired to Succeed and Engage (RISE), District 5030’s Servant Leadership Program. In 2023, Rachele Bouchand and I developed RISE after discovering free curriculum resources available through Rotary International. With Tom Leonidas joining to design the mentorship component, we built a program that blends best practices in leadership training, service, and personal growth.
Since Spring 2023, we’ve completed five cohorts with nearly 100 graduates and more than 30 mentors. The response has been extraordinary. Participants rate their satisfaction with RISE an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars, and dozens have gone on to serve as club presidents. Our model has even inspired other districts; seven across the U.S. have now adopted it.
Registration for RISE Cohort 6 opens May 1, and the program begins September 10. Details will be shared district-wide in April 2026.
Living Rotary Values in Global Service
Rotary has shaped not only my leadership but also my professional path. Today, I serve as Executive Director of the Volia Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the citizens of Ukraine. This mission deeply aligns with Rotary’s values of service and compassion.
Working with the Volia Fund has brought new perspective. Within my first three months, I witnessed firsthand the resilience of Ukrainians enduring blackouts and subzero temperatures that place daily hardships in stark relief. Serving thousands who have lost limbs to landmines reminds me daily why Rotary’s call to serve others matters. I’m surrounded by passionate professionals determined to make a tangible difference for those in need. Visit www.volia.fund to learn more about this dynamic organization.
Looking Ahead
As I reflect on a decade of Rotary service, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities to learn, lead, and grow. Rotary has opened countless doors for me to serve others, and I look forward to the next decade of discovery, mentorship, and impact. My hope is to live the Four-Way Test not only at meetings but in every decision I make.
