Events

Kostas Bimpikis, Associate Prof. Operations, Information and Technology, Graduate School of Business, Stanford University.

Date: May 31st, 2022

Time: Noon to 1:30

Location: Shir Hadash Synagogue - 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos 

Summary: Recent supply chain shortages revealed how interconnected and fragile global supply chains are. We first explore the main reasons behind the emergence and ubiquity of intertwined supply chains. Then, we discuss the geopolitical risks associated with globalized trade and the recent efforts to build resilience through reshoring of key manufacturing activities.

Date: May 10th, 2022

Time: Noon to 1:30

Location: Shir Hadash Synagogue - 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos

Date: June 21st, 2022

Time: Noon to 1:30

Location: Shir Hadash Synagogue - 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos

The Rotary year runs from July 1 through June 30, which means that President Nicholas's term is nearly over. It is a Rotary tradition that the last meeting of the year be an dinner event that recognizes the outgoing president, Nicholas Welzenbach, and welcomes the incoming President, Mike Norcia.

SAVE THE DATE! More details to follow.

Welcome from new President, Mike Norcia, and presentation of 2022-23 Club Goals.

Time: Noon to 1:30

Location: Shir Hadash Synagogue - 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos

In fulfillment of a long-held dream, Mary Pacifico Curtis is the author of a newly released memoir, Understanding Moonseed, as well as poetry chapbooks Between Rooms (2016) and The White Tree Quartet (2018). Her work is widely published and anthologized. She will read excerpts from Understanding Moonseed and talk about her road to writing.

Mary has had a distinguished Silicon Valley career as founder and CEO of Pacifico, Inc. a leading PR and strategic communications firm serving global technology clients. In that role she received the American Advertising Federation’s Silver Medal Award recognizing industry excellence and social responsibility.

Mary continues to take board/advisory roles to technology startups and early-stage companies as a Venture Partner with Mighty Capital.

Mary lives with her husband in Los Gatos and is a proud member of the San Jose Downtown Rotary Club.

Time: Noon to 1:30

Location: Shir Hadash Synagogue - 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos

Louise Sumpter will discuss her role as an Alzheimer's Advocate as well as the Walk to End Alzheimer's.

Louise grew up in Santa Clara, and has lived here except for college since 1962. She graduated from Buchser High School, before it became Santa Clara High School. Went to the University of Southern California and graduated with a BS in Occupational Therapy in 1977, and came back to Santa Clara. Louise worked 1 year at Agnews State Hospital and then got her dream job working at Santa Clara County Public Health Department, working at California Children's Services as an Occupational therapist. There we provide free occupational and physical therapy to children between the ages of 0-21 years of age, who had neurological or orthopedic problems. I worked for CCS for 40 and 1/2 years before retiring in 2019, as the Chief Therapist, running the multi-million dollar Medical Therapy program serving approximately 1100 children and their families.

Louise now does volunteer work at her church, St. Justin's, the Silicon Valley Walk to End Alzheimer's, the Alzheimer's Advocacy Program, Bay Area Trykers- a non-profit which raises money for special needs children who need special bikes and the CCS Foundation- a non-profit which raises money for clients who may need medical equipment not covered by their insurance.

Her mother, Mary Ann died in 2014 from complications due to Alzheimer's. Presently her father, Dave, has Parkinson's and is 92 years young, and she is a primary caregiver for him along with her 2 sisters.

Evening Social at Gordon Levin's.

Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream Foundation is focused on building awareness around the importance of in-home reading and on empowering low-income families with the tools necessary to level the playing field. We do this by providing access to high-quality books in the home via 21st century technology, all while engaging parents to become active participants in their child’s everyday learning.

When kids build a love of reading, they move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” This milestone is undeniably transformative, opening doors to new possibilities and dreams.

Kristi Yamaguchi is an Olympic Gold Medalist and two-time World Champion figure skater. She went on to become a member of the US Figure Skating Hall of Fame, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, and the US Olympic Hall of Fame. Following a long and successful career in professional figure skating, Kristi took to the dance floor to win top honors with partner Mark Ballas on the popular TV show “Dancing With The Stars.” In 1996, she founded the nonprofit organization, Always Dream, whose mission is to ensure children from low-income families have access to high-quality books in the home environment and extensive family engagement support. Kristi added New York Times Best-Selling author to her list of achievements with three children’s picture books, “Dream Big, Little Pig!”, “It’s A Big World, Little Pig!” and “Cara’s Kindness.” Kristi resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, Bret Hedican and their two daughters, Keara and Emma.

Building and adapting homes for the specific needs of people in the Bay Area living with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities.

A home's level of accessibility affects each person’s ability to live healthy, meaningful lives. As disability-forward housing advocates, it is important to understand how housing is designed and how it is made accessible. When we design and create disability-forward housing solutions we open doors to more homes and opportunities for everyone.

Regina Reilly has been working to advance education, inclusion and diversity of thoughts, programs and experiences since graduating Santa Clara University, as a student-athlete, with a degree in Political Science. She's travelled 48 of the U.S. states and 17 countries with a backpack. She has helped local schools launch leadership and mentoring programs, designed and executed unique events — one that was replicated in 4 states and brought 14,000 students to the San Jose Arena for a political convention, called KidsVention. She’s coached girls middle & high school volleyball and basketball teams at her alma maters and in Los Gatos. Today, she is growing a bocce event she managed to launch during the pandemic. Aside from the plan to have fun, the purpose is to bridge the gap in awareness, acceptation and inclusion around housing. She is the proud and grateful mother of a sophomore, student-athlete at Los Gatos HS, a hiker, fan of podcasts, a coach and player, who is looking for a pickle ball game to join

Christina Roberts Enneking is an experienced coach, facilitator, and leadership consultant supporting large and small businesses and individuals throughout Silicon Valley .  She is known as a catalyst for positive change, combining entrepreneurial spirit with practical tools and skill practice to hone leadership efficacy and help align people with their deeper purpose.  When Christina isn't serving corporate or private clients, she is leading service-based yoga retreats to install solar lights.

"I am a catalyst for generating insights with clients interested in upping their game in leadership, relationship-building, and communication". With an engineering and business background, various leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies, a think tank, and a 7-person start-up, Christina brings rich experience and perspectives into group or 1x1 sessions.

She likes to work with clients to uncover key behavioral strengths that accentuate their leadership edge and work to identify and resolve limiting beliefs. "I deeply value balance in the mind, body, and spirit - my passion is leading service-based yoga and meditation retreats around the globe".

Christina is married with two children, a daughter and a son, and works with LightingforLiteracy.org to help children in Silicon Valley build solar lights, then deliver them to families who live off the grid across the world.

Jessica Eastland is an elementary school teacher in the Cupertino Union School District. Born and raised in Silicon Valley, Jessica went to San Jose State University for a Bachelor of Arts in Communicative Disorders and Sciences. Soon after, she continued at SJSU, receiving a Master of Arts in Education: Curriculum & Design, as well as her teaching credential.

Jessica is a community-minded individual. A passion to connect with others has driven her personally and professionally. Educating, empowering, and inspiring others is at the core of her practice, and is what led her to pursue a career in education. During her Master’s thesis, she studied the impact of community building practices on student social-emotional learning and connection within the classroom. Jessica has been working closely with Lighting for Literacy (LFL), since its inception in 2012. LFL is a STEM non-profit organization that educates youth in service, sustainability, and science, all while bringing light to people living off the grid around the globe She has participated in all aspects of the project, from preparing supplies, co-facilitating workshops in classrooms, and installing lighting units on service trips. This year, she accepted the role of co-CEO and president of Lighting for Literacy. This work is especially important to Jessica, as she is the daughter of LFL co-founder and Rotarian, the late Doug McNeil.

Jessica lives in Los Gatos, California with her husband and puppy.  Captivated by the redwood and oak filled hills, she enjoys hiking at the many beautiful parks and open spaces near her home.

Evening Social at Mike Norcia's.

Carlos Lamoso, Teacher at the Post Secondary Transition Program and Kristi St George, Workability I & Transition Partnership Program Coordinator with our Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District will share their efforts in teaching and supporting local young adults after high School with job skills.

Not only will they describe the programs they lead, offer a glimpse on the varied strengths the young adults bring, but also propose a format for our local business owners that can lead to more job skills and employment opportunities.    

Carlos Lamoso has taught in the Postsecondary Program in the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District since 2013.  Prior to this he taught transition in Oakland and San Francisco from 2009-2013.  Postsecondary Programs teach life skills and employment training to young adults aged 18-22.  

Mouna Raad, Education and Mental Health Program Manager at Parents Helping Parents, is happy to share the new Connections California hub at PHP, aiming to inform and support families and (ages 12 to 26, and beyond!) on transition for students who will need additional supports and guidance to be successful in this process.

Mouna Raad is an Education and Mental Health Program Manager at Parents Helping Parents. Her background includes international regulatory affairs and molecular genetics research. She enjoys reading, watching documentaries, teaching French and Italian, swimming and hanging out with her family, which now includes grandchildren! Mouna has helped raise four amazing adults, one of whom is extra special. Mouna is also a long time Los Gatan, having - by chance - landed in this beautiful town over 35 years ago!

Kristy is an alumni of Los Gatos High School, West Valley College, University of the Pacific and Loyola Marymount. Kristy has been working for LGSUHSD for over 25 years in various roles supporting students, but mostly as Coordinator of the Workability I (WAI) and Transition Partnership Program (TPP) serving students in the special education programs. The focus of the programs are work readiness, self-advocacy instruction, job exploration, work experience.and post-secondary counseling. We have long-time business partnerships in the community where our students have the opportunity to work and build job skills.

In March 2022, the NGO "Rotary Club Kyiv International" launched a large-scale project, the aim of which is to equip temporary accommodation for internally displaced people in Ukraine. During the project, the Rotary team intends to prepare at least 50 shelters to open in 12 regions of Ukraine.

During the first three months of the project, six shelters were set up in five regions of Ukraine, resulting in 2000 equipped places for living in shelters for IDPs.

Volunteers of the Rotary Club Kyiv International in a short time have ensured effective cooperation with local authorities and heads of shelters, finding the necessary goods, their purchase and delivery, as well as quality control of the performed work.

During the arrangement, each of the shelters has received all the goods, that are necessary for the comfortable living there and meeting needs of internally displaced people. The list of goods, that were provided to shelters includes furniture, household appliances, bedding, water filters etc.

The project plan is to arrange 50+ shelters in 12 regions of Ukraine by the end of the year. The budget of project is $1,450,000 USD for 30,000 IDPs.

We know how important it is for people who have lost their homes and are fleeing war, to have a comfortable and safe temporary shelter, so we are working hard on creating a system of that kind of shelters in Ukraine! We invite you to join us and would appreciate your support!

Oksana Tjupa is Charter President of Rotary Club Kyiv International. Before the war in Ukraine Oksana was a New Business Director, Fundraiser, Enterpreneur and Social Leader.

Oksana comes from the Rotary Club Kyiv where John Hewko - Director of RI - is a charter member. She is married with no children yet. Oksana's parents live near Kyiv, and thankfully, they are alive and well.

Oksana is a philologist of the English language, Ukrainian language and literature. She graduated from the Linguistic University in Kyiv. She started her career at the Electrolux Representative Office (household appliances) in marketing, and continued working in top advertising agencies Saachi&Saatchi, Ogilvy, TMA. At the age of 31 she took up entrepreneurship: she became a co-founder of the Sniper recruiting agency, the Advertising School, and the export office. She is now 44.

These days Oksana is only spending her time volunteering together with the Rotary community to bring Ukraine closer to victory in the war with Russia.

The UMS Jazz combo is made up of several talented 8th grade musicians, most of whom also perform in the UMS Tiger Big Band.  Harrison Huang leads most rehearsals and plays alto saxophone, Eric Wu is the combo's drummer, Joel Foreman plays bass and sometimes keyboard, Zach Lee plays Piano and keyboard, Tina Lovre plays guitar, and Aryan Mohanty plays tenor sax.

The UMS Music program has over 200 students, 5 band classes, an after school choir, an after school percussion club, and the after school jazz combo.  During the school day, the director Mr. Kay teaches beginning band, intermediate band, two jazz bands, and the symphonic band, which travels and performs as the department's showcase group.  

Leveraging the New World of Work to Provide Opportunity to Rural El Salvador

Having led a school through a pandemic in the USA, Joe realized he could work virtually connecting his love for the community in El Salvador to launching an organization to provide education and economic development.  Now 14 months later, Grande Center has launched a school and an adult training program in rural El Salvador.  Within the next few months, they will also launch a company to employ people from the region to do data labeling, an entry level career in the field of artificial intelligence.  The profit from the company will be turned back over to the educational model to create a self sustaining cycle of opportunity for former refugee communities from the Salvadoran Civil War.

Joe Albers, born and raised in San Jose, has dedicated his career to education for underserved communities in El Salvador and in San Jose.  He is the founding President of Grande Center for Education and Economic opportunity whose mission is to educate rural communities of El Salvador to thrive in the digital global economy.  With an innovative model of school by day and adult training by night, Grande Center is catalyzing economic opportunity in a region that has had all of the cards stacked against it. 

Joe has been visiting and working with the people of Chalatenango, El Salvador since 2000 and founded a scholarship program in 2011 in the town.  Joe previously served as founding Principal at Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School from 2013 to 2021.

Tonya will be speaking about the family letters she recently acquired from the Civil War, the Oregon Trail, and from 1850s California – as well as the books they have inspired her to write, the related research she has been doing, and her two recent trips to Missouri to visit relevant historical sites and meet people who can help her in this exciting historical journey.

Tonya McQuade has been teaching English and serving as the Interact Club Advisor at Los Gatos High School since 1992. She is a member of Poetry Center San Jose, serves on the board for Tabard Theatre, and is a long-time honorary member of Los Gatos Rotary. In her spare time, she enjoys poetry, historical fiction, blogging, playing piano and guitar, travel, hiking, genealogy, scrapbooking, volunteering for local theater and concert productions., and spending time with family and friends.