Whether you attend virtually or in person, you'll be inspired by the incredible work being done across our District and around the globe - and the ways Rotary continues to lead the charge for peace, health, and opportunity for all.
Join us for two action-packed days filled with insightful speakers, engaging workshops, and exciting discussions that will reignite your commitment to service. Share ideas, network with fellow Rotarians, and discover new opportunities to make an impact in your community and beyond.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we can do more. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special.
Keynote Presentations
Successful Teams
Eira & Martin Braun-Labossiere.
Masters of Ceremonies
Successful teams drive global change, ignite growth, foster collaboration and create lasting impact. Rotarians lead the way by embracing diversity and inspiring inclusive leadership.
Eira, joined the Charleswood Virtual Satellite Rotary Club in 2019, with 20+ years of experience in sales and customer care in the supply chain industry. She enjoys furthering efforts in human rights, diversity, equity and inclusion.
Martin, involved in Rotary as a teen through RYLA, has 30+ years in the automotive industry and is active in the Charleswood Virtual Satellite Rotary Club. He’s passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, committed to making a positive impact, especially in challenging times.
Lead With Confidence
District Governor Peter Tonge
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a brighter future - at home and around the world.
Peter Tonge has been a Rotarian for 25 years and is a champion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Professionally and with Rotary, Peter's work in accessibility services aims to create stronger, more accessible communities which foster a sense of belonging for everyone.
Lead With Confidence
District Governor Elect Wayne Jacobsen
Rotary is the vessel, we engage members through service and projects that inspire others and create lasting impact.
Wayne Jacobsen first became involved in Rotary in1993, travelling to Sendai, Japan. He has most recently served the Neepawa Club on multiple terms as President, and Fondation co-chair. He and his wife are involved in youth exchange, having sent their son to France through that program. His most rewarding experience has been working with the New Wave Rotary satellite club, mentoring young women passionate about service, and he eagerly anticipates his year as District Governor in 2025/26.
Expanding Our Reach
Chris Etienne
Rotary International Director
Expanding our Reach - Using our Rotary Action Plan to activate and inspire others, share our values with new audiences, and create new ways to bring people together.
Chris Etienne is a member of the Rotary Club of Petoskey Michigan, a 35 year Rotary Veteran and recipient of the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service and the Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award. She is passionate for the work of the Rotary Foundation and currently serves on the Board of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Rotary Action Group.
Diversity as the Future of Rotary
Brian Rusch
Rotary International Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Task Force
Diversity is the future of Rotary: Changing the world for good by transforming membership and creating inclusive, global communities.
Brian began his Rotary career as an exchange student, and joined the Rotary Club of Hollywood in his twenties. He chartered the Rotary Club for Global Action and is a founding member of Rotary’s International Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. As the CEO of ‘Out for Equality’, Brian provides strategies for organizations around the world to optimize their platforms and develop resources to fight for human rights, peace, equality and forgiveness.
Bridging Geographical Limits
Ken Masson
President, Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy
Virtual Rotary Clubs connect members globally, enabling them to participate in meetings, service projects, and networking opportunities remotely. They leverage digital platforms and bridge geographic limits for greater impact.
Ken Masson, president of the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy, has been a Rotarian in District 7910 for nearly 40 years. The Rotary Club of World Disability Advocacy is a virtual, cause-based club with members in over 25 countries. Masson has a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and worked in marketing as a career specialist for people with disabilities. He produced a nationally recognized TV show promoting employment for all abilities.
Advocating Justice
Dr. Wesley Crichlow
Professor, Scholar, Advocate
Illuminating challenges and advocating justice for black, LGBTQ and non-binary individuals.
Dr. Crichlow is a professor and scholar activist whose work dovetails at the intersections of Critical Race Theory, Intersectionality, Theories of Enslavism, Understanding the Structural Scourges of anti-Blackness, Decolonizing Black Freedom, Trans and Black Same-Gender Love. At the centre of his work he asks, “what does it all mean to be human?”
The Power of Youth
Sara Surani
Co-Founder, She is the Universe
Empowering youth to challenge the status quo and lead innovation for a better tomorrow. Harnessing the potential of young people to shape policies, culture and communities through bold action.
Sara Surani is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, inspiring young people to lead positive change in their communities. Focused on social justice and innovation, she amplifies youth voices, encouraging bold action in addressing global challenges. Through storytelling and community-driven initiatives, Sara creates spaces for young people to connect, learn, and grow. As a mentor and leader, she is dedicated to helping the next generation build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future.
Polio Eradication
Ina Pinkney
Author, Chef, Community Leader
The risk of polio resurgence is present now as never before. Join survivor Ina Pinkney as she delves into the reasons it has not yet been eradicated, and shares a personal look at the effects of this paralyzing disease.
Ina Pinkney fed Chicagoans for 33 years - first, out of a small bakery and then from her beloved breakfast restaurant in the West Loop, which she closed in December of 2013. An undeniably outstanding Chef and astute businesswoman, Ina is a community leader, a pioneer, a television personality, the subject of an award-winning documentary called BREAKFAST AT INA’S, and author of a memoir cookbook called Ina’s Kitchen.
Relationships through Storytelling
Isha Khan
CEO, Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Advancing Dignity and Respect through Relationship: Storytelling, Transformational Experiences and Global Collaboration.
Isha Khan (she/her) is a lawyer who has devoted her career to promoting and protecting human rights, dignity and equality. As CEO of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights she is focused on engaging deeply with community to build a better understanding of human rights through storytelling, transformational experiences and by modeling a culture of respect. Isha is a dedicated volunteer, currently on the Board of Directors of the Main Street Project, Balmoral Hall School, and the Executive committee of the International Network of Museums for Peace and was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for Community Service.
Send your videos to rotarydistrict5550@gmail.com
* Memorials * Service Projects * Member Spotlights * Photo Compilations *
All submissions will be live for your viewing convenience during the 2025 Virtual Conference. May 9&10.
YOUR conference, YOUR venue, YOUR way.
Organize your favorite elements of a Rotary event together with your favorite people:
1. Book a venue, or plan to gather in any comfortable space.
We would love to highlight your event! rotarydistrict5550@gmail.com
(Or connect with us)
Rotary Clubs of Winnipeg
2025 District Conference Watch Party
Venue: Holiday Inn Airport West, 2520 Portage Ave, Winnipeg.
Open: 11:30am Friday May 9, and 8:30am Saturday May 10th.
Includes: Coffee breaks, Saturday buffet lunch. Cost $50/person.
RSVP: warrenthompson@shaw.ca Payment by cheque or e-transfer: RCWACF or club@rcwacf.ca
An additional opportunity! Make the weekend a wonderful mini-conference complete with a Gala Dinner and attend the Friday evening Rotary dinner at the same hotel in the ballroom. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased by contacting Warren Thompson. Payment can be made by cheque made out to RCWACF or by e-transfer to dinner@rcwacf.ca.
2025 District Conference Watch Party
Rotary Clubs of Regina
2025 District Conference Watch Party
Venue: Access Communications, 2250 Park Street, Regina.
Friday & Saturday, May 9-10.
Cost $27/person
Includes: Snacks & beverages. Saturday lunch.
RSVP: carson@sask.net
Rotary Clubs of Saskatoon
2025 District Conference Watch Party
Venue: Open Door Society 733C 1st Avenue North, Saskatoon
Friday & Saturday, May 9-10.
Cost $50/person
Includes: Snacks & beverages. Saturday lunch.
RSVP: jim.coulter@sasktel.net
email transfer: rotarynorthtreasurer@gmail.com
WHERE: Best Western Plus, Dryden
WHEN: April 9, 12:00 start, April 10, 9:00 start
WHAT: No cost to attendees, Clubs will be billed proportionately to the number of people attending from their clubs
