Events

Mat Chacon is a recovering CEO turned award-winning conflict photographer. He’s traveled to high-risk conflict zones across the globe and uses his photography to shine a light on the darkness of social inequality. His photos have won numerous accolades, and have been displayed around the world in galleries, photography magazines, fine art publications, and featured by the Smithsonian. Learn about his journey from building software companies to his life changing, near death experience that inspired him to follow his true passion for photography. Mat is using his photography to inspire people into actions of enduring transformation that help our fellow human beings improve their stations in life and succeed where prosperity and peace might otherwise only be a dream. 

Zambia-born Pedersen is a software executive currently leading technology for AstrumU and has over 20 years of experience in venture creation. Pedersen found Rotary through his mother's fight with Polio, which she suffered through when Pedersen was a child. Rotary's ambitious work to eradicate Polio appealed to Pedersen and his personal goals towards service and growth, leading him to pursue leadership positions within the organization as Club President, Assistant Governor, and, currently, as District Governor Elect for District 5030 Rotary. Kaj and his wife Claire have been married 25 years and have a son, Sebastian, who is studying for his honors degree in Game Design at Columbia College in Chicago. 

"The Present and Future Coast Guard in the Pacific Northwest"

Congresswoman Dr. Kim Schrier is the representative for Washington's 8th Congressional District. She is the first and only pediatrician in Congress, and prior to serving the 8th district in the other Washington, she served families in the Issaquah area as a pediatrician for 17 years. In Congress she sits on the Energy & Commerce Committee, which oversees healthcare and energy policy, and is the only member from the Pacific Northwest on the Agriculture Committee. As the only pro-choice woman doctor in all of Congress, she is a fierce defender of women's reproductive rights and is the only candidate in her race for re-election this year who will protect a woman's right to choose.

Dr. Schrier will be co-presenting with Leah Rutman, Policy Counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, as they discuss the ramifications of the Supreme Court's recent overturning of the Roe v. Wade precedent. 

How to Be More Persuasive, Productive, and Happy

Learn the art of motivating others and yourself to get more done and enjoy doing it. Whether it is at home, at the office, or at your Rotary club, small changes in the way you approach others, can have a big impact on your effectiveness. 

Kerri Murray will be discussing her work serving as President for the global disaster relief charity, ShelterBox USA.

Kerri has worked since 2009 in disaster relief, often serving on the front lines of disaster and conflict zones. Kerri is a member of the Montecito Rotary Club and has served for six years as Board President for GIRLS ROCK Santa Barbara, a nonprofit that empowers and builds self-esteem in young girls through music education.

Kerri has an 18-year-old daughter, Sofia, a singer/songwriter who appeared on the 2020 season of American Idol, and who has sung the National Anthem at many Rotary District Conferences.

“Leading with Gratitude - The Intersection of Foresight, Hard Work, and Luck”

WaFd Bank President and CEO Brent Beardall will present how a 105 year old bank transformed from a technological neophyte to an industry leading digital first bank. In 2018, under Brent’s direction, WaFd undertook a bold initiative “Vision 2025” to transform into a “digital first bank,” with the vision of having a real time understanding of clients’ financial health, anticipating their needs, and helping them make better financial decisions. Brent will share examples of how we look at digital banking and how the pandemic accelerated our push to offer more digital tools to clients while maintaining our heritage as a relationship bank. He will share the role we played when businesses were staring into the abyss when the pandemic hit and how WAFD stepped up and offered PPP loans to both clients and non-clients. It’s our team’s belief that a bank should help any business get the help it needs in good times and bad times. His simple ask of all employees is to “love what they do and make a difference”.

Movie Magic in Washington State

Washington State has a long history of hosting high-profile Hollywood movies and television shows.  From Elvis Presley starring in It Happened at the World’s Fair filmed in the 1960s to more recent blockbusters like Top Gun Maverick in 2022, Washington’s breathtaking iconic locations have served as the backdrop to some unforgettable movie moments. Since 2006 Washington Filmworks has been at the center of all the film action facilitating and funding productions all over the state.  Join Executive Director Amy Lillard as she pulls back the curtain and takes you behind the scenes for a sneak peek of what happens on film sets.  Not only will she talk about who’s who on set but she will also talk about some of the challenges working on location.  She will also share how the organization attracts big-budget productions to the Evergreen state and what you can do to get in on the action! 

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America and national interest is introducing pickleball to a whole new generation of players. Created in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Pickleball has been named the official state sport of Washington. Now due to Roger BelAir’s efforts, the game is being played with impressive results in prisons from coast to coast. Hear how a 60 Minutes segment on crime encouraged BelAir to bring the sport to incarcerated individuals.

Off the court, Roger is a financial expert who has been profiled in a cover story of Money magazine; an acclaimed author of financial books; and a keynoter at conventions. 

It is disheartening to witness the increase in hate and extremism in recent years. Miri Cypers, Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League’s Pacific Northwest Office, will share current trends with Seattle Rotary as well as tools for prevention.

The Anti-Defamation League is a national anti-hate organization that works to combat antisemitism and all forms of hate through education, community building and civil rights advocacy. Miri Cypers has a longstanding commitment to social justice and has worked for over a decade in government and advocacy. She previously served as Director of Federal Affairs and Partnerships at Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization in Washington, DC, founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle and as a legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives. Miri was named by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 Honoree in 2021 and is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University.

Beyond Rideshare in Space: Introduction to Spaceflight Inc.’s Launch, Integration, and In-Space Transportation Services

For more than 10 years, Spaceflight Inc. has been a pioneer in providing launch services to small satellite developers, helping them access, integrate, and launch their payload to space across a large portfolio of domestic and international rockets. Recently, the company has doubled its footprint with a new headquarters in Bellevue to meet customer demand for its integration and production services and introduced a line of propulsive space vehicles for last mile delivery in space. President and CEO Curt Blake will share the highlights of the innovative company’s offerings and future plans.

Public Safety and Criminal Justice in Seattle

Agents of Influence: A Game to Critically Evaluate Information

In the midst of the pandemic, co-founder of Alterea Inc., Anahita Dalmia, realized the frightening power that misinformation and fake news has on the younger generation. Anahita, a 3rd Gen Rotarian originally from New Delhi, India, and a member of the Rotary Club of Newport Beach, CA was inspired to develop 'Agents of Influence’ - a spy themed media literacy game aligned with the 4-Way test that equips middle school students with the necessary skills to critically evaluate information and make responsible, informed decisions.

Economic Forecast

In his presentation, Mr. Gardner will present his 2023 national and regional economic forecasts.  As Chief Economist at Windermere, he will provide additional insider insight into the local housing market and why we are will not see a repeat of the 2008 market crash. Gardner has over 28 years of professional experience and sits on several real estate and economic boards including the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors. 

For 25 years, Bob Donegan has helped manage the historic Ivar’s seafood emporium from its offices on Seattle’s waterfront.  Donegan will bring this insider knowledge to his presentation, outlining the state of the waterfront today and exciting developments on the horizon. 

Donegan volunteers with the Waterfront Association, the new Park Oversight committee, the Seattle Aquarium, Chamber of Commerce, Sports Commission, UW Foster School, Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts, the Washington Hospitality Association, and the Seattle branch of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank.  He and his wife live in Richmond Beach. 

The Economic and Social Impact of the Arts and the State of the Sector

Michael Greer, President and CEO at ArtsFund, will discuss the state of the creative sector today and discuss how we can secure the benefits of arts and culture for the future.

With degrees in economics, education, and business, Michael brings a diverse skill set to the role and a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities of the sector. Greer is a dedicated community partner and serves on several boards including the Downtown Seattle Association, Inspire WA, Puget Sound Regional Council's Economic Development District, Seattle Regional Chamber of Commerce, and United Way of King County. Greer is also a dedicated husband and father and enjoys calling the Pacific Northwest his home.

Cassie Sauer is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA). WSHA represents all the hospitals in Washington State, and works to improve the delivery, quality, accessibility, and affordability of health care.

Cassie will discuss current challenges facing hospitals. Hospitals are experiencing a capacity crunch related to delayed care, an intense respiratory season, and difficulty finding places for patients leaving the hospital to go. Hospitals are also struggling financially. Cassie also will share solutions to these challenges, largely centered on the 2023 state legislative session. Hospitals would greatly appreciate the support of Rotary members for these solutions.

Building Pathways to Inclusion