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Rotary District 7610 includes 60 Rotary and Rotaract clubs with nearly 2000 members in Northern and Central Virginia

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Get ready for an adventure of service, connection at our nations capital during the Joint District Conference! Join us at the stunning Westin City Center, Washington, D.C., where the activities abound and endless possibilities for learning, fellowship, and action.

 

  • Engaging keynotes from inspiring leaders who will ignite your passion for Rotary’s mission
  • Dynamic breakout sessions covering a diverse range of topics
  • Unforgettable networking opportunities to connect with fellow Rotarians from across both districts and forge powerful collaborations.
  • And of course, the chance to explore the breathtaking beauty of Washington, D.C.!
  • $325, starts August 1
  • Rotaract $200
  • First 50 First Time Attendees $225
  • Saturday ONLY $275
  • Room Block Closes September 23


Joint District Conference
7610 & 7620

Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6, 2024
Westin City Center, Washington, D.C.

BE SURE TO BOOK YOUR ROOM NOW

House of Friendship

Show off your products, projects, or passion at a table in the House of Friendship! You’ll receive a high visibility location, a table, a table skirt and 2 chairs. Set up 1:30pm – 6pm on Friday. Clubs, Community Organizations, and Nonprofit Rate: $50; For-profit business Rate: $100. 

Mindful Relaxation

Enjoy some Rotary fellowship with your 7610 and 7620 friends as we engage in mindful relaxation activities such as morning walks, and spirited coffee chats.

 

Family Service Project

We’re delighted to announce that for our service event on Saturday, October 5, we are partnering with Friendship Place. Friendship Place is the premier housing service provider for people experiencing homelessness in the DC region. Their innovative, customized, person-focused programs empower participants to rebuild their lives, find homes, get jobs and reconnect with friends, family and the community, permanently.

Peace, Environment and Rotary

These stimulating and thought-provoking breakout sessions will be focused on Elevating the Rotary Experience, Peace, Environment and how you can engage with all three and have them work together for your club.

Mega Joint Hospitality Suite

Gather together in one great space to celebrate fellowship and community service ideas with fellow friends from both districts with a beverage of your choice.

The Westin Washington DC City Center is a must-experience hotel for those who want a different view of DC. Feel your best in our energizing spaces: the atrium’s bright atmosphere, our fitness center’s immersive technology, and our DC restaurant’s trendy twist on historic design. You will feel energized in our pet-friendly hotel rooms featuring city views, marble bathrooms, SmartTV’s, luxury bedding, and a workspace that empowers you. Connect well in vibrant social spaces or over drinks at our DC hot-spot: Infamy Restaurant & Bar – or power up with a healthy breakfast. Our building is known for its design history, our service brings unique DC experiences to you, and our hotel near Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Lincoln Theater, and Capital One Arena offers access to memorable locations.

$161 + tax and fees (includes $8 donation to PolioPlus)

Overview of Conference Schedule

Friday, October 4, 2024

  • 3:00pm – 7:00pm | Registration Opens
  • 1:30pm – 6:00pm | House of Friendship Setup
  • 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Welcome – cash bar and magical performance
  • 8:00pm – ? | Mega Hospitality Suite – join for heavy hors d’oeuvres, libations, and the MAGIC of Rotary

Saturday, October 5, 2024

  • 7:00am – 8:00am | Mindful Morning Moments: Walk & Fellowship Coffee (Optional)
  • 8:00am – 4:00pm | Registration Opens
  • 9:00am – 4:00pm | House of Friendship Opens
  • 8:00am – 9:00am | Full & Hearty Rotary Breakfast
  • BREAK
  • 9:00am – 11:15am | Welcoming Remarks: Muriel Bowser, Mayor, Washington, D.C., Keynote Speaker; Ambassador John Cotton Richmond, and RI President Representative Ed Futa
  • BREAK
  • 10:00am – 12:30pm | Service Project Activity
  • 11:30am – 12:30pm | Breakout, choose from Session I: Elevating the Rotary Experience, Session II: Peace,
    Session III: Environment (repeat for afternoon sessions)
  • BREAK
  • 12:45pm – 2:00pm | Lunch + Keynote Luncheon Speaker; Burhan Hamid
  • BREAK
  • 2:00pm – 5:00pm | Service Project Activity
  • 2:15pm – 3:15pm | Breakout, choose from Session I: Elevating the Rotary Experience, Session II: Peace,
    Session III: Environment (repeat from morning)
  • 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Rotary Foundation Donor Reception (by invitation only)
  • 5:30pm – 7:45pm | Dine Around! ($) Hosted/Curated dinners at nearby locations for smaller groups of 8-10 attendees to enjoy various types of cuisines & company
  • 8:00pm – ?? | Mega Hospitality Suite – join for Drinks & SUPER(hero) SWEETS in the SUITE

Sunday, October 6, 2024

  • 7:00am – 8:00am | Mindful Morning Moments: Walk & Fellowship Coffee (Optional)
  • 8:00am – 11:00am | House of Friendship
  • 8:45am | Reunion Breakfast / Brunch Farewell / Speaker Panel; Gregor Baum, Rene’ Laws, Rebecca Kiessling, Closing Remarks; RI President Representative Ed Futa
  • 10:30am | Close

Meet Our Keynote Speakers

Ed Futa, RI President’s Representative

Ed Futa, past General Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, managed operations for one of the world’s largest global humanitarian service organization with 40,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic regions. With annual revenues of US$ 240 million and expenses of US$210 million, Rotary and its Foundation support 1.2 volunteers in their efforts to serve their local and global communities.

From 1999-2011, as the General Secretary of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, Futa led a diverse and educated staff of more than 650 at Rotary’s World Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois, USA and international offices in Sao Paula, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Zurich, Switzerland; Tokyo, Japan; Seoul, Korea; New Delhi, India; and Parramatta (Sydney), Australia. More than one-quarter of Rotary’s staff was born outside the United States – from more than 40 countries. Another quarter has lived in another country for six months or more – in more than 70 countries. More than half speak a language other than English well enough to carry on a conversation. Nearly 40 languages are spoken at Rotary’s World Headquarters. Some 85 percent of staff has bachelor’s degrees and 23 percent have one or more master’s degrees.

Futa comes from Honolulu, Hawaii, where he was president of an international marketing consulting firm. He has served on the Board of Governors of the YMCA and as a mediator in the Neighborhood Justice Center of Honolulu. While in Hawaii, Ed was a member of the Bishop’s Advisory Council of the Roman Catholic Dioceses of Honolulu. He is a keynote speaker at many Rotary International events including club and district conferences and international assemblies and conventions.

Ed was a member of the Rotary Club of East Honolulu, HI. Ed is presently a member of the Rotary Club of Madison, WI. He is a member of the Arch C. Klumph society of the Rotary Foundation.

Ed Futa
John Cotton Richmond

John Cotton Richmond

Ambassador Richmond is an attorney and diplomat focused on ethical business, human rights, democracy, and rule of law. His career has taken him to the front lines in the global battle against human trafficking. Ambassador Richmond currently leads the Libertas Council that works to galvanize global leaders to shape solutions that affirm human dignity by combatting human trafficking. He also serves as the Chief Impact Officer at Atlas Free, working to resource and accelerate organizations fighting human trafficking.

Previously, the U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Ambassador Richmond and he served as the U.S. Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons from 2018 to 2021. Serving in the nation’s highest-ranking position dedicated to human trafficking, he led U.S. foreign policy related to modern slavery and coordinated the U.S. government’s response to the crime.

Ambassador Richmond also served for over a decade as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, where he prosecuted numerous victim-centered labor and sex trafficking cases. He also lived in India for three years pioneering International Justice Mission’s slavery work.

Ambassador Richmond has received numerous honors and commendations, including being named a “Prosecutor of the Year” and receiving the “Wilberforce Award for Exceptional Leadership in the Fight Against Human Trafficking” and the “David Alred Award for exceptional contributions to civil rights”. His work caused the former head of the FBI’s human trafficking program to call him “every trafficker’s worst nightmare”.

Ambassador Richmond received his undergraduate degree from the University of Mary Washington and his law degree from Wake Forest University. He is a Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, Senior Advisor to Love Does, and frequent speaker on topics of faith, justice, and vocation. He lives in Virginia with his talented wife and they have three wonderful children.

Burhan Hamid

Burhan Hamid is the CTO at TIME, where he oversees TIME’s product vision and strategy for its digital transformation as the global media brand enters its second century.

An award-winning data, tech, product, and engineering leader with a focus on digital transformation, AI and machine learning, digital product, and technology solutions architecture, Burhan has a proven track record of building high performing teams and delivering highly reliable systems. His teams were recognized for his innovation in the cloud with the 2021 Google Cloud Customer Award as well as a 2023 INMA award for an AI recommender system to drive digital revenue.

Burhan has held several senior executive roles at TIME, including Senior Vice President of Data, Product, and Engineering, and Vice President of Data. In these roles, he has led teams of engineers, ML engineers, data analysts, and product managers, and launched several digital products and platforms. Prior to joining TIME, Burhan spent 17 years at Time Inc., running tech teams at Entertainment Weekly, People, InStyle, and other brands.

Burhan holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from Stony Brook University and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management from Baruch College.

Burhan Hamid
Muriel Bowser

Muriel Bowser, Mayor, Washington DC

Muriel Bowser is the seventh elected mayor of Washington, DC. She has a strong record of creating a bold urban policy agenda, making tough decisions in a high stakes environment, and shaping a diverse economy.

Mayor Bowser has served her hometown in elected office since 2004 as Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (2004-2006), Member of the DC Council (2007-2015) and now Mayor since 2015. On November 8, she became only the second person elected three times as mayor of Washington, DC. She is the first African American woman to be elected to three, four-year terms as mayor of an American city.

Mayor Bowser is a strong leader and crisis manager with 25 years of management and financial experience balancing budgets, achieving AAA bond ratings, and clean audits.

Mayor Bowser has served as a Board Member of the Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, chaired the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board and serves on the Advisory Boards of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the African American Mayors Association. She is a graduate of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative and of Leadership Greater Washington. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Chatham University and a Master of Public Policy from the American University.

Mayor Bowser tells everyone that there’s only one job better than being mayor of her hometown, and that’s being Miranda’s mom. Mayor Bowser was blessed to become a mom by adoption and proud to show everyone that there are many ways to be a family. She and Miranda call Ward 4 home.

Gregor Baum

Gregor Baum, an international student from Germany, recently graduated with degrees in Business Administration and Leadership from North Carolina Wesleyan University. Initially coming to the United States to play college tennis, a sports injury ended his athletic dreams and led him into a depression, which he fought by seeking help from his school counselor.

This experience opened new doors in his life. His life-changing experience participating in a Rotary exchange program in La Paz, Mexico at 17 inspired him to give back. At Wesleyan, he helped establish the Rotaract Club. Gregor, who is now the Rotaract Representative for District 7720, co-authored the book “The Rotary Mindset” with three other Rotaractors. This achievement led to the creation of a company focused on mental health, mindset, and overcoming adversity. Their workbook and learning course are now implemented by school districts in North Carolina and taught at the University. Gregor Baum is eager to connect and open for business.

Gregor Baum
Renè Laws

Renè Laws, District 7610 Governor 2023-2024

Renè Laws has a passion for service and has dedicated much of her life to causes that help her community, domestically and globally. Beginning as a young military spouse, she explored volunteering through the USMC Key Volunteer Program, providing much needed family support before, during, and post-deployments. She expanded her service reach in the 29 years that followed by working with organizations such as Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Marine Spouses’ Clubs, USMC Family Readiness Program (where she helped develop and execute the program for Marine Forces Reserve in 2008), The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, and various charitable organizations and churches, including educational and intramural school clubs.

Raising six children with her Marine husband, and moving many times over the years, has given Rene’ a unique perspective on her communities and those that reside within, helping her to see the gaps in assistance and provide support when available. In 2013, Rene was introduced to Rotary, and it broadened her horizons when she became a member of this international organization via the North Stafford Rotary Club. Since that time, she has expanded her level of responsibility within Rotary, becoming Club President in 2018 and District 7610 Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2019, while also stepping into the job of Area Four Governor.

She is an RLI graduate, a Paul Harris Fellow, a Major Donor and member of the Paul Harris Society. She strongly believes in the ideals of Servant Leadership and had a wonderful experience serving the Rotarians and communities in Virginia as the District 7610 Governor in 2023-2024. Renè added “Immediate Past District Governor” to her resume on July 1, 2024 and now invests her time in a wider array of Rotary efforts, taking on new responsibilities in her home club, Stafford Rotary, as well as RI District 7610 and RI Zones 33/34, with primary focuses on peace, mental health, and The Rotary Foundation, as well as membership innovation and growth.

Rebecca Kiessling

Rebecca Kiessling is passionate about creating communities that are stigma-free, advocating for real change, and breaking down barriers to resources that can improve the lives of those affected by mental health concerns. As both a peer and family member, Rebecca believes fully in the power behind voices with lived experience. Rebecca has worked extensively with nonprofits for almost 20 years. She has testified before Congress, received national awards for strategic communications, and built nationwide grassroots citizen advocacy coalitions. A long-time resident of Northern Virginia and mom of three girls, Rebecca was awarded the 2024 Live Healthy Fairfax Award for Behavioral Health. She has degrees from the George Washington University and from Georgetown University, as well as a certificate in Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School. Originally from the Boston area, Rebecca is proud to be Irish and proud of her unhealthy obsession with Boston sports teams.

Rebecca Kiessling

Breakout Sessions

Elevating the Rotary Experience

sponsored by
Chevy Chase Acura logo

Sam WeaverSam Weaver is the Vice President and Partner of Chevy Chase Acura, Maryland’s #1 Acura dealership. He began his career with the Chevy Chase automotive group in 1977 and through the 47 years with the dealership he has played a key role in its success.

Mr. Weaver is a member and has served in leadership of the Washington Area New Automobile Dealers Association, the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association, the Acura National Advisory Board and is a member of the National Automobile Dealers Association. He is also the founder and chairman of the Maryland Automobile Dealers Association Foundation. Additionally, he a board member of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce and The Metro Bethesda Rotary Club, The Rotary Business Network & Beyond, and has served on various committees, forums, and roundtables.

Peace

sponsored by
Wind River Chimes logo

Charles DavidsonDr. Charles Davidson is a Professor at the Carter School at George Mason University specializing in the study of civil war, armed groups, and local peace processes along with American identity politics and conflict resolution skills for leadership. He leads the Rotary-Carter Collaboration for Peace as well as the Center for Peace Technology at the Carter School. He earned his PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution at the Carter School (then S-CAR) and has been in professional peacebuilding and research for 15 years including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda, Burundi, the D.R. Congo, Tunisia, Colombia, and elsewhere.

He is happily married to Abigayle who is a research director at the Aspen Institute and is the father of 17-month-old Eliana Rose.

Environment

sponsored by
Caroline DeWitt

Caroline DeWitt is a ESRAG Regional Chapter Chair and Caroline brings visionary leadership and a robust track record in environmental advocacy and sustainability initiatives. With extensive experience in strategic planning, stakeholder communication, and international project management, Caroline DeWitt has successfully led climate change and sustainability efforts across North America and the Caribbean.

Caroline holds a Master’s in Economics from York University and has received executive training in Project Management. Recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow, Caroline continues to drive impactful environmental initiatives, fostering collaboration and inspiring teams to achieve ESRAG’s organizational goals.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

Platinum Sponsor
DG Nomie Hamid, Virtual X Kitchen

 

Gold Sponsor
Amir Kahn, K&S Associates
Rotary Club of Washington, D.C.
The Moose Lodge, Warrenton Lodge #1695

 

Silver Sponsors
Lynn Heinrichs, State Farm Agency
Chevy Chase Acura
Wind River Chimes
Dave & Sandy Vogel, AV sponsors
The Henderson Family
Rotary Club of College Park
Caught in the Moment Photography

 

Bronze Sponsors
Alliance for Peacebuilding
Earl and Pat Baughman, Rappahannock Rotary Club
Kwaku Takyi Boateng
Corey Group at Morgan Stanley
Marilyn Nevy Cruz, D.A.C. Custom Detailing
Dr. Reza Eftekhar, My Favorite Doctor Chiropractic
Donna Flory, Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary Club
John Hanson
Mandy Warfield Granger, DGE
Geetha Jayaram & Jay Kumar
Rene’ Laws, iPDG
Xiao-Yin Byrom Tang, Tang’s Bridal Boutique
Rotary Club of Carroll Creek
Rotary Club of Crystal City-Pentagon
Rotary Club of Lake Shore-Severna Park
Rotary Club of Metro Bethesda
Rotary Club of Rappahannock-Fredericksburg
District 7620 – Area 12 Clubs

 
Friend Sponsors
Curtis M. Anderson
Peter Anderson
Hande Apaydin
Juanita Balenger
Juliette Barredo
William Berry
Richard Carson
John Clark
John & Cynthia Chance
Ronnie Chantker
Ronnie Davis
Dr. William DuBoyce
Dave Furia
Stephen Gahan
Susan B. Gordon
Alicia Hannon
Nanjiba Hlemi
Sterling Hoffman
Dr. Elisabeth Johnson
Paula Brown Kelley
Don & Deneal Kennedy
George H. Kerr
Madeline Lawson
Billy Louis
Dr. Linda W. Lymas
Mark Mayer
Dr. Sean McAlister
Debra McGhee
Ralph Menzel
Robert Parkinson
Frederick V. Rose
Kennedy Sales
Richard Schroeder
Rachel Scott
Amy Shea
Mark Solomons
DG Amelia Stansell & Family
Ray Streib
Andrew P. Vanhook
Blanca Vasquez
Sam Weaver
Ken Weiss
Dr. Lois Wilson
Dawn Wittfelt
Glenn Yarborough
Vance S. Zavela
The Rotary Club of Alexandria
Rotary Club of Blue Ridge Mountains
Rotary Club of Broadlands-Dulles South
Rotary Club of Bull Run
Rotary Club of BWI
Rotary Club of Catonsville
Rotary Club of Capitol Hill
Rotary Club of Dunn Loring-Merrefield
Rotary Club of Fairfax
Rotary Club of Falls Church
Rotary Club of Gainesville-Haymarket
Rotary Club of Gaithersburg
Rotary Club of Glen Burnie
Rotary Club of Gloucester
Rotary Club of Great Falls
Rotary Club of Howard West
Rotary Club of Matthews
Rotary Club of McLean
Rotary Club of North Stafford
Rotary Club of Parole (Annapolis)
Rotary Club of Pikesville-Owings Mills
Rotary Club of Smoketown Brunswick
Rotary Club of Stafford
Rotary Club of Tappahannock
Rotary Club of Towsontowne-Hunt Valley
Rotary Club of Tysons
Rotary Club of Washington Global
Rotary Club of Warrenton
Rotary Club of Woodbridge
District 7610 – Area 3 Clubs
 

A Special Thanks to our 2024 Planning Committee

iPDG René Wild Laws (D7610)
DG Nomie Hamid (D7620)
DG Amelia Stansell (D7610)
PDG Harry Henderson (D7610)
Katie Henderson (D7610)
LG Marilyn Nevy Cruz (D7620)

 

Questions regarding the conference contact
Lt. Governor Marilyn Nevy Cruz at mncruz10@gmail.com or (562) 303-4711 for District 7620
PDG, Harry Henderson at henderson@anchor-consult.com or (703) 927-5443 for District 7610