• August 17: Kizito Kalima

    August 17: Kizito Kalima

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Kizito Kalima the Founder and Executive Director of the Peace Center for Forgiveness and Reconciliation. In April 1994, Kizito was hacked with a machete and left for dead in a pile of bodies. He was then chased, imprisoned, tortured, and then, finally, found a chance to escape. The odds were slim, but it was better to be shot than slowly cut to pieces by Rwanda genocidaires. Leading a few others and running as fast as his scarred teenage body could carry him, Kizito found refuge deep within the Nyanza swamps.

    Kizito Kalima was born in 1979, in Nyanza, Rwanda, to Denis and Cecilia Kalima. Kizito was the last born of ten and comes from a long family tradition of community involvement. His father was an administrator/teacher for local schools and his mother served as a health advisor to the surrounding community.

    In 1994, the Kalima family was devastated by genocide. The family was separated, and many in the family, including Kizito’s parents, died. Kizito, however, managed to survive. Displaced by the genocide and without knowledge of surviving family members, Kizito found refuge in sports. He played basketball in surrounding African countries and was able to support himself in this manner.

    In 1998, Kizito was offered the opportunity to travel to the United States to participate in a basketball tournament. Upon participating in this tournament, Kizito was scouted by many colleges in the US. Having not yet finished high school, Kizito was offered the opportunity to attend high school at Providence St. Mel High School in the Chicago area. Upon completion of high school, Kizito went on to attend Indiana University in South Bend, Indiana, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2005.

    Kizito is the Founder and Executive Director of the Peace Center for Forgiveness & Reconciliation, a public speaker, and an advocate for Genocide survivors. Kizito has spoken at a variety of schools, churches, community gatherings, and events. Perhaps the most notable and honorable speaking engagement to date occurred in 2014 when Kizito was invited to share his story at the United Nations 20th Commemoration of the Genocide in Rwanda.

    Join us on Tuesday to learn more about this amazing individual and his work.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. 

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
            +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795  

  • August 10: Meghan Tooman, Erika Earl & Robin Lee

    The last year has thrown many challenges at the world. Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath will be one of the biggest business challenges of our time. Join us Tuesday to hear from Meghan Tooman the Vice President of Operations with DORIS, Erika Earl a Workplace Consultant with RJE Business Interiors and Robin Lee the Executive Director of Nexus Impact Center as we talk about the future of the new workplace. We will discuss the hybrid work model and the research DORIS has done as well as what this shift means for co-working spaces. 

    Meghan Tooman is the Vice President of Operations for DORIS. After earning her MS in Applied Statistics, she taught statistics courses at Purdue University and IUPUI while also maintaining her own successful consulting business, Statistical Research Solutions. She recently received her PStat® accreditation from the American Statistical Association. Meghan ensures that DORIS pioneers innovative research practices that establish the company as an industry leader. She has developed new methods for measuring and reporting workplace utilization and more recently virtually regarding meetings and collaborative encounters. 

    Erika is a Workplace Consultant at RJE Business Interiors, supporting her clientele through consultation of strategic and holistic work place solutions. She believes in creating spaces that will drive businesses forward while providing creative and fostering environments for employee growth. Erika is an expert in leading a team to target project budgets, achieve timely execution, and service partnered clients for long term success. RJE Business Interiors is a full-service provider of construction, furniture and technology solutions for commercial spaces. 

    Robin Lee is the Executive Director of the Nexus Impact Center, the first coworking space in Indiana dedicated to social impact. Robin is a CPA and found a love for nonprofit organizations early in her career working as an Audit Manager with KPMG, a global audit, tax and advisory firm. This led to two decades of working in a variety of Executive Leadership roles with both large and small nonprofits and ministries in Oklahoma and Indiana. 
     
    Robin has spent the last three years working on the launch of the Nexus Impact Center, and collaborating with both nonprofits and for-profit organizations on how social impact can grow out of a genuine, healthy and life-giving community.  

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Masks are required for those attending regardless of vaccination status. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. 

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
            +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795  
  • September 24: Indy Do Day

    September 24: Indy Do Day

    Indy Do Day is a people-powered community day of service when the residents of Indianapolis take ownership of their neighborhoods and take care of their neighbors. 

    Indy Do Day has been a 3-day event held in the fall to engage individuals and businesses within Central Indiana with civic entities and nonprofits. Along with other events during the pandemic, Indy Do Day was placed on hold last year. This year, Indy Do Day is a go, albeit different to accommodate the realities of 2021. It will be one day instead of three. The 2021 Indy Do Day will be Friday, September 24. 

    The big difference began last year and is continuing this year. The Rotary Club of Indianapolis partnered with Selfless.ly and other community organizations to build a more robust website for nonprofits to utilize all year round. The website is beselflessindy.org. This website works to help Indy Do Day complete its mission – to build up Indy as the most civically engaged city in the US. It’s free to use and can be used year round. 

    Indy Do Day is looking for fantastic nonprofits, churches or organizations to host projects and volunteers for Indy Do Day. If you post your project on our site, we’ll work to promote your project and mission leading up to and on Indy Do Day. 

    – If you are a nonprofit organization you can begin by claiming your profile at beselflessindy.org/select-nonprofit/ and list your project at beselflessindy.org/events/community/add/.
    – If your organization does not have a profile one can be created by going to form.beselflessindy.org/. 

    Is your company looking for a project? Search beselflessindy.org to find a project that fits your needs.

    Questions? Email info@indyrotary.org.

    [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”25″ gal_title=”Indy Do Day”]
  • August 3: Kristen Cooper

    August 3: Kristen Cooper

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Kristen Cooper the CEO and Founder of The Startup Ladies. The Startup Ladies is a professional membership organization that identifies, educates, connects and increases investment in women entrepreneurs starting up scalable businesses. Founded in 2014 by Cooper, the for-profit membership organization is committed to increasing the number of women who startup scalable companies and funding them. She is also a columnist for the Indianapolis Business Journal and writes about: startups, tech, women in business, and the LGBTQ community.

    Cooper has a background in building technology and raising money. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Operations and Corporate Development at Sticksnleaves, a software development firm. She helped the company scale by developing new collaborations with growth-stage and mature businesses, and expanded collaborations with women and minority entrepreneurs who wanted to build new technology products. Additionally, she developed relationships with investors throughout the country to identify more funding opportunities for Sticksnleaves’ clients.

    Prior to Sticksnleaves, Cooper served as a non-profit fundraiser for nearly twenty years. As Executive Director of Corporate Partnerships & Membership Sales and Events at the Indy Chamber, she, among other things, was responsible for launching the highly successful Women in Business series. Before fundraising in the economic development sphere, she was the Director of Operations at the Riverview Hospital Foundation, and held Major Gifts Officer positions at Butler University and the University of California, Santa Barbara.

    Throughout her career, Cooper has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations and developing sales and marketing strategies to creatively engage donors and clients in growing revenue. She mentors women entrepreneurs building tech enabled businesses throughout the state of Indiana. She also is a very public advocate of the LGBTQ community in the hopes of eliminating discrimination permanently. Cooper holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree from the Pennsylvania State University.

    Cooper is the recipient of: the 2020 Indiana Historical Society, “Outstanding Woman of Inspiration” award, 2020 Indy Hackers Community Member of the Year Award, 2018 winner of Techpoint’s Community Champion Mira Award and IBJ’s Women of Influence Award in 2016.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. 

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
            +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795  
  • July 27: Gurinder Hohl

    July 27: Gurinder Hohl

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Gurinder Hohl the Chief Executive Officer of the Immigrant Welcome Center. Gurinder is a servant leader, compassionate advocate for equity, and champion for social justice. 

    Gurinder was born and brought up in New Delhi, India. Her formative years were influenced by her middle-class working parents—both teachers.  As a sikh, Gurinder learned the principles of seva which means selfless service for altruistic purposes on behalf of, and for the betterment of a community, early in her life. Gurinder endeavors to make an impact on the lives of those who need it most through her service on the boards of local nonprofits and by working in the community gardens to provide fresh produce to food-insecure neighbors in south Indy.

    Professionally Gurinder trained as a physical therapist in India and arrived to work at Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn, Michigan in early 1990s on a H1N1 visa. Gurinder earned her post professional master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 1995. In October 1999, Gurinder became the proud citizen of the United States of America. In 2001, Gurinder earned her master in public health from the Fairbanks School of Public Health. Since then, she has worked in the leadership roles in public health, nonprofit, and most recently in higher education at the University of Indianapolis. 

    In her role as the CEO of Immigrant Welcome Center, Gurinder focuses on initiatives to increase community-wide awareness of the rich cultural and ethnic diversity that our new immigrant and refugee neighbors bring to the City of Indianapolis. She enjoys working with the board and key stakeholders to clearly describe the impact of barriers and challenges that our new neighbors face and work with policy makers to identify and implement innovative solutions to address these challenges.

    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. 

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
            +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795  
  • Long Time Rotarian, Paul McClure Passes Away

    Long Time Rotarian, Paul McClure Passes Away

    Paul E. McClure of Franklin, IN passed away in the arms of his family at age 97 on July 12, 2021. A longtime resident of Indianapolis and Franklin, he was born on Jan 15, 1924 in Ghent, KY to the late M.B. and Lucia McClure.

    At age 19, Paul volunteered for duty in the US Army. During World War II, Sgt Paul McClure served as his platoon’s communications chief in combat in Europe, 1944/45, where he earned the Combat Infantry Badge and was decorated for valor with a Bronze Star. On April 4, 1945, he participated in the first Allied liberation of a concentration camp at Ohrdruf, Germany. A month later, he concluded his combat service in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, where American forces met their Russian counterparts, signaling the war’s end. After the war, he returned to Evansville College, eventually transferring to Purdue University where he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering BS in 1950 and a MS in Education in 1955. In 1959, Paul moved to Indianapolis, where he first served as the Director of Education at North United Methodist Church. In 1966 he became a Program Associate at the Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis, and in 1973, he became the Executive Director of the Church Federation, where he served until he retired in 1987.

    As a natural “bridge builder” for the Church Federation, Paul enthusiastically pursued leadership positions around the city. He chaired the Police/Community Relations Committee; was Vice-President of Crossroads of America Council of the Boy Scouts; was the Chairman of the Fairbanks Hospital Board (Community Fairbanks Recovery Center); was Chairman of the Buchanan Counseling Service at Methodist Hospital; and served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Council of Churches. He also developed a city-wide suicide prevention service and was instrumental in developing Christian programming for local television.

    Following his retirement, he and his wife Patricia traveled across the country in their trailer, spending many happy years wintering in McAllen TX before eventually settling in Franklin IN in 2001. Six years after Pat’s passing in 2010, Paul married Dotti Gerner, a lifelong friend and colleague. Paul was a proud Purdue University alumnus, a tireless champion of education, and a Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver recipient; but most importantly, he was a wise, loving, and compassionate inspiration for his entire family.

    Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Patricia, his daughter Pamela Wichmann, and his brothers Bruce, Karl and Alden. He is survived by his wife Dotti, his children Peggy (Joe) Kelley, Paul Alan (Theresa) McClure and Bernie Wichmann; his four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; and his brother Edwin (Ann) McClure.

    A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00pm on Jul 24, 2021 at North United Methodist Church, 3808 N. Meridian St, Indianapolis.

  • August 5:31 Club: Indianapolis Indians Game!

    Indianapolis Rotarians and Indianapolis Baseball!  Can you imagine a better way to spend you Sunday afternoon?!  Come join your fellow Rotarians watch the Indianapolis Indians trounce the St. Paul Saints at the August 5:31 Club!

    Who: Rotarians, friends, guests and anyone looking to enjoy a fun filled Sunday afternoon

    What: Baseball!!!

    When: Sunday August 15th @ 1:35pm (gates open at 12:30pm)

    Where: Victory Field, 501 W Maryland St, Indianapolis IN 46225

    What Else: Tickets can be purchased online for $12, be sure to select “Lawn” seating.  The game starts at 1:35pm.  Plan to arrive early, meet in the outfield, and bring a blanket for seating. Kids eat free!

    Ticket Sales: https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/tickets/single-game-tickets

    FAQs: https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/ballpark/faq

    More information can be found at https://www.milb.com/indianapolis

  • July 20: Jay Brubaker

    July 20: Jay Brubaker

    Join us Tuesday to hear from Jay Brubaker the Executive Director for Circle City Clubhouse. Jay has been with Circle City Clubhouse since the organization opened its doors in 2014, and also has served as the co-chairperson of the Clubhouse Indiana Coalition since 2018. Jay has over fifteen years of experience working in mental health and addictions services, both as a direct services provider and as an administrator, focused extensively on programs that embrace person-centered, holistic, and strengths -based approaches to mental health recovery.

    As a Clubhouse International accredited Clubhouse, Circle City Clubhouse embraces an integrated and holistic approach to mental health recovery that, while incorporating multiple theoretical approaches, ultimately boils down to one very basic concept. People are at their best, and will recover the most, when they are surrounded by a community that loves and cares about them, where they feel welcomed and accepted, and where their lives have purpose and meaning.
        
    For over seventy years, Clubhouse International communities world-wide have worked to improve the lives of those experiencing mental illness through a model that is both psycho-social rehabilitation program and social justice movement. Research has shown that Clubhouses are among the most effective approaches at helping those with mental illness gain and maintain employment, remaining in the community without mental health crisis that require hospitalization, and even improving the health and reducing the overall medical care costs for those with mental illness. In 2014, Clubhouse International was awarded the Hilton Humanitarian Award for its work to alleviate suffering from mental illness. Despite this recognition and history of success, Clubhouse remains one of the least known mental health interventions, even among mental health practitioners.  
        
    In addition to his work at Circle City Clubhouse, Jay is also a practicing attorney who works with small businesses and non-profits on formation and organization issues. He currently serves on the board of directors for Global Gifts, and previously served as the vice-chairperson and board chairperson for the Garfield Shakespeare Company.   
     
    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. 

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
            +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

  • July 13: André Carson

    July 13: André Carson

    Join us Tuesday to hear from André Carson. Congressman Carson is in his 7th full term in the U.S. House of Representatives, has established himself as an influential leader and respected public servant, fighting for good paying jobs, economic growth, and safer communities for Indiana’s working families. 

    Congressman Carson consistently fights for the middle class, securing hundreds of millions for investments in public safety, education, infrastructure, and the creation and protection of thousands of good paying jobs. Additionally, the congressman has made accessibility a priority for his office, holding regular meetings around Indianapolis and hosting Congress on Your Corner events to ensure constituents have easy access to the resources and information they need.
     
    Since being elected to Congress, Congressman Carson has joined a number of caucuses, coalitions, and tasks forces that focus on some of the issues that he considers to be top priorities in the 7th District and around the country. Together with other like-minded Members of Congress, he has worked to bring about solutions to some of the most important issues facing our city and nation. Some of his memberships include: the Congressional Black Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the New Democrat Coalition, and the LGBT Equality Caucus.
     
    Congressman Carson is a proud Indianapolis native, having grown up on the city’s east side. He is a graduate of Arsenal Tech High School, and he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management from Concordia University-Wisconsin and a Master’s in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. 
     
    Before taking office, Congressman Carson served on the Indianapolis City-County Council and worked full-time in law enforcement. He also worked in intelligence and counter-terrorism for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and served at the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center. There he worked in an anti-terrorism unit to protect Indianapolis and the United States from terrorist threats at home and abroad.
     
    Due to Congressman Carson’s schedule, he will be joining us via Zoom.
     
    All are welcome at Rotary programs. If attending in-person at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center reservations and prepayment are appreciated, but not required. Register on Square at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. Lunch will be available starting at 11:45 a.m. and the program runs 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. 

    To join our meeting via Zoom starting at 12:15 p.m. go to https://zoom.us/j/710170874?pwd=bFE4ejJTc29IMlNzVmx1Wlg4MTA1UT09. While our Tuesday programs via Zoom are free to attend a suggested donation of $3 – $5 is appreciated in lieu of the typical room fee. These contributions help defray the cost of our hybrid meetings. Please note that donations to the Rotary Club of Indianapolis are not tax deductible. You can support our hybrid meetings at https://rotary-club-of-indianapolis.square.site/. 

    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

    If joining via a mobile phone for audio only click one of the following numbers: 
    +13126266799,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (Chicago)
    +19292056099,,710170874#,,#,821795# US (New York)

    You can also join us from a landline phone.
            +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
            +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
         
    Meeting ID: 710 170 874
    Password: 821795

  • July 6: No Meeting

    The Rotary Club of Indianapolis will NOT be meeting for lunch on Tuesday, July 6. We wish our members and community a safe and happy July 4th Holiday! We will see you back at Ivy Tech Culinary and Conference Center on Tuesday, July 13.