Category: Programs

Join us Tuesday, September 7 to hear from Kizito Kalima the Founder and Executive Director of the Peace Center for Forgiveness and Reconciliation. Kizito joined us on August 17 and by popular demand he will be returning for part two.

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, September 7 to learn more about this amazing individual and his work. Kizito will have his book, My Forgiveness, My Justice, available for purchase after the program.

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  

Join us on Tuesday, August 31 to hear from Ray Kramp the Rotary District Governor for District 6560. Ray was born in Charleston, SC, and was raised in Danville, IL.  He earned his under-graduate degree in Construction from Bradley University, and his graduate degree in Conflict Resolution from Creighton University. Ray lived most of his life after college in the St. Louis area. After arriving in Indianapolis, his employer asked him to get involved in the community and join an organization. A colleague, a Rotarian, introduced Ray to Rotary and invited Ray to some of his club’s meetings. Being warmly greeted by Rotarians and learning of the great things they do in their communities and abroad, he decided this was an organization he wanted to be a part of.

Ray ended up joining the Rotary Club of Carmel in 2009. He served as Club President 2013-2014, as well as Vocational Chair and Club Grants Administrator. He also served on the Carmelfest Parade Committee and as Club Foundation chair. Ray is very proud of the fact that the Carmel Club achieved record breaking contributions to the Annual Fund for the two consecutive years that he was Chair.

At the District level Ray has served as Assistant Governor for 14 different Rotary Clubs, as well as Interim Membership Chair and either Sponsorship Chair or Operations Chair for several District Conferences. Ray was proud to be named District 6560 Assistant Governor of the Year in 2015-2016.

Ray was selected to serve as District Governor in 2021-2022. He is excited about this new challenge and is looking to serve his District in this new capacity.

Personally, Ray has spent his professional career in construction management and has worked on many signature projects throughout the Midwest and Nationally. Ray has two grown children and four grandchildren. He is the oldest son of two loving parents who are at the young age of 90 and 87.

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  

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  

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

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

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

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