Events

Becca serves as the Senior Outreach Coordinator for Foundation Communities, located in Austin, TX. In this role, she develops and leads culturally competent outreach and communications strategies to increase participation for Foundation Communities' free Prosper Programs, which include tax preparation, health coverage enrollment, financial coaching, and benefits enrollment. She graduated from Smith College in 2022 with a degree in Women and Gender Studies and Latin American Studies. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two cats, trying new places to eat, and cooking.

Richard McHale has worked in the waste management industry for over 31 years and is currently the Director of Austin Resource Recovery.  His experience encompasses operations, planning, and policy development.

Presently he is a director and Past President of the Texas Lone Star Chapter of the Solid Waste Association of North America, Past President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors – Municipal Waste Management Association, a former Advisory Council Member of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality – Municipal Solid Waste Management, and Resource Recovery Advisory Council. He serves on the Solid Waste Advisory Commission for the Capital Area Planning Council of Governments.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography & Planning and a Master’s of Applied Geography degree in Resource and Environmental Studies from Texas State University. 

Welcome Richard!

Our Angel Tree recipient will be Common Ground ATX.  Mickie Powers has sent us a list of items needed, so feel free to select something and bring to the celebration.  In case you were not at the meeting where Mickey shared about Common Ground ATX, and her work with the homeless, let me share a few things. Powers said many of their residents are one step above homeless and not accepted in traditional rentals because of a criminal background.  “When someone has been incarcerated or on the streets for 5-10 years what’s successful — some might consider awfully small, but for them it can be life changing,”. There is a community of homeless people that Mickie personally reaches out to - serving is her life and if you talk to her, you know this. 

Let us make a difference here.
 
The list:
 
Bar soap
Deodorant
Socks
Razors (preferably multi-use)
Blankets
Sleeping Bags (perhaps waterproof)
Coats/Jackets
Gloves

A Christ follower, a servant-leader and social entrepreneur, Ron’s purpose in life is to use his knowledge, leadership skills, experience and other God-given abilities to assist individuals achieve their maximum potential and to lead organizations and communities toward performance excellence with human compassion.

Swain is the founder and convener of Courageous Conversations about Race in Georgetown.  Since 2014, over five hundred residents have participated in the Courageous Conversations as a respectful, civil process ofdialogue about the difficult issue of race.  Using the social principles of non-violent social change, the mission of Courageous Conversations is to create what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described as the “beloved community” where all human beings are valued, loved and treated with respect;  where all human beings enjoy the benefits of God’s abundant creation and where the community is lovingly accountable for all its citizens.

Don't miss this meeting!  All the important information will be shared as well as getting YOUR input and committment.  

It's gonna be a great tournament and we need YOU! 

Rotary Youth Exchange inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers — Rotary members and nonmembers alike — who make this unique program so successful.

Caroline Ndwaru is a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. She has been involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) since 2018 after losing her sister, Michelle, to suicide on August 6, 2018—Michelle’s 21st birthday. This life-altering loss led Caroline to discover AFSP, where she found a supportive community and valuable resources that helped her navigate grief and healing. 

As a Board Member and Co-Chair of the Programs Committee for the AFSP Central Texas Chapter, Caroline is committed to ensuring that others do not have to endure the pain her family and friends continue to experience. She shares Michelle’s story to keep her legacy alive and to inspire hope and awareness in those struggling with their mental health. 

Caroline’s mission is deeply personal—she strives to create a world where no one feels alone in their struggles and where suicide prevention resources are accessible to all. Through AFSP, she channels her grief into action, working tirelessly to foster understanding, connection, and support within her community.

Brenda Kilburn is a native Austinite.  Graduated from John H Reagan High School.

Jennifer Long has been the Executive Director of Casa Marianella for 26 years. Casa provides shelter and support services to people who have come to the Texas border fleeing persecution. Casa Marianella consists of 12 houses with a capacity of 150 people a night. In 2024 530 people from 43 countries were resettled by Casa. 

Our speakers today are Emily Ledesma and Gerardo Martinez from El Buen Samaritano, one of the corporate members in our Club. They will be sharing with us about the 8-week summer program “Intergen”….a program in which older adults and middle school students come together. Many of our Rotary members may be wonderful candidates to be mentors in this program.

Emily Ledesma holds a BS degree in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Texas and currently serves as the Associate Director of Education at El Buen Samaritano. Emily calls Austin home for the last 15 years but is originally from Cartagena Columbia and was raised in Houston.

Gerardo Martinez is a first-generation college graduate and a seasoned social worker and program coordinator with 9 years of experience in  human development & social welfare. Gerardo is a native of San Antonio and holds an Associate degree of Social work from San Antonio College and a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas State University.