Events

Amy Bawcom is Executive Director of the Austin Community College Foundation. She directs and administers the overall planning and activities of the ACC Foundation, including donor development, direct fundraising, capacity building, Board development, oversight of the ACC Foundation Board, and a $13 million endowment.

Ms. Bawcom has an M.A. in English Language and Literature from Baylor University; B.S. in Business Administration and a second B.S. in English with secondary teaching certification from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. In addition, she has completed post-graduate study in English from Baylor University and in higher education administration from both Baylor and UMHB.

Before coming to ACC, Amy was the Vice President for Development at San Marcos Academy, leading the Foundation, Alumni Relations, and all aspects of development from capital campaigns and events to major gifts. Prior to that role, she worked at Central Texas College as Executive Director of the Foundation and Director of College Development where she managed an $8M endowment and developed strategies for planned giving. She has also served as the Director of Foundation Relations and as a Major Gift Officer at the Scott and White Healthcare Foundation. At both Central Texas College and the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, she served the colleges in several administrative roles, including registrar, institutional research, and institutional effectiveness. She began her career teaching college English and ESL at both Baylor and University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a summer at a community college in Japan.

Amy is a long-time Rotarian, having served in numerous officer and district positions. She was on the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce Board, serving as Chair of Young Professionals, Chair of the Education Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Nonprofit Council. She was the board president of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas and a founding member of the Belton Young Professionals. She has served as a board member for Texas Association of Community College Foundations, the Robert S. Love Foundation, and Central Texas Advocates for Parkinson’s. Amy takes the Rotary motto of Service Above Self to heart by serving her community as a volunteer to many charities centered around education.

Holly DeLeon, our incoming membership chair for 2026-27, and Jack Gabig, our incoming president will share their vision for the new Rotary year.  Please join us and be a part of what promises to be an exciting year.  Jack has set the new member goal very high and with all of our help, he can achieve his goal.

Jack will share information and update us on the Rotario de Rosarito club in Mexico.

CAM Laboral is a state funded facility in Rosarito to provide trade and technical training for young (teenage) individuals with developmental disabilities. The school’s training programs focus on four areas: Gardening & agriculture, Hospitality and baking, Construction labor, and Art.  CAM has been particularly successful in placing students in the local hospitality industry where there is a growing demand for labor to support local restaurants and hotels.  

Ilaria is a Roofing Specialist with Onward Roofing, and her career in roofing began in an unexpected way.

Originally from San Antonio, she came to Austin to attend UT Austin and never left. Due to a series of unexpected events, Ilaria was so surprised when her homeowner's insurance paid for a new roof that she told all her neighbors they might be surprised by what their insurance might cover. Seven of them ultimately had their roof replacements approved by their homeowner's insurance companies, and seeing her enthusiasm for helping others, the roofing company, Onward Roofing, invited her to join their team.

Today, Ilaria says roofing is the best job she's ever had because it allows her to educate homeowners in a constantly changing industry that affects nearly everyone. One of those homeowners is Gary Cataldo, whom she enjoyed helping navigate the insurance process with USAA and working with him to improve his home's attic ventilation.

Outside of work, Ilaria enjoys admiring and attempting to keep native Central Texas plants alive, competing in Olympic weightlifting alongside her children, and learning about smoking barbecue.

Thom Singer is a keynote speaker, business relationship strategist, and the creator of The H.I. (Human Interaction) Blueprint™; a five-step framework for building intentional connections in a world transformed by artificial intelligence. Thom is the CEO of the Austin Technology Council, an author of 12 books, a podcast host, and a passionate advocate for community, conversation, and connection.Thom delivers more than a message – he sparks a movement around Human Interaction (H.I.) in an AI World.

Patti Chesney has called Austin home for over 40 years. A former civil engineer and math teacher, she brings an analytical, education-first approach to real estate — helping buyers and sellers from Southwest to Northwest Austin navigate one of life's biggest decisions with clear information and honest guidance. In her fifth year as a licensed agent with Bramlett Partners, Patti runs a boutique practice built on referrals and long-term relationships, focused on the communities she knows best. Her philosophy is simple: Solve for Homes!