OUR HISTORY
Big West Rotaract started off in 2009 as an unofficial collaboration between Rotaractors across the west coast, spearheaded by Rotaractors Joanna Kwong and Mitty Chang from District 5160. The collaboration was focused around a regional conference for Rotaractors by Rotaractors, with the goal of leadership development and friendship without borders. That first conference became known as the Big West Rotaract Conference and took place at the University of California, Berkeley from October 15-17, 2010 with the theme of “Bridging Connections.”
The primary mission of Big West Rotaract, or “BWR” for short, is to provide leadership training and education to Rotaractors on the west coast of North America through leadership training Institutes, conferences, information exchange, and digital resources.
In 2015, Big West Rotaract launched its flagship Rotaract Institute in San Jose. The BWR Institute is where the west coast Rotaract President Elect Training Session (PETS), Rotaract Governor Elect Training Session (GETS), and Rotaract Board Elect Training Session (BETS) take place. This happens annually on the third weekend of July.
Ever fall, BWR's conferences serve as an annual gathering point for Rotaractors on the west coast to receive leadership training and foster growing connections.
In 2019, BWR incorporated as Big West Rotaract Foundation, and was recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit.
Big West Rotaract serves 25 member districts across 3 Rotary zones in western North America.
OUR ORGANIZATION
Big West Rotaract’s leadership team includes the Big West Rotaract Board of Trustees, the Big West Rotaract Board of Directors, and the Big West Rotaract Administrative Team. This is a 100% volunteer driven organization with no paid staff. We are incredibly thankful and lucky to these talented individuals who have stepped up to power Big West Rotaract and all of its services. Contact [email protected] to get involved.
MEET THE TEAM
Our leadership team is the driving force behind Big West Rotaract and its events.
Board of Directors
The Big West Rotaract Board of Directors is elected by the District Rotaract Representatives during the Legislative Assembly of Big West Rotaract Conference. Board members serve staggered two-year terms based on the calendar year (January to December).
In November, the District Rotaract Representatives shall ratify the next General Secretary & elect 4 new Directors who shall serve from January 2021 though December 2022.
Janel Breen
General Secretary
2018-2020
Joey Vaesen
Director
2017-2020
Alia Ali
Director
2018-2021
Taylor Lee
Director
2018-2021
Luna Fagan
Director
2019-2021
Erika Rodriguez
Director
2019-2021
Martin Kludjian, Jr.
Director
2018-2020
Sydney Schilling
Director
2020
Portland Highbaugh
Director
2018-2020
Staff
Dianne Kunkee
Chief of Staff
2020
Advisory Council
Mitty Chang
Trustee
Jermaine Ee
Trustee
Devon Ahud
Trustee
Yvonne Kwan
Trustee
Bobby Marsh
Trustee
GET INVOLVED
Big West Rotaract’s leadership team includes the Big West Rotaract Board of Trustees, the Big West Rotaract Board of Directors, and the Big West Rotaract Administrative Team. This is a 100% volunteer driven organization with no paid staff. We are incredibly thankful and lucky to these talented individuals who have stepped up to power Big West Rotaract and all of its services.
Want to help with a Big West Rotaract event or opportunity? Send a note to [email protected] to get involved.