Program: ChrisTiana ObeySumner, Candidate for Seattle City Council, D5, August 31, 2023

Join the University Sunrise Rotary Club for a program featuring ChrisTiana ObeySumner, a candidate for Seattle City Council in Northeast Seattle, District 5.

The program will be presented on Zoom on Thursday morning with the line opening at 7 a.m.  The formal meeting including the program runs from 7:30-8:30 a.m.  No registration is required and the program is free.

The meeting will be available via Zoom. Click here to join the meeting Thursday morning.  The Zoom line will open shortly after 7 a.m.


ChrisTiana’s Story: I was born in Alaska in 1986 to a single mother. Growing up, my family faced financial struggles and disability challenges. As a Black, economically disadvantaged, and non-verbal child, I had difficulty attending school, as special education services were not well-established prior to passage of the American Disabilities Act in 1990. Despite testing high, I did not qualify for services, and lacked diagnoses for learning disabilities. My mother and I were often unhoused, moving frequently, and I was often exiled from classes.

After living in several states, I moved to Seattle in 2010 and attended Seattle University. I became involved in social justice advocacy and organized on campus. My advocacy work became personal when my Uncle Wayne went into a nursing rehab facility for disabled individuals who were incarcerated. I advocated for the facility not to take away his wheelchair and dehumanize him, but sadly, my Uncle passed away as a result of gross negligence on the part of the facility.

I would then go on to work in the permanent supportive housing space, where I administered assessments and coordinated services with other providers. However, I saw how the grants received for the work did not match the needs on the ground. This experience led to me realizing that the systems we have in place actually end up perpetuating the disparities we see in action today. This inspired me to become the CEO and principal consultant of Epiphanies of Equity LLC — A social equity consulting firm that particularly specializes in social change, intersectionality, antiracism, and disability justice.

As a recognized expert in my field, I have served on panels for organizations like the Housing Development Consortium and Seattle Center RSJI; given guest lectures at the University of Washington, Seattle University, and M.I.T.; and have been featured in the Seattle Times, Crosscut, Seattle Arts, Seattle Magazine, and Diverse City LLC’s online learning series.

I am also the former co-chair of the Seattle Disabilities commission, and former co-chair of the Seattle Renter’s commission. I have also previously or currently serve as a member or lay-leader on the following boards: the King County Transit Mobility Council, The Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, The Seattle University African American Alumni Association, and the King County Board for Developmental Disabilities Legislative Council.

Program: “A (Rotary Club) Geology Trip to Eastern WA,” August 24, 2023

Join the University Sunrise Rotary Club for a program featuring a trip report from our week-long sojourn through Eastern Washington exploring the remnants of the great floods.

The program will be presented on Zoom on Thursday morning with the line opening at 7 a.m.  The formal meeting including the program runs from 7:30-8:30 a.m.  No registration is required and the program is free. Click here to join the meeting Thursday morning.


In June, nine members and friends of our club spent a week exploring eastern Washington. We spent two nights in the Grand Coulee area and two nights in Walla Walla.

There was particular interest in learning about the great floods of the region that occurred over 10,000 years ago. It is an amazing story. And there is fantastic evidence of the floods that was clear to us on the trip.

Our Thursday morning speakers are our intrepid trip survivors who will share their experiences exploring the wilds of Eastern Washington from the comfort of their automobiles.  Thrill to pictures of soaring basalt formations exposed in all their raw beauty by massive floods!

Learn why you will not want to miss your opportunity to take a trip next year!

Message From District Governor Kaj Pederson

Logo
Dear Rotarians of District 5030,  

Greetings to each and every one of you, our esteemed members!  
As we draw nearer to our much-anticipated annual conference at the picturesque Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC, I am thrilled to share the latest updates on our journey together in Rotary.  

Embracing the Theme of Membership & Extension
Our District has always been defined by our commitment to service, fellowship, and the pursuit of positive change in our communities.
This year, our theme of “Membership & Extension” resonates more than ever as we seek to expand our Rotary family and grow the impact we make. Membership is the lifeblood of our organization, and it’s through the dedication of each Rotarian that we are able to create lasting change. Together, let us focus on strengthening our existing clubs while also inviting new, passionate individuals to join us in our mission. Remember, each new member brings unique skills and perspectives that enrich our collective efforts.  

The Countdown to the Annual Conference Our annual conference at the Empress Hotel in Victoria is just around the corner, and I can hardly contain my excitement for the enriching experiences that await us. This grand event promises to be a celebration of our shared values, a platform for learning, and an opportunity to make connections that will last a lifetime.  

Engaging Lineup of Speakers Prepare to be inspired and motivated by an impressive lineup of speakers who will share their insights and experiences. From dynamic Rotary leaders to experts in various fields, their stories will ignite the spark of passion and dedication that fuels our Rotary journey.  

Activities in the Splendid Surroundings of Victoria Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria’s beauty, our conference will offer a plethora of activities that allow you to connect, learn, and unwind. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic charm, participating in breakout sessions, or simply enjoying moments of fellowship with fellow Rotarians, this conference promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Discount Travel Opportunities
As a special treat, I’m excited to announce that we have secured discount travel options for conference attendees. Thanks to our partnership with Kenmore Air and the Victoria Clipper, you can now enjoy reduced rates while traveling to and from the conference. This not only makes your journey more convenient but also adds to the excitement of your overall conference experience.  

Networking Across District 5030 One of the greatest treasures of our District lies in the diversity of its members and clubs. The conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with Rotarians from various corners of our district. Forge new friendships, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that can amplify the impact of our collective efforts.  

The Power of Rotary: Together, We Transform As we embark on this journey towards our annual conference, let us keep in mind the power of our shared purpose. Through Membership & Extension, we expand our reach, our capabilities, and our potential to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.  

I look forward to embracing this journey alongside each and every one of you. Our Rotary spirit is strong, our passion unwavering, and our potential limitless. Together, we will Awaken to the Extraordinary Opportunity of Rotary!  

Yours in Rotary Service,
Kaj Pedersen
District Governor Rotary District 5030  

P.S. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the conference dates! Your active participation and dedication continue to inspire us all.
MEMBER & GUEST REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Program: Sue Nixon, BloodWorks Northwest, “Rotarians: Bold for Blood,” August 17, 2023

Sue Nixon

It takes 1,000 donors a day to sustain a blood supply for patients in our community. Blood is central to patient care, cancer treatment, traumas and surgeries. The ripple effect of blood shortages is far reaching in public health and in our economy. Faced with an aging donor base, a shrinking donor base, and missing student donors, we must work together on new and innovative ways to educate our community on the importance of giving blood and hosting drives before a generation of donors passes. That’s where Rotary and you come in.

Cathy Gibson, Past District Governor, Rotary District 5030

Sue lives on her houseboat in Lake Union, sings regularly with a variety of local bands and is loving her pandemic project of learning how to sail

Sue Nixon has more than 25 years of leadership and consulting experience in marketing, branding and communications that spans the private, public and non-profit sectorsShe served as chief executive officer of Fitch global design studio in Seattle – part of a worldwide network of retail and brand experts. Sue applied her skills to the non-profit arena as president of Seattle 4 Rotary club in 2016, realized her passion for community service and following her term took on her role at Bloodworks Northwest, where she manages all aspects of community engagement and donor recruitment to ensure a safe and reliable blood supply for patients in our community who need care.

Program: Sophia Lopez, “Disaster Preparedness: The Basics,” August 10, 2023


Here is a link to Sophia’s presentation. The Passcode is qvZ9Pdh=

Here is a link to the King County and Seattle Disaster Preparedness Website.


Sophia Lopez has been surviving disasters her whole life.

Now, she gets to educate others how to do just that. Having personally experienced and survived tornadoes in Texas, hurricanes in Georgia and Louisiana, snowstorms in Eastern WA, and earthquakes in Hawaii, Sophia was a preparedness expert long before discovering she could major in it, let alone dedicate her life to it. She received her Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Studies from Tulane University. She is a Certified Emergency Manager with over nine years of experience in Emergency Management and over 25 years of experience in Customer Service. She has served on multiple deployments and activations, including supporting the USDA with the Avian Influenza outbreak in 2015 (H5N1) and serving as the Logistics Section Chief for the King County COVID-19 response in 2020.

She is currently the Community Engagement Manager at the City of Seattle’s Office of Emergency Management.


Here are Sophia’s slides:

Program: Kurt Miller, Northwest RiverPartners, “The Lower Snake River Dams: An Increasingly Critical Part of Our Clean Energy Future,” July 27, 2023

Join the University Sunrise Rotary Club for a program featuring Kurt Miller of the Northwest RiverPartners. Kurt will discuss the future of the Snake River dams.

The program will be presented on Zoom on Thursday morning with the line opening at 7 a.m.  The formal meeting including the program runs from 7:30-8:30 a.m.  No registration is required and the program is free.

The meeting will be available via Zoom. Click here to join the meeting Thursday morning.  The Zoom line will open shortly after 7 a.m.


This presentation will be a discussion on the hot button issues around salmon restoration and the role of hydropower in our clean energy future with a key focus on how we can meet the Northwest’s clean energy requirements while ensuring social equity in the context of our energy availability and resources.

Kurt Miller is Executive Director of the Northwest RiverPartners. Kurt is one of the nation’s leading advocates for hydropower and its role in our clean and equitable energy future. His expertise in energy policy has been featured in over 50 contributed pieces across several regional and national news outlets, and he is a frequent commentator on T.V., radio, and policy panels.

As the executive director of Northwest RiverPartners, Kurt represents millions of public power customers across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Utah who rely on the affordability and reliability of hydropower to power their homes, businesses, and transportation.

Kurt keynoted the CEATI international hydropower conference in 2023, Hydrovision International 2022, and the Portland-based Business and the Environment conference in 2021. He was also an expert panelist at Clean Currents, the annual conference of the National Hydropower Association and featured on the January 2023 cover of Hydro Leader Magazine.

Kurt is active on the policy front and has advised the Western Congressional Caucus and the Western Senate Caucus on hydropower policy. He has spent most of his 30-year career in leadership positions for electric utilities, bringing expertise in power supply and smart grid initiatives. 

Under Kurt’s leadership, Northwest RiverPartners has expanded its educational role through industry partnerships, thought leadership efforts, and community outreach projects and strengthened its emphasis on science and scientific-based studies.

Program: Betty Long, “Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates: When Your Life Depends on It,” July 20, 2023

Join the University Sunrise Rotary Club for a program featuring Betty Long speaking on Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates.

The program will be presented on Zoom on Thursday morning with the line opening at 7 a.m.  The formal meeting including the program runs from 7:30-8:30 a.m.  No registration is required and the program is free.

The meeting will be available via Zoom and in person at the Wedgewood Community Church, 8201 – 30th Ave NE, Seattle, 98115.

Click here to join the meeting Thursday morning.  The Zoom line will open shortly after 7 a.m.


For the average healthcare consumer, entering the U.S. healthcare system for a clinical need can be fraught with anxiety, fear and insecurity.  And that’s not even considering any insurance issues!  And post-COVID, being admitted to a hospital can be downright scary.  Hear about the work of Guardian Nurses and how their team of nurse advocates, in Seattle and nationally, are shepherding patients safely and effectively through their healthcare journeys.

Betty Long, RN, MHA, is the President/CEO and Founder of Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates and a nationally recognized expert and speaker on patient advocacy. As a registered nurse since 1986, she has experience in clinical, management and consulting capacities. In addition, she has a long history of healthcare advocacy with special expertise in critical care, long-term care and geriatric care management. She is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Case Management Society of America as well as the Forum of Executive Women in Philadelphia. She also serves as President of the Board of Trustees for The Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania.

Program: Jonathan Mayer, Professor Emeritus, University of Washington, “Trends in Life Expectancy and Longevity,” July 13, 2023


Jonathan Mayer
Jonathan Mayer, Professor Emeritus, University of Washington

Jonathan Mayer is a Professor of Epidemiology and Geography at the University of Washington.  He is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Medicine, (Division of Infectious Diseases), Department of Family Medicine, and in Health Services, Global Health. He is Program Director, joint degree: MPH in Epidemiology/PhD Biocultural Anthropology.

This the seventh time we have asked him back to talk about medical science. Why? Here is a typical comment:

Dr. Mayer was fantastic.  He is incredibly knowledgeable about this topic and has the rare ability to communicate a complex topic to an audience.

Become A Teen Feed Volunteer!

Next Opportunity: Monday, July 17 at 5 pm

Join fellow club members on Monday, July 17 at 5 pm for Teen Feed!  We need 6-8 volunteers to help prepare, serve and clean up a meal for young adults in the University District who are facing challenging times.  The meal we prepare provides needed nourishment and an opportunity to connect with other Teen Feed volunteers who meet the youth “where they’re at” and help with connections to social support.

Plan to arrive by 5 pm at University Congregational Church, corner of NE 45th Street and 16th Ave. NE.  David Mushen leads the group and brings most if not all of the meal ingredients.  Volunteers get to put it all together and serve at 6:30 or 7 pm.  A quick clean up completes the evening.  Enjoy getting to visit with your fellow club members and feel good about your service to this young community!

To volunteer, email David Mushen.