The best conference that never was
 
2020 Vision Speakers Series
 
The links to the video recordings of speakers in this 2020 Vision Speakers Series are included below.
 

Rumana Monzur

Wednesday, May 13th 4:00 PM -- Vancouver Rotarian, Rumana Monzur has a powerful, heartfelt story to tell about her personal journey from the depths of despair to learning how to prosper as a blind person. When Rumana Monzur’s ex-husband blinded her while trying to kill her in June 2011 her life turned into an obstacle course. Along with blindness came many hardships and challenges. She kept tripping, stumbling and falling down. But as she struggled to get up each time, she learned that adversity is the best university! To graduate from it, you need hope, courage, personal participation and transformation. She started her career as a lecturer in International Relations but, after becoming blind, decided to change her career. Rumana graduated from the University of British Columbia, in May 2017 with a law degree, and is currently a counsel at the Department of Justice Canada in Vancouver. Today Rumana is a beloved “lamp-lighter” who instills light and love wherever she goes and speaks. For video recording click here.
 

Margaret Page

Sunday  May 17th 4:00 PM -- Toastmasters helps people find their voice through training in communication and leadership. Second Vice President of Toastmasters International Margaret Page will speak about the new strategic alliance between Toastmasters and Rotary International which promises to unlock the great potential of members in both organizations and the world of service. Members of each organization will have the opportunity to expand their skills. Rotaractors will work with a co-branded program to develop their communication skills, while Toastmasters will support those individuals in their growth. Margaret Page will examine the history of our two great organizations and the potential for our new relationship. Founded at roughly the same time with a similar spirit of service over 100 years ago, Rotary and Toastmasters will explore how the two organizations can shape the next 100. Margaret will walk through essential information about Toastmasters International while addressing the future of our new alliance. How will it help members now? How can Toastmasters help Rotarians create even more good in the world? Having joined Toastmasters nearly 20 years ago, Margaret has become inspired as she has tapped into her true leadership potential. She is a business coach, author, and etiquette expert who held several district positions before joining the international board in 2015 and the executive committee in 2018. For video recording click here.
 

Sameer Esmail

Wednesday May 20 4:00 pm -- What is Global Citizenship? What does it mean to be a Global Citizen? First year International Relations student at the University of British Columbia, Sameer Esmail, brings his wealth of experience through Rotary and other global service agencies to explore these definitions and understand why the world needs more global citizens. Sameer will call on his experience through Rotary’s Adventures in Citizenship, Model United Nations, and other educational forums to communicate how he has grown his own sense of global citizenship. He will also speak on the importance for young people to immerse themselves in the global environment, answer the call to become a global citizen, and take responsibility for the planet on which we live. As a global citizen, Sameer is not only studying International Relations at UBC, he has been working extensively within his community to enhance student voice and raise awareness of global issues. Sameer’s passions range from debate to politics to geography. Sameer has represented his community on a national scale at Rotary’s Adventures in Citizenship and at Forum for Young Canadians. Sameer has also worked on a recent community service mission in Ecuador, worked with local elected officials, and represented his high school graduating class as Valedictorian. Most recently, Sameer took on the role of Junior Team Canada Ambassador on the 2019 Global Vision Trade Mission to Malaysia and Singapore. For video recording click here.
 

Kirsten Bloomquist

Wednesday May 27 4:00 pm -- The future of the mind: Clinical Hypnotherapist Kirsten Bloomquist will explain the different parts of the mind and how one can begin to tap into the power of the subconscious. Kirsten will discuss different aspects that have an effect on the mind and will demonstrate how the audience members can start to become the master of their own minds, programming it to get the results they want. As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Kirsten discusses: “…how the mind is being affected in the present day and how it may change in the near future, and how we can make those changes positive, for our own good. You can program your mind to get what you want" She helps people to access their subconscious mind, awaken to their potential and live a life of fulfillment. Her clients have included professional athletes, business owners and even a billionaire. Kirsten is the author of the new book, "Power Now: the Art of Getting What You Want, How to Master Your Mind & Love Your Life." For video recording click here
 
 

Dr. Marina Roma-March

Wednesday June 3  4:00 pm  -- Over 100,000 of the world’s poor have been given opportunities for education and better health for themselves and their families thorough improved eyesight. That's the achievement of Third Word Eye Care Society (TWECS), a Vancouver-based, International Charity of eye doctors and opticians who travel to developing countries to provide thorough eye exams and prescription eyeglasses. Filipino Canadian activist and humanitarian Dr. Marina Roma-March, who founded TWECS, has pursued a mission of alleviating the burden of poverty by helping people see better. For 25 years Marina has traveled to the most destitute barrios around the world to break the vicious cycle of poverty. She shares with us her insight on the poor and how we can make a greater impact in their lives, not from the top down but from the ground up by taking advantage of a recyclable resource found in every Canadian home. Born in the Philippines, Marina moved to Canada when she was six years old, pursued a career in Optometry and practices her profession in Vancouver’s eastside, her childhood home. Recognized locally and globally for her passion and dedication, she is the recipient of the Philippine Presidential Humanitarian Award, Flare National Volunteer Award and Presidential Circle Award by VOSH International (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity).  For video recording click here
 
 

Bala Naidoo

Sunday June 7 4:00 pm -- District Governor Bala Naidoo has visited all the District 5040 clubs this year. He is also trying to visit all the clubs through their on line meetings.  He will share his key learning, take aways, and highlights of the Rotary year 2019-2020.  A year to remember as we adapt and adopt new ways to pivot to the new realities that face our District. For video recording click here