President Elect Angelique and Sunrise Rotarians joined more than 37,000 Rotarians from over 140 countries in Taipei.
I recently returned home from an unforgettable journey to Japan and Taiwan, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our club for supporting me in attending my first Rotary International Convention as your incoming President. It was truly an honor to represent the Santa Barbara Sunrise Rotary Club and an experience I will carry with me for years to come.
I was fortunate to share the convention with fellow Sunrise Rotarians Luz Maria, E. Russell, Janet, and Connard, along with approximately 30 other District 5240 Rotarians, including our incoming District Governor, Margarida Eidson. More than 37,000 Rotarians from over 140 countries gathered in Taipei, making it one of the largest Rotary International Conventions in recent years. The energy, fellowship, and sense of purpose were truly inspiring.
The convention featured remarkable speakers, including current, past, and future Rotary International Presidents, the Mayor of Taipei, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. Each reminded us that Rotary has the power to change lives through service, leadership, and human connection.
Before the convention, my husband, Erik, and I spent five days exploring Japan. The serenity, beauty, and hospitality we experienced were extraordinary. The trip was especially meaningful because we had the opportunity to visit the home country of Risa, our Rotary Youth Exchange student from Japan, who lived with us this past year. Experiencing her culture firsthand gave us an even deeper appreciation for the traditions, values, and kindness she shared with our family.
During a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, we learned the proverb Ichigo Ichie—"one time, one meeting." It reminds us that every encounter is unique and will never happen again in exactly the same way. That simple lesson about being fully present stayed with me throughout the entire trip.
Taipei exceeded every expectation. One of the highlights was spending an evening with Risa's mother, sharing stories and memories from Risa's time with us. It was a wonderful reminder of the lifelong friendships and international understanding that Rotary makes possible.
While I returned home with countless ideas and inspiration, one moment stood above all the rest. During the Parade of Flags, hundreds of national flags entered the stadium, representing Rotary's incredible global reach. Then the announcer declared, "And the one flag that unites us all," as the Rotary flag appeared. At that moment, I was overcome with emotion. Seeing people from every corner of the world united by a shared commitment to service, friendship, and goodwill was something I will never forget.
Throughout the convention, one message was repeated again and again: People join Rotary for service, but they stay because of relationships, purpose, and belonging.
As I begin my year as President, I returned home inspired by three priorities for our club:
- Continue creating a club where people feel welcome, connected, and valued.
- Find new ways to make our impact visible and meaningful in our community.
- Invest in future leaders and engage the next generation in service.
Thank you again for the opportunity to represent Santa Barbara Sunrise Rotary in Taipei. I am excited for the year ahead and look forward to building on all that makes our club so special as we continue creating lasting impact together.
Yours in Service,
Angelique
President 2026-2027