If you are attending in person, we ask that you usethis link to make a reservation by March 16, 2026.
MayraAquino, MS, RD, LD, Program Manager, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Mayra is a Registered Dietitian with over ten years of experience implementing public health programs and leading chronic disease prevention initiatives. In her current role at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she works collaboratively alongside organizations in Baytown and Beaumont to carry out cancer prevention interventions in the areas of active living and healthy eating. Her previous efforts include managing and implementing obesity reduction, tobacco cessation and youth vaping prevention programs for Harris County Public Health. Mayra earned her undergraduate degree in Dietetics and Institutional Administration from Texas Woman’s University and completed her master’s degree in Food Science and Technology from Texas A&M University.
Invocation
Stephanie Harris
VP, Marketing & Communications
Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas
Pledges
Desirée Pete
Director of Marketing
Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau
Introduction of
Guests
Diane Bass
President
Advanced Pediatric Care, Inc.
Introduction of
Speaker
Norma Sampson
Executive Director
Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program
Please volunteer for Head Table responsibilities through the
The Executive of the Year Banquet is scheduled to take place on April 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m., at the MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont. This event serves as a significant occasion to recognize and honor an exceptional executive who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in the field of sales and marketing. We are thrilled to announce that this year's Executive of the Year award will be presented to Mr. Robert Turner, President of JK Chevrolet-Subaru. Mr. Turner’s dedication, innovation, and exemplary performance have undoubtedly made a significant impact in our community and beyond.
Join us for an evening to celebrate the many accomplishments of Robert Turner, President of JK Chevrolet-Subaru, and honor his legacy in the Golden Triangle business community.
Meal Ticket Details:
Individual Tickets: $100
Rotary Club of Beaumont Member Ticket: $75
Sponsorship Opportunities Below:
To purchase tickets or a sponsorhip, please click HERE.
As part of the Subaru Loves the Earth® initiative, JK Subaru is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to give our community trees that are ready to be planted, free of charge. Planting a tree helps cool neighborhoods, improve air and water, and create habitat for wildlife. A variety of regionally appropriate trees will be available for you to choose from to enhance the beauty of our surroundings while making an impact on the environment. We are partnering with them to help distribute these trees, and we would love it if you would reserve a tree to have them planted locally!
The meeting focused on celebrating International Women's Day at the Rotary Club of Beaumont. President Uliana Trylowsky welcomed attendees and introduced the program, which included an invocation by Sheree Pierce and pledges led by Amanda Ellis. Kristie Young led the introduction of guests. The club received a heartfelt letter from Linda Domino expressing gratitude for the support during her time of bereavement. Judge Branick introduced the main speaker, Lori Ryker Griffith, highlighting her achievements as a chemical engineering leader and advocate for women in science and engineering.
Ryerkerk, former CEO of Celanese Corporation, gave the keynote address and shared her experiences as one of the first women in engineering and leadership roles in the 1980s, describing the challenges she faced and the approach she took to earn respect from her team. Lori began her remarks by sharing her introduction to Rotary through her father and her journey in a male-dominated field. She outlined her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and understanding barriers to effectiveness. She concluded that all problems are fundamentally people problems, particularly rooted in poor communication and collaboration, and stressed the need for leaders to invest in clear communication to build effective teams. She also shared her experiences as a CEO, emphasizing the importance of seeking feedback and creating an environment where employees feel comfortable providing input. She discussed how effective leadership involves attracting, developing, and retaining top talent while removing barriers to their success. Ryerkerk also highlighted the need for leaders to be adaptable in the face of constant change, using examples from her time managing a refinery during Hurricane Rita and navigating challenges at Celanese during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain issues. She discussed the rapid pace of change in business, particularly due to AI, automation, and evolving customer expectations. She emphasized the importance of agility for leaders and workers to adapt to this new reality. She also shared her advice on career development, stating that taking risks and stepping out of one's comfort zone is essential for growth. She concluded by reflecting on the challenges of breaking through barriers and suggested that focusing on agility and embracing change might be more productive approaches for leaders in the community.
She delivered a speech on removing barriers to create inclusive and collaborative workplaces, emphasizing the importance of allowing everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. She shared a quote by Nelson Mandela about living with passion and helping others succeed. The conversation ended with the announcement of a gift to Rotary International in honor of Ryerkerk's speech and an update about next week's Be Well Beaumont Day event with Maya Myra Aquino.
.jpg)
