Keynote Speakers
Dr. Sylvia Whitlock
Jennifer Jones
Stephanie Urchick
Ann-Britt Åsebol
First Woman Rotary Club President & Global Service Pioneer
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT 2022-2023
Rotary International President 2024-25
Trustee 2024–2028, The Rotary Foundation | Rotary Club of Falun-Kopparvågen, Sweden
Dr. Sylvia Whitlock made history in 1987 as the first woman admitted to Rotary and the first female Rotary Club president, leading the Rotary Club of Duarte. A lifelong educator and community leader, she helped open doors for women across Rotary worldwide. Today, she continues to champion inclusion, leadership, and service as a powerful symbol of progress and ‘Service Above Self.’
Jennifer Jones is a media and communication expert who became the first woman to serve as president of the Rotary International in its 117-year history. Jennifer is a powerhouse of inclusive leadership whose focus is on how diversity strengthens global humanitarian efforts and organizational evolution.
Stephanie Urchick brings an extensive background in leadership development and strategic planning to the global stage. Her vision for Rotary emphasizes creating a culture of caring and belonging, ensuring that the organization remains a beacon of hope and professional excellence for women everywhere.
Ann-Britt Åsebol is a former member of the Swedish Parliament and a lifelong educator who has served as teacher, principal, and school founder. A Rotarian since 1993 and the first female member of her club, she has held key leadership roles including Rotary International Director and Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, supporting projects from clean water in Nepal to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and the Baltic region. A Major Donor and multiple Paul Harris Fellow, she continues to champion Rotary’s mission of building a more peaceful and equitable world.
Panelists
Sue Parks
President & CEO, Orange County United Way
Sue Parks is the President and CEO of Orange County United Way, where she leads efforts to improve lives through education, financial stability, health, and housing initiatives across the region. A seasoned business and nonprofit leader, she has championed cross-sector partnerships that drive measurable community impact. Under her leadership, Orange County United Way continues to mobilize resources and innovation to build a stronger, more equitable community for all.
Micah Star Liberty
Civil Rights Attorney, Author & Trauma-Informed Advocate
Micah Star Liberty is a civil rights attorney, author, and trauma-informed advocate dedicated to empowering survivors and advancing justice. As the founder of Liberty Law, she represents individuals and groups in complex cases involving civil rights, abuse, personal injury, and employment law. With over two decades of experience working with trauma survivors, Liberty is also the CEO of multiple organizations focused on leadership development, equity, and trauma-informed practices. She helps organizations create safer, more inclusive environments. Her work bridges law, advocacy, and leadership—championing healing, accountability, and systemic change.
Mimi Walters
Businesswoman & Former U.S. Representative, California’s 45th District
Mimi Walters is a businesswoman and former U.S. Representative who served California’s 45th Congressional District from 2015 to 2019. With a background in investment banking, she began her public service on the Laguna Niguel City Council, later serving as Mayor. Walters went on to represent Orange County in both the California State Assembly and State Senate before her election to Congress. She brings extensive experience across business, finance, and government, with a career defined by leadership at the local, state, and national levels.
Patricia Bates
Former California State Senator, 36th District
Patricia Bates is a longtime public servant and former California State Senator representing the 36th District, which includes parts of Orange and San Diego counties. She served in the State Senate from 2014 to 2022 and was elected Senate Minority Leader from 2017 to 2019. Her distinguished career spans decades of leadership at the local, county, and state levels. Bates was the first Mayor of Laguna Niguel following its incorporation in 1989 and later served on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. She also represented Orange County in the California State Assembly from 1998 to 2004.
Rio Phior
Founder, Branding for Humanity
Creative Director for 150 Nonprofits,
Entertainment Brand Leader
Rio Phior is an internationally recognized Creative Director, brand strategist, and former Lucasfilm Art Director whose work contributed to the visual storytelling and marketing of some of Hollywood's most iconic films, including the original Star Wars trilogy, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and numerous other major motion pictures. Today, as Chief Creative Officer of Sagon-Phior and Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Branding for Humanity, she leads the creative vision, brand strategy, and storytelling for the Rotary Global Women's Forum.
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Christine Heckart
3x CEO & Serial Entrepreneur | CEO of Xapa
Christine Heckart is a 3x CEO and serial entrepreneur who has spent her career in the technology industry building new products and categories. As a former officer at both Microsoft and Cisco, an investor, and a public and private board director, she is a believer in conscious capitalism and conscious leadership, and believes that business should be a force for good in the world.
Today, Christine is the CEO of Xapa, an AI company that uses the science of play to help companies build high performing teams at scale, and individuals build performance habits for success personally and professionally. Christine believes that when people grow, business grows. She is an international speaker, aficionado of quantum physics and consciousness, author, and abstract painter who lives with her husband of 39 years in Silicon Valley, Ca.