Drake Hankinson leads the Partnerships function at Solar YYC, where he focuses on developing relationships that connect businesses, community organizations, and homeowners with trusted renewable energy solutions. As part of one of Alberta’s leading providers of solar and modern electrification projects, Drake helps clients navigate the journey toward sustainability with a focus on Solar YYC’s core values— being a Local, Trusted, and Experienced provider of solar and electrification solutions.

Before joining Solar YYC, Drake spent nearly a decade at Benevity, one of Canada’s few tech unicorns, where he helped scale programs that connected global companies with causes and communities worldwide. That experience in SaaS, relationship management, and corporate social impact shaped his approach to partnership-building—rooted in long-term value, transparency, and community outcomes.

Today, Drake applies that same mindset to Alberta’s renewable energy sector, helping organizations and homeowners realize energy savings and environmental goals through reliable, high-quality installations. Based in Calgary, he remains passionate about local impact—ensuring every partnership supports meaningful progress toward a more resilient Alberta. Outside of work, Drake is active in Calgary’s rugby community and enjoys golf, Warhammer, and developing his skills as a chef.

We will be visiting the Calgary STARS Air Ambulance Base on:

Monday, March 9
Time 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB

Important Details:

• Please park in stalls marked “STARS” or “STARS Visitor.”

• Closed toe and heel shoes are required for safety (sneakers recommended).

• As STARS aircraft are fully operational, a helicopter may not be in the hangar during our visit. However, we will tour the simulation lab and the Emergency Link Centre.

• We will meet at the main entrance to sign in and begin the tour.

• Depending on final numbers, the group may be divided into two smaller groups.

• The tour will last 1 ½ hours

Presentation:

Nature Calgary: The Quiet Force Behind Calgary’s Wild Spaces

Before Fish Creek was protected. Before Nose Hill became a park. Before citizen science was a movement. There were volunteers working behind the scenes.

For nearly 70 years, Nature Calgary has quietly shaped the conservation landscape of our city. From publishing the foundational “Green Book” on local biodiversity to stewarding Frank Lake and leading citizen science initiatives like the City Nature Challenge, we continue to connect Calgarians with nature and protect the places that define our region.

Join us to learn how a small volunteer organization helped protect some of Calgary’s most treasured landscapes and what comes next.

www.naturecalgary.com

Kaya Konopnicki is the President of Nature Calgary and a long-time advocate for local conservation. She has been involved with the organization for nearly a decade, first joining when her mom encouraged her to step in as secretary. What began as a volunteer role quickly grew into a lasting commitment to protecting Calgary’s natural spaces.

Kaya holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Calgary and works as a Naturalist and Program Coordinator for the Invasive Plant Program with the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park Preservation Society. She is especially passionate about birds, and finds that birding keeps her grounded, curious, and continually learning. Through birds, she has built community, deepened her connection to place, and discovered countless opportunities to engage others in nature.

Jean-Claude Munyezamu, originally from Rwanda, is the founder and Executive Director of Umoja Community Mosaic (formerly Soccer Without Boundaries). Umoja fosters community engagement for refugee, immigrant, and low-income families through innovative youth initiatives, including sports, music, after-school programs, summer camps, and community events. The organization also empowers minority groups by offering culturally tailored food hampers, translation services, and system navigation support.

Jean-Claude’s contributions have been widely recognized: he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and named one of "Twenty Compelling Calgarians" in 2018. That same year, he earned the Western Legacy Award for Innovation. In 2022, he was honored with an Immigrants of Distinction Award, and in 2021, he received both the Calgary Black Achievement Award and the Glenbrook Community Association Partnership Award. Additionally, in July 2021, he was recognized with a Community Justice Award in the leadership category. Most recently, in December 2022, Jean-Claude received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his advocacy work and dedication as a youth sports ambassador, and in 2025 he was awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal for his work in the community.

He has contributed to cultural and community initiatives as a member of the Premier’s Council on Culture and the Arts and served as the media and public relations representative for Calgary’s Rwandan community. He also played a key role on the organizing committee for the commemoration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Jean-Claude’s remarkable journey has been featured in Canadian Geographic Magazine, Reader's Digest, and the travel memoir *Road Trip Rwanda* by Giller Prize-winning author Will Ferguson. He was also highlighted in Canada’s 150th-anniversary anthology, What’s Your Story: A Canada 2017 Yearbook. 

This week's meeting will provide Club Committtee reports and or the Story of one of our Club Members.

🌷🐣 Happy Easter! 🐣🌷
Wishing you a joyful Easter filled with fresh beginnings, bright spring colours, and moments of happiness with family and friends.

Spring 2026 Club Assembly 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM, buffet opens at 5:30 pm. Updates from Club President Chris Ritter and the Club's Board Members plus vision of incoming Club President.

Please note the meeting location:Delta South in the Fireside Room.

In 1978, Marilyn began her training to become a Registered Nurse. Her first job was working as a nurse's aide in Yorkton and her first RN position was at the old Saskatoon City Hospital, where, at the wise age of 21 years, was regularly in charge of an acute care med/surg unit holidays, weekends and nights. She moved to Edmonton to earn her degree in nursing and worked cardiology at the U of A Hospital, eventually moving to Calgary in 1987 and securing a position in CCU at the Foothills Hospital. Clinical practice expanded to include neurology, Health Link and palliative home care. She even did a stint as a nurse on the Stampede Grounds! Through virtually all of Marilyn's 48 years of work in direct patient care, the reality of death was a frequent undercurrent and her heart broke to see people so painfully unprepared to deal with it. Once she was no longer an employee, "Death Maven" was born.

After retiring from bedside nursing in April 2024, Marilyn decided to provide “death literacy” education and advocate for a safe space where no question is off the table. People often yearn for a different type of conversation but don't know how to begin. Marilyn's company “Death Maven”, takes the holistic approach and normalizes the death conversation. She has spoken at nursing conferences and created online webinars. Occasional public speaking has become a regularly scheduled “Death Café”, showcasing Canadian films and documentaries with content guided by Canadian nurses. Following the films, questions and discussions are guided by a seasoned palliative care nurse. This work is necessary because death hasn't changed, but the way we navigate it has.

Stephanie Christensen (she/her) is the Executive Director of ShelterBox Canada and a humanitarian professional. Stephanie started her career in International Development working for CIDA and local charities throughout East Africa developing curriculum for HIV/AIDS Education in primary schools. After living and working in Kenya during the famine in 2011, Stephanie moved into the humanitarian disaster relief field. She has been with ShelterBox Canada for 12 years, and is working to ensure that no one is left without shelter and supplies after disasters. In addition to her work here in Canada, Stephanie has been part of the in country team on four occasions with ShelterBox – in Fiji after Cyclone Winston, in Ecuador after the Earthquake in 2016, in the Philippines after Tropical Storm Urduja and most recently in Moldova as part of the Ukraine crisis response. She currently lives in Burlington, ON with her husband and two daughters, and loves to cook, read and travel.

Stephanie will join us from Toronto via Zoom.

Tom Walker is a veteran Canadian photojournalist whose remarkable career has taken him from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, with notable years at the Edmonton Sun and the Calgary Herald. Beginning his career in 1972 at the Bridgewater Bulletin in Nova Scotia, Tom built a reputation for capturing compelling stories and unforgettable moments through his camera lens.

Over the decades, Tom’s assignments have led him to some extraordinary places and experiences. He has spent time on the Hibernia offshore oil platform, photographed oil operations over the Gulf of Mexico, documented the final shift at the Coleman Collieries, and joined renowned paleontologist Phil Currie on dinosaur fossil expeditions in Alberta. His work has also included assignments connected to Canadian Geographic and National Geographic research projects, including the Slave River Dam and Oldman Dam developments.

Tom’s adventurous spirit has taken him driving across continents, photographing in the Arctic, covering Hollywood productions and touring musicians, and even rappelling off the Calgary Tower in pursuit of the perfect shot. Along the way, he has photographed everyone from actors and athletes to industrial projects and remote landscapes, always guided by curiosity and a passion for storytelling.

Now “retired — or maybe just tired,” as he jokingly describes himself, Tom still picks up the camera whenever the right story comes along. He remains grateful for the opportunities photography has provided throughout an exceptional and wide-ranging career.

Summary of presentation: Learn more about Calgary Meals on Wheels through the story of our mission and vision, operations and programs, the opportunities and challenges we face, and the impact of our work in the community. We’ll also talk about how you can get involved as a volunteer and make a tangible difference in the community.

Bio – Esther Elder, CEO

Esther Elder is the CEO of Calgary Meals on Wheels, the largest Meals on Wheels organization in Canada, providing over a million meals annually to those facing food insecurity. With a background in psychology from the University of Calgary and a certification in Community Economic Development from Simon Fraser University, Esther blends her understanding of human behavior with strategic leadership to drive meaningful social initiatives.

Born in the Netherlands and immigrating to Canada in 1975, Esther’s early experiences with food insecurity shaped her lifelong commitment to helping vulnerable populations. With 25 years in the nonprofit sector, she has championed community building and social change.

As a leader, Esther is known for her collaborative approach, implementing initiatives that enhance service delivery and outcomes. She is also committed to continuous learning, with certifications in Change Management, Indigenous Canada, and Corporate Governance, which have strengthened her ability to lead through complex challenges.

Esther’s work embodies a deep belief in the power of community and the importance of addressing food insecurity with both compassion and strategic action.

Bio – Lauren Knowles, Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement Coordinator

Lauren Knowles is the Volunteer Recruitment & Engagement Coordinator at Calgary Meals on Wheels. She is passionate about connecting people to causes through volunteering and creating meaningful experiences for volunteers. With a background in Volunteer Management and as a lifetime volunteer herself, Lauren understands the volunteer experience and continuously strives to find creative ways to engage and involve volunteers. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys reading, birding, and hiking.

Happy Victoria Day!

Wishing everyone a wonderful long weekend filled with celebration, relaxation, and Canadian pride. Enjoy the fireworks, time with family and friends, and the unofficial start to summer! ☀️

This week's meeting will provide Club Committee reports and the Story of one of our Club Members.

AI is real, but the hype often hides what it takes to get real value. In this session for business leaders, I’ll explain why trusted, scalable AI starts with investing in a solid knowledge foundation, just like a successful building starts with the right base. We’ll make it tangible through a heritage arts organization that is leveraging AI to digitize archives dating back to 1883, enabling visitors to ask simple questions and instantly learn an artwork’s story and provenance. Using the art archive, I’ll provide an overview of what it takes to build a knowledge foundation that scales AI, keeps answers trustworthy, and powers premium digital experiences that grow engagement, loyalty, and revenue.

Mike Morley Bio:

At Neo4j, I work “at the face,” the front line where technology meets the real world. I help organizations close the gap between AI hype and implementation by building the knowledge foundations that make AI reliable, scalable, and valuable.

Previously, I founded Menome Technologies (acquired by Arcurve in 2020) and spent 11 years at Matrix Solutions leading enterprise architecture and technology strategy. I also support Calgary’s innovation and arts communities as an A100 Charter Member, Arcurve Community Advisor, and board member with The Kinkonauts.

Student Delegates Will Be Sharing:

• Thalia McArthur Maclaurin on her RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of ENrichment) Experience by video 
• Lily Hamid O’Donnell on her ADVENTURES IN CITIZENSHIP Experience
• RYE (Rotary Youth Exchange) Inbound Flavio Antonini on his year in Canada
• RYE (Rotary Youth Exchange) Outbound Marcello Torriero on Canada and his life before Switzerland

Experienced Co-Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the oil & energy industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Government, Conflict Resolution, Event Management, and Media Relations. Strong business development professional with a Bachelor's degree focused in Political Science and Government from The University of Calgary.

During my own professional journey, I constantly had to grapple with the challenge of wanting to grow my career which often took place away from my community, but also wanting to stay close to the rez to contribute to my people. I know many other indigenous practitioners that feel the same tension, which creates very real challenges for our professional and personal growth.

Indigenous practitioners success will always be the strongest when we are able to align professional growth with community connection. Finding ways for us to access training and employment that allows us to be close to our communities will support the growth of the indigenous workforce and strengthen community connection.

Focusing on strategies to integrate indigenous communities by ensuring infrastructure enables community members to participate in the Canadian economy in a way that allows for community members to develop their skills, participate in the larger Canadian labour market, and allow for opportunities to stay close in communities and grow their local economy rather than having to relocate to urban centres.

Simone brings over 35 years of experience in the social services sector. As a registered Social Worker, her career has spanned both residential and community-based settings, with a strong focus on home-based services. Since 2009, she has led service teams, overseeing a range of programs and initiatives that support children, youth, families, and communities. Among her responsibilities, Simone oversees the Building Connections Initiative, which is dedicated to fostering meaningful, sustainable supports for individuals and families within their communities. She believes that healing happens through connection—with family, friends, and community—and is passionate about training, coaching, and supporting sustainable change for all individuals.

Jennifer Topiwala is a clinician with the team at McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association. She holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University and works primarily with adolescents, young adults, and families experiencing a range of mental health challenges.

Jennifer is passionate about youth mental health and believes that every young person deserves a space where they feel heard, understood, and validated. Her work focuses on supporting youth navigating Anxiety, Depression, emotional dysregulation, trauma, self-esteem concerns, and relationship challenges. She utilizes evidence-based approaches, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Polyvagal-informed practices.

Jennifer believes that in addition to support and understanding, youth benefit from learning practical life skills that help them navigate emotions, relationships, stress, and life's challenges. This belief has made DBT a foundational part of her work, as it provides youth with concrete tools to build resilience, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy communication.

Today, Jennifer will share insights into adolescent mental health and the role DBT can play in helping young people thrive.

Join us to Welcome our new Club President - Don Edie

Yahoo Luncheon - July 6th 12:00 PM

Don't forget to wear your best Western Duds!!!

Ron Poon is a respected architect, development consultant, and community leader with more than four decades of experience in architecture, planning, and large-scale development projects across Western Canada.

A graduate of the University of Manitoba, Ron earned a Bachelor of Environment Studies in 1975 followed by a Master of Architecture in 1978. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held senior leadership positions with prominent architectural and development firms, including Executive Vice President for Western Canada at NORR Architects Engineers Planners, President of Arlington Street Developments, and Principal of both Poon McKenzie Architects and Ronald Poon Architect Ltd.

Today, Ron continues to contribute his expertise as a development consultant and strategic advisor. His current work includes serving as Development Consultant for Calgary Heritage Housing, Project Manager for Wing Kei Village's 180-bed long-term care facility, Strategic Advisor to Landstar Development Corporation, and Consultant to Potential Place Society.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ron has dedicated considerable time to community service and governance. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of Lansdowne Equity Family Office, is a Board and Foundation Member of Closer to Home, and is Executive Director of Wing Kei Social Enterprise. His previous leadership roles include serving on the Board of Directors of Silvera for Seniors, Chair of its Planning Committee, and more than a decade on the Alberta Association of Architects' Complaint Review Committee.

Ron is a retired Life Member of the Alberta Association of Architects and has also been registered as an architect in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the State of Colorado.

His career reflects a lifelong commitment to thoughtful design, community development, affordable housing, seniors' care, and creating places that improve the lives of those who live, work, and gather within them.

Scott is a lifelong learner, a facilitator, a coach and a connector. He spent almost 20 years with the Government of New Brunswick where he worked on poverty reduction through the department of Social Development and the Economic and Social Inclusion Corporation.

Scott has chaired OMISTA Credit Union, Falls Brook Centre, New Brunswick Food Security Action Network and the Fredericton Loyalists Rugby Club. He has also sat on the boards of the Atlantic Summer Institute, the Healthy Eating Physical Activity Coalition and Team Rural NB.

Scott is passionate about community, storytelling, innovation, belonging and supporting others.

Camp Dream. Speak. Live. is a week-long summer program for children and teens who stutter that focuses on building communicative confidence and self-advocacy rather than "curing" the stutter. Developed by the Arthur M. Blank Center for Stuttering, it teaches participants to embrace their stutter openly.

Happy Heritage Day!

Today we celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures, and vibrant communities that make Alberta such a wonderful place to call home. Heritage Day is a time to reflect on the traditions we've inherited, recognize the many cultures that continue to shape our province, and create new memories with family, friends, and neighbours.

The Rotary Club of Calgary West wishes everyone a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Heritage Day. Whether you're exploring Alberta's beautiful parks, attending a community festival, or simply spending time with loved ones, we hope your day is filled with laughter, connection, and appreciation for the heritage we all share.

Happy Heritage Day!
— Rotary Club of Calgary West

This presentation explores what “Guest Experience” truly means at Calgary Airports, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at the dedicated teams driving accessibility, volunteer engagement, and guest‑focused initiatives that create meaningful moments for every traveller. As proud champions of our region, we connect local and global communities by delivering exceptional experiences that make YYC the airport of choice. Attendees will gain insight into how these programs, people, and values come together to shape a welcoming, world‑class journey for all who pass through our airport. 

• Taman Padda, Coordinator, Guest Experience – Volunteer Operations at Calgary Airport Authority, leads volunteer engagement initiatives that enhance the guest experience, supports recruitment and program development, and fosters strong connections between volunteers and the airport community.

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• Caitlin Thomas, Accessibility Programs Coordinator at Calgary Airports, leads initiatives that identify and remove barriers to equal access, implements innovative solutions, and facilitates meaningful dialogue as Chair of the airport's Accessibility Advisory Committee

Join us as we welcome returning Rotary Youth Exchange student Sofia Baez Vasquez, who will share highlights from her unforgettable exchange experience. Sofia will reflect on the people she met, the cultural discoveries she made, the challenges she overcame, and the personal growth she experienced while representing our club abroad. Her presentation, "Youth Exchange Exposé," offers an inspiring firsthand look at how Rotary Youth Exchange fosters international understanding, lifelong friendships, and the development of future global leaders.

Dr. Raju Hajela is a respected Calgary physician, educator, and leader in preventive health and wellness. A co-founder, President, and Medical Director of Health Upwardly Mobile (HUM), he earned his Doctor of Medicine from Dalhousie University and a Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Hajela has held leadership positions in provincial, national, and international medical organizations, developed educational programs for healthcare professionals, and received numerous honours for his leadership and community service. His approach to health emphasizes the interconnected biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of well-being.

Dr. Hajela will present "Ageing with Confidence: The Trials and Tribulations Discussed with Candor." Drawing on decades of medical practice and experience in health promotion, he will offer practical insights into the realities of growing older, sharing strategies for maintaining resilience, vitality, and a positive outlook while navigating the opportunities and challenges that accompany the aging process. This promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking presentation for members and guests alike.

Brian Gentles joined the Rotary Club of Calgary North in June 2007 after North helped with funds and manpower building a new dock at Glenmore Reservoir for the Disabled Sailing Association of Alberta in 2005.  We were hosting the national Mobility Cup sailing regatta in 2005.

He moved to Rotary Club of Calgary Heritage Park Dec 2016 as Monday lunches were difficult to attend regularly.  No client has ever wanted to see me at 7:00 a.m. on a Friday morning.

He has a long background in Scouting.  In at age 8, out at age 48.

Has been involved with Disabled Sailing 1998 to present.

Attended RAYEC (Rotary Alberta Youth Entrepreneurship Camp) as a business team leader in 2019.  Chaired the District RAYEC Steering Committee 2020-2023.  Attended camp twice more.

He began promoting Rotary support for Breathing Space at DisCon 2024.

Career wise . . .

Mortgage brokering and business financing – 2001 to present.

Ambulance and paramedic services as a business owner 1991-1996 – Kananaskis Country and Siberia.  Sold ambulances in Western Canada and brokered a deal for 50 ambulances overseas.  No one let me near patients – that would have been dangerous.  I washed ambulances and carried bags.

Started in Information Technology in 1972.  Partially responsible for the Y2K issue.

Married to Elaine Duncan – blended family with 5 “adult children” and 5 grandchildren.  Elaine volunteers with me on many things; including casinos and bagging at Community Kitchen.

About Brenda Walton

Internationally recognized as a stakeholder and Indigenous engagement expert, Brenda Walton owns Kairos Creative Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in the delivery of engagement programs for corporate clients and three levels of government.  Through her second company, Brenda Walton Inspires, she uses these same strategies of engagement to motivate an international community of women who are eager to transform their lives. Her transformational W.O.R.T.H.Y Program guides women through a 6-step process to help them recognize that they are completely worthy to experience unlimited levels of success and happiness.