Rotaract is a global organization for young adults who are passionate
about making a difference through service and leadership development.
By providing young adults opportunities and support, we aim to instill attributes
of community, leadership, and care to our communities through service.
ROTARACT IN DISTRICT 5360
Rotaract in our district consists of our five clubs,
the District Rotaract Committee, and the District Rotaract Representative.
You can learn more about them by reading their information below!
A Message From the committee
Happy spooky season, Rotary family! Our Rotaractors have been incredibly busy with initiatives, fundraisers, and community service work, and I'd like to thank each and every one of you.
I know this time of year can be stressful, with midterms, work, and extracurriculars (Rotaract included) all competing for your time. Despite that, you've all shown real strength and done great work, team!
This newsletter shares what everyone has been up to, important updates, and our Rotaractors of the Month. Thank you for everything you do! Hope everyone has a very good Halloweekend and make sure to represent Rotaract while you're out!
Written By Rossamia Lipit (Communications Director)
upcoming meetings, events, and ways you can support rotaractors this month
For more information on how you can support us with our initiatives, feel free to contact our committee and the club presidents using their emails further down below!
ROTARACT MEETINGS
UCalgary Rotaract: General Meeting
Wednesday, November 4 @ 5:30PM, location TBD
The meeting will include a guest speaker from Inn From the Cold. She will be talking about the organizations and their upcoming collaborative event, and how the club has helped support their initiative. Rotarians and the general public are invited to attend the meeting!
ULeth Rotaract: General Meeting
Wednesday, November 4 @ 6:00PM, M1030
This meeting will provide general members with more opportunities to be involved on campus as well as other community service work. They will also be informing members of the achievements on their current initiatives.
Rotaract SAIT: General Meeting
Thursday, November 5th
District Rotaract Committee: General Meeting + NGSE Presentation
Sunday, November 15 @ 5:00PM-6:00PM, Online
Learn more about NGSE in District 5360 - what the program is, how it works, and how YOU can participate and be involved in the committee!
The NGSE Committee is currently looking for members to join the committee to help sustain the program - if you're interested, join us in our meeting or reach out to newgenerations@rotary5360.ca or rotaract@rotary5360.ca !
CELEBRATING ROTARACT IN DISTRICT 5360
Rotaract District 5360:
The very first annual Rotaract Leadership Learning Session (RLLS) was hosted in-person on October 17-18! Rotaractors from UCalgary, ULeth, United, and SAIT were able to learn about important pillars of Rotary including the Rotary Action Plan, membership, grants, etiquette, and how Rotary was structured at the international and district levels.
Thank you to all of the Rotaractors in District 5360 who spent their weekend with us, and a very special thank you to our FANTASTIC speakers for your generous participation: DG Darcy, PDG Kurt, PDG Martin, PDRR Charvi, and TRF Chair Craig!
UCalgary Rotaract:
Through CIBC's Run for the Cure, they raised $677 in support of the Canadian Cancer Society! They are very grateful to the Rotarians who generously donated to support this important cause.
Attendees also came together to write, decorate, and send 30 cards to young mothers at Highbanks Society, with the hope of spreading kindness and positivity.
Pink Bake Sale raised just over $370 for Emma House! They are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed and showed their support, including several former Rotarians and Rotaractors.
ULeth Rotaract:
In October, ULeth Rotaract has continued volunteering at the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen every Sunday morning.
They went to the Lethbridge Corn Maze for a super fun evening to promote fellowship and grow new friendships within the club.
ULeth Rotaract also attended RLLS and learned lots of important skills and lessons that they will use to maximize our impact for the year ahead.
The club was able to connect with multiple Rotarians and continue to grow connections between Rotaract and Rotary.
Rotaract SAIT:
During their October 8th Executive and General Meetings, they had the pleasure of having Pat Neuman, Assistant Governor for our Area, Sonja Susut from Wakamow Club, Moose Jaw PDG 5550, Cliff Tyminski from the Rotary Club of Calgary North and Jersey Magtangob attend, and provide their input.
OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT ROTARACTORS
Support Rotaract SAIT in their pursuit of service opportunities!
We are looking for local service opportunities where our members can volunteer alongside Rotary clubs during this period - we would be happy to hear from any Rotary clubs that have upcoming meetings, events, or volunteer opportunities that Rotaract SAIT members could attend or support!
CHARITY FEATURE OF THE MONTH
Rotaract clubs in our district have spent the last forty years partnering with various organizations that help support our local communities - take a look at our features for September!
Inn from the Cold
Inn from the Cold supports children and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness by providing housing and essential support services. The UCalgary Rotaract club has collaborated with them through a Pink Bake Sale fundraiser for Emma House and is planning an upcoming care package event for families staying at Inn from the Cold.
The Calgary Food Bank
The Calgary Food Bank's mission is to make food accessible to everyone in the city. They sees itself as the first line of emergency food support for people in crisis. It runs on community donations and gets almost no government funding. Rotaract SAIT's club collaborated with them by having our members volunteer at their main location.
MONTHLY ROTARACTOR FEATURE
While Rotaractors do amazing work within their clubs, we also think it's important to recognize all of their incredible achievements within their academics, other extracurriculars, and community involvement!
Marlie Cey (she/her)
Program: BSc Biological Sciences
Club: ULeth Rotaract
Marlie is a hard working student and the secretary for the Uleth Rotaract. Every interaction you have with guarantees a smile on your face. She was recently accepted into Pacific University School of Optometry without an interview! ULeth Rotaract is extremely proud of her and will always cheer her on!
Saran-Ochir (Sah-rahn) Sergelen (he/him)
Program: Software Development
Club: Rotaract SAIT
Saran is both a Software Development student, but also tutors students abroad to help them excel in taking the SAT. He has demonstrated outstanding leadership by creating a first stepping stone for tomorrow's leaders!
WHAT IS THE ROTARACT COMMITTEE?
While individual Rotaract clubs manage their own operations, funds, and activities, the Rotaract Committee works at a multi-club and district level: we provide a platform for all Rotaract clubs to collaborate and exchange new ideas, facilitate Rotary-Rotaract relations in our district, and we develop various specific initiatives to benefit Rotaractors based on the feedback we're given.
What makes Rotaract District 5360 unique is the close relationships we’ve built among our various subgroups - we continue to strengthen these connections through consistent communication, fellowship, and district-wide events!
our ROTARACT COMMITTEE!
Our committee is chaired by the District Rotaract Representative and is composed of directors hailing from the five Rotaract clubs in our district. Each director is responsible for one of six specific portfolios, including Administration, Finance, Communications, Fellowship, Service Projects, and Mentorship/Professional Development!
For any inquiries, contact us here:
Rotaract Committee: rotaract@rotary5360.ca
District 5360 Rotaract Representative: rotaractchair@rotary5360.ca
Jersey Magtangob
District Rotaract Representative & Committee Chair
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Sociology and Education
As the DRR, I represent all of our Rotaractors both at the district level and at the international level. The feedback I receive as DRR directly pools into my work as Committee Chair; so if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas regarding Rotaract, please don't hesitate to reach out and I would be more than happy to have a chat!
Besides Rotary, I'm also involved with my university's Education Students' Association. Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy all things related to music, exploring the different coffee shops in my city, and going on side quests with friends!
Amanda Dang
Administrative Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Neuroscience
Ello! I'm Amanda :D In my free time, I like to write fictional stuff and play MMORPGs. I'm also a coffee addict and can be bribed with Timmies.
Gabriel Aurillo
Administrative Director
Pronouns: He/Him
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program: Economics
In my spare time I love building LEGOs (especially plants and architecture), sketching, taking good pictures and trying new food places. I’m interested in public speaking, learning different languages, and it’s my dream to travel around the world!
Hanna Paez
Finance Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Accounting
When I’m not balancing balance sheets, I love going to the gym, going out on the town, watching F1, and increasing shareholder value.
Priyal Pankhania
Finance Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Accounting
I love hiking, crocheting, scrolling reels and most importantly, money.
Alisha Wang
Communications Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: Rotaract United
Academic Program: Genetics
Outside of school, I enjoy crafting, cooking, and collecting items. My favourite collections are my mangas and my pocket knives.
Rossamia Lipit
Communications Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: ULeth Rotaract
Academic Program: Neuroscience
I love all things fitness, health and nutrition such as hiking, lifting, and running. I also like music, reading, glam, and driving around!
William Zhang
Communications Director
Pronouns: He/Him
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Biomedical Engineering
I'm a big outdoors guy, I take my civic duties very seriously, and I enjoy hanging out with my friends (shoutout Leo)!
Albert Kalayil
Fellowship Director
Pronouns: He/Him
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Mechanical Engineering
I like playing hockey and soccer!
Neeharika Juyal
Fellowship Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Sociology
I love to play instruments, watch movies, and photography!
Sherame Gallardo
Fellowship Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program: Kinesiology
I enjoy watching movies. Most of the time, I rewatch 2000s or any childhood movies I love. I also like to move my body in general, usually signing up for something new when given the chance to and when I have time!
Ben Hahn
Service Project Director
Pronouns: He/Him
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Biomedical Sciences
Whenever I get the chance and the weather's co-operative, I love a good run around my neighborhood. Otherwise, I'm staying indoors and reading or playing candy crush (level 6119 btw).
Keiara Lewis
Service Project Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: ULeth Rotaract
Academic Program:
Math & Math Education
I have a passion for all things Rotary, from being the rotary relations in the ULeth Rotaract to a JR leader in RYPEN, I love it all. In my free time you can find me at karaoke, hanging with my friends, going on road trips or shopping. I am also apart of the University of Lethbridge Students' Union, and enjoy all things events and advocacy!
Nael Ali
Service Project Director
Pronouns: He/Him
Club: Rotaract United
Academic Program:
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
Hey I’m Nael and I enjoy planespotting, video games and exploring new places. I also have a fairly new fixation towards collecting colorful / corporate lanyards!
Lam (Mai) Vo
Fellowship Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Economics
Hi! My name is Lam and I recently got into learning the guitar (self-taught through youtube! :). In my free time, I love overestimating myself on hikes, playing tennis, swimming, and exploring downtown Calgary!
Lynn Huynh
Fellowship Director
Pronouns: She/Her
Club: UCalgary Rotaract
Academic Program:
Finance
I love taking part in activities and hobbies that allow me to be active! I enjoy skiing, hiking niche trails, trying out the newest cafes in the city, and experimenting with new recipes!
MEET OUR ROTARACT CLUBS!
In our district, we have two types of Rotaract clubs: Post-secondary-based, which follows their institution's student union guidelines and caters to their students; and community-based, which welcomes all members regardless of whether they're current or former students!
UCALGARY ROTARACt
The University of Calgary Rotaract Club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown and was chartered in 1987. We currently have 31 active members, with a goal of reaching 50 members by January 1. Our signature events include an annual year-end gala, with a different theme each year and funds raised donated to organizations supporting the cause. Other events include creating care packages and cards for seniors, women, and families, and hosting fellowship events that allow Rotaractors to socialize and build connections. We also volunteer at organizations such as the Drop-In Centre and Calgary Food Bank.
Presidents: Abigail Abbe (she/her) and Ben Hahn (he/him)
Contact: ucalgaryrotaract@gmail.com
ULETH ROTARACT
The University of Lethbridge Rotaract Club was chartered with Rotary International in 2003 and we are sponsored by 3 Rotary clubs in Lethbridge (Rotary Club of Lethbridge, Rotary Club of Lethbridge Sunrise, and Rotary Club of Lethbridge East). We have approximately 20 active members and one of our signature events is Cards for the Elderly. Since being chartered, our club has raised over $250,000 for local and international humanitarian service projects.
President: Kate Brown (she/her)
Contact: katherine.brown@uleth.ca
ROTARACT SAIt
The Rotaract Club of SAIT was chartered in April 2026 and is entering its first Rotary year. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Calgary North, we currently have eighteen members. Our goal this year is to make regular volunteering and Rotary participation part of our club culture through community cleanups, volunteering with organizations such as the Calgary Food Bank, supporting RECPE with its initiatives, and planning our first fundraiser. Our executive team spent the summer building much of the club from the ground up. We are especially eager to connect and volunteer with Rotary clubs throughout the Calgary area.
Rotaract United is a community-based club that was chartered in 2019 with members from both Calgary and Lethbridge. Our goals for the year is to establish our club's structure, find a sponsor club, establish our own event, and grow our membership!
RECPE is our district's Afghanistan-based e-club that was chartered in 2024 and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cochrane. Our club has 25 members, and is mainly composed of all Afghan women who all have a strong passion in helping their communities, advancing their careers, and introducing the world of Rotary to their region.
RECPE Rotaract Advisors: Jersey Magtangob (she/her) and Shefa Khairullah (he/him)
A bar in modern day terminology is a line or phrase that is deeply influential or moving. or in other terms, "it's a bar, it's just a bar". In RLLS, our District Governor, Darcy Mykytyshn delivered some really good bars during his presentation.
1. "Get s*** done" (get stuff done!)
A true leader gets things done. Whether a leader is very vocal about the stuff they are getting done or very silent about it, the true tell is their progress and the quality of their work. A leader starts an initiative, follows through a works on it and inspires others to do the same. Set a goal for yourself, for others, the community, etc., let's lead by example. Let's show the world why Rotaractors are the leaders of today.
2. "The answer automatically is no if you don't ask the question"
Staying silent gets you the same result as being turned down, except you never got the chance of hearing yes. As leaders we need to be asking questions, whether its asking for help, for feedback, or for an opportunity. Asking opens doors for growth. It is not a sign of vulnerability. Instead it shows leadership because it demonstrates to others that support is good and that collaboration is strength.
3. "You have to be prepared to change your perspective if you ask others to"
A main reason why we communicate is to share ideas, beliefs and knowledge to others. Always talk to others with an open mind and do not force your perspective onto others or pressure them to change theirs. Instead challenge their way of thinking. Doing so either strengthens their perspective or gives them an chance to revise it , and in both cases that is growth. This demonstrates leadership because this exemplifies that leaders can still guide others even when they have opposing beliefs and challenges others to think for deeply which builds trust, respect and growth for everyone involved.
4. "If you want a voice, your actions are your say"
Anyone can talk about being a leader and wanting change, but people again, listen to those who show up and follow through. Leadership means earning trust through action, not attention. Everyone's actions have the right to be heard. The true testament to those actions are the goals you put up for yourself, the intention to each step, the quality of your work and how others can appreciate your work.
