Jacksonville, FL was the host city for this year’s Emerging Leaders Conference for Zones 33 and 34, bringing together Rotary’s brightest future leaders for a week of learning, networking, and inspiration.

Representing District 6900 were Area Governors and Sheffield Winners Amy Benton (Peachtree City) and Lisa Gelber (North Fulton). They joined “emerging” leaders from across the Southeast and Caribbean to prepare for future leadership opportunities in Rotary.

Throughout the week, attendees heard from dynamic speakers, including:

• Stephanie Urchick, Immediate Past President, Rotary International
• John Caufield, Co-Founder, Innovadores Foundation
• Hamzah Shabari, Director of Innovation, Haskell
• Patric Young, Studio Analyst, SEC Network
• Kristen Keen, Founder & CEO, Rethreaded
• Angela TenBroeck, Executive Director, Center for Sustainable Agriculture
• Michele Berg, Deputy General Secretary, Rotary International
• Eden Kendall, Co-Host, WJXT River City Live
• Charles Elwood, CEO, SolisMatica
• Andy Weitz, Chief Marketing Officer, PGA Tour

They were also joined by Rotary International President-nominee Larry Lunsford, RI Director Patrick Eakes and RI Director-elect Marshall Butler, who shared valuable insights on Rotary’s future.

Workshops throughout the conference covered timely and impactful topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Public Speaking, Disaster Response, Human Trafficking, Impact Clubs, and Empowering Women.

 Other highlights included a Roaring 20s-themed cocktail party, a hands-on service project with Rethreaded, a Shark Tank-style competition (featuring District 6900’s own KiBeam project!), a House of Friendship, and countless opportunities for networking and collaboration.

We are grateful to Amy and Lisa for representing District 6900 so well at this exciting event. Their leadership journey is just beginning, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the years ahead.