Voices of D7020

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Voices of D7020, Past District Governor David Kirkaldy turns the microphone towards the podcast’s creator and co-host, Past President Nerissa Persaud, alongside Assistant Governor Kerese Bruce-Patterson. As they prepare for the Emerging Leaders experience at the Rotary Zones 33 and 34 Summit in Williamsburg, Virginia, they reflect on the service, relationships and unexpected opportunities that brought them to this moment.  Their conversation moves beyond titles to the responsibility of leadership: helping people feel seen and valued, working as a team, remaining accountable, and being willing to learn what you do not yet know. Kerese shares how serving beyond her club helped her discover a much wider Rotary, while Nerissa reflects on finding belonging through service and learning that leading a club is never simply about the person holding office.  In a particularly personal moment, Nerissa recalls writing a list of all the reasons she thought she should not become club president, only to realise that the things she did not know were things she could learn. It opens a conversation about the fear of getting it wrong, the confidence others place in us, and the possibilities we may never discover unless we give ourselves a chance.  Pasted markdownBoth approach Williamsburg with an open mind and a shared hope: to bring the learning, connections and possibilities back to the clubs and communities they serve.  Whether you are new to Rotary, have served for years, or have never thought of yourself as a leader, this episode leaves you with a question: what might become possible through your willingness to serve?Listen, share it with your club, and pass it on to someone who has something to give but is still wondering whether they are ready.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when children grow up believing that helping others is simply part of everyday life?In this special episode of Voices of D7020, host PP Nerissa Persaud welcomes District Governor Lindsey Cancino, his wife Lesley, and their twin daughters, Sophie and Jacqueline, for a warm, candid conversation about the family life that grows around Rotary.From childhood memories of service projects and the End Polio Now campaign to the friendships now stretching across our district, the Cancinos share how service has shaped their lives across generations. Lesley reflects on the example her own parents set and the joy of watching her family carry it forward. Sophie and Jacqueline offer a refreshing perspective on belonging, purpose and why volunteering has always felt natural to them, while DG Lindsey speaks openly about learning to listen, the demands of leadership and keeping family at the heart of the journey.With humour, affection and thoughtful reflection, this conversation invites us to consider the lasting impact we create in the people closest to us.What are our families learning from the way we choose to serve?

Send us Fan MailAugust is Rotary's Membership Month—but this conversation goes far beyond membership numbers.In this episode of Voices of D7020, host PP Nerissa Persaud is joined by Past District Governor David Kirkaldy—making his debut as co-host—for an engaging conversation with District Governor Karen Pollard of Rotary District 7690.Together, they explore one of Rotary's most important questions:How do we create a Rotary experience that people genuinely want to become part of—and remain part of?From first invitations and unforgettable first impressions to leadership, fellowship and club culture, this episode examines what truly creates belonging within Rotary.Along the way, the conversation explores:Why people join Rotary—and why they stay.The power of invitation and first impressions.How fellowship shapes the member experience.What thriving clubs consistently do well.Why leadership creates culture.The importance of listening to members through meaningful feedback.How Rotary can remain relevant for future generations while honouring its traditions.Whether you're a longtime Rotarian, a club leader, a Membership Chair, or someone simply curious about Rotary, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections on building stronger clubs through stronger human connections.Because Rotary doesn't simply grow through membership drives.It grows one invitation, one relationship and one meaningful experience at a time.

Send us Fan MailA new Rotary year. A new season. A new opportunity to shape the future.As Voices of District 7020 returns, host Rotarian Nerissa Persaud welcomes District Governor Lindsey Cancino, District Conference Chair Karen Pinder, and Assistant Governor Christian Knowles for an inspiring conversation about the vision that will guide Rotary District 7020 throughout 2026–2027.Together, they explore what Create Lasting Impact truly means—not as a slogan, but as a challenge to every Rotarian.In this episode you'll discover:Why the Caribbean Resilience Initiative could redefine service across the region.How Rotary clubs can move beyond "keeping busy" to creating measurable, lasting change.The unprecedented opportunity presented by record District Designated Funds and global grants.The power of the upcoming District Conference and Legacy Gala to inspire collaboration, innovation and long-term thinking.Why healthy competition, stronger relationships and bold leadership are essential to Rotary's future.Whether you're a lifelong Rotarian, a new member, a Rotaractor, or simply passionate about community impact, this conversation offers practical insights and a compelling vision for what becomes possible when people unite around purpose.Because lasting impact isn't created by one leader.It's created by thousands of people choosing to move in the same direction.Listen now and join the conversation as District 7020 begins another remarkable journey of Service Above Self.

Send us Fan MailFrench Episode:Cet épisode de podcast présente une discussion entre l’animatrice Vanessa Abdel Razak et l’ancien gouverneur de district Robert Léger sur la préparation essentielle requise pour mener à bien un mandat présidentiel au Rotary. La conversation met en évidence que le leadership efficace commence bien avant la date officielle de prise de fonction, grâce à une planification stratégique, une sélection rigoureuse des candidats et une collaboration avec les dirigeants sortants afin d’assurer la continuité.Léger souligne l’importance d’utiliser les outils établis du Rotary ainsi que les critères du district pour gérer de manière professionnelle les tâches administratives et les objectifs opérationnels. Au-delà des aspects logistiques, les intervenants insistent sur le fait que le maintien de relations humaines solides et d’une atmosphère positive au sein du club est essentiel pour motiver les bénévoles et prévenir l’épuisement des dirigeants.En définitive, cette intervention sert de guide aux futurs dirigeants pour passer d’une simple gestion des activités à la création d’une organisation de service communautaire à fort impact, portée par une vision claire.Preparing to Lead: The Foundation of a Meaningful Rotary YearThis podcast episode features a discussion between host Vanessa Abdel Razak and former District Governor Robert Léger regarding the essential preparation required for a successful Rotary presidential term. The conversation emphasizes that effective leadership begins long before the official start date through strategic planning, objective candidate selection, and collaboration with outgoing officers to ensure continuity. Léger highlights the importance of using established Rotary tools and district criteria to manage administrative duties and operational goals professionally. Beyond logistics, the speakers stress that maintaining strong human connections and a positive club atmosphere is vital for motivating volunteers and preventing leadership burnout. Ultimately, the source serves as a guide for incoming leaders to transition from simply managing activities to cultivating an impactful, vision-driven community service organization.

Send us Fan MailThree months after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, the adrenaline has faded — but the real work has only just begun.In this deeply human conversation, host Rotarian Nerissa sits down with Lemar James, President of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, to reflect on what leadership looks like after the storm. When the cameras leave. When the systems strain. When communities are left to rebuild — not just infrastructure, but trust, dignity, and hope.This episode goes beyond disaster response.Together, they explore:The unseen emotional toll of leadership in crisisSurvivor’s guilt, vulnerability, and the weight leaders quietly carryWhy leaving the disaster zone can sometimes be the most responsible actThe difference between having a circle — and having a networkHow equanimity becomes a leadership practice, not a philosophyFrom dark, unlit roads to silent bus rides back from devastated farming communities, this conversation captures the moments that don’t make official reports — but define the kind of leaders we become.This is a conversation about steadiness, humanity, and the kind of leadership that holds when certainty is gone.If you lead people, serve communities, or believe leadership is more than titles and plans — this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season Three of Voices of D7020 — a season dedicated to deeper conversations, bolder questions, and the future of Rotary across our district and beyond.In this opening episode, host Nerissa J. Persaud is joined by District Rotaract Representative Mikhail Raymore and District Rotaract Chair Selwyn Dawson for a powerful and timely dialogue about the invisible barriers that still shape the Rotary–Rotaract journey.Together, Nerissa, Mikhail, and Selwyn explore what it means to move from hierarchy to partnership, from dependency to empowerment, and from two separate paths into one shared movement of service. One Rotary. They speak candidly about identity, leadership, autonomy, culture, and what it will take to ensure Rotary remains relevant, vibrant, and impactful for generations to come.This episode is both a reflection and a call to action — inviting Rotarians and Rotaractors across District 7020 to step into a new way of being: one rooted in respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to building a Rotary that lasts.🎧 Press play and join the conversation that is shaping the next chapter of Rotary.

Send us Fan MailPodcast Description: In this soul-stirring episode of Voices of District 7020, host Rotarian Nerissa sits down with Past District Governor Dominique Bazin—a woman whose leadership has redefined what it means to lead with courage and compassion.From leading through crisis to weaving peace across islands, Dominique shares the lessons that shaped her year as District Governor and the truths that will echo far beyond it. With grace and humility, she reveals why leadership isn’t about power—it’s about presence, compassion, and the courage to build bridges even when the world feels divided.Listeners will be inspired by her reflections on peace-building in Haiti, mentoring the next generation of Rotarians, and the unshakeable belief that unity does not mean uniformity—it means solidarity.This episode is a heartfelt journey through resilience, service, and the human spirit of Rotary. Whether you’re a leader, a dreamer, or someone searching for hope, Dominique’s story will remind you that peace isn’t the absence of struggle—it’s the strength to rise together.🎧 Tune in to hear:The untold lessons of leadership beyond authorityHow peace became the living heartbeat of her Rotary yearWhy “together we are stronger” is more than a motto—it’s a movementWhat it means to lead with both fire and tenderness💫 “Be the bridge. Start where you are. Extend your hand where there is division.” — PDG Dominique Bazin

Send us Fan MailIn this inspiring episode of Voices of District 7020, host Rotarian Nerissa  sits down with District Governor-Elect Lindsey Cancino (2026–2027) to explore one of Rotary’s greatest engines of change — The Rotary Foundation.From the historic fight to End Polio Now to the innovative ways clubs across the Caribbean are leveraging global and district grants, Lindsey offers a powerful inside look at how the Foundation transforms generosity into measurable global impact. He shares stories of perseverance, leadership continuity, and the importance of education and awareness in unlocking Rotary’s full potential.This conversation reminds us that the Foundation isn’t just a fund — it’s a force. A living example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and when service truly rises above self.🎧 Tune in to learn:Why the fight to end polio is closer than ever — and why it still matters.How District 7020 clubs can better access and manage Foundation grants.The incredible 1,100% ROI of Rotary’s giving power.Why continuity, education, and storytelling are key to Rotary’s future.Listen, learn, and be inspired to give, lead, and serve with purpose.🌍 Connect with us: Follow Voices of District 7020 on your favourite podcast platform, and stay tuned as we continue to amplify the voices, stories, and impact shaping Rotary’s future across our District and beyond.

Send us Fan MailBullying isn’t just a schoolyard problem—it’s a community challenge that demands bold action. In this episode of Voices of District 7020, host Rotarian Nerissa Persaud sits down with Past President Tamara Chang-Bromley, our District Membership Attraction Chair, to explore the powerful Be a Fren, Not a Bully initiative.Born from the Mentoring and Training Leaders for Tomorrow Programme in partnership with the Rotary Club of Liguanea Plains, this campaign is more than awareness—it’s a movement. From peace murals and music to empowering students through art, literacy, and empathy, the initiative is transforming schools into safer, more inclusive spaces for children to learn, grow, and thrive.Together, we unpack how Rotary’s values of peace, inclusion, and service come alive through this project, why community partnerships are the real currency of change, and how service like this can inspire new generations of leaders.✨ Whether you’re a Rotarian, educator, parent, or changemaker, this conversation will spark ideas on how you too can recognize needs and transform lives.🎧 Tune in and be inspired to take action—because when Rotary steps up, entire communities rise.Reach out for more info on BE A FREN NOT A BULLY