By Sanem Alkan
I have been a part of the Rotary family since my high school days after learning about this wonderful community from my father, a Rotarian. Several pivotal experiences over the years have helped shape who I am today, personally and professionally. These range from two Rotary youth fellowships to board member roles at my Rotary Club of Mental Health and Wellness. But this year is quite unique: I get to witness Rotary’s magic in a way unlike any past year as I participate in two signature global conferences.
The first event was the Presidential Peace Conference that took place about a month ago in my hometown of Istanbul in Türkiye (official new name of Turkey). Despite unexpectedly heavy snow, more than 1,000 Rotary members celebrated the launch of the newest peace center at Bahçeşehir University and shared updates on numerous community service projects they have been implementing around the world. It was truly energizing to meet several Rotary Peace Fellows at this conference.
That week brought back memories of a pilot Rotary youth peace camp I attended in Sweden thanks to a Rotary fellowship during the summer before my undergraduate studies in the USA. What an amazing opportunity that was to meet with more than 70 young people representing over 50 countries, and brainstorm on ways to promote peace. Little did our group realize that this camp was one of a series of forums that served as the foundation of the Rotary Peace Center, which has awarded 130 Peace Fellowships each year since its launch in 2002.
This peace conference also allowed me to meet in person several Istanbul-based Rotarians with whom I have collaborated over emails, video calls, and texts during the past six months to apply for a global grant application. When this project is launched later this spring, we will be able to bring cutting-edge mental wellness and health solutions to communities that need this type of support the most – those experiencing trauma from events like natural disasters.
Next up is the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada. I have always enjoyed building or leading high impact groups and initiatives. But I have never attended a large-scale conference such as a Rotary Convention (more than 15,000 participants are expected this year). Serendipitously, RI President Stephanie A. Urchick invited me to serve as one of the two hosts for all four mainstage sessions taking place in the Saddledome. As I read about past conventions and shared about my hosting role with Rotary members I met at the peace conference, I realized what an incredible opportunity this role is.
This spring, my co-host Ignacio Gonzales (joining from Chile) and I are getting ready to introduce an amazing slate of speakers and lead several interactive experiences in a hockey arena that will be filled with Rotary members from all corners of the world. I can only imagine how unique this experience will be for Ignacio and me. And a bonus: I have always had the Western Rockies on my travel bucket list. I plan to go hiking and biking in this region for several days after the convention is over, likely running into other Rotary members as well.
It is amazing how everything comes full circle when we are part of a global changemaker community like Rotary, which is so welcoming and supportive. I look forward to meeting everyone at the Convention!
Sanem Alkan is a senior impact officer at the Sobrato Organization, renowned for her dedication to fostering growth of emerging ventures and family-owned businesses. She is president-elect of the Rotary Club of Mental Health and Wellness and currently serving on its board of directors. Read more about Alkan on the convention speaker page.
https://blog.rotary.org/2025/05/01/excited-for-two-signature-rotary-events/