Conference Speakers

Shirley-Pat Gale, District Govenor - District 5040

Dubbed the ‘original champion sparkplug’ by His Honour, Steven L. Point, the 28th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Shirley-Pat Chamberlain (nèe Gale) is an energetic passionate literacy advocate with infectious good cheer who is committed to service above self in the pursuit of Aristotelian real good. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and passion for changing the world around her, Shirley-Pat has been committed to social action literacy initiatives and community development innovation in rural and remote British Columbia in both indigenous and non-indigenous communities. Shirley-Pat is a woman of mixed heritage and is Tl'esqox na whelh deni heelen (adoptee of Tl'esqox). She brings 20+ years of leadership, community planning and development, fund development, grant writing, project management, facilitation, teaching, and mentorship. Shirley-Pat is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Steveston. She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012 for outstanding volunteerism. She is the proud co-lead of the Write to Read BC project, a joint Government House of BC and Rotary International literacy equity initiative that works with rural and remote Indigenous communities across the province. Shirley-Pat has just completed her Ph.D. entitled “Changing Stinking Thinking”: A Comparative Case Study of the Enactment, Embodiment, and Emplacement of Social Citizenship in the Pacific Northwest at the University of Edinburgh.

PDG Kelly Atkinson to speak at Foundation, Membership and Public Image Extravaganza | District 5790

Kelly Atkinson, Past District Governor District 5420

Kelly C. Atkinson has been a chartered member of the West Jordan Rotary Club since 1986. He served in the Utah State Legislature for a decade and was the first member of his party elected from his Legislative District since the Great Depression. 
 
Kelly is a passionate Rotarian who enjoys the many friendships and acquaintances that come from membership in the most important non-denominational, non-governmental organization on the face of the planet, Rotary!  
 
Past Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith has encouraged Rotary's Past District Governors to stay active and involved. Kelly does this by providing Rotarians with his insights and experiences learned throughout his Rotary journey. 
 

PhotoDr. Katie Eastman

Change and loss weave through the fabric of our daily lives. Sometimes subtle, sometimes overwhelming – navigating them alone isn't always easy. The post-pandemic world has reshaped, urging us not just to cope but to harness change's potential.

For thirty-five years, I've practiced as a licensed psychotherapist, life coach and an organizational change consultant specializing in the transformation process of change, loss, grief and growth. I'm a compassionate guide, for individuals and teams, through life's passages, from daily transitions to the most serious events that challenge us.

My book, Uplifting: Inspiring Stories of Loss, Change, and Growth is being published by Balboa Press. In it, I share the principles of my Re-Create model for transformational change after loss. Those who read the book will find a practical, growth-oriented approach. And, you will find the strength to re-create your life, and to lead others in their change journey.

  • If you're a business leader in flux, has workforce change challenges, is seeking support for yourself and your team, you're not alone — I'm here to help.

  • If life needs a fresh perspective, if the road ahead feels unclear, know you can connect with me.

Currently, I am coaching and teaching worldwide. Based in Washington state, in the United States, I am available for in-person and virtual support internationally.

My mission centers on guiding others to find their inner strength and to stand firm for what matters. Embracing introspection fuels healing and paves the way for success.