Photo provided by Emily Baker.
Emily Baker hopes to work at the U.S. Department of State one day. Thus, her participation in the RYLA North American Conference was especially exciting. During her visit to Washington D.C. in June 2017, Emily and other conference attendees visited the Croatian and Qatarian Embassies, participated in leadership activities, a cultural show, and a ropes course, volunteered for KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now), and toured important capitol landmarks.
Twenty countries were represented at the conference that takes place annually in the U.S. As a RYLA graduate, Emily was eager to attend and received a $500 scholarship from Tigard Rotary Club to help defray registration costs. The young woman, who is President Elect of Portland Rotaract, is serious about service. She was pleased to learn about topics such as conflict resolution, Rotary values and traditions, fundraising, cross cultural communication, and building community partnerships. Lisa Cohen, World Champion Boxer, author, and advocate for foster children gave the opening talk. Rotary International President, Ian Riseley gave a presentation on environmental issues.