Events

Bilingual Librarian, Reed Elementary, Leander ISD

Carolyn taught dual language 1st grade in Round Rock ISD and has spent the past 7 years in the Reed Elementary Library as the K-5 Bilingual Librarian. She is passionate about education and literacy, as well as running a modern library where students are interacting, building, experimenting, and learning from both the librarian/teacher and each other. This will be her 15th year in education.

Jared Fields has worked for six years to build strong relationships with elected officials, chambers of commerce, businesses, and other community organizations within the Pedernales Electric Cooperative service territory. His area of focus is the northern cities and communities served by PEC, mostly in western Williamson County. Previously, he worked for media companies and has a degree in journalism. He is a Rotarian, director on the board of the Kingsland MUD where he lives, and a proud board member of CASA for the Highland Lakes.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative was incorporated in 1938 with a loan to build 1,800 miles of electric line. Today, PEC operates more than 25,000 miles of line in 45 franchise cities and all or parts of 24 counties, serving more than 436,000 meters with about 1,100 employees. 

Valeria Rios is a Program Specialist at the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area, where she leads outreach and program initiatives that enhance the quality of life for older adults and caregivers across Central Texas. With a strong foundation in social services and healthcare, she brings a strategic, person-centered approach to community engagement and support services. Valeria holds a BSA in Biology, a Business of Healthcare certificate, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health in Healthcare Management. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to advancing inclusive, culturally responsive services that empower older adults to age with dignity, health, and independence.

Michelle Johnson is a dedicated advocate for her community, serving as a Board Member for the Reveal Resource Center, Diaper Diva for Baby Blessings, and the Executive Director of the Christian Resource Center. A proud mother of three boys and grandmother to three, Michelle’s life is filled with family celebrations and BBQs. Her passion extends beyond her family to non-profits and small businesses, with a focus on connecting, nurturing, and inspiring others to grow. In 2019, Michelle’s journey with Baby Blessings began after a mother’s request for diapers sparked her determination to help families in need. Partnering with the Austin Diaper Bank, she launched the diaper ministry in January 2020, initially serving 109 babies with 2,000 diapers. Today, Baby Blessings distributes 16,000 diapers monthly, supporting over 640 babies at Reveal. Michelle’s dedication to her community reflects her mission to foster relationships and enrich lives, one act of kindness at a time.

Rotary is known worldwide for its impact to make the world a better place.  Slogans like “doing good in the world” or “service above self” are often used to describe Rotarians and their efforts.  The Rotary Foundation provides the fuel that enables Rotarians to be impactful.  ARRFC Jerry Chapman and Club Foundation Chair Joe Dahlstrom will open the doors to how our Foundation functions and impacts us locally.

For the past two years, Katelyn has been a Rotary Global Grant Scholar sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cedar Park-Leander.  She has been enrolled in a master’s degree program in Environment, Development, and Peace at the University of Peace in San Jose, Costa Rica.  Her interests are environmental sciences, sustainable farming practices, and community-driven development.  Katelyn has finished all of her degree requirements and should be receiving her diploma within the month.  Katelyn has returned to the United States and will be at our meeting to inform us about her experiences in Costa Rica, her studies at the University of Peace, and her plans for the future.

Christopher Garza will share ways to keep your business and personal information secure online and other general web topics.

Chris Garza is originally from the small town of Dublin, Texas.  He got his start in technology at a young age by tinkering with his family's business computers, which ran on MS-DOS.  Being immersed in the technology of that time introduced him to the world of computers and their potential.

Because of his years of experience in computer systems and specialization in web technologies, Chris began freelancing in the computer services field in the early 2010's. In 2015, he founded his company, Cobalt Web Technologies, which he kept as a side business while maintaining a full-time career.

During 2020 and the chaotic times of the pandemic, a huge number of new people went online and needed web services. The demand for Chris's expertise grew immensely, so he decided to dedicate his time fully to Cobalt Web Technologies, beginning in a new chapter for his growing company.

Today, Christopher lives in Leander with his dog Gryffie.

Tara Yukawa is a Certified Executor Advisor and founder of SageVault, a consulting practice that helps families navigate legacy planning and estate preparation with clarity and care. With more than 20 years of experience in operations and communications leadership, she brings both structure and empathy to work that supports families before and after loss.

Tara is deeply involved in the local community. She serves on the City of Leander Board of Adjustments and is the Secretary of the Leander Youth Baseball and Softball Association. She is also a board member and co-founder of Sliders Athletic Club, a 501(c)(3) youth baseball organization that provides club-level opportunities for talented children ages 8 to 12 without financial barriers.

Through her professional work and civic involvement, Tara is passionate about helping people feel prepared, supported, and connected as they plan for the future and invest in their community.

David and Victoria Glass are the founders of Relationship Growth Academy and serve as Advanced Certified Human Behavioral Strategists. They help individuals, couples, and organizations understand human behavior and improve the way people communicate, collaborate, and lead.

With more than 35 years of combined experience in both entrepreneurial and corporate environments, David and Victoria understand the unique challenges business owners and leaders face. Through training, workshops, and consulting, they equip leaders and teams with practical tools to navigate personality differences, strengthen communication, and build healthier workplace cultures.

Many of the challenges business owners face are not operational problems but people problems. Miscommunication, unresolved conflict, unclear expectations, and personality differences often lead to workplace drama, employee turnover, leadership frustration, and lost productivity.

David and Victoria help organizations identify the behavioral patterns that drive these challenges and provide strategies that reduce conflict, improve team alignment, strengthen leadership communication, and increase both productivity and revenue.

The warmth of Texas drew David and Victoria from the beautiful but often cold state of Montana in 2019. Since then, they have truly enjoyed building their life in the Texas Hill Country and feel incredibly grateful to call Texas home. They have loved becoming part of the community and appreciate the welcoming spirit and strong relationships that make Texas such a special place to live.

They have one son who proudly serves our country as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot in the United States Army, and they are very proud of his service and dedication to protecting our nation.

David and Victoria are passionate about helping people and organizations grow by developing stronger relationships, clearer communication, and healthier cultures both at home and in the workplace.

www.RelationshipGrowthAdacemy.com<http://www.relationshipgrowthadacemy.com/>

ShareTheWill was born from my experience as a foster child in the 1960s. As a young boy, I bounced around the foster care system living with various centers or families. I lived each day never feeling like I fit in or belonged anywhere. I was a child without love, without a place to call home. It was an at time unbearable situation full of pain and despair.   I was scared and angry and without hope. 

It wasn’t until I was adopted by my mother, father, and sister that I understood what having a family meant. I learned what home truly feels like. The calm in a storm. The place we go to find peace. The quintessential definition of love. They saved my life through simple act of love. I carry that love with me every day of my life.   As an adult, I felt a deep passion to find a way to give back to the world what my family had given me.  I joined the US Army. I committed myself joyfully to being a part of another strong family (U.S. Army) to protect and defend our fundamental rights as human beings. I dedicated my life to serving others who had no voice for themselves.   

Since my retirement from the U.S. Army, I built a home in Round Rock, Texas. I built the foundation of my home on the keystone of service. Service to others so that they might know peace and live a life of joy as I have. To that end, I joined groups such as SERTOMA of Round Rock, LIONS Club, Round Rock Greater Community Foundation, and many more. I am fully invested in building bridges and partnerships with fellow community members for the sake of helping even one child who feels the anger I felt. Who may not know they matter. Who may not know love. What it means to be safe.  I want to lead by example to these young individuals that there is a better way than anger. To show them they haven’t been forgotten. With the help of the community, I know we have already changed the lives of so many. I am forever hopeful we will continue to do so 

Jim Penniman-Morin is standing for re-election to serve a third term as the Mayor of Cedar Park. He was previously elected to serve on Place 1 of the Cedar Park City Council in 2021. Mayor Jim is proud to play a role in continuing the smart and successful growth of our city as a thriving, safe and inclusive community. Also in his capacity as mayor, he sits on the Transportation Policy Board for the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO).

An attorney with 18 years of practice, Jim currently serves as in-house counsel of an artificial intelligence company headquartered in Austin, Texas. Jim previously practiced with several international law firms, representing tech start-ups and Fortune 500 companies alike in venture capital financings, mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and other critical transactions. Jim graduated magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 2008, which he attended at night while supporting his family and completing his military service.

Jim Penniman-Morin graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in June 2001 and then joined the famed 82nd Airborne Division. Following tours as an infantry platoon leader in Afghanistan and Iraq, Jim was accepted to serve in the prestigious 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), performing ceremonies at The White House, Capitol, and Arlington National Cemetery. After completing company command in that unit, Jim left active duty and served two years in the Virginia Army National Guard. Among other commendations, Captain Morin was twice awarded the Bronze Star, the Sapper Tab, and the Ranger Tab.

Jim and his family moved to Cedar Park from northern Virginia in 2014. An Eagle Scout, Jim has been active with his sons' and daughters' Scout troops, in addition to supporting their various athletic, artistic, and community endeavors. Jim has seven children, ages 3 to 23. Jim's wife, Sarah, is a humanitarian aid professional. Jim and Sarah enjoy hiking, gardening, trying new foods, and traveling to scenic and historic sites. The family attends Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Park.