Rotaract Club of Birmingham

We asked our newest members what they’ve enjoyed most so far about the Club, and here’s what some of them had to say! If you didn’t notice a pattern, our members are what make our Club so great! If you're interested in joining or know someone who would make a great addition, reach out to David Russell Jr. at [email protected]. We are always looking to welcome new members who are passionate about making a difference in the community!

A huge thank you to Birmingham Business Alliance for sponsoring our Recruitment Social this Thursday night! We appreciate their commitment to the Birmingham community and fostering an environment where businesses can grow and thrive here. All complimentary tickets have been claimed, but don’t let that stop you from joining in on the fun! Head over to the Baron’s website, grab your ticket, and come hang out! 🍻

Our Board Fellows Program Cohort recently wrapped up their grant writing competition with a series of compelling presentations to the Rotaract Foundation’s Board of Directors! As part of this rigorous challenge, each fellow was tasked with writing a grant proposal to secure funding for their partner nonprofit from our Foundation. The level of dedication and creativity shown by each participant was truly inspiring! Please join us in congratulating the winners of the grant competition and their partner organizations: 1. Zach Sims, MBA, CPFA® and YMCA of Greater Birmingham - $5000 2. Charlotte Brakmann Gray and Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens - $4000 3. M'Kayl Lewis, MBA, MS, NBC-HWC and Ascension St. Vincent's Foundation Alabama - $1000 It’s been an amazing year for the program so far! A special thank you to both BFP chairs, Tatianna Turrentine-Long and Payton Cato, for their guidance and support, which has been instrumental in making this experience so successful. We can’t wait to see the incredible things the fellows will accomplish next!

The Magic City Carnival is back! 🎡🎟️ Join us for a night of fun, community, and purpose at Cahaba Brewing Co on August 24th as we help raise funds and awareness for @pathwayshome. Whether you’re helping stuff stuffed animals, blow up balloons, or take up tickets, this is your chance to make a real impact while enjoying great food, drinks, and entertainment. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to give back and have a blast! Register now on our website. 🎪

Applications are now open for the 2024-2025 Leadership Development Program (LDP). This program is an immersive experience where Rotaract members will enhance their leadership and professional development skills by meeting with local leaders, engaging with a paired Rotarian Professional Partner, and working with the LDP class to present a project aimed at bettering the Club to the Rotaract Board of Directors. LDP runs from September 2024 through May 2025. Contact Owen Anderson or Haley Hogue on Slack with any questions. The application can be found at https://lnkd.in/ect2Et-K and submissions are due by August 16th at 5:00 p.m. CT.

Mark your calendar for Coffee Club on August 27th at Bitty & Beau's Coffee! We’ll start our Tuesday off with a little caffeine and lot of socializing. Coffee & making connections — name a better duo! ☕️🤝 Register now on our website!

Last week’s luncheon with Brooke Gillis, CEO of Innovation Depot was truly insightful! She walked us through her impressive career and the major milestones Innovation Depot has achieved. From the success of the Alabama EnergyTech accelerator to future plans for Birmingham’s startup scene, Brooke’s vision for the city's entrepreneurial landscape is exciting and full of promise. Don’t miss our next luncheon on August 15 where we’ll hear from Chloe Cook, Executive Director of Sidewalk Film Festival!

Please mark your calendar and join us for a luncheon on August 15th to hear from Chloe Cook, Executive Director of the Sidewalk Film Festival! Chloe has successfully led the organization to new heights in promoting independent cinema and has become a key figure in our local arts community. This year’s Sidewalk Film Festival will be held August 19th-25th and promises to be the best year yet. Come learn how the magic happens and how you can get involved at the best young professional luncheon in town! Reminder: Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch starts promptly at 12 p.m. at The Harbert Center. Be sure to get there early and grab your seat. Registration is not required, but if you would like to bring a guest or attend as a potential new member, please email David Russell Jr. at [email protected].

Our cocktail-making class social at Carrigan’s last week was a blast! We got to learn the art of mixology from a pro while enjoying great company. It was a great way to spend the evening unwinding and connecting with fellow members. Check out the Events page on our website to see more of our upcoming Social events. We hope to see you soon!

Please join us tomorrow, August 1, for a luncheon featuring Brooke Gillis, CEO of Innovation Depot. Brooke, a veteran tech startup leader, is dedicated to advancing Birmingham's startup community. She previously served as Program Manager at Techstars, launching the first Alabama EnergyTech accelerator program. With over 8 years at Innovation Depot, her passion for entrepreneurship and community culture drives her efforts. Reminder: Doors open at 11:30 a.m. and lunch starts promptly at 12 p.m. at The Harbert Center. Be sure to get there early and grab your seat. Registration is not required, but if you would like to bring a guest or attend as a potential new member, please contact VP of Recruitment David Russell Jr.