Emma Torres - ReCII Foundation Chair

Editor’s Note: As Foundation Chair of ReCII, Emma Torres has played a vital role in ensuring that club projects align with the broader mission of The Rotary Foundation. It should be noted that Emma is remarkably understated but it’s clear to those around her how invaluable her efforts are!

Laying the Foundations for Impact

Emma Torres

As Foundation Chair, my primary role is to connect our club with The Rotary Foundation and ensure we follow the proper protocols when launching new projects. 

Together with our President, I have helped establish a structured process for evaluating and approving initiatives, ensuring that every project aligns with Rotary’s values and has the potential to make a real impact.

This past year has been a learning experience for all of us. As a brand-new club, we have been figuring things out as we go, setting up projects from scratch, and defining how we operate. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding.

The Joy of Building Something New

One of the most exciting parts of shaping ReCII has been meeting such an incredible group of people. Our club is filled with fascinating, knowledgeable, and passionate members, and getting to know them has been one of the greatest rewards of this journey.

Beyond that, there’s a special energy in knowing we are part of something much bigger. Being connected to a worldwide Rotary network that helps millions of people in so many different ways is deeply inspiring.

Key Contributions & Milestones

I have always believed in the power of teamwork, and at ReCII, we are more than just a great team - we are a family. Every project we take on is a shared effort, and I have done my best to contribute my experience and perspective in setting up our initiatives.

One of our biggest milestones so far was our inaugural Charter Party in November, 2024. This event was a celebration of how far we had come and a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together. It marked the moment when ReCII truly established itself, setting the stage for everything we will build in the future.

Lessons in Leadership & Collaboration

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that teamwork is at the heart of everything we do. ReCII has given me the opportunity to work side by side with passionate and dedicated individuals, and that collaboration is what makes our club so strong.

For anyone stepping into a leadership role in a Rotary club, I would say: 

• embrace teamwork, 

• stay open to learning, 

• and lean on the strength of your fellow members. 

No one builds a club alone - it takes a shared vision and commitment from everyone involved.

Looking Ahead - Priorities for ReCII

As we move forward, I believe our next priorities should be: 

• Increasing the visibility of ReCII on social media and in the press to strengthen our presence. 

• Focusing on the success and sustainability of our current projects to ensure lasting impact.

I hope to continue playing a role in supporting these efforts, helping wherever I can to ensure that our projects grow and that ReCII remains a dynamic, engaged, and impactful club.

This journey has only just begun, and I am excited for everything that lies ahead!

~ Emma Torres
Foundation Chair,
ReCII, 2024-2025