02/23/2026
Had one of those full-circle moments this weekend…
I had the chance to meet one of my longtime idols, Erin Gruwell. If you’ve ever seen Freedom Writers, you know her story—portrayed by Hillary Swank—the true story of a teacher who transformed the lives of at-risk students in Long Beach by giving them a voice through writing, turning a classroom divided by violence and adversity into a community of hope, resilience, and purpose.
What made it even more meaningful for me—my master’s thesis two decades ago included several quotes from Erin. To now hear her speak in person was something I won’t forget.
Her message was next level. What really hit home was how she shared the role Rotary played in supporting her students—proof that when service meets opportunity, lives change.
Grateful to the Camarillo Rotary Club for sending me to President-Elect (PELS) weekend. Three days in LA with 850+ Rotarians from across the western U.S., all focused on leadership and “Service Above Self.”