The GSE Experience

This Rotary year, District 9790 is looking forward to its Exchange programme with Districts 6000 which serves Iowa, USA.

Some information about Rotarian Rita Perea (Team Leader), and Team Members Cara George, Kyla Kiester, Julie Stevens and Natasha Boland together with their photographs are shown below.

This is an exciting and vocationally and culturally rewarding programme, and District Governor David Cooke sends his warm regards to the incoming team from District 6000 and wishes them every success with the Exchange.

Rita Perea (Team Leader)

Rita Perea spent her childhood in a rural suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. She began her career as an instructor of Gifted and Talented students. As an award-winning teacher, her passion and mission - to help others reach their true potential- grew from that early experience.

After achieving a Bachelor and Master's degree from Kent State University, Rita moved to Iowa to advance her career. Rita rose through the leadership ranks in public education rather quickly, being appointed as Superintendent of Schools at one of the thirty largest school districts in Iowa, and being one of only of 20 female Superintendents statewide, at the age of 39.

Rita completed a Specialist's degree in Leadership from Drake University. During her third year of Superintendcy she had an epiphany about her life's calling and started her own leadership consulting firm, Rita Perea Coaching and Consulting. Her clients are from both the private and public sector.

Today Rita helps people reach their true potential through being an author, a training specialist, a public speaker and a coach. She is a contributing author to the book, Awakening the Workplace: Finding Success, Fulfillment and Passion. Her latest book, From Frantic to Fabulous: Reclaiming Your Life, is scheduled for publication in 2010.

Believing that a healthy lifestyle supports the optimal development of a person, Rita is currently pursuing a Doctoral degree in Naturopathy and Natural Health, which she has started to integrate into her current coaching and consulting practice.

Rita believes in the power of sharing our gifts with others and focuses her philanthropic mission by supporting the Rotary Foundation and Rotary International.

During the past two years, Rita has had the joyful experience of chartering a new Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Greater Des Moines, in District 6000. The club focuses on recruiting young professionals and first-time Rotarians, and is an innovative model in the U.S. The club received its charter in March, 2009 with 28 members. Today the club has grown to 44 members. Rita is currently serving as the Charter President.

In October, Rita just completed her commitment as District 6000 Training Coordinator, assisting the District Executive Committee and the District Governor in the development and delivery of leadership training to all Assistant Governors, President-elects and District Committee Chairs. Rita also currently serves District 6000 by being a member of the Club Extension and Technology committee. She speaks to other clubs about "Sharing Our Gifts through the Rotary Foundation" and "Making Connections: The How-to Guide for Starting a New Rotary Club".

Currently Rita lives in Iowa's capitol city, Des Moines, just minutes away from the Governor's mansion. Rita is married to her wonderful husband, Dr. Ernest Perea. Ernie is an M.D. (medical doctor) who is nationally board certified in the area of Family Practice Medicine. He also has a specialty in Emergency Medicine. Ernie is also a Rotarian and serves as a member of the Rotary Club of Greater Des Moines. Together they live the "Service Above Self" mission.

Rita and Ernie are both animal lovers. They love to travel and enjoy experiencing new wine, food and culture. Rita and Ernie have traveled together on a District 6000 Friendship Exchange to the U.K. and a Sister Club Exchange to the Ukraine.

Rita and Ernie have one son, Scott, who is currently completing a second college degree in horticulture. Scott and Rita own a small landscaping business together called "Urban Oasis". They recently shared the experience of completing the Master Gardener certification program together.

When Rita is not doing "Rotary things", she enjoys reading, music, art, gardening, and yoga.

Rita is absolutely thrilled to have been selected as the GSE team leader, to be an ambassador representing District Governor Cal Litwiller, and to be leading such a wonderful group of tremendously talented women to District 9790. She is looking forward to experiencing Rotary clubs and a District Conference in the Australian tradition as well as making new friends and gaining a better appreciation for the Australian culture.

Cara George

I am 26 years old and live in a suburb south of Des Moines. I was born and raised in small town Iowa, and will always feel a connection to country life. This quiet upbringing grounded me and provided a deep appreciation for nature, animals, and simplistic living, but don't be mis-led I am still very much a girly-girl! I am not yet married but am in a committed relationship which brings a lot of joy into my life. When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my nephews, working out, finding outdoor adventures, and I love a good concert. I am an optimist and a people person.

My other passion is the Community Impact Team. I lead a team of associates who facilitate community outreach. We work closely with an organization called Wildwood Hills Ranch, which inspires leadership in at-risk youth. This is a powerful experience and I was hooked the first time I visited this large farm-like camp. It's nestled on an amazing piece of land, fully equipped with horse trails, gardens, and a huge lake. They serve foster children, Department of Human Resources (DHS) referrals, and other high risk youth. The long-term, on-going, nature of their program has proven to be life changing for many of these kids. It is very inspiring.

We also work with the Animal Rescue League, Children & Families of Iowa, and other organizations around the community. We have a great group of professionals who are creative in fund-raising and very talented. It's a real pleasure serving the community with this group of individuals. I have found this to be the most rewarding role within my position, and it often leaks into my weekends.

At this point in my life, I am driven by my career and enjoy the many challenges I've been faced with. I am very happy managing my team of representatives, and love developing them and seeing them move into bigger, better positions. This is the upside of my job. I work for a great company with a lot of opportunity, so I am excited to see what comes next.

Before the stars aligned with Rotary, I hadn't achieved the financial freedom or had the opportunity to do a lot of international travel . This trip an absolute blessing. I am ecstatic to see Australia and spend time with the locals. I cannot wait for this adventure. I come to you with loads of gratitude, and excitement!

Kyla Kiester

Kyla Kiester is a project manager with the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative (IHC), a provider led and non-profit organization working towards the goal of exceptional healthcare in Iowa. Kyla is responsible for initiatives in the primary care arena where the current focus is on "medical homes" and improving patient centered care in primary care offices. Additionally, she is responsible for the development and coordination of IHC's educational programs.

Kyla was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa where she currently resides. After high school Kyla attended Colorado State University on a full ride athletic scholarship. She enjoyed traveling throughout the US West Coast as a pitcher for the CSU Rams softball team. After college Kyla attended graduate school at the University of Colorado in Denver and received an MBA in Healthcare Administration.

Although Kyla enjoyed all of the hiking, biking and skiing Colorado had to offer, she recently moved home to Iowa to be closer to her family. Kyla is the oldest of three girls and is very close to her two sisters and parents. In her spare time Kyla enjoys running, playing tennis, reading and traveling. There aren't many outdoor activities or sports Kyla doesn't like! She has also coached a handicapped kids baseball team for three seasons.

Kyla is extremely excited about the opportunity to visit Australia as a part of the Rotary Group Study Exchange program. She is looking forward to the opportunity to study Australia's primary care system and learn about the Australian culture and attitudes towards health. Kyla hopes there will be areas where best practices could be transferred and applied in Iowa.

Julie Pollock

I am an International Student Advisor at the University of Iowa, providing our international student population with resources, information and advice on immigration issues, cultural adjustment and academic planning. In addition to my duties as an advisor, I also co-facilitate workshops on intercultural training for staff, faculty and businesses within the University of Iowa community. My work with international students and issues encourages me to learn more about other cultures, explore my own cultural identity and pay special attention to the similarities and unique differences existing within us all.

A native Iowan, I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, (population 130,000), where my parents still live and work as Realtors. I enjoy visiting them and love hearing about how they are involved in many hobbies like continuing to play guitar and sing country music and learning the basics of American square-dancing.

I live in Iowa City, Iowa, which is about 30 miles south of Cedar Rapids. I bought a home last summer and a lot of my weekends are spent painting and doing other remodeling projects. Aside from my full time career, I am also in graduate school at the University of Iowa, majoring in Student Development in Post-secondary Education. When I have free time, I love taking my dog (a bichon frise), Libbie, for walks and I enjoy spending time with friends and going to movies, sampling new cuisine, hiking/biking outdoors, taking fitness classes like Les Mills' Body Pump or Body Step and playing cards.

I am thrilled to be part of the Rotary 6000 GSE to Australia and I can't wait to meet interesting people, experience new things and enjoy this once-of-a-lifetime opportunity with the wonderful members of my team!

Natasha Boland

Natasha has a bachelor's degree in International Studies from The University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. After her undergraduates studies, she worked in foreign policy analysis and dialogue for nearly two years before joining the staff of the International Programs' office at The University of Iowa. At International Programs, Natasha works in academic programs and services, where she advises on international degree programs, develops resources and programming for students, and counsels students on international career development and co-curricular opportunities. Natasha is excited to be part of the GSE team to Australia and looks forward to engaging with the people and culture of the host district, meeting new professional contacts and friends, and learning about diverse and innovative practices in her field.

Natasha lives in downtown Iowa City with her husband, Jesse, and her brother, sister-in-law, and 8 month-old nephew. She lives near the farm she grew up on, where her parents continue to raise pigs, corn, and soybeans. In her free time, she enjoys travel, reading, sports, yoga, and spending time with family and friends. She is especially interested in foreign policy, international affairs, and intercultural exchange.