a space for young leaders

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Rotatact was inspired by a desire to get involved combined with a desire for autonomy. Back in 2015, my husband Brandon and I were looking for ways to get more involved in the community. We had both graduated from SCSU the year prior, and were settling into careers. 

I was challenged by the president of the company I worked for, Dan Soldner, to get involved in Rotaract. St. Cloud had never had a Rotaract club, even though it’s Rotary presence was very strong.

Brandon and I accepted the challenge to start the club because we saw an opportunity to fill a gap in Central MN: a young professionals club that focused on leadership development AND community service. We wanted to create a space where young leaders could have the autonomy to build projects and programs around things they were passionate about. 

We held our first meeting in September, 2015, and officially chartered as a club with Rotary International the following March.

I’m both proud and grateful for this club. I’ve met incredible people - now some of my best friends! I’ve connected with influential leaders, both in and outside of Rotary. And, perhaps most importantly, I feel that we’ve truly had a positive impact on our community and our members in the years since. I look forward to watching the club grow and thrive in the years to come!

CLARE RICHARDS 

Co-founder and President 2015-16