Leah Klass

Rotary Stats

Club: Rotary eClub of the Southwest USA
Been a Rotarian since: Jun 01, 2009

My Rotary Info

How long have you been in Rotary? Estimate if you do not know exact dates.
I recently joined Rotary just a few weeks ago! I was a Rotary World Peace Fellow in 2004-2006, the third class of that new program.

What club offices or leadership positions have you held?
I have not held any club offices yet! In the future, I look forward to working to build membership, help with community service projects and encourage people to learn about other cultures and languages.

Have you held district or int'l offices?
No

What other Rotary involvement have you had? (Exchange, Friendship exchange, GSE, etc.)
What a privilege it is to have been a Rotary World Peace Fellow. Thanks to the Rotary Foundation (that's all of you who have contributed!), I completed a masters degree in International Studies, with a focus on Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia in February of 2007. I spent the first part of those studies in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as a 3-month internship period in northeastern Brazil. The program has changed my life. My experiences were shaped in large part by Rotarians who I met all around the world, and I now want to give back.

eClub works for me because...
eClub works for me because I have just moved across the world! From Colorado to Germany, and who knows where next! The internet will be a great resource to connect with Rotarians everywhere.

About Me

How would you describe yourself? List qualities that friends might use to describe you.
I am an outgoing and encouraging person, with a love for meeting others and a belief that everyone has an important story to tell. I am especially dedicated to facilitating the connection of people and resources and helping others find ways to access the tools they need in order to make their dreams real.

What are your favorite things, in personal and work life?
My three most favorite things are communication, music and bright colors.

Some least favorite things?
My three least favorite things are discrimination, defeatist attitudes and preventable diseases.

Is there a quotation that gets you through the day, or is very meaningful to you?
"There are many possibilities."

What type of vehicle do you drive, or doperfer another mode of transportation?
A bicycle.

What type of pets do you prefer?
One gorgeous adopted dog.

My special skills and talents are...
Communicating...I love to learn languages and help others communicate with each other. I am a facilitator and have fun dancing samba and playing ping pong badly.

Education and Occupation

Level of traditional education:
Masters Degree

Do you have a specialty degree?
Yes

Describe it:
Peace and Conflict Resolution and Anthropology & and Business: A Study of the Corporate Tribe.

Where did you attend High School?
Falls Church High School in Falls Church, Virginia

Where did you attend college?
The University of Virginia and the University of Queensland.

I use my degree in my current occupation:
True

What is your current occupation?
Communications consultant and entrepreneur. I've worked with international businesses in many different fields.

How long have been at your current occupation?
10 years!

What was the least favorite job you've ever had?
Folding pants for 8 hours in a row at the kibbutz laundry! I preferred working on the assembly line full of olives and pickles!

Entertainment/Interests

What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include traveling to new places, writing, drawing, cooking and hiking.

Do you play sport? List them.
I like to snow shoe and hike, bike and swim. I used to play soccer as well.

Do you watch sport? Who are your favorite teams/players?
I like to watch soccer and tennis.

Do you like to camp?
Yes

Do you prefer books or movies?
Books

Food

Do you like to cook or go out for dinner?
Cook

What is your favorite meal?
I love to eat healthy and fresh, spicy food! I like many different kinds of food...from home-made pasta to salads and fish.

Miscellaneous

If you could take only three items with you to a space colony, what would they be? (Your family is already coming with.)
A journal to write and draw in, a photo album and music to dance to.

What is the best advice your parents gave you?
When uncomfortable, pretend you are an anthropologist studying a different culture.

Family secret for treating a cold?
Drink gallons of water and relax.

The world will be a better place when…
...people learn to say hello to their neighbors!