Janet Oord Graves

President Optimist International 2024-2025

Optimist Club of San Antonio
Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo

Janet “Jan” Oord Graves began her term as President of Optimist International on October 1, 2024. During her term she will emphasize the Optimist International Mission statement, “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in our youth, our communities, and ourselves.”

Jan has been an Optimist member since 1996. Now, recognized as a Life member. She has served in various leadership positions at all levels of the organization, Club President, District Governor, Regional Vice President. She has chaired
numerous committees at the club, district and international levels. She is a Certified International Trainer for Optimist International and consequently has served in Leadership Development at the District and International levels. Jan is a major contributor to the Optimist International Foundation. In addition to serving on numerous OIF committees, she served on the OIF Board from 2018 to 2020. During the 2020-21 Optimist year, the 50th Anniversary year for the Foundation, she served as President of OIF.

Jan has received recognition for her service; Optimist of the Year from both the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo and the Optimist Club of San Antonio. She was recognized as a Distinguished Club President, and Distinguished and
Outstanding Governor.

Jan had a successful career in education. She began as a teacher of at-risk youth. She was nominated by her district to participate in a program focused on building leaders from within. From this experience she began work as a leader. Her career
included principalship, regional school improvement work and work with the Michigan Department of Education.

Jan is married to Ron Graves, who she met through Optimist International. They reside in San Antonio, Texas during the winter and in St Louis, Missouri to be near their grandchildren.

Lee Kuan Yong of Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, was chosen to serve a one-year term as vice president of Kiwanis International at the 2022 Kiwanis International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. He served as a trustee of Kiwanis International from 2011-14. Lee will serve as president of Kiwanis International in 2024-25.

Lee has served on the Membership Growth and New Club Building committees. He was also a board member and chair of Kiwanis Asia-Pacific in 2016-17.

Lee has been a member of Kiwanis International for 29 years and served the Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur as president, secretary and treasurer. He is also a member of the Eye of the Tiger eKiwanis Club. He has served as president of the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation, Malaysia. Lee was Malaysia District governor and membership chair. He has life-member status in Kiwanis International and has received the Dunlap Fellowship from the California-Nevada-Hawaii District Foundation, the Mel Osborne Fellowship from the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada and the Tan Sri Khir Johari Award from the Malaysia District. From the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, Lee has received the Tablet of Honor and is a George F. Hixson Fellow Diamond-level 5 and a charter Walter Zeller Fellow.

In his community, Lee is a life-member of Badan Warisan Malaysia (the Heritage of Malaysia Trust) and a former dancesport convenor of the Royal Selangor Club, one of Asia’s oldest sporting institutions. His hobbies include history and ballroom dancing.

Lee holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and accounting from the University of Manchester, England. He is also a fellow and life-member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants.

He and his wife, Kon Cze Yan, have two sons, two daughters-in-law and one grandson.

Fabrício Oliveira, a distinguished businessman from Catolé do Rocha,
Paraiba, Brazil, has been elected to serve as the next International President of Lions Clubs International.

Oliveira was elected to serve in the esteemed position at the 106th Lions Clubs International Convention held in Melbourne, Australia, which took place from June 21 through June 25, 2024.

With a remarkable background in business administration, including a Post-Graduate Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV), and a Degree in Administration, International President Fabrício brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role.

“There are countless ways to make a difference in communities all around the world and I am proud to belong to an organization that reaches people in need everywhere,” said Oliveira. “My hope for this year serving as Lions International President is to inspire many more service-minded volunteers to join our wonderful organization.”

A dedicated member of the Catolé do Rocha Lions Club since 1985, International President Oliveira has held numerous leadership positions within the association, from club president to international director. His commitment to service and leadership has been recognized with several awards, including the prestigious Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor bestowed by the association. The businessman has also received a Key Award for helping induct thirty new Lions members, an Extension
Certificate for sponsoring five new Leo clubs, Global Vision Medal for his SightFirst efforts and a Lions Clubs International Foundation Helping Hands Award.In addition to his contributions to Lions Clubs International, International President Oliveira is actively involved in various professional and community organizations. He has served as the Secretary of Industry and Commerce of the State of Paraiba, as well as in leadership roles in several companies and industry associations.

“Each and every Lion and Leo brings a unique skillset and contribution to Lions International,” said Oliveira. “No matter one’s talents, interests or financial situation, there is always an opportunity to make a difference as a Lion.”

International President Fabrício is joined in his commitment to service by his wife, Amariles, also a dedicated member of the Catolé do Rocha Lions Club and a Melvin Jones Fellow. Together, they have three children and a granddaughter.

As International President, Fabrício Oliveira will lead Lions Clubs International in its mission to serve communities around the world through humanitarian projects and service activities.