2025 Float Riders and Outwalkers
Director, Rotary International, 2019-21
Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA
Stephanie A. Urchick has been an RI director and Rotary Foundation trustee and has served Rotary in numerous capacities, including as training leader, regional Rotary Foundation coordinator, and RI president’s representative. In addition, Urchick was a representative and member-at-large at three sessions of the Council on Legislation.
Urchick has also served as chair of the Strategic Planning Committee and The Rotary Foundation’s Centennial Celebration Committee, as well as a member of various Rotary committees, including the Election Review Committee and Operational Review Committee.
A Rotary member since 1991, Urchick has participated in a variety of international service projects, including National Immunization Days in India and Nigeria. In Vietnam, she worked with clubs to help build a primary school and traveled to the Dominican Republic to install water filters. A student of several Slavic languages, she has mentored new Rotary members in Ukraine and coordinated a Rotary Foundation grant for mammography equipment and a biopsy unit for a hospital in Poland. In its commemorative book, the Rotary Club of Krakow, Poland, noted Urchick as a key figure for helping the rebirth of Rotary in post-Communist Poland. Urchick has also helped to pair clubs and districts in the U.S. with Rotary clubs in Albania, Kosovo, and Ukraine for humanitarian and educational services.
Urchick’s professional background is in the higher education, consulting, and entertainment industries. She received her doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has been recognized by The Rotary Foundation and numerous community and international organizations.
Urchick asks members to champion Rotary’s Action Plan so they can improve their clubs and keep Rotary strong, find a balance between continuity and change, and work for peace. She also emphasizes the continuing importance of the effort to eradicate polio. She urges members to join or initiate PolioPlus Societies in their districts and do all they can to help end the disease. Urchick will lead the 2025 Rotary Presidential Peace Conference in Istanbul, Turkey, 20-22 February 2025, with the theme Healing in a Divided World.
District Governor 2024-2025
Rotary District 5950
Member, Rotary Club Minneapolis Rotary Club #9
Sharon is District Governor of 5950 in Minnesota for Rotary year 2024 to 2025 and her home club is Minneapolis Rotary Club #9. She celebrates her 21st anniversary in Rotary this year!
Sharon owns one of the largest private investment firms wholly owned by a woman in Minnesota and Florida. She says she attributes much of this success to Rotary. This is where she learned her public speaking and leadership skills, and her fellow Rotarians mentored her and welcomed her into this community. She is committed to giving back to Rotary. In 2023 she completed the largest ever fundraiser for our Rotary District – raising $3 million on top of the usual annual $1 million as District Foundation Chair. She is on the Board of the HOC committee welcoming Rotarians to Minneapolis for the International Convention in 2028.
For fun she coaches the top 150 women in global tennis on financial behaviors. She is a five-time Minnesota State Fair blue ribbon winning flower arranger and she collects shoes of very famous women including Margaret Thatcher and Audrey Hepburn.
Gina Sy, PHD Humanities
District Governor, RY2022-23, D3820
President, RY 2015-16, Rotary Club of Lipa West
Gina Sy is the Past District Governor and current Chairman of the Council of Governors of Rotary District 3820 in Zone 10A, She also sits as Board member of the Philippine College of Rotary Governors, Immediately after her year of Governorship she was appointed as Zone 10A Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator or ARRFC both positions are for 2 consecutive years RY 2023-25. Recently, she was appointed by Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick to join her 5-man team Programs Committee for 3 consecutive years RY2024-27. Programs Committee advises the RI Board on matters related to the operation and effectiveness of RI programs and offerings in support of participant engagement and avenues of service.
Gina has had an impressive track record in community service. She was elected as Chair of the Civil Society Organization in Lipa City from 2020-2022. Additionally, she has earned her Doctorate Degree in Humanities in 2021.
Gina’s extensive background in leadership roles, academics, and community service make her a highly accomplished individual dedicated to making a positive impact. It’s a pleasure to introduce such an impressive and inspiring person.
After a successful career, Gina has recently retired to pursue her passion of providing service to marginalized communities. She is known for her dedication to Genuine Service.
Gina is married to Jeffery Sy, a Taiwan national. Together they have two children – Dr. Jeremy Edward Sy, who has a Doctor of Medicine degree, and Hannah Ericka Sy, who has a Master of Science in Management and graduated cum laude.
POSITIONS IN ROTARY:
- Rotary International Programs Committee Member RY 2024-27
- Rotary Int’l President’s Representative (RIPR) District 3360, Thailand RY2023-24
- Arch Klump Society Foundation Trustee Circle
- Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (ARRFC) Zone 10A,RY2023-25
- Rotary International (RI) Convention 2028, Manila HOC (Host Organizing Committee) – House of Friendship Chair, RY 2023-2028
- Philippine College of Rotary Governors, Board of Directors, RY 2023-25
- District 3820 Council of Governors, Chair RY 2023-25
- Events Coordinator RI President Elect Gordon McInally South Korea Visit, May 2023
- Aide to RI President Gordon McInally RY 2023-24, Taiwan Visit, May 2023
- Aide to RI President Stephanie Urchick RY 2024-25, Korea Visit, October 3-7 2023
- Aide to RI President Stephanie Urchick RY 2024-25, Philippines, October 7-11, 2023
- Overall Chair RIPE Stephanie Urchick Visit 2023 Philippines, October 7-11, 2023
- Philippine Rotary Vaccination Campaign, Co Convenor, RY 2020
- Rotary Presidential Conference 2021, Ways & Means Co Chair, 2021 RI President Visit
- Rotary Inter Country Committee Philippines Vice Chair, RY 2023
- Rotary Inter Country Committee Philippines Germany. Economic and Community Development Chair, RY 2021-23
- Rotary Inter Country Committee Philippines Taiwan, Director & Treasurer, RI 2021-23
- The One Philippines, Rotary Zone 10A, District Coordinator
- Rotary International Yachting Fellowship of Rotarian, Charter Fleet Commodore
- Paul Harris Society
- Polio Plus Society
- Bequest Society
District 5300
Rotary Club of San Marino, California USA
Rotary International District 5300 Governor, Mike Driebe, became a member of Pomona Rotary in 1994 and served as club president in 2002-2003. In 2010, he joined the Rotary Club of San Marino, was recognized as San Marino’s Rotarian of the Year in 2015, and became that club’s president in 2015-2016. He went on to serve as San Marino Rotary Charities President from 2018-2021.
Mike also held several positions with District 5300, including Leadership Trainer, Public Relations Chair, Interact Chair, TLC Chair, RYLA Committee Member and Chair, Multi-District Interact Symposium Chair, Rotary Foundation Committee Chair, Host District Vocational Training Team Committee Chair, Leader of the 2018 Group Cultural Exchange Team to India, Stewardship Sub-Committee Chair, Major Gifts Sub-Committee Chair and was Chair of the 2022 Peace Conference Committee.
Mike and his wife, Sylvia met in 1980 just 2 weeks after he moved to California from Virginia. Married since 1985, they are residents of Pomona and enjoy art, music, food, travel and frequent trips to Disneyland.
District Governor 2024-2025
Rotary District 5240
Member, Rotary Club of Cayucos, CA, USA
Sherry Peckhoon Sim joined the Rotary Club of Morro Bay in 2005, and is a Charter member of the Rotary Club of Cayucos. Sherry helped start the club in 2008. There she served as Charter President, and twice as club president in 2008-2009 and in 2018-2019. She had also been the club’s Executive Secretary and Board Member since inception, and served in various positions :
International Service Chair, Peace Chair, Public Image Chair, Vocational Service
Chair, 501c3 Club Foundation Treasurer and Web Administrator. During her 2nd term as club president in 2018-2019, Cayucos Rotary was awarded the ‘Best
Overall Small Club’ in District 5240. Her club held that title six times : in
2015-2016, 2018-2019 to 2021-2022 and 2023-2024.
Since 2009, Sherry also served in various capacities at district level : Group Representative, Foundation Area Representative, Membership Representative, Assistant Governor (two years in a row from 2018-2020), and Region 4 Executive Assistant Governor. She also chaired the Group 11 Global Community Services Committee, and District Community Services Committee twice. Sherry also participated in the ‘National Immunization Day’ to India in 2014.
A strong believer in The Rotary Foundation, Sherry is a Major Donor Level 2 donor, Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Benefactor, member of the Paul Harris Society, Bequest Society, District 5240 Triple Crown Donor Circle & Polio Plus Society. Sherry is also a PRLS (Practical Relevant Leadership Skills) & Master PRLS graduate. Over the years, Sherry has received several Governor recognitions and awards, including the District Service Award in 2012-2013, Rotary International’s Citation for All Avenues of Service in 2014-2015, and Rotary District 5240 Samuel L. Greene Service Above Self Award in 2022-2023. A native of Singapore, Sherry settled in California in 1988, and relocated to Cayucos in 2002. With over 20 years’ experience in international business and tourism marketing, Sherry has been selling real estate for about 20 years. She owns and operates her own real estate brokerage, Sim Real Estate Inc, in Cayucos since 2011. Named ‘Realtor of the Year 2010’, Sherry had presided and held various leadership positions at local and state levels, including the position of Regional Chair representing seven local REALTOR associations at the California Association of REALTORS in 2016. Sherry loves and embraces Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self” as her own business motto and slogan. When it comes to food, Sherry loves to eat. She loves to cook, explore and create varying cuisines. Having fun in Rotary is also no exception. ‘If music be the food of love, play on’, said Shakespeare in Twelfth Night. For Sherry, music is a universal language and a chance to feel free and dance. She has three “R”s in her life : Riley (her dog), Real Estate & Rotary.
Indelibly, Rotary is here to stay. The 4-Way Test guiding principles, and the Object of Rotary resonates with Sherry. Ultimately it’s the Rotary family and friendships that holds dear in Sherry’s heart. Other than her son, Dilip, Sherry has no immediate family in the U.S. So, Sherry has embraced her Rotary family as part of her personal family. Through meeting Rotarians and participating in local and global projects, Sherry found that every Rotarian has an innate love for humanity. It is Sherry’s hope to spread her theme, “Rotary is Love” with everyone, and that love will in turn be multiplied, and shared far and near, so that we can grow together to make a difference and change lives.
District Governor 2024-2025
Rotary District 5280
Member, Rotary Club of Burbank, CA, USA
District Governor Albert Hernandez is no stranger to hard work and perseverance. Growing up in Los Angeles, in a low-income community as the fifth of eleven siblings in a single-parent household, he had to take on many responsibilities from a young age.
Albert’s Rotary journey began in 2002 when he attended Camp RYLA as a high school junior. That weekend profoundly impacted him, as he discovered his potential to help others in need. He was inspired by the 40 Rotarians who volunteered their time to help students develop their leadership skills. Motivated by this experience, Albert returned the following year as a RYLA counselor, eager to give students the same transformative experience he had received.
In 2005, at just 19 years old, Albert officially joined the Rotary family, becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Burbank – Noon, where he remains actively involved. Over the years, he held various roles, from Youth Service Chair to President of the Club’s Foundation. He contributed to several meaningful projects, including the Rotary Reads program, Shop with a Cop, co-chairing the Club’s Centennial Celebration, and overseeing the installation of the Rotary Clock Tower in Downtown Burbank. In 2018, Albert served as Club President, a role he describes as one of the most cherished experiences of his life.
Professionally, Albert serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Home Again Los Angeles. For the past nine years, he has devoted himself to building the organization, which helps unhoused families with children secure shelter and work toward permanent housing.
Albert resides in Santa Clarita with his wife, Elizabeth, and their 11-year-old daughter, Madison. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering alongside his daughter, traveling, trying new restaurants, and cheering for the Dodgers.
As one of the youngest District Governors, Albert hopes to inspire others juggling careers and young families to take on leadership roles within Rotary. He believes new leaders bring fresh perspectives, creating opportunities for the entire District to grow and learn.
Rotary District 5330
Member, Rotary Club of Temecula, CA, USA
Judy Zulfiqar is the Chief Strategist at Watermark Associates in Temecula, California.
She has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Temecula since 2001. Her long-standing involvement and leadership roles within the club include President, Membership Chair, Public Relations Chair, and Fundraising Chair.
At the District level, Judy has been a facilitator at President’s Elect Training, a member of the Rotary Task Force to Fight Human Trafficking and a member of the Rotary District 5330 Foundation Gala Committee. She also served as the District 5330 Public Relations Chairperson for 2022-2023 and is currently serving as District Governor.
Judy earned her MBA from Pepperdine and conducted her field study in India and Thailand. She has lived in the Temecula Valley since 1998, where she raised her two children, Miquella and Jordan. She lives in Temecula with her fiancé and fellow Rotarian Robert Johns. When she isn’t working and giving back to her community, Judy enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, hosting dinners with friends, and playing with her grandchildren.
The Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee Inc. presents “On The Road With Rotary” as the theme of our January 1, 2025 float.
The sustaining Districts each sponsor a walker for the Float.
Some of the riders and outwalkers have reported on club or district projects supporting Rotary’s Area of Focus “Clean Water and Sanitation“
PARTICIPATING IN THE ROTARY ROSE PARADE FLOAT – WALKERS AND RIDERS
Experience a truly unforgettable opportunity by becoming a walker or rider on the prestigious Rotary Rose Parade Float. As a participant, you will be provided with exclusive privileges and remarkable experiences that make this event truly extraordinary.
Here’s what walkers and riders receive upon signing up:
- Enjoy Lunch and Sat Evening Dinner: Join the RI President and her team or family (if they attend) for a delightful lunch. You will also have the opportunity to gather for a special dinner with the team on Saturday evening.
- Tour the Floats: Get an up-close look at all the floats during a private tour on Saturday afternoon as they are being prepared for the parade. Capture memorable photographs alongside the RI President, creating lifelong mementos.
- Behind the Scenes Access: On the day of the event, witness the impressive lineup of floats up close and personal before the parade commences. This unique opportunity allows you to soak in the festive atmosphere and anticipation of the grand spectacle.
- Interact with the RI President: Spend the morning of the event mingling with the RI President, who will generously dedicate time for photo opportunities and conversations with participants.
- Television Coverage: Be part of live television broadcasts, as major news channels cover the parade. You will have a chance to be seen by thousands of viewers, representing Rotary on a global stage.
- Unforgettable Experience: Embrace the overwhelming outpouring of affection and support for Rotary as you journey along the parade route. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will create cherished memories and leave an indelible impression of Rotary’s impact.
As every RI President brings their unique style and approach, it is important to note that experiences may vary. However, based on previous events, the recent RI Presidents have been highly accessible and engaged with the walkers and riders.
The cost of participation is as follows:
– Walkers: $7,500
– Riders: $10,000
For further information and to sign up, please contact Wade Nomura at [email protected].
Go to the History page to see past float riders and outwalkers.