Events

James Pierce is the Principal SevSecOps Manager for IBM’s Technology Zone, a global hybrid cloud infrastructure supporting IBM’s technical teams and partner ecosystem. With over 25 years of experience in technology leadership, James brings deep expertise in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and enterprise IT solutions. He holds graduate degrees in Information Systems and Business Administration from Hawai‘i Pacific University and is passionate about leveraging technology to drive innovation and community impact.

On December 10, James will talk about AI and how it's evolving.  James will share insights into the latest advancements, share how this affects businesses and communities, and offer practical strategies to stay ahead in this rapidly changing landscape. Please join us if you're curious about the future of technology and its role in our world.

Patricia Kennedy Davanzo, a proud Maquoketa Rotarian and former Rotary Youth Exchange student, turned a life-changing year in New Zealand into a 30-year career in aviation. Growing up on an Iowa farm and boarding her first flight for Rotary Exchange, Patricia embraced the spirit of adventure and the Rotary 4-Way Test throughout her professional journey, rising through airline roles nationwide. Now retired, she runs Organizing Life, helping people create space for what matters most—family, dreams, and bucket-list goals. Passionate about mentoring and empowering others, especially young women, Patricia continues to travel and share her story of seizing opportunities and living intentionally.

Patricia will be sharing how the Rotary student exchange experience helped her gain the confidence to seize the opportunities in the airline industry and how the 4 way test helped her navigate successfully while away from home.

We are pleased to welcome Ed Case, U.S. Representative for Hawai‘i’s 1st Congressional District. Born and raised in Hilo, Rep. Case has served several terms in Congress, representing Hawai‘i’s 2nd District from 2002 to 2007 and the 1st District since 2019. Before his congressional service, he spent two decades practicing law in Honolulu and previously served in the Hawai‘i State Legislature, including as Majority Leader. His extensive background in public service, law, and community leadership provides a valuable perspective we look forward to hearing.

Josh Bates, author of The Baghdad Shuffle, will visit and speak at the Rotary Club of Waikiki on April 1, 2026.  He served as an infantry and intelligence officer in the United States Marine Corps from 2000 to 2022.  His service included combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and multiple operational assignments throughout the Indo-Pacific.  Josh’s formal education includes a BA in Political Science from the University of San Diego, an MA in Military Studies from the Marine Corps University, an MA in Diplomacy and Military Affairs from Hawai’i Pacific University, and a graduate certificate in China Intelligence Issues from the National Intelligence University.  Josh served as an adjunct instructor for both the National Intelligence University and the Marine Corps University’s College of Distance Education and Training.  His literary interests focus on hardboiled crime fiction and espionage/military thrillers. Josh lives with his family in Kailua, Hawai’i where he surfs, spearfishes, and provides technical and content advisement for a variety of media projects. The Baghdad Shuffle is his first novel.