Latest news with #JulieLewis
CBC
30-07-2025
- General
- CBC
Volunteer shortage puts future of longtime Ilderton club in jeopardy
Social Sharing After 35 years of serving the community, the Optimist Club of Ilderton says it may have to wind down operations for good next year if it can't recruit more adult volunteers to help staff its local events. The club broke the news to the community on Sunday in a social media post, saying that membership had declined significantly in recent years, in particular during the COVID-19 pandemic. At their most recent meeting, club officials decided to continue for another year, but would "have no choice but to close the club," if it couldn't grow its membership in that time, the post said. Julie Lewis, the club's president, said the decision was not an easy one to make, and the hope is that the appeal spurs more people to come forward who maybe wouldn't have otherwise. "It came down to the fact that some folks are needing to move away, (and) some are looking to get into their retirement and travel more, so they don't have the ability to be around and support the volunteer events," Lewis told CBC London on Tuesday. "We have such a wonderful community that we want to support the events that we've typically done, we just wouldn't be able to do with, you know, five adults or less." Those events include a free annual Easter egg hunt, bike safety rodeo, contests, and a family skate party on New Year's, among others, Lewis says. The club used to organize an annual "Santa's Breakfast" at Christmastime, and a three-on-three hockey tournament in the summer, but shrinking membership put an end to both. "Whenever we do host large events, the high school kids ... we've always had an abundance of those youth volunteers, but that limits us from being able to run more fundraising events where we have limitations on the age of volunteers that can help out," she said. Founded in 1991, the club also fundraises for local youth athletic leagues, and helped develop Ilderton's Deerhaven Optimist Park, which features a playground, basketball, pickleball and tennis courts, and two soccer fields. It's also responsible for lining the community's streets with Canadian flags for Canada Day, a tradition which took on added import this year against the backdrop of U.S. annexation and tariff threats. Volunteer shortage a nationwide problem Like the Optimist Club of Ilderton, a critical shortage of volunteers is putting the futures of countless community organizations across Canada into doubt, said Megan Conway, president and CEO of Volunteer Canada. Between 2018 and 2023, the percentage of Canadians volunteering for charitable or non-profit organizations plummeted from 41 per cent to 32 per cent, according to Statistics Canada data published last month. Conway says the COVID-19 pandemic helped accelerate the downward shift in volunteering rates, something seen most notably among women and those aged 25 to 34, the StatsCan data shows. Older adults who have volunteered long-term in retirement aren't being replaced as they age out. "There has not been the level of renewal in younger people to participate in the same kinds of ways, or they're facing barriers to participation because of economic challenges or the cost of living, or their own challenges around child care," she said. Conway says Volunteer Canada is creating a national volunteer action strategy to modernize volunteering and make it easier for people to participate. (One example she says is simplifying the screening process when it comes to criminal record checks.) For Lewis, she worries the club's closure would bring a loss of community camaraderie and connection at a time when more people are choosing to stay cooped up at home. For those who are interested in signing up, she says they can reach out via email. "We don't need everybody who's thinking about volunteering to be an active part of the board and meet once a month … Sometimes membership is simply being on our roster of folks we can contact to say, 'Hey, we're running this event. Do you want to help run it?'"
Web Release
10-02-2025
- Business
- Web Release
AI/Sustainability Experts Headline AURAK's Debut TEDx Event
Seven leading speakers from diverse backgrounds provided fresh perspectives in eloquent presentations on pivotal global topics – Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Leadership and Entrepreneurship – at the debut TEDx event of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) recently. The event, themed 'Impact Matters—Voices for a New Era,' explored the power of impact—how individuals, ideas, and innovations can drive meaningful change in the world—through the eyes of the expert speakers who shared their stories, ideas, and solutions that challenge the status quo and inspire action. The impressive line-up featured Mr. Cherian Varghese, Senior Vice President EMEA Technology, Oracle; Ms. Julie Lewis, Explorer, Mountain Climber and Author; Mr. Rohit Bassi, Well-known Self-Development Guru and Founder of ROI Talks; Ms. Debbie Botha, Industry Council Member, Digital Data Design, Institute at Harvard; Ms. Belinda Scot, Head of Sustainability, Gulf International Bank; Mr. Danyaal Abdul Khaliq, Former Director of Innovation, e& (Etisalat and); and Ms. Chada El Islam Benmahcene, Founder & Managing Director, ENTROGX Ventures. In a welcome address, Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, remarked: 'This inaugural TEDx event reflects the completion of our strategic vision to add this prestigious activity to our campus. We believe TEDx is a perfect event to add to our students' academic progress and support their critical thinking.' Speakers on AI referred to the 'power of humanity over AI' and the need to be prepared for a disruption that would be beneficial for humanity if handled deftly. Dwelling on the ubiquity of AI, they also agreed that certain jobs would be eliminated, but that several new ones would be created. Sustainability experts made a plea for embedding sustainability in every aspect of our life, including business, and called for fostering love of nature and conservation of environment. The speakers delved into 'Sustainability Impact: Aspirations versus Reality' and discussed sustainability efforts in our community. Experts on entrepreneurial impact touched on demystifying black box thinking and pursuing gut feeling decision making; while speakers on leadership impact spoke on challenges in the age of AI. Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, appreciated the speakers' 'invaluable ideas to ponder and pursue', especially those that have emotional resonance. Despite the overarching prevalence of AI, he said the world will still be driven by human beings, not by machines, and therefore we want human beings who are fully developed not just intellectually but also emotionally. Dr. Tahseen Anwer Arshi, Associate Provost for Research and Sustainability/Associate Professor – Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Director of The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at AURAK, said: 'It is thrilling to see such an impressive turnout of speakers and attendees at our first TEDx event. It was truly a day of inspiration, where we explored how to redefine the boundaries of what's possible and create a lasting impact in the world around us.' TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED's overall mission to research and discover 'ideas worth spreading.' TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe through TEDx events. These events are organized by passionate individuals who seek to uncover new ideas and to share the latest research in their local areas and spark conversations in their communities.
Gulf Today
10-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Top speakers headline AURAK's debut TEDx event
RAS AL KHAIMAH: Seven leading speakers from diverse backgrounds provided fresh perspectives in eloquent presentations on pivotal global topics – Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Leadership and Entrepreneurship – at the debut TEDx event of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) recently. The event, themed 'Impact Matters — Voices for a New Era,' explored the power of impact — how individuals, ideas, and innovations can drive meaningful change in the world — through the eyes of the expert speakers who shared their stories, ideas, and solutions that challenge the status quo and inspire action. The impressive line-up featured Cherian Varghese, Senior Vice President EMEA Technology, Oracle; Julie Lewis, explorer, mountain climber and author; Rohit Bassi, well-known self-development guru and founder of ROI Talks; Debbie Botha, Industry Council Member, Digital Data Design, Institute at Harvard; Belinda Scot, Head of Sustainability, Gulf International Bank; Danyaal Abdul Khaliq, Former Director of Innovation, e& (Etisalat and); and Chada El Islam Benmahcene, founder & managing director, ENTROGX Ventures. In a welcome address, Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, remarked: 'This inaugural TEDx event reflects the completion of our strategic vision to add this prestigious activity to our campus. We believe TEDx is a perfect event to add to our students' academic progress and support their critical thinking.' Speakers on AI referred to the 'power of humanity over AI' and the need to be prepared for a disruption that would be beneficial for humanity if handled deftly. Dwelling on the ubiquity of AI, they also agreed that certain jobs would be eliminated, but that several new ones would be created. Experts on entrepreneurial impact touched on demystifying black box thinking and pursuing gut feeling decision making while speakers on leadership impact spoke on challenges in the age of AI. Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, appreciated the speakers' 'invaluable ideas to ponder and pursue', especially those that have emotional resonance. Despite the overarching prevalence of AI, he said the world will still be driven by human beings, not by machines, and therefore 'we want human beings who are fully developed not just intellectually but also emotionally.' Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter RAS AL KHAIMAH: Seven leading speakers from diverse backgrounds provided fresh perspectives in eloquent presentations on pivotal global topics – Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Leadership and Entrepreneurship – at the debut TEDx event of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) recently. The event, themed 'Impact Matters — Voices for a New Era,' explored the power of impact — how individuals, ideas, and innovations can drive meaningful change in the world — through the eyes of the expert speakers who shared their stories, ideas, and solutions that challenge the status quo and inspire action. The impressive line-up featured Cherian Varghese, Senior Vice President EMEA Technology, Oracle; Julie Lewis, explorer, mountain climber and author; Rohit Bassi, well-known self-development guru and founder of ROI Talks; Debbie Botha, Industry Council Member, Digital Data Design, Institute at Harvard; Belinda Scot, Head of Sustainability, Gulf International Bank; Danyaal Abdul Khaliq, Former Director of Innovation, e& (Etisalat and); and Chada El Islam Benmahcene, founder & managing director, ENTROGX Ventures. In a welcome address, Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, remarked: 'This inaugural TEDx event reflects the completion of our strategic vision to add this prestigious activity to our campus. We believe TEDx is a perfect event to add to our students' academic progress and support their critical thinking.' Speakers on AI referred to the 'power of humanity over AI' and the need to be prepared for a disruption that would be beneficial for humanity if handled deftly. Dwelling on the ubiquity of AI, they also agreed that certain jobs would be eliminated, but that several new ones would be created. Experts on entrepreneurial impact touched on demystifying black box thinking and pursuing gut feeling decision making while speakers on leadership impact spoke on challenges in the age of AI. Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, appreciated the speakers' 'invaluable ideas to ponder and pursue', especially those that have emotional resonance. Despite the overarching prevalence of AI, he said the world will still be driven by human beings, not by machines, and therefore 'we want human beings who are fully developed not just intellectually but also emotionally.'
Zawya
09-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
AI/sustainability experts headline AURAK's debut TEDx event
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE: Seven leading speakers from diverse backgrounds provided fresh perspectives in eloquent presentations on pivotal global topics – Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Leadership and Entrepreneurship – at the debut TEDx event of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) recently. The event, themed 'Impact Matters—Voices for a New Era,' explored the power of impact—how individuals, ideas, and innovations can drive meaningful change in the world—through the eyes of the expert speakers who shared their stories, ideas, and solutions that challenge the status quo and inspire action. The impressive line-up featured Mr. Cherian Varghese, Senior Vice President EMEA Technology, Oracle; Ms. Julie Lewis, Explorer, Mountain Climber and Author; Mr. Rohit Bassi, Well-known Self-Development Guru and Founder of ROI Talks; Ms. Debbie Botha, Industry Council Member, Digital Data Design, Institute at Harvard; Ms. Belinda Scot, Head of Sustainability, Gulf International Bank; Mr. Danyaal Abdul Khaliq, Former Director of Innovation, e& (Etisalat and); and Ms. Chada El Islam Benmahcene, Founder & Managing Director, ENTROGX Ventures. In a welcome address, Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of AURAK, remarked: 'This inaugural TEDx event reflects the completion of our strategic vision to add this prestigious activity to our campus. We believe TEDx is a perfect event to add to our students' academic progress and support their critical thinking.' Speakers on AI referred to the 'power of humanity over AI' and the need to be prepared for a disruption that would be beneficial for humanity if handled deftly. Dwelling on the ubiquity of AI, they also agreed that certain jobs would be eliminated, but that several new ones would be created. Sustainability experts made a plea for embedding sustainability in every aspect of our life, including business, and called for fostering love of nature and conservation of environment. The speakers delved into "Sustainability Impact: Aspirations versus Reality" and discussed sustainability efforts in our community. Experts on entrepreneurial impact touched on demystifying black box thinking and pursuing gut feeling decision making; while speakers on leadership impact spoke on challenges in the age of AI. Prof. Stephen Wilhite, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success and Provost at AURAK, appreciated the speakers' 'invaluable ideas to ponder and pursue', especially those that have emotional resonance. Despite the overarching prevalence of AI, he said the world will still be driven by human beings, not by machines, and therefore we want human beings who are fully developed not just intellectually but also emotionally. Dr. Tahseen Anwer Arshi, Associate Provost for Research and Sustainability/Associate Professor - Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Director of The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at AURAK, said: 'It is thrilling to see such an impressive turnout of speakers and attendees at our first TEDx event. It was truly a day of inspiration, where we explored how to redefine the boundaries of what's possible and create a lasting impact in the world around us.' TEDx is a grassroots initiative, created in the spirit of TED's overall mission to research and discover 'ideas worth spreading.' TEDx brings the spirit of TED to local communities around the globe through TEDx events. These events are organized by passionate individuals who seek to uncover new ideas and to share the latest research in their local areas and spark conversations in their communities. -Ends- About the American University of Ras Al Khaimah The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), located in the United Arab Emirates, is a non-profit, public university that offers a comprehensive set of accredited and internationally recognized undergraduate and postgraduate programs. With a focus on holistic education and practical knowledge, AURAK prepares students to become global citizens who are innovators in their respective fields. Through partnerships with top global universities and organizations, AURAK provides students unparalleled opportunities to gain international exposure and experience. This press release is issued on behalf of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) by Communicate Gulf FZE, Sharjah, UAE. For media queries, please contact PR Consultant Anthony D'Silva Email: anthony@
