PATRICIA SHAFER Rotary Peace Activator
Patricia is Senior Fellow for Peace Education at the Alliance for Peacebuilding, a Rotary Peace Fellow, Rotary Positive Peace Activator, and Global Peace Ambassador for Rotary strategic partner Institute for Economics & Peace.
In addition to her official peacebuilding work, Patricia is Chief Catalyst and Executive Director of international nonprofit Mothering Across Continents through which education projects are managed in several countries in East Africa. Previously, Patricia held senior positions in change management, communications and corporate affairs in two global Fortune 100 companies. She holds an MSc in Consulting and Coaching for Change – a joint-venture of Oxford University, UK, and HEC France; an MBA, Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management; and MA, Journalism from The Ohio State University.
Friday, May 2 - Breakfast
Roots of Hunger,
Pillars of Peace:
A Unique Space for Rotarian Goodwill
Ending hunger and addressing food insecurity are crucial to achieving sustainable community economic development. As part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, “Zero Hunger” (Goal 2) has long been a focus of Rotarians worldwide. But how can these efforts intersect with Rotary’s mission to promote peace and conflict resolution?
We invite you to an enlightening presentation featuring Patricia Shafer, Rotary Peace Fellow, and Rotary Positive Peace Activator. Patricia will share insights and real-world examples from transformative projects across North America, the Caribbean, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Discover how these initiatives, supported by Rotary Clubs, leverage the Eight Pillars of Positive Peace Framework from Rotary’s strategic partner, the Institute for Economics and Peace.
What You’ll Learn:
- How hunger relief efforts drive sustainable development and foster
- The vital role Rotarians play in achieving the global goal of “Zero “
- Practical applications of the Eight Pillars of Positive Peace framework in diverse
This is an opportunity to explore the intersection of humanitarian service and peacebuilding while gaining inspiration for your club’s future projects.
TOM HANSON Diplomat in Residence, University of MN Duluth
Thomas Hanson is a former U.S. Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State whose diplomatic postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. He also participated in the opening of new U.S. embassies in Mongolia and Estonia, worked on the Foreign Relations Committees of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and served as Director for NATO and European Affairs at the Atlantic Council of the United States in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Hanson currently is Diplomat in Residence at the Alworth Institute for International Affairs at the University of Minnesota – Duluth and has taught diplomacy at Carleton College. He also serves as Chair of the Minnesota Committee on Foreign Relations and as Co-Chair of the Minnesota China Business Council. He is a past board member of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights and Director at the Institute for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (IEECA). He is also a member of the U.S. Foreign Policy Working Group of the British International Studies Association (BISA) as well as the Council of Advisers at the Museum of Russian Art and the Minnesota Peace Initiative (MPI) at Norway House.
As a member of the Great Decisions advisory committee of Global Minnesota, Mr. Hanson speaks frequently on international issues and contributes to local and international media. He delivers an annual US Foreign Policy Update under the auspices of Global Minnesota and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Mr. Hanson holds a BA degree from the University of Minnesota and graduate degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy; the Institute of Advanced International Studies in Geneva, Switzerland; and the National School of Administration (ENA) in Paris, France.
Friday, May 2nd - Lunch
Join us for an engaging presentation by Thomas Hanson, a distinguished former U.S. Foreign Service Officer and expert on global diplomacy. With an impressive career spanning postings in East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and more, Mr. Hanson brings a wealth of experience and deep insights into international relations.
Currently, the Diplomat in Residence at the Alworth Institute for International Affairs at the University of Minnesota – Duluth, Mr. Hanson also chairs the Minnesota Committee on Foreign Relations and co-chairs the Minnesota China Business Council. His expertise extends to roles with the U.S. Senate, NATO, the Atlantic Council, and multiple peace and human rights organizations.
What You’ll Gain:
- A seasoned perspective on U.S. foreign policy and global trends.
- Insights into diplomacy and its role in shaping international
- A unique look into the challenges and opportunities in global affairs
Mr. Hanson holds advanced degrees in diplomacy and international studies from prestigious institutions including the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
REBECCA MIDDLETON World Food Program USA
Rebecca Middleton currently serves as the Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer for World Food Program USA, where she leads efforts to educate Members of Congress and their staff on the critical role of U.S. government support for the United Nations World Food Program. With over 25 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and strategy, Rebecca is a leading voice in the fight against global hunger.
Rebecca began her Washington, DC career in 1997 as a Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Frank Wolf. She later joined Cassidy & Associates, a prominent public affairs firm, where she rose to Vice President, managing federal lobbying strategies for clients across industries, including technology, health care, and defense.
In 2013, Rebecca combined her advocacy expertise with her passion for eradicating hunger by joining the Alliance to End Hunger as COO, later becoming its Executive Director in 2016. Since joining World Food Program USA in 2020, she has driven initiatives to build support for life-saving food assistance programs around the world.
Rebecca holds a BA in political science and English from Mary Washington College. She serves on several boards, including as chair of Freedom Network USA and treasurer of the Alliance to End Hunger, reflecting her deep commitment to fostering global equity and food security.
Friday, May 2nd - Dinner
Food Relief
LAWRENCE KENT Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation
Lawrence Kent is a Senior Program Officer at the Gates Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value and everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life.
The Gates Foundation supports and funds the work of partners that are promoting health, sanitation, and economic development in some of the world’s poorest countries. Lawrence works within the foundation’s Agricultural Development team, which is promoting improvements in agricultural productivity, income, food security, and nutrition in Africa and some of the poorer parts of South Asia.
He manages grants that develop improved varieties of key staple crops and the seed systems that deliver planting materials to farming families. He has been working for the foundation for 18 years, traveling frequently to Africa and Asia to monitor and support project implementation.
Prior to his move to Seattle, Lawrence served as the Director of International Programs at the Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, where for five years he managed programs developing improved crops through biotechnology.
From 1997 to 2001, Lawrence was based in Egypt, working on an agricultural policy reform project, and in 1995-1996 he lived in Burkina Faso, working on food security issues for Catholic Relief Services. From 1990 until 1995, Lawrence worked as an economist and agricultural policy advisor for a consulting firm, carrying out assignments in 20 countries in Africa and Asia.
He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the West African country of Mauritania from 1985-87, helping farmers improve their production of irrigated rice.
Saturday, May 3 - Breakfast
Agricultural Development for Food Security:
The Role of the Gates Foundation
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Through Agricultural Innovation
The world’s poorest populations rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods and food security. Yet, low productivity often traps many in a cycle of poverty. Significant improvements in agricultural outcomes are possible through the development and adoption of improved crop varieties, better inputs, and enhanced agronomic practices.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is actively investing in programs that drive these advancements, seeking to uplift communities by transforming agricultural systems. These efforts aim to increase productivity and empower farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to secure sustainable livelihoods and enhance food security for future generations.
JOHN NOLTNER Fortune 500 Advisor
John Noltner is an American photographer and peace activist. His work and subject matter is varied, ranging from small town America to projects overseas. His photographs have been published in national magazines including National Geographic Traveler, AARP, Health, Smithsonian, and Business Week.
Since 2009, Noltner has been asking people the simple (or not so simple) question, “What does peace mean to you?” for his multimedia art project, A Peace of My Mind. The project combines photographs of diverse subjects and their personal stories exploring the meaning of peace. He has included the voices of Holocaust survivors, homeless individuals, political refugees and others.
The project has been presented at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Sojourners Summit for Change.
A Peace of My Mind represents John’s belief that art and storytelling have the power to transform our hearts as well as our communities and that we each have the power to create positive change in the world.
Saturday, May 3 - Lunch
"Lessons on the
Road to Peace"
Join us for an inspiring multimedia keynote presentation with John Noltner, an award-winning photographer and storyteller. Driven by frustration with a polarized world, John embarked on a remarkable 40,000-mile journey across the United States, interviewing and photographing hundreds of people from all walks of life.
Through stunning portraits and deeply personal stories, John shares extraordinary insights from everyday Americans on hope, transformation, and forgiveness. His project, A Peace of My Mind, showcases the power of art and storytelling to bridge divides, foster dialogue, and create positive change in our communities and the world.
What You’ll Experience:
- Stories of resilience, understanding, and the common humanity that connects
- Inspiration to pursue your passion and make a meaningful
- A reminder of how we can work toward the common good in a polarized
A Peace of My Mind has been featured in exhibits, workshops, lectures, and transformative experiences across the country, sparking dialogue on critical issues and inspiring people to rediscover shared humanity.