Vic Howlers Basketball
When Joanne isn't in meetings with clients, you’ll likely find her on the basketball court, where she passionately leads the Vic Howlers as the head coach for both the U11 and U13 boys’ teams. Joanne founded Vic Howlers with a heartfelt mission: to provide a nurturing environment where players of all skill levels can thrive. Her vision was to create a space where young athletes not only develop their individual skills but also learn the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. For Joanne and the Vic Howlers, the true victories aren’t measured by the score at the end of the game but by the growth of each player, the positive attitudes they bring to the court, and the friendships they build along the way. She believes that these elements are the foundation of a successful and rewarding basketball experience.
Rotary
Melissa dedicates her non-working time to Rotary, both with her individual club and as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program as the Short-Term Exchange Program (STEP) District Coordinator. There is a saying in Rotary: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. This resonates deeply with Melissa. After learning about and subsequently joining Rotary, Melissa supports not only her own community, but also communities across the world as part of a larger collective of dedicated Rotarians. These Rotarians unite to bring about lasting and positive change. Melissa also works with the Rotary Youth Exchange District Committee to send youth all over the world on both Short- and Long-Term exchanges. The Rotary Youth Exchange’s primary goal is to provide young people with opportunities to experience a cultural exchange and to develop as leaders who promote peace and justice around the world. Time and again, Melissa has seen the incredible change and positive impact of this program in the youth that return from their time away as they continue to work as returning exchange students to prep the next students to go out. This never fails to be inspirational and creates a renewed call to action every single year for Melissa. When not working, you’ll most likely find her doing something Rotary related. There isn’t a shortage of ways to help the world through Rotary!