Events

Rotary Youth Exchange inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers — Rotary members and nonmembers alike — who make this unique program so successful.

Caroline Ndwaru is a dedicated advocate for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. She has been involved with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) since 2018 after losing her sister, Michelle, to suicide on August 6, 2018—Michelle’s 21st birthday. This life-altering loss led Caroline to discover AFSP, where she found a supportive community and valuable resources that helped her navigate grief and healing. 

As a Board Member and Co-Chair of the Programs Committee for the AFSP Central Texas Chapter, Caroline is committed to ensuring that others do not have to endure the pain her family and friends continue to experience. She shares Michelle’s story to keep her legacy alive and to inspire hope and awareness in those struggling with their mental health. 

Caroline’s mission is deeply personal—she strives to create a world where no one feels alone in their struggles and where suicide prevention resources are accessible to all. Through AFSP, she channels her grief into action, working tirelessly to foster understanding, connection, and support within her community.

Brenda Kilburn is a native Austinite.  Graduated from John H Reagan High School.

Jennifer Long has been the Executive Director of Casa Marianella for 26 years. Casa provides shelter and support services to people who have come to the Texas border fleeing persecution. Casa Marianella consists of 12 houses with a capacity of 150 people a night. In 2024 530 people from 43 countries were resettled by Casa. 

Our speakers today are Emily Ledesma and Gerardo Martinez from El Buen Samaritano, one of the corporate members in our Club. They will be sharing with us about the 8-week summer program “Intergen”….a program in which older adults and middle school students come together. Many of our Rotary members may be wonderful candidates to be mentors in this program.

Emily Ledesma holds a BS degree in Human Development and Family Science from the University of Texas and currently serves as the Associate Director of Education at El Buen Samaritano. Emily calls Austin home for the last 15 years but is originally from Cartagena Columbia and was raised in Houston.

Gerardo Martinez is a first-generation college graduate and a seasoned social worker and program coordinator with 9 years of experience in  human development & social welfare. Gerardo is a native of San Antonio and holds an Associate degree of Social work from San Antonio College and a Bachelor of Social Work from Texas State University.