Kids & Family
Cupertino Rotary Announces Its First Indo-American President
A resident of Cupertino for 20-plus years, Rotary's new president wants to encourage youth involvement and consider environmental concerns.
The following was provided bu the Rotary Club of Cupertino. It has been edited for length and clarity.
The Rotary Club of Cupertino announced it had elected its first Indo-American president, Savita Vaidhyanathan, a 20-year resident who is also the sixth female president of the club.
“Cupertino Rotary embraces diversity,” Don Allen, past president of Cupertino Rotary, and past 5170 district governor, said in a written statement.
“We have been purposeful in bringing in members who reflect our greater Cupertino community. Savita is one of our success stories.”
Ms. Vaidhyanathan is a Cupertino resident, and moved here from India more than 20 years ago. After classes at De Anza College and an MBA from San Jose State University, she worked in the non-profit sector for some time before devoting time to raising her daughter, supporting school benefits and activities, and participating in community service.
She participated in Lunar Day parades and organized a fundraiser for the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, 2005 Diwali, the first big Festival of Lights held in Memorial Park.
“My emphasis for this Rotary year,” said Ms. Vaidhyanathan, “is to involve and encourage the youth in our community, to encourage consideration of our environment, and to keep pace with Silicon Valley.
"We have close to 200 members all sharing a desire to serve. We have done so much, and there is opportunity ahead for sure. Together, we aim to have great impact worldwide.”
Vaidhyanathan's official first meeting is Wednesday, July 10 at the Quinlan Community Center in Cupertino.
Vaidhyanathan joined the Rotary Club of Cupertino in 2007 and actively participated in multiple local community and international projects. She completed three grants by partnering with an NGO in India, encouraging
members to forge similar partnerships.
Under her leadership of the International Services Committee, the Rotary Club of Cupertino initiated projects with several countries– Chile, China, Costa Rica, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Kenya and Mexico. She has chaired several fundraisers for the club including its signature local community event, Silicon Valley Fall Festival at Memorial Park, and International Projects fundraiser, Global Elegance.
Vaidhyanathan also served on the Board of West Valley Community Services and was received the Community Service Award by Monta Vista High School DECA. She is currently a member of the De Anza College Commission and the Cupertino Rotary Endowment Board.
Vaidhyanathan's overall theme for Cupertino Rotary is "Local Heartbeat, Global Outreach."
Guests are encouraged to visit the Rotary Club of Cupertino. Please email cupertinorotary@gmail.com or call 408.920.2224. For further information go to: www.cupertinorotary.org
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
