Events

District Governor Alex Parajon was born in Leon, Nicaragua. From an early age, he has consistently embodied the values of service, teamwork, commitment, action, and leadership—principles that have guided his personal, professional, and philanthropic endeavors.
Professionally, Alex has a background in accounting and has been a prominent business owner in Glendale, CA, for over 25 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Woodbury University.

In 2012, following the passing of his mother, Alex joined Rotary, marking a significant turning point in his life. His involvement in Rotary during this challenging period underscored the importance of serving others, especially during their most vulnerable times. Throughout his
Rotary journey, Alex has held various leadership roles at both the club and district levels, including serving as Chief of Staff for District Governor Olivia Patterson Ryans in 2023–2024. Alex is a Major Donor, a past recipient of the District Rotarian of the Year Award, and is the Rotary Rose Parade Float Ambassador. Beyond Rotary, Alex is a dedicated civic and philanthropic leader within the Glendale community. He actively participates in several nonprofit boards and city commissions focused on education, the environment, youth, and homelessness.

Alex cherishes his family life with his wife, Judith A. Verduzco, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, children's book author, charter board member, and Past President of the Rotary Club of Mental Health and Wellness. He is also a proud father to his stepson Johnathan and two senior
dogs, Pinot and Geo.

In his leisure time, Alex enjoys traveling, bowling, playing softball, watching baseball and football, and spending quality time with family and friends.

He continues to lead with purpose, guided by the belief that even small acts of service can create lasting change.

Justin Lam is a recent graduate of Alhambra High School, with a strong passion for mathematics, public speaking, and literature. Justin will speak on his recent essay contest submission to the Rotary Club of Montebello on The Four Way Test.

Known for his enthusiasm and leadership, he was actively involved in a wide range of clubs, sports, and student activities throughout his high school years.

A proud Eagle Scout, Justin also served as Senior Patrol Leader of his troop, where he gained hands-on leadership experience and built lifelong memories—from late-night conversations on camping trips to challenging mountain hikes.

He lives by the quote, "Do what you love and love what you do," a philosophy that drives his commitment to everything he takes on. Whether solving complex problems or connecting with others through presentations and storytelling, Justin brings energy, passion, and purpose to every experience.

A note from our President Grace Leung

Our work reminds the world that conversations about mental health and wellness matter, and that hope grows stronger when we lead with compassion and purpose. This year has also reminded me that we don’t walk this journey alone — whether it’s with fellow Rotarians, community partners such as NAMI, or family by our side. (like my mom, who actively participates  and volunteers at events 💖). Together, we carry this mission forward.

For more information visit namiglac.org

Mr. Gomez joined Rotary in 2004 and is a member of the Granada Hills, California club. He has held various roles including Club President and Treasurer, Assistant Governor, Rotarian of the Year and was most recently the Chief of Staff to DG Albert Hernandez. He is currently the Endowment Chair for District 5280 Rotary Foundation, a position he has held since 2023. He’s also been a member of the Paul Harris Society and Polio Plus Society since 2014.

We look forward to hearing about the Rotary Rose Parade Committee, where Mr. Gomez serves as Ambassador, has been a White Suiter for the Tournament of Roses Association since 2004, and will celebrate his 21^st Rose Parade in 2026.

Meet the Author

Marcia Naomi Berger (née Fisch), MSW, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in San Rafael, California, and the author of Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love: 30 Minutes a Week to the Relationship You’ve Always Wanted and Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love. When employed by the city and county of San Francisco, Berger held senior-level positions in child welfare, alcoholism treatment, and psychiatry.

Berger served as a lecturer on the clinical faculty at the University of California School of Medicine and as executive director of Jewish Family and Children’s Services of the East Bay. She lives with her husband, David Berger, in Marin County, California.

Wishing you a happy holiday season! 

January 13, 2026

Donna Bond, M.A.

Donna Bond, M.A., a former Ritz-Carlton marketing executive turned spiritual psychology maven, is the founder of Consciousness Rising, Inc. and a Soul Catalyst who facilitates personal transformation for successful women. As the creator of the healing modality Higher Human Integration™, Donna's highest mission is soul liberation - awakening the whole self through soul-led transformation. She activates women's Sacred Soul Signatures, helping them remember who they really are so they can fulfill their higher purpose, express their authentic power and align with their entelechy. Donna supports conscious, successful women who are ready to challenge conventional paradigms and integrate their lives with the power and wisdom of their Soul. She holds a Master's Degree in Spiritual Psychology with an emphasis on Consciousness, Health and Healing from the University of Santa Monica. Her experiential Tell A Vision Show "Spiritual Ambition" invites women to tune in and awaken their Divine Nature.

www.donnabond.com

https://donnabond.com/book/original-wisdom/

Kitchen on Fire offers hands-on cooking experiences in Berkeley, Oakland and virtually anywhere. Since 2005, Chef Olive and professional chef instructors have been sharing their knowledge and love for cooking through public classes, team-building and corporate wellness events cooking recipes made with high quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Lisa Miller teaches classes with a wellness focus, promoting healthy living.