April 14, 2026

A licensed Professional Engineer and Certified Construction Manager, Janice brings more than 30 years of experience leading major capital projects. In her role as Chief Engineer at the Port of Seattle, she helps oversee infrastructure supporting one of the nation’s busiest airports and seaports, along with a significant real estate portfolio. This will be a great opportunity to hear her perspective on infrastructure, growth, and the future of our region. 

April 7, 2026

Join us for an important conversation with Julie Wise, Director of King County Elections. At a moment when national attention is once again focused on voting laws and access, Julie’s visit could not be more relevant. As our nation debates proposals that may reshape how Americans register and participate in elections, this is an opportunity to hear directly from one of the most respected election administrators in the country.

Julie will share her perspective on the current state of our election systems, including how secure and reliable they already are here in Washington. She’ll also address the broader national conversation around voter eligibility, election integrity, and access—topics that have been the subject of increasing scrutiny and, at times, misinformation. While claims of widespread irregularities have circulated for years, they have consistently been tested—and disproven—through our court systems. Julie brings a fact-based, on-the-ground view of how elections are actually run and safeguarded.

If you care about the strength of our democracy and the confidence we place in our institutions, this is a program you won’t want to miss. Please join us for an informed, thoughtful discussion—and feel free to bring a guest who would value a clear-eyed look at one of the most important issues facing our country today.

March 17, 2026

Judge Gregory will offer a practical look at the judicial system as we experience it here in our region, sharing insights from the bench about how courts are working today — and the challenges they face in keeping the system fair, efficient, and functioning.

Our conversation will touch on questions many people are asking: How can courts operate more efficiently? How do we prevent endless delays and gamesmanship in the system? And what happens when government actors choose to ignore judicial decisions? With experience as a prosecutor, defense attorney, public defender, and now municipal court judge, Jeff brings a uniquely balanced perspective to these issues.

A Washington native and graduate of Lower Columbia College, the University of Washington, and Gonzaga Law, Judge Gregory has spent his career serving communities throughout King County — and when he’s not in the courtroom, you’re likely to find him coaching youth baseball.

March 10, 2026

Fellow Sunrise Rotarian Tom Fowler will lead a thought-provoking conversation titled “Seeking Wise Counsel.” In both leadership and everyday life, we are constantly faced with decisions that benefit from the perspective of others. Tom will explore where we turn for guidance, how we recognize counsel that is truly wise, and how we respond when the advice we receive challenges our thinking.

Just as importantly, Tom will reflect on the responsibility we share when offering counsel ourselves—how to provide guidance that is thoughtful, honest, and genuinely helpful to those seeking it. It promises to be a meaningful and engaging discussion, and a great way to start the day. We hope you’ll join us—and feel free to bring a guest.

March 3, 2026

Our guest speaker will be Dr. Sibyl Frankenburg of the University of Washington’s College of Education — a passionate educator who is shaping the next generation of teachers across the Puget Sound region. Drawing on her experience as a former high school social studies teacher and current coach to Master of Teaching candidates, Dr. Frankenburg will share how today’s educators are trained, mentored, and inspired to make history come alive for students in ways that connect the past to the world they live in now.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Frankenburg brings a civic perspective through her service on the boards of the Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Brennan Center for Justice, underscoring the powerful link between education, democracy, and community life. If you care about the future of education — and the leaders it will shape — this is a morning you won’t want to miss. Please join us, and feel free to bring a guest for a thoughtful start to your day.