Submitted by: Bradford Folta
I am two years into my Rotary career and have enjoyed all the thrills Rotary offers. I currently serve as the Club Service Officer for the Brainerd Noon Rotary Club. I am excited to be the new RYE Public Image Officer for District 5580. I grew up in Brainerd and was never aware of the opportunity to be an exchange student through Rotary. After I joined my club and attended the district shin-digs for RYE, I became motivated to promote the program because of my missed opportunity and to show that there were new and exciting things beyond our district for our youth to experience. My goal with the RYE team is to expand RYE to more clubs within our district, increase our outbounds/inbounds, and create a locally-international world from which we can learn and enjoy making the great white north much more fun!
As the new RYE Public Image Officer for District 5580, I am excited to be based in Brainerd, Minnesota, with my mapping and data collection company, Honey Badger Analytics LLC.
My journey has been a unique blend of experiences. I was born and raised in Minnesota, where I completed my BA at the University of Minnesota Duluth. During my time there, I served on the Equity, Access, and Diversity Board, worked for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and was a member and co-chair of the Duluth Superior Pride Committee. I then ventured to the East Coast, working from Maryland to Maine, and earning my Master’s degree at Unity College.
Professionally, I’ve spent most of my career in the state, federal, and academic sectors, working in various lesser-known locations nationwide. My diverse experiences—from IKEA to the National Park Service—have exposed me to people worldwide and throughout the USA. This global exposure has been a significant asset in my career and personal life. It has enabled me to confidently find a place to stay almost anywhere in the world and has greatly influenced how I engage with domestic and international clients.
If you or your club are interested in learning about the 5580 Youth Exchange Program, The RYE committee is here to help. This mission is not just about sharing our culture but also about learning from others. I look forward to sharing those enriching experiences awaiting District 5580 with new students from local clubs and the myriad of excellent students from abroad!