The Rotary Employment Partnership

Our guest speaker for our October 7, 2024 luncheon meeting will be Wendy McDonald who will update our Club on the Rotary Employment Partnership.

A dedicated Rotarian for 34 years, Wendy is a Charter member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Glenora and is now a member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Sunrise. Over the years, she has held several leadership roles within the District, including District Youth Exchange Committee,  District Trainer, Assistant Governor, and co-chair of the 2022 District Conference. Wendy is a six-time Paul Harris Fellow and was honored with Rotary’s highest accolade, the Service Above Self award, in 2021.

During her tenure as President of the Rotary Club of Edmonton Mayfield, Wendy co-founded the Rotary Employment Partnership along with Bruce Uditsky, CEO Emeritus from Inclusion Alberta, a groundbreaking initiative that creates meaningful, paid employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This partnership has earned international recognition, being honored by the Essl Foundation and the World Future Council, along with its Scientific Advisory Committee, for exemplifying practices aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. These accolades were awarded after a rigorous review by 100 disability experts, considering practices in 84 countries.

Wendy, along with her husband Blaine, are the proud parent of two sons. Their younger son, Kyle, has an intellectual disability. Wendy currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Inclusion Alberta.Wendy is deeply committed to the belief that individuals with disabilities should have the opportunity to fully participate as contributing members of our community.