Rotary District 5680 Governor
Aug 22, 2023 12:00 PM
Gloria Homeier
Rotary District 5680 Governor
I live in a world that allows me to see new places, experience different cultures, make my community better and meet new friends. That world is Rotary for me.
 
My family is 4 generations of Rotarians. My Dad was in Rotary over 50 years, my daughter is a Rotarian and my grandchildren are Interactors. The moment that defined me as a Rotarian happened as I was trudging up mountains in the Pantanatic community of Guatemala putting in water filtration systems. I realized then how many lives Rotary changes. I knew then I was a Rotarian for life.
 
I joined Rotary in 2001 in Beloit and later transferred to the Russell Club. There I have served as Secretary, President and Interact Leader. I have been fortunate to serve the District in the past as New Generations Chairperson and served as the District Anti Human Trafficking Chair. I was awarded our Clubs 2019 Outstanding Rotarian Award. In the Russell Community I have served as Chairperson for Russell Main Street, served on the Russell Chamber of Commerce Board and Russell Pride. I have received the Russell Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Community Service Award.
 
I am an entrepreneur and a general contractor.   I have rental properties in Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska and work on flip houses in Kansas. I also own a True Value Store in Lexington, NE.   In 2007, I was named Kansas Small Business of the year. In 2012, I received the Kansas Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Award for Women in Business. I have served on the National Board of the Association of progressive Rental Dealers. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management and in Organizational Development. 
 
My husband Jim Schwien is a farmer/stockman who works hard to feed others.   We have seven children who amaze me every day of what they have accomplished in life and 13 truly wonderful grandchildren. In life, I have always followed the path less trodden. I embrace change and love to open new doors but have a genuine respect for those that have paved a path for us. As your District Governor, I am excited to move forward with Rotary’s emphasis on mental health,  growing our clubs, ending polo and getting to know more Rotarians in our District.