Keynote Speakers

2026 Featured Speakers

Far West PELS brings together inspiring leaders, innovative thinkers, and engaging storytellers who will challenge, motivate, and equip you with new perspectives for your year of leadership.

 

Olayinka "yinka" Hakeen Babalola

Rotary International President-Elect, 2025-2026
Rotary Club of Trans Amadi
Rivers State, Nigeria
 
Olayinka “Yinka” Hakeem Babalola brings a powerful global perspective as Rotary International President-elect and a proven leader who has helped transform Rotary’s reach, membership, and impact worldwide. With decades of experience in executive leadership and humanitarian service, he inspires leaders to think boldly, grow Rotary, and lead with purpose on a global scale.

Wyn Spiller

Rotary International Director, Zones 26 & 27
Rotary Club of Grass Valley
Nevada City, CA
 
A lifelong champion of service and leadership, Wyn Spiller exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose in Rotary. Her global experience, passion for peacebuilding and youth exchange, and commitment to developing leaders make her a compelling voice for Rotarians preparing to serve in impactful and transformative roles.

Roger Crawford

Hall of Fame Tennis Athlete
Host, "Motivational Mondays with Roger Crawford"
Author, "Think to Win, The Power of Possibility Thinking"
 
Named by Sports Illustrated as one of the most accomplished physically challenged athletes in the world, Roger Crawford delivers a powerful message of resilience, mindset, and possibility. His compelling story and practical insights inspire leaders to embrace change, elevate performance, and believe that while challenges are inevitable, defeat is optional.

Brooke Deterline

Founder & CEO, Courageous Leadership, LLC
Founding Corporate Consulting Director, Heroic Imagination Project. 
2024 TEDx Speaker
 
A dynamic thought leader and founder of Courageous Leadership, Brooke Deterline challenges leaders to meet today’s toughest moments with integrity, ingenuity, and humanity. Her evidence-based work has inspired organizations—from Rotary International to global Fortune 500 companies—to collaborate effectively and lead with purpose in uncertain times.

Jean Irwin Hatfield

Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar
Teacher of the Deaf
 
A passionate educator and Service Above Self award recipient, Jean Hatfield brings to life the extraordinary outcomes that occur when Rotary empowers learning and innovation. Her keynote connects literacy, global service, and decades of hands-on impact to inspire Rotarians to see the lasting difference their support makes worldwide.

Brad Bonar

Founder & CEO, 1 Degree of Separation, Inc.
Comedian, featured in "DryBar" comedy special
 
Blending world-class comedy with a deeply human mission, Brad Bonar reaches audiences in a way few speakers can—making difficult conversations accessible and impactful. His unique approach has garnered over 20 million views and inspired organizations around the globe to talk openly, listen more closely, and support one another when it matters most.

Past Speakers

Over the years, Far West PELS has welcomed a distinguished roster of keynote speakers—leaders in business, nonprofit, government, and Rotary—who share their expertise, vision, and inspiration. Past speakers have included:

  • Rotary International Presidents and Directors who bring a global perspective.

  • Renowned business executives recognized for driving innovation and growth.

  • Community changemakers whose stories highlight the impact of service and leadership.

This tradition of excellence continues each year, ensuring that our keynote sessions both inspire and equip incoming presidents and assistant governors for the year ahead.