A caballero carries the Danish flag to welcome Rotary Youth Exchange student Filippa Andersson to México. Courtesy photo

BY JAMES WERNICKE
President 2026-2027
Rotary Club of Los Alamos

Rotarians from the United States and Mexico gathered in Juárez, Chihuahua, this weekend for the annual International Project Fair, where clubs from Rotary Districts 4110, 5520 and 5470 came together to build partnerships around some of Rotary’s highest-impact international projects.

The fair connects Rotary clubs seeking support for projects in their communities with clubs and districts interested in becoming international partners. To qualify for a Rotary Global Grant, a project must demonstrate measurable impact, strong community involvement and a plan for remaining sustainable long after Rotary’s initial investment ends. This year’s fair featured 23 projects, addressing needs ranging from disease prevention and clean water and sanitation to environmental protection, education, and workforce development.

Through the Rotary Club of Los Alamos’ Global Grant Fund, contributions are matched by partner clubs, districts and The Rotary Foundation, allowing every $1 donated to generate as much as $11.20 for projects. Lab employees who donate to the Los Alamos Rotary 1312 Foundation through the Employee Giving Program can receive an additional 50% match, potentially increasing the impact of each $1 donated to $16.80.

The weekend also provided an opportunity for cultural exchange. Joining Los Alamos Rotarians was LAHS junior Filippa Andersson of Denmark, who is spending the 2026–27 school year in Los Alamos through Rotary Youth Exchange.

Meanwhile, LAHS junior Trey Wernicke is spending the year in Hochdorf, Switzerland. The Rotary Club of Los Alamos sponsors both inbound and outbound exchange students each year.

Rotary is an international service organization that brings people together to strengthen their communities and address humanitarian needs locally and around the world. The Rotary Club of Los Alamos meets at noon on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the United Church of Los Alamos. Meetings are open to the public. Visit RotaryLosAlamos.org
to learn more.


Rotarians from across New Mexico, Colorado and northern Mexico gather in Juárez, Chihuahua, for the annual International Project Fair. Courtesy photo


Rotary District 4110 Governor Marina González and District 5520 Governor-Elect Laura Gonzales chat with LAHS junior and Rotary Youth Exchange student Filippa Andersson about women in leadership. Courtesy photo

Dr. Zero Polio reminds visitors that not all heroes wear capes. Rotary and its partners have helped reduce global polio cases by more than 99.9% through the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Courtesy photo

LAHS junior and Rotary Youth Exchange student Filippa Andersson poses with student mariachi musicians following their performance at the International Project Fair. Courtesy photo