District 7040 at the Zone Institute

District 7040 Connects, Learns and Celebrates in Cancún

More than 12 Rotarians joined the 2026 Zone Institute, including two incoming district leaders taking part in dedicated training.

Six District 7040 governors at the Zone Institute — **Six District 7040 governors, past, present and future, enjoying a moment of fellowship at the Zone Institute.** From left to right: Chris Cochrane, District Governor Nominee (2028–29); Bonnie Black, Past District Governor (2013–14); Graeme Fraser, Past District Governor (2025–26); Elsabé Falkson, District Governor-Elect (2027–28); Barbara Fisk, District Governor (2026–27); and Pardeep Ahluwalia, Past District Governor (2023–24).

More than 12 Rotarians from District 7040 attended the 2026 Rotary Zone Institute in Cancún, Mexico, from 15 to 19 September. The gathering brought together Rotary members and leaders from across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America and northern South America to learn from one another and share ideas for their clubs and communities.

The Institute offered learning tailored to many Rotary roles. Elsabé Falkson, our 2027–28 District Governor, took part in the Governor-Elect Learning Seminar (GELS), while District Governor Nominee Chris Cochrane of the D7040 Passport Club attended the Governor-Nominee Learning Seminar (GNLS). There were also dedicated tracks for membership and public image, sessions covering the Foundation, EMGA and DISC, and specialised sessions for partners.

District 7040 Rotarians with Rotary International leaders — Past District Governor Graeme Fraser with Rotary International President-Elect Larry Lunsford, and District 7040 Public Image and Communications Chair Jessica Zijlstra with Rotary International President Yinka Babalola.

Membership, public image and DEIB training group — Rotarians in the membership, public image and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging training group at the Zone Institute.

A Proud Moment for District 7040

A proud moment for District 7040 came when Elsabé graduated from GELS. She was congratulated on stage in the presence of Rotary International President Yinka Babalola, President-Elect Larry Lunsford and Rotary Foundation Trustee Carlos Sandoval. Congratulations, Elsabé, on this milestone as you prepare to lead our district.

Elsabé Falkson at her GELS graduation — Elsabé Falkson celebrates her graduation from the Governor-Elect Learning Seminar, receiving congratulations from Rotary International President Yinka Babalola and President-Elect Larry Lunsford.

District 7040 Rotarians at the gala dinner — District 7040 Rotarians enjoying fellowship together at the Zone Institute gala dinner.

The Institute also brought Rotarians together for an End Polio Now vigil on the beach. It was a quiet moment amid a busy few days, giving members time to reflect on the people affected by polio and the work still needed to end the disease. Sharing that commitment with Rotarians from across the region was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together.

End Polio Now vigil at the Zone Institute

The conversations continued well beyond the formal sessions. District 7040 members exchanged practical ideas with Rotarians from other regions, heard how their clubs are approaching shared challenges and built new friendships along the way. We look forward to seeing the ideas and connections made in Cancún take shape across our district.