T. R. Shaw Jr.

T. R. Shaw Jr. is a native of Battle Creek. A founder and past president of the Cereal City Sunrise Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Rotary International Action Group for Diabetes.

Diagnosed with Diabetes in 1995, he has become a staunch advocate for people with Diabetes and Diabetes Awareness and Prevention.

He is a retired U.S. Navy Officer and retired Funeral Director and is currently the CEO of Shaw Communication in Battle Creek.

He is a published author, and his book DEFY THE IMMEDIATE, is a motivational memoir, detailing lessons learned across multiple careers which includes a chapter on the impact of dealing with Diabetes. www.trshawjr.com.

Shaw serves on many boards of civic and military organizations in the Battle Creek community and is married to the former Kathy Banfield of Marshall.

Read more about the Rotary Action Group for Diabetes on their website here.

Kristina Welburn

A Massachusetts native, Kristina Welburn has been part of the Key West community for over 25 years. She has spent the past 10 years with Habitat for Humanity of Key West and Lower Florida Keys, including six as Executive Director. During her tenure, Habitat has built 38 of Habitat’s 73 homes for local families, with 11 additional homes underway.

Eco Discovery Center Update - Heather Bolint

Heather has worked as an educator and program coordinator with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (FKNMS) in Key West since October 2024. In this role, she welcomes visitors to the Eco-Discovery Center, facilitates community events, and coordinates the Blue Star Operator program with dive and snorkel operators throughout the Florida Keys. Her work centers on helping the public understand the importance of the Marine Sanctuary and encouraging people to enjoy these waters responsibly.

In addition to her work with FKNMS, Heather is part of an ecotourism boat crew, guiding passengers through the Marine Sanctuary and the Key West National Wildlife Refuge. On the water, she shares the story of the Keys’ diverse ecosystems while highlighting practical ways to protect this fragile environment.

Heather’s connection to the ocean began as a child growing up along the coast of Maine and this has shaped both her career and her life. She earned her undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, and has since explored the waters of Florida while working as a sea turtle researcher, kayak tour guide, snorkel guide, and sailor. Through education, advocacy, and lived experience, Heather is committed to protecting the planet and inspiring others to become thoughtful stewards of the ocean.

Grid Hardening for Resilience

Juan Llera is the Risk and Safety Coordinator for Keys Energy Services, where he is

responsible for the protection and well-being of the utility’s workforce and critical

infrastructure. A respected leader in the utility sector, Juan serves as the Chair of the

Safety and Training Committee for the Florida Municipal Electric Association

(FMEA). In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in shaping safety standards and

training protocols for 33 public power utilities across the state of Florida.