Governor Line
Welcome to Rotary District 5280! Greater Los Angeles County
My name is Alex J. Parajon, and I’m honored to serve as your District Governor for the 2025–2026 Rotary year. I’m also a proud member of the Glendale Sunrise Rotary Club, where my Rotary journey began—and where I continue to be inspired by the power of service and community every single day.
Whether you’ve been a Rotarian for decades, just joined a club, or are simply curious about what Rotary is all about—welcome. Your interest in making a difference is what unites us all.
Rotary is more than a service organization—it’s a global family of people of action, driven by a common purpose and a shared vision:
“Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”
Here in District 5280, we live out that vision by focusing on Rotary International’s Seven Areas of Focus:
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Promoting peace
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Fighting disease
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Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
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Supporting education
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Growing local economies
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Protecting the environment
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Supporting maternal and child health
This year, I’m proud to shine a light on three meaningful initiatives that are especially close to my heart: addressing homelessness, promoting mental health awareness, and advocating for organ donation. These efforts reflect the real and pressing needs of our communities—and the incredible potential we have, together, to bring hope, healing, and transformation.
Rotary has been life-changing for me. It gave me purpose in moments of challenge, introduced me to lifelong friends, and opened the door to a global network of compassionate leaders. Every Rotarian has their own story, and when we come together, we amplify each other’s impact in ways that are truly powerful.
As you explore our website, you’ll discover the heart of District 5280 in action—whether it’s food distributions in Greater Los Angeles or global humanitarian trips that change lives across borders. Rotarians are making a difference every single day.
If you’re not yet a member, I warmly invite you to take that next step. Come see what Rotary is all about. Find a club near you, meet the people behind the projects, and experience firsthand the joy of service and the strength of connection.
This year, we proudly embrace the Rotary International theme from President Francesco Arezzo: “Unite for Good.”
And here in District 5280, we celebrate our own theme: “Rotary Superheroes”—because when ordinary people come together with extraordinary purpose, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
Thank you for visiting. Thank you for caring.
Together, we serve. Together, we transform lives. Together, we Unite for Good.
Joined Rotary: 2005
Albert Hernandez’s Rotary journey began at just 16 years old when he attended RYLA, igniting a lifelong passion for service. Growing up in a single-parent household as number five of eleven siblings, Albert understood the value of community support and service from an early age.
At 19, he was sponsored by Dr. Alexis Sheehy, an Assistant Superintendent in Burbank, to join the Rotary Club of Burbank. Albert quickly immersed himself in Rotary, launching the Shop with a Cop Program as the club’s Youth Service Chair. Over the years, he held various leadership roles, ultimately serving as Club President in 2018. His presidential theme, "Music Unites Us," led to a Karaoke Fundraiser that raised over $20,000. Under his leadership, his team also contributed $25,000 to the new emergency room at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.
Beyond Rotary, Albert serves as the CEO of Home Again LA, a leading homeless services agency dedicated to providing immediate shelter, housing support, and long-term stability to families facing homelessness. His leadership has transformed countless lives, ensuring that families in crisis have a pathway to hope and self-sufficiency.
Following his presidency, Albert continued to serve, becoming an Assistant Governor and later the Humanitarian Co-Chair, where he led 75 Rotarians to Puerto Rico for impactful service projects. His dedication to humanitarian work has left a lasting imprint on both local and global communities.
Now, as the youngest District Governor in our history, Albert is a shining example of the impact Rotary has on young adults. From a RYLA participant to District Governor two decades later, his journey exemplifies how Rotary fosters leadership, service, and lifelong dedication to making a difference. He continues to lead with passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to humanitarian service, inspiring Rotarians to create lasting change in their communities and beyond.
Brady Connell has been a dedicated Rotarian and champion for service, bringing leadership, creativity, and passion to every role he undertakes. He served as Senior Assistant Governor – Membership from 2021 to 2024 and as Assistant Governor in 2020-21, playing a pivotal role in strengthening membership and engagement within Rotary District 5280.
From 2018 to 2020, Brady spearheaded the District’s Habitat for Humanity project, leading efforts that resulted in the construction of 10 homes for deserving families in Culver City. His hands-on leadership and commitment to service helped provide long-term stability to families in need, reinforcing the Rotary mission of service above self.
Brady is a past president of the Playa Venice Sunrise Rotary Club, where he fostered a culture of collaboration, community impact, and fellowship. In addition to his Rotary service, he has been a dedicated Big Brother of Los Angeles since 1990, mentoring and guiding young individuals toward a brighter future.
Beyond his work in Rotary, Brady is a highly accomplished television executive producer, serving as showrunner for many popular shows, including ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. His influence extends across the entertainment industry, having played a key role in launching some of television’s most successful reality series, including Survivor and The Amazing Race. His ability to tell powerful, inspirational stories on screen mirrors his passion for uplifting communities in real life.
Brady resides in Marina del Rey with his wife, Lauri Chryss, and their two young future Rotarians. Whether through service, storytelling, or mentorship, Brady remains committed to making a lasting impact in the world around him.
Home Club: Burbank Sunrise Rotary
Joined Rotary: 2008
Janice Lowers has been a proud and active member of the Rotary Club of Burbank Sunrise since 2008, dedicating her time and leadership to strengthening Rotary’s mission of service. She has served as club president twice and Assistant Governor three times, demonstrating her commitment to growing and supporting Rotary at both the club and district levels. Her dedication led her to serve as Chief of Staff for Past District Governor Bette Hall, where she played a key role in supporting district initiatives and leadership efforts.
In addition to her leadership roles, Janice has contributed her expertise to several district committees, including the Policy and Guidelines Committee and the District Charitable Foundation, ensuring that Rotary’s impact remains strong and sustainable. A passionate advocate for Rotary’s global initiatives, she is a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Paul Harris and Polio Plus Societies, and a Major Donor, reinforcing her deep commitment to Rotary’s mission of humanitarian service.
Beyond her Rotary service, Janice has dedicated her life to public service and community betterment. She retired from the Burbank Police Department in 2009 as a Captain, marking the culmination of a distinguished law enforcement career. As one of the first women hired as a patrol officer, she helped pave the way for future generations of women in law enforcement. Her commitment to serving her community extended beyond her police career, as she has served on the Park and Recreation Board and numerous nonprofit boards, using her leadership to enhance the quality of life in Burbank and beyond.
Currently, Janice continues her service on the board of Home Again LA, helping to provide support and stability to families facing homelessness. Her dedication to community service is matched by her devotion to family. She is the mother of adult twins, whom she raised as a single mother after her husband passed away in 2000.
Janice’s passion for travel, sports, fun, and serving others reflects her vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the world around her. She looks forward to continuing to serve Rotary District 5280, its incredible clubs, and their equally incredible members.