Raised in Silence: Changing the Way We Communicate, Connect & Include 

What happens when we stop assuming everyone experiences and communicates with the world the same way? Drawing from her experience growing up as a hearing child of Deaf parents, Maria Gallucci shares powerful and often humorous lessons about communication, resilience, inclusion, and human connection. Her message goes far beyond the Deaf community, challenging all of us to notice who may be feeling unheard or overlooked and reminding us that meaningful change often begins with something very simple: Just Try. 

Maria Gallucci is a best-selling author, award-winning REALTOR®, speaker, and advocate for inclusive communication. As a CODA, Child of Deaf Adults, Maria learned American Sign Language before English and grew up navigating the world between Deaf and hearing cultures. Those experiences shaped her 30+ year career in real estate, her commitment to creating more inclusive spaces, and her book, Raised in Silence. Through her personal stories, humor, and “Just Try” philosophy, Maria encourages people to communicate differently, challenge assumptions, and make sure others feel seen, valued, and included.

The 2027 convention is being held June 26–30 in beautiful Barcelona.


Register here 

Rotarians were welcomed to an Oktoberfest beer garden prior to this week’s meeting—many thanks to Jose Plascencia for providing the beer! And happy birthday to Jay Corbett today.

President Tim, clad in lederhosen and Bavarian hat, called meeting 5,539 of the Rotary Club of San Jose to order and thanked the greeting line—the Greater Downtown committee chaired by Jeff Hare and Emily Ruvalcaba.

• “Turn It All Teal” Sharks Opening Weekend
• Symphony San Jose 25^th Anniversary Season, beginning October 3
• Art + Climate Symposium, “Reimagining our Waterways,” at the San Jose Museum of Art October 16-17
• Eureka Day! at City Lights through October 11
• Barcelona, at San Jose Stage, through October 18
• Phantom of the Opera, Broadway San Jose, October 7-18
• Pumpkins in the Park, Discovery Meadow, October 10, 10am-4pm
• 10^th Anniversary Gala & Halloween Party, New Ballet, Hammer Theatre Center, October 17

• International Feast, 10/9, Providing Sustainable Irrigation for Terraced Fields in Vietnam
• Autumn Ride 10/11, 10am (Rotary Cycling Club)
• SJ Rotary New Dance Committee (Kathleen Thomas)

 

Sponsored by Hal Hendrickson

Ben Jordan is a lifelong South Bay resident who was born in San Jose and graduated from San Benito High School before earning his Engineering degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Today, he lives in Campbell near his mother, brothers, and sister, and treasures time spent with his four nephews and one niece, who know him affectionately as “Funcle Ben.”
Service to others has been a defining part of Ben’s life. While living in San Luis Obispo, he participated in the Leadership SLO Class XV thru the SLO Chamber of Commerce, gaining insight into community challenges, opportunities for positive civic impact, and friendships that remain some of his closest today. He later served in leadership roles with the San Jose Elks Lodge, including as Club President, and remains active through volunteer work at Valley Medical Center and Elmwood Correctional Facility. Community involvement and helping others are values he strives to live every day, making Rotary a natural fit for his continued service journey.
Outside of volunteering, Ben is an aspiring powerlifter, a determined runner, a cautious motorcycle rider and a distracted student of meditation. When he's not pushing himself with exercise, you'll likely find him embracing his inner beach bum in Santa Cruz splashing around in the ocean and soaking up the sun. Ben is a self-proclaimed connoisseur of all things ice cream.
Professionally, Ben works as a financial advisor at Merrill in Palo Alto, helping clients pursue their financial goals and build confidence in their future.