Sec. Elaine Chao Gives Keynote Address during Joint meeting of the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs of Birmingham

Rotarian Spencer Bachus and RCB President Brenda Hackney greet Sec. Elaine Chao.

Sec. Elaine Chao addressing Rotary and Kiwanis members.

The Rotary Club of Birmingham and Kiwanis Club of Birmingham held a joint meeting, welcoming keynote speaker Elaine Chao, who served as both U. S. Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Labor and is the first Asian American woman to serve in the president’s cabinet. Sec. Chao discussed the current economic environment given instability in Ukraine and around the world, soaring inflation, low workforce participation, supply chain challenges, the country’s transportation systems and implications of the new infrastructure law for Alabama. She also shared her experience immigrating to the U.S. at age 8 without command of the English language and obtaining her citizenship when she was 19.

“As a young, aspiring American, not a citizen yet, I read Alexis de Tocqueville when he came to America in 1834,” Sec. Chao said. “He talked about this new experiment, this democracy in America. He remarked upon this incredible tendency for Americans to come together in voluntary associations to solve community problems.

In celebration of March is Women’s History Month, Sec. Chao congratulated Rotary Club of Birmingham President Brenda Hackney, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham President Leigh Davis and Rotaract Club of Birmingham President Cameron Shevlin. Sec. Chao acknowledged this is the first time in history the three civic organizations have been led by women simultaneously and she commented on the evolution of leadership in the U.S.    

“Our country changes and it improves and it learns. As embodiment of that, I’m here before you,” Sec. Chao said. “The diversity is already happening and I’m very optimistic. Take a look at the dais and the leaders that are at the table here.”

Sec. Chao shared the special significance the conflict in Ukraine holds for her, as she served as Director of the Peace Corps when the first Peace Corps program was launched there shortly after the Soviet Union fell in 1992. She also helped start Peace Corps programs in the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia.

“Once people have freedom, they don’t want to give it up,” Sec. Chao said. “President Zelenskyy gave a very moving, emotional plea for help to the United States Congress last Wednesday, March 16, 2022.  He has provided such courage and inspiration to the world. The world community needs to be doing everything we can to help the Ukrainian people maintain their independence and freedom!” 

Sec. Chao shared her experience immigrating to the U.S. when she was 8 years old without command of the English language and obtaining her citizenship at the age of 19. It was her experience transitioning to a new country that motivated her to ensure that everyone has access to the opportunities in our country.   

“We live in a wonderful country where there is peace and stability, where dreams can come true, and our potential is viewed as our birthright,” Sec Chao said. “We need to treasure what we have.”