Last week's speaker
Latest new Rotarian, Brigetta Anselmi gave her new member talk last Tuesday.
Brigetta was introduced to the club by Wendy who she had a business relationship with but also found they had a common interest in horses. Brigetta's talk was the story about who she is, how she got there and some of the challenges she faced along the way.
Brigetta was born into an Italian family in New Zealand. Her grandfather had 6 children and she was one of 29 grandchildren so she is used to having a great family support network.
Brigetta's Dad was a farmer and she grew up on the farm where she learn't a lot of her life skills and in particular a great work ethic and desire to get through life on her own terms.
Brigetta went to boarding school in Auckland and after that got a degree in commerce. She was a marketing tutor but went on to work for herself. Like her, her children also grew up on a farm which Brigetta ran while her husband then was working for Shell in Australia.
Recently Brigetta discovered she had cancer and needed to undergo treatment. She had to change her lifestyle, ie take a break! She bought Rockbourne house, 298 York Place Dunedin where she was going to live, but now runs a jewellery gallery and function centre from the house as well. They are hosting fundraisers at the house and are booked out until next year. She also has a beauty spa company which send out products developed by Brigetta for the industry. Interestingly, through making contact with our President Derek, Cargill Enterprises take care of the packaging and dispatch of the products.
Brigetta would not be able to accomplish all this without great support from her family, friends and colleagues. Dunedin and Rockbourne House are her platform for a fresh start in life. I'm sure we all wish her success and welcome her as a new Rotarian.