Volunteering

From an early age, I have seen volunteering as an opportunity to connect, engage, and develop on a personal and professional level with like-minded individuals. Today, volunteering is an integral part of who I am and it has led me amazing and meaningful connections with people around the world as a Servant Leader.

Andres Goyanes is a Past District Governor of Rotary District 6980 in Central Florida

Andres Goyanes was selected by his Rotary District as ‘Rotarian of the Year’ in 2020

Volunteering & Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership is often described as the drive to serve those who follow the leader, paying particular attention to promoting the well-being of others without regards to status, power, or role. While Servant Leadership is often related to being of service as a volunteer, the concept aligns with that of Transformational Leadership, which seeks to inspire those who follow you to ensure they grow to their full potential while allowing them to develop into leaders of their own.

Ever since first volunteering at an assisted-living home while attending military high school, Andres developed an affinity for servant leadership and volunteering. As a member of his Air Force JROTC school’s Alpha Unit, he led a team of fellow cadets to start volunteering to talk to lonely Veterans who seemed to be forgotten by their family—and this was the humble beginning of serving others who cannot help themselves.

Fast forward to adult life, and Andres has now made volunteering and servant leadership a second career of sorts as a member of Rotary. Since then, his leadership roles in this global service organization have grown in capacity and influence, achieving the role of District Governor for the Central Florida area. Through his commitment to Servant Leadership, Andres continues to lend a helping hand with his knowledge, skills, and time so that others can grow and become a better version of themselves.

Here’s summary of Andres Goyanes’ volunteering and servant leadership roles:

  • Zone 34 Asst. Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator 2023-2025

    As ARRFC, Andres served as a zone leader promoting the benefits of donating to The Rotary Foundation and how those funds create solutions across Rotary’s 7 Areas of Focus around the world

  • Rotary Leadership Institute Director 2023-2025

    The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) inspires Rotarians to learn about the history of Rotary International, its guiding principles, and their application in volunteering roles as Club Presidents, Officers, Directors, and Chairs of a variety of areas of focus.

  • Rotary D6980 District Governor 2022-2023

    Andres served as District Governor for Rotary District 6980 in Central Florida, leading nearly 1,600 Rotarians in more than 40 Rotary Clubs across five counties

  • Rotary D6980 Assistant Governor 2017-2020

    Serving as an AG, Andres supervised 4-5 Rotary Clubs, working as a liaison between the Club Presidents and the District Governor

  • Rotary Club of International Drive - Founding President 2011-2013

    Served two terms as Founding Rotary Club President after chartering a new club—the Rotary Club of International Drive – Orlando

  • Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista - Programming Chair 2009-2011

    Organized and managed guest speakers at the Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista, which meets at Walt Disney World’s resort district

  • American Marketing Association of Central Florida - Chapter President 2009-2011

    Served as President of the American Marketing Association of Central Florida in Orlando, leading a guild of 300+ marketing professionals in the region