Louisville, KY – On September 4th, the Rotary Club of Louisville, the 12th largest Rotary Club among 43,000 clubs worldwide, hosted another remarkable luncheon program at the University Club. The featured speaker was Stacey Wade, CEO and Executive Creative Director of NIMBUS, a nationally recognized creative agency, and co-founder of West End Gin.
Among the attendees was Di Tran, local entrepreneur, author, and founder of Louisville Beauty Academy. For Di, this gathering was not simply a meeting of professionals, but a celebration of like-minded leaders who see business as a tool for service, community uplift, and cultural pride.
Stacey Wade’s Message: Pride Without Victimhood
In his address, Stacey Wade spoke with passion about his journey in business, creativity, and leadership. What resonated most was his unique perspective: he speaks not from a place of anger or victimhood, but from a deep sense of pride, acceptance, and gratitude. Wade proudly embraces his roots in Louisville’s West End, transforming cultural identity into a platform for growth, reinvestment, and leadership.
Under his guidance, NIMBUS has become a national leader in multicultural and strategic marketing, with a client roster including KFC, Toyota, and Brown-Forman, along with collaborations with icons like Deion Sanders and Jack Harlow. In addition, Wade and his wife, Dr. Dawn Wade, launched West End Gin, a premium brand that reinvests $1 from every bottle into grassroots initiatives.
Di Tran’s Reflection: Small Steps, Big Impact
For Di Tran, hearing Stacey Wade’s story affirmed his own philosophy of living life one small piece at a time. Tran has long championed the idea that success is not built on grand promises, but on daily acts of love, effort, and contribution. Through his ventures, including Louisville Beauty Academy and Di Tran University, he has sought to elevate Louisville by helping individuals — particularly immigrants and working families — achieve education, licensing, and workforce readiness.
Like Wade, Tran emphasizes a rise mentality: to see challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities to grow, serve, and build a better community.
Rotary Fellowship: A Gathering of Like-Minded Leaders
The luncheon was not only about the speaker, but also about the wonderful fellowship and new Rotarian guests who joined. The Rotary Club of Louisville continues to be a magnet for leaders who believe in service above self, entrepreneurship as a force for good, and community as the foundation of progress.
For Di Tran, the opportunity to sit among such leaders was a blessing: “Life is beautiful, even with its challenges. And together, we rise — with gratitude, love, and service,” Tran reflected.
Conclusion
The September 4th Rotary luncheon highlighted what makes Louisville strong: leaders like Stacey Wade and Di Tran who see identity, business, and service not as separate pursuits, but as interconnected callings. In the 12th largest Rotary Club in the world, the spirit of fellowship continues to bring together those who live with pride, lead with purpose, and commit to building a better tomorrow.
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