Isabelle Martinez Hayer was born in Vancouver and raised on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada. She holds a Master’s degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University and serves as Governor of Rotary District 5050, spanning parts of British Columbia, Canada and Washington state, USA for the 2025–2026 term.
A first-generation Canadian, Isabelle is the daughter of immigrant parents whose experiences navigating social, economic, and cultural barriers deeply shaped her commitment to inclusive education, equity, and peacebuilding. Her early work in a family-run restaurant business, followed by professional roles in silviculture (reforestation) and journalism through the Punjabi-language Indo-Canadian Times, fostered a strong appreciation for environmental stewardship, media literacy, and the power of education in strengthening social cohesion. She brings more than 25 years of experience in banking and finance to her work in ethical leadership and community development.
Family and community are central to Isabelle’s life. Together with her husband, Dave, she raised four children and is a proud Mame to nine grandchildren. Isabelle has served on the boards of several high-profile community and business organizations.
A long-time Rotarian, Isabelle was among the first women inducted into the Canadian arm of Rotary in 1989. Guided by principles of integrity, mutual understanding, and service, she and her husband have established endowments with The Rotary Foundation and with Simon Fraser University supporting Journalism and Communications students.
With humility and resolve, Isabelle advocates for education as a cornerstone of peace, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical digital engagement, youth empowerment, and cross-cultural dialogue as essential tools for building resilient, compassionate societies in an era of rapid technological change and increasingly polarized public discourse.