Welcome to the Rotary Club of Washington, DC
Upcoming Lunch Programs
October 28th 2026 at 12:30 pm
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Craig Barnard-El
Bridging the Opportunity Gap in Workforce Development
Craig Barnard-El is a strategic business development and corporate engagement leader with extensive experience building partnerships that connect employers with high-performing, emerging talent. As Director of Corporate Engagement for Year Up United in the National Capital Region, Craig leads employer acquisition efforts by developing relationships with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and growing businesses to create paid internship opportunities that address workforce needs while expanding economic mobility for young adults.
Craig specializes in consultative, skills-first workforce strategies, helping organizations strengthen their early-career talent pipelines in areas including information technology, cybersecurity, software development, business operations, finance, customer success, and project management. He works closely with executive leaders and hiring teams to align talent solutions with organizational priorities, resulting in long-term, high-impact partnerships.
Driven by a passion for creating equitable career opportunities, Craig is committed to helping young adults, ages 18–29, gain the technical and professional skills needed to launch meaningful careers while supporting employers with diverse, internship-ready talent. His work centers on relationship building, strategic collaboration, and creating sustainable workforce solutions that deliver measurable value to both employers and the communities they serve.
Known for his authentic leadership, collaborative approach, and ability to connect people and purpose, Craig is dedicated to building partnerships that strengthen organizations, transform lives, and contribute to a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Craig Barnard-El
Bridging the Opportunity Gap in Workforce Development
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Craig Barnard-El is a strategic business development and corporate engagement leader with extensive experience building partnerships that connect employers with high-performing, emerging talent. As Director of Corporate Engagement for Year Up United in the National Capital Region, Craig leads employer acquisition efforts by developing relationships with Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and growing businesses to create paid internship opportunities that address workforce needs while expanding economic mobility for young adults.
Craig specializes in consultative, skills-first workforce strategies, helping organizations strengthen their early-career talent pipelines in areas including information technology, cybersecurity, software development, business operations, finance, customer success, and project management. He works closely with executive leaders and hiring teams to align talent solutions with organizational priorities, resulting in long-term, high-impact partnerships.
Driven by a passion for creating equitable career opportunities, Craig is committed to helping young adults, ages 18–29, gain the technical and professional skills needed to launch meaningful careers while supporting employers with diverse, internship-ready talent. His work centers on relationship building, strategic collaboration, and creating sustainable workforce solutions that deliver measurable value to both employers and the communities they serve.
Known for his authentic leadership, collaborative approach, and ability to connect people and purpose, Craig is dedicated to building partnerships that strengthen organizations, transform lives, and contribute to a more inclusive and future-ready workforce.
November 4th 2026 at 12:30 pm
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: General William E. “Kip” Ward
Leadership
General William E. “Kip” Ward is an executive leader, global strategist, and dedicated public servant whose career spans over four decades of executive management, international diplomacy, and organizational transformation.
A graduate of Morgan State University, General Ward held executive leadership roles across four continents, guiding complex multi-national organizations in high-stakes environments including Korea, Egypt, Somalia, Bosnia, and Germany. As Commander of the NATO Stabilization Force in Bosnia and later as the U.S. Security Coordinator to the Israel-Palestinian Authority, he spearheaded cross-cultural negotiation, infrastructure stabilization, and international reform initiatives.
In 2007, General Ward was selected to establish and lead the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) as its inaugural Commander. In this executive role, he built a global enterprise from the ground up, integrating defense, diplomacy, and economic development strategies to foster long-term stability and international partnership across 53 nations.
His decorated career in public service has earned him top national honors, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. Following his transition to the civilian sector, General Ward has served as a corporate board member, executive advisor, and strategic consultant in the logistics, technology, and security industries.
Beyond the boardroom, General Ward is a passionate advocate for mentorship, workforce development, and community empowerment. He frequently speaks on executive decision-making, crisis management, and the core principles of value-based leadership. We are honored to welcome a leader whose career bridges complex global strategy with actionable executive leadership.
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: General William E. “Kip” Ward
Leadership
General William E. “Kip” Ward is an executive leader, global strategist, and dedicated public servant whose career spans over four decades of executive management, international diplomacy, and organizational transformation.
A graduate of Morgan State University, General Ward held executive leadership roles across four continents, guiding complex multi-national organizations in high-stakes environments including Korea, Egypt, Somalia, Bosnia, and Germany. As Commander of the NATO Stabilization Force in Bosnia and later as the U.S. Security Coordinator to the Israel-Palestinian Authority, he spearheaded cross-cultural negotiation, infrastructure stabilization, and international reform initiatives.
In 2007, General Ward was selected to establish and lead the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) as its inaugural Commander. In this executive role, he built a global enterprise from the ground up, integrating defense, diplomacy, and economic development strategies to foster long-term stability and international partnership across 53 nations.
His decorated career in public service has earned him top national honors, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. Following his transition to the civilian sector, General Ward has served as a corporate board member, executive advisor, and strategic consultant in the logistics, technology, and security industries.
Beyond the boardroom, General Ward is a passionate advocate for mentorship, workforce development, and community empowerment. He frequently speaks on executive decision-making, crisis management, and the core principles of value-based leadership. We are honored to welcome a leader whose career bridges complex global strategy with actionable executive leadership.
November 11th 2026 at 12:30 pm
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Peter Vaselopulos
Arlington History
Peter Vaselopulos is currently serving his second year as President of the Arlington Historical Society. He retired from the federal government as Deputy Chief Information Officer at the US Agency for Global Media, where he worked for 35 years as a broadcast journalist, international television producer, and digital media and information technology specialist. Peter has a master’s certificate in Digital Public Humanities from George Mason University. He is a graduate of George Washington University and American University, with master’s degrees in Managing Information Systems and International Communications. He teaches history and digital storytelling courses for Arlington’s Encore adult education program. He is an Arlington County Historic Preservation grantee and launched a digital media project called "Arlington Historical," which includes a website and mobile app. He is a board member of the Alliance to Preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington, D.C. Peter and his wife are 45-year residents of Arlington County.
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Peter Vaselopulos
Arlington History
Peter Vaselopulos is currently serving his second year as President of the Arlington Historical Society. He retired from the federal government as Deputy Chief Information Officer at the US Agency for Global Media, where he worked for 35 years as a broadcast journalist, international television producer, and digital media and information technology specialist. Peter has a master’s certificate in Digital Public Humanities from George Mason University. He is a graduate of George Washington University and American University, with master’s degrees in Managing Information Systems and International Communications. He teaches history and digital storytelling courses for Arlington’s Encore adult education program. He is an Arlington County Historic Preservation grantee and launched a digital media project called "Arlington Historical," which includes a website and mobile app. He is a board member of the Alliance to Preserve the Civil War Defenses of Washington, D.C. Peter and his wife are 45-year residents of Arlington County.
November 18th 2026 at 12:30 pm
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Victor Shiblie
Evolution of Diplomacy
Victor Shiblie is President and Publisher of The Washington Diplomat, the premier independent news publication serving the diplomatic community in Washington, D.C. Since 1994, The Washington Diplomat has been the flagship source for international affairs and diplomacy, reaching a readership of more than 200,000. Its audience includes foreign embassies in Washington, the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank, the White House, Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, Fortune 500 companies, and federal agencies.
Under Victor's leadership, The Washington Diplomat has earned a reputation as a trusted and influential voice in global affairs. The publication delivers in-depth coverage of international relations, diplomacy, trade and investment, multilateral institutions, humanitarian initiatives, and economic policy. It is especially recognized for its exclusive ambassador profiles and interviews with world leaders, senior government officials, and international decision-makers.
Committed to fostering dialogue and strengthening global understanding, Victor continues to position The Washington Diplomat as an essential platform connecting the diplomatic corps, policymakers, business leaders, and the international community.
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Victor Shiblie
Evolution of Diplomacy
Victor Shiblie is President and Publisher of The Washington Diplomat, the premier independent news publication serving the diplomatic community in Washington, D.C. Since 1994, The Washington Diplomat has been the flagship source for international affairs and diplomacy, reaching a readership of more than 200,000. Its audience includes foreign embassies in Washington, the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Inter-American Development Bank, the White House, Capitol Hill, the Pentagon, Fortune 500 companies, and federal agencies.
Under Victor's leadership, The Washington Diplomat has earned a reputation as a trusted and influential voice in global affairs. The publication delivers in-depth coverage of international relations, diplomacy, trade and investment, multilateral institutions, humanitarian initiatives, and economic policy. It is especially recognized for its exclusive ambassador profiles and interviews with world leaders, senior government officials, and international decision-makers.
Committed to fostering dialogue and strengthening global understanding, Victor continues to position The Washington Diplomat as an essential platform connecting the diplomatic corps, policymakers, business leaders, and the international community.
November 25th 2026 at 12:30 pm
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Allyson McKithen
Winternational: Inside Washington, D.C.'s Premier Annual Embassy Showcase
Allyson Browne McKithen is Executive Director of the World Trade Center Washington, D.C., and Vice President of International Programs at Trade Center Management Associates TCMA), which manages the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
She leads initiatives that promote international trade, strengthen diplomatic and business partnerships, and position Washington, D.C., as a global hub for commerce, cultural exchange, and international engagement. Her work includes leading trade missions, developing strategic partnerships, and creating programs that connect governments, businesses, embassies, and communities.
Ms. McKithen is the visionary behind Winternational, Washington, D.C.'s premier annual embassy showcase. Under her leadership, the event has grown into one of the nation's capital's signature public diplomacy events, featuring more than 90 embassies and welcoming thousands of visitors each year. By celebrating the cultures, traditions, and people represented in the diplomatic community, Winternational has become a powerful platform for fostering international understanding and strengthening relationships between embassies and the public.
She will share the vision behind Winternational and how cultural diplomacy continues to build global connections in the nation's capital.
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Allyson McKithen
Winternational: Inside Washington, D.C.'s Premier Annual Embassy Showcase
Allyson Browne McKithen is Executive Director of the World Trade Center Washington, D.C., and Vice President of International Programs at Trade Center Management Associates TCMA), which manages the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
She leads initiatives that promote international trade, strengthen diplomatic and business partnerships, and position Washington, D.C., as a global hub for commerce, cultural exchange, and international engagement. Her work includes leading trade missions, developing strategic partnerships, and creating programs that connect governments, businesses, embassies, and communities.
Ms. McKithen is the visionary behind Winternational, Washington, D.C.'s premier annual embassy showcase. Under her leadership, the event has grown into one of the nation's capital's signature public diplomacy events, featuring more than 90 embassies and welcoming thousands of visitors each year. By celebrating the cultures, traditions, and people represented in the diplomatic community, Winternational has become a powerful platform for fostering international understanding and strengthening relationships between embassies and the public.
She will share the vision behind Winternational and how cultural diplomacy continues to build global connections in the nation's capital.
December 23rd 2026 at 12:30 pm
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Celebrate the Season
Music by the Salvation Army Band
Happy Holidays!
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Celebrate the Season
Music by the Salvation Army Band
Happy Holidays!
WORLD POLIO DAY
OCTOBER 24
Our Upcoming Events
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Craig Barnard-El
Topic: Bridging the Opportunity Gap in Workforce Development
More info
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: General William E. “Kip” Ward
Topic: Leadership
More info
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Peter Vaselopulos
Topic: Arlington History
More info
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Victor Shiblie
Topic: Evolution of Diplomacy
More info
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Allyson McKithen
Topic: Winternational: Inside Washington, D.C.'s Premier Annual Embassy Showcase
More info
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Celebrate the Season
Topic: Music by the Salvation Army Band
More info
Interested in the Rotary Club of Washington DC?
ATTEND LUNCH
Visitors are warmly invited to attend a weekly luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. to experience our culture of service, leadership, and fellowship. The Club meets every Wednesday from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at the University Club of Washington, D.C. (1135 16th Street NW), with informal fellowship beginning at approximately 12:15 p.m. Guests are encouraged to register in advance using the link below and to introduce themselves at the registration table upon arrival. The cost of lunch is $42.
MEMBERSHIP INFO
We would also like to invite you to attend a New & Prospective Membership Orientation, which takes place on the 3rd Monday of every month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Please register HERE.
It’s the best opportunity to meet Club leaders and learn more firsthand about why joining us is so rewarding personally and professionally.
APPLY TODAY
If you are looking for a place to serve, lead, and connect with others who care about making a difference, we invite you to apply for membership in the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. Our members come from many professions and backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to “Service Above Self” and to building community in the nation’s capital. Simply complete the application using the link below, and a member of our team will reach out to welcome you and guide you through the next steps.
Impacting the Community
Our members take action to create lasting change in Washington, D.C. and around the world. Through service projects, partnerships, grants, and hands-on volunteerism, we work to address real needs in our community while building meaningful relationships with those we serve and with one another.
Rotary is where people come together to turn commitment into impact.
Our Impact
Club Officers & Board of Directors
