OUR SPEAKERS

Meet Our Speakers

The Rotary Club of Washington, DC is strategically located to gather the most prestigious group of speakers our nation’s Capital can generate. From Ambassadors, Business Executives, and Tribal Chiefs to an endless array of Champions of Change. Our Club Members, and visitors to our weekly meetings, receive an impressive amount of intellectually-stimulating, heart-warming presentations each week. Further, on this page, is a sample of speakers whom have recently spoken at our Club…

Upcoming Speakers

January 7th 2026 at 12:30 pm
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: David Trigaux
Enriching our Local DMV Youth and Community at-large thru Debate. Debate as an Enabler of Peace and Conflict Resolution.

David Trigaux
Originally the only staff member at WUDL, David Trigaux now oversees all of WUDL programming and its development efforts. He wears many hats around the WUDL, ranging from coach training and curriculum development to grant writing, volunteer management, and fundraising. He works with the Board to determine the strategic direction of the organization. Under his leadership, the
organization has grown from just over 100 students to serving thousands each year.

A former high school and college debater, David has coached debate for more than a decade. While he believes that the greatest benefits of debate aren’t tied to wins and losses, his students have achieved competitive success along the way, including many qualifiers and break-round participants at the Tournament of Champions, NFL/NSDA, NCFL, the UDNC, and UDL MS Nationals (6x time champs). He’s also coached a multinational team to an international title to the International Space Society’s spUN Debate Program. Many of David’s former students have been awarded college scholarships for debate.

Outside of WUDL, David has worked in local and national politics as a consultant, researcher, and campaign staffer. He’s worked to develop an international debate and civic discourse curriculum, served on the Board of Directors for Pay our Interns, a non-profit dedicated to advocating for paid internships in the public and private sector.

David was named one of the National After-school Association’s Next Generation Leaders for 2019, and completed CityBridge’s Design Studio Incubator, Louise Burrell Miller cohort for new program design centered around ESL Debate.

January 14th 2026 at 12:30 pm
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Speaker: Christine Cotter
Sail Beyond Cancer Annapolis

Christine Cotter became Executive Director of Sail Beyond Cancer Annapolis in 2024.
Before joining Sail Beyond Cancer Annapolis, Ms. Cotter was Vice President of Public
Relations at American Professional Agency, Inc. She has more than 20 years of
experience in managing and working with membership organizations, including the
American Society of Psychoanalytic Physicians, American Psychiatric Association
district branches, and Maryland and District of Columbia Society of Clinical Oncology.
Christine works with our Board and volunteers, and is responsible for the administration
of Sail Beyond Cancer Annapolis.

Missed the meeting? Watch the speaker’s presentation.

YouTube

Anas "Andy" Shallal is an artist, activist, social entrepreneur, and founder/CEO of Busboys and Poets, a restaurant group in the Washington Metropolitan area. He opened the first location in 2005 as part restaurant, part agent for social change. All Busboys and Poets’ locations continue to operate as a community gathering space where art, culture, and politics intentionally collide over mindfully sourced food, drinks, books, and event programming. With eight locations in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, Busboys and Poets has become a home for progressives, artists, creatives, and intellectuals. Over the past 20 years, Busboys and Poets have hosted many social and political activists including Howard Zinn, Harry Belafonte, Angela Davis, Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni, Mehdi Hasan, Norman Finkelstein, Barack Obama, Amy Goodman, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Pramila Jayapal, Bernie Sanders and a host of others.

Busboys and Poets focuses on sustainable business initiatives and employment practices. Busboys locations are 100% wind-powered and have been recognized locally and nationally for their innovative, conscious cuisine. Under Shallal’s leadership, Busboys has received numerous awards including the Mayor’s Arts Award, Employer of the Year from the Employment Justice Center, Washingtonian of the Year, and the Mayor’s Environmental Award, among others.

Shallal is a 2018 Frederick Douglass 200 award winner for those who best embody Douglass’ spirit, TedX speaker, and founder of several peace and justice organizations. He is on the board of trustees for the Institute for Policy Studies, Palestine House of Freedom, DAWN, the Anacostia Coordinating Council, and a founding member of Think Local First DC, a local business association serving in advisory and leadership roles to advance progressive business and labor practices. Shallal has chaired DC’s Workforce Investment Council and ran for Mayor of Washington DC in 2014. He continues to strive to make his hometown of Washington DC a more livable community.

His memoir, A Seat At The Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets is set to be released late summer 2025.

Shallal received his B.S. in biology from Catholic University of American and an MBA from The Robert Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland School in College Park.

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Anas "Andy" Shallal | CEO and Founder Busboys and Poets | November 5, 2025

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Tiffany Ervin is an award-winning keynote speaker, commercial spokesperson, sideline reporter and television personality who resides in Spartanburg, SC. She accepted the position of Executive Director for The CART Fund in May 2022, after serving on the board as VP of Public Image for 4 years.

She is past president of the Four Seasons Rotary Club in Hendersonville, NC, and a Paul Harris Fellow +4. She has served Rotary District 7670 (WNC) as District Governor in 2019-20, and previously as District Secretary, Public Image Chair, Membership Chair, District Conference Chair (six times), and Assistant Governor. She was selected to represent her district at the RI Council on Legislation 2023-2026. She has served on various Zone 33/34 committees, including Chair of the Emerging Leaders program in 2021 and as an Innovative Clubs Advocate. She was recently appointed to the newly-created Rotary International Social Media Influencers Team.

Tiffany was selected to lead breakout sessions at the 2015 and 2017 Rotary International Conventions in Brazil and Atlanta, and has presented training sessions and keynotes to more than 300 Rotary clubs, district conferences, PETS, trainings and seminars around the US.

She and her husband, Bill Boroff, reside in both SC and GA, and enjoy attending football games at their alma maters, the University of SC (hers) and Furman University (his). Tiffany is a member of the board of directors for Spartanburg County Gamecock Club, Media Women of SC, Disaster Aid USA, and Four Seasons Rotary.

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Tiffany Ervin | The CART fund | The Power of One | October 22, 2025

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Patty Medina is the Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development and Inclusive Excellence at American University, where she leads initiatives that combine leadership development, career readiness, mental health awareness, and diversity, equity, and inclusion for over 300 student-athletes. A first-generation Latina and proud Mexican immigrant, Patty has dedicated her career to empowering underrepresented communities in athletics and higher education.

She is the founder of the Hooper Mentality Foundation and Latinx En Athletics, two organizations focused on promoting career development, empowerment, and mental health awareness for athletes, particularly in the Latinx community. Her work has been recognized nationally, earning her multiple awards and a feature in Forbes for her DEI leadership.

Patty is passionate about creating pathways for others, drawing from her own journey to inspire students and professionals alike to dream boldly, work relentlessly, and stay rooted in their identity.

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Patty Medina | From Salsa to Strategy: Leading with Culture, Purpose, and Heart | October 15, 2025

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Peace of Mind grew out of the work of Linda Ryden, the Peace Teacher at Lafayette Elementary, the largest public elementary school in Washington, D.C. In 2003, Linda began teaching a weekly conflict resolution class to Lafayette students. While her first through fifth graders seemed to be mastering conflict resolution techniques in class, there were still fights on the playground. Why? Linda’s inquiry led her to mindfulness and brain science.

Once she integrated these topics into her lessons, students were finally able to transfer their skills onto the playground! They became aware of and learned how to manage their feelings to resolve conflicts before they escalated. The culture of the school began to change and educators from other schools began to notice. Linda began writing curriculum and children’s books to share this knowledge.

Peace of Mind (teachpeaceofmind.org) was organized as a non-profit to share the curriculum and train teachers how to use it. Today, over 10,000 students receive PoM instruction every year in 45 states/DC/Puerto Rico and in other countries around the globe. Over 1,250 teachers have been trained and supported since 2019.

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Linda Ryden | Teaching Children to Resolve Conflicts | October 8, 2025

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Georg Sparber is Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United States of America since 2021. He also serves as Liechtenstein’s
Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States.

Before assuming his current duties, he held the position of Deputy Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to the United Nations in New York since January 2017. His portfolio included disarmament, peace and security and political issues.

From 2014 to 2016, Ambassador Sparber served as Deputy Head of Mission at the Liechtenstein Embassy in Vienna with accreditation to Austria and the Czech Republic. During that time, he was also Deputy Permanent Representative of Liechtenstein to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

From 2010-2014 Ambassador Sparber was posted to the Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein in New York and was responsible for development, human rights, global governance and elections. He joined the Office of Foreign Affairs in Vaduz in 2009.

Ambassador Sparber holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, where he also finished his graduate studies. During his studies he spent time at Sorbonne University in Paris and at Rutgers University, New Jersey. He grew up in Liechtenstein where he received his primary and secondary education.

Ambassador Sparber is married to Yvonne Sparber. They have five children.

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H.E. Georg Sparber | Ambassador of Liechtenstein to the US | October 1, 2025

Rotary Club Washington DC 18 views November 11, 2025 8:03 am

Aviva Lund discovered OptimalWork as a neuroscience major at the University of Notre Dame, where it transformed her academic and professional development, unlocking new levels of productivity and meaning in work. Inspired to bring applied behavioral neuroscience to the corporate world, she joined OptimalWork after graduation to help others experience the same life-changing benefits.

As part of the OptimalWork team, Aviva guides organizational clients in applying the platform’s principles through workshops and coaching. She also supports organizations in integrating OptimalWork internally for maximum impact.

Aviva holds a Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior from the University of Notre Dame and is a member of the Nu Rho Psi National Honors Society. She is also an alum of the Yale Medical School Discovery to Cure Program and NYU’s Summer Undergraduate ResearchProgram (SURP), where she conducted brain surgeries on mice to advance research on neurodegenerative diseases. Now based in Washington, D.C., she collaborates with international peacebuilding scholars and practitioners to apply OptimalWork’s neuroscience-based methods to reducing affective polarization and advancing global conflict resolution.

Outside of work, she enjoys running, skiing, volleyball, vocal performance, musical theater, and piano.

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Aviva Lund | The Neuroscience of Resilience and Empathy | September 24, 2025

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Jackie Reyes-Yanes is a proud Salvadoran immigrant and longtime advocate for Washington, D.C.’s diverse communities. Appointed by Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2021, she is the first Latina to serve as Director of the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (MOCA), overseeing 14 constituent offices and expanding representation across the District.

Previously, she led the Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs (MOLA), where she championed equitable policies and funding for Latino residents. Her work with the late Councilmember Jim Graham focused on public safety and housing, including the rebuilding of the Monseñor Romero Apartments after a devastating fire.

Reyes-Yanes has spearheaded major initiatives, from establishing new offices focused on the Caribbean and Deaf communities to hosting large-scale cultural events like the Night Market and Caribbean Concert. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led recovery outreach and vaccine education efforts. Under her leadership, MOCA has awarded over $18 million in grants to community-based organizations.

Recognized by Forbes, El Tiempo Latino, and the Metro DC Hispanic Contractors Association, her work reflects a deep commitment to equity, culture, and service. A Ward 5 resident, she continues to uplift voices across the District through tireless community engagement.

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Jackie Reyes-Yanes | Community Affairs for Mayor Bowser & the District of Columbia | Sept. 17, 2025

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Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh currently serves as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Liberia to the United States. He previously served as Liberia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, with concurrent accreditation to Benin and Equatorial Guinea, and as Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, where he chaired both the Permanent Representatives Committee and the Mediation and Security Council at the ambassadorial level.

A distinguished academic and university leader, Dr. Conteh served as President of the University of Liberia from 2004 to 2008 and more recently as Acting President from June 2024 to January 2025. He has held senior academic and administrative roles, including Vice President for Academic Affairs, Director of the Demographic Unit, and Project Director for post-conflict curriculum development in collaboration with the U.S. Institute of Peace and California State University. Dr. Conteh’s academic contributions span conflict studies, population and development, and childhood mortality, with publications in leading journals.

Dr. Conteh holds a Ph.D. in Regional Science and Demography from the University of Pennsylvania, and advanced degrees from the UN Cairo Demographic Center and University of Liberia. His honors include the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa, Doctor of Humane Letters, Fulbright scholar and UNFPA Fellow.

He remains an ardent subscriber to peace, democracy, patriotism, and the promotion of sustainable human development in Liberia, Africa and beyond.

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Ambassador Al Hassan Conteh, Ph.D | Embassy of Liberia | A Profile of US-Liberia Relations | 9/11/25

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Angela Franco is President and CEO of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC). Prior to joining MCCC, Franco was President and CEO of the DC Chamber of Commerce from 2020 to 2024. Her commitment to support and advocate for Chamber members demonstrates passion and vision to grow the organization. Franco joined the DC Chamber of Commerce during civic unrest and a global pandemic and continues to move the organization forward. By working with its executive team and board of directors, Franco creates programs and services that position the Chamber as a valuable resource and leading advocate for businesses throughout DC.

Franco is an experienced business leader who has strengthened and revitalized organizations, including the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Before relocating to the US, Franco held management positions in Bogotá, Colombia.

Franco has received many prestigious honors. Most recently, she was recognized with the 2023 and 2022 Washington Business Journal’s Power 100 list. In addition, she is a Board Member at Large for the United Way of the National Capital Area, a Board Member of the Cherry Blossom Festival, DC Policy Center and Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and an appointee to the DC Workforce Investment Council (by the DC Mayor).

Franco is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery and Leadership Greater Washington. She holds a Master of Science degree in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration.

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Angela Franco | Role of Chambers of Commerce in the New Era | August 20, 2025

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Sampling of Our Past Speakers

The Rotary Club of Washington, DC would like to thank our past speakers for the engaging and motivational and informative presentations.

Bob Cusack

Editor in Chief, The Hill/TheHill.com

Reporting on politics and policy in the nation’s capital since 1995, Mr. Cusack joined The Hill as Business and Lobbying Editor in 2003 and is now the newspaper’s Managing Editor. Mr. Cusack regularly appears on ABC, CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC as a political analyst.

Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana

Ambassador of Rwanda to the United States

Prior to her appointment, Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana was a tenured Professor of History at Cosumnes River College (CRC) in Sacramento, California from 1994 to 2013. She is also Co-Founder and President of Friends of Rwanda Association (F.O.R.A).

Manny Mandel

Holocaust Survivor

Emanuel “Manny” Mandel was born in Riga, Latvia, in 1936, the year in which his parents returned to their native Hungary. Manny’s father had been selected to become one of the Chief Cantors…

Juan Williams

Fox Political Analyst and Author

Juan Williams is one of America’s leading political writers and thinkers. Mr. Williams is a top political analyst for Fox Television, co-host of the daily talk show ‘The Five’ and a regular panelist for Fox News Sunday and Special Report.

James Chen

Institute for Global Engagement

James Chen is the Vice President of Global Operations at the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE). James first joined IGE in 2011, serving as both a Program Officer and the Executive Director…

Anne Midgette

Classical Music Critic, The Washington Post

Anne Midgette is a graduate of Yale University. She lived in Munich, Germany, reviewing opera, music, and art throughout Europe for The Wall Street Journal, Opera News, and other publications. In 2008, she took over as the chief classical music critic for The Washington Post.