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

July 31st 2024 at 12:30 pm
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Building Sustainable Resilience and Improving Disaster Management 

Dr. Linton Wells II has more than thirty years of leadership experience at the interface of policy and technology. He is Executive Advisor to George Mason University’s (GMU) Center for Resilient and Sustainable Communities (C-RASC), and chairs the Advisory Group to the C5I Center at GMU.  Recent research has focused on building sustainable community resilience and improving disaster response, international cyber resilience and critical infrastructure protection, countering disinformation in complex information environments, and supply chain risk management, as well as the policy implication of accelerating, converging technological change.

From 1998-2007 Dr. Wells was Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDASD) in the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) and then in Networks and Information Integration (NII).  He also served as Acting Assistant Secretary and DoD CIO.  In 2014, he completed 51 years with DoD, including 26 years as a Navy surface warfare officer.
He is a 1967 US Naval Academy graduate.  He holds a master’s in mathematical sciences (OR concentration) and a PhD in international relations from Johns Hopkins University.  He is also a graduate of the National Institute for Defense Studies in Tokyo.
See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linton_Wells_II
 

Missed the meeting? Watch the speaker’s presentation.

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Susan Gibson has been involved in the NGO (non-governmental organization) world for 40 years. She has worked and volunteered in 70 countries. In 1992, Susan went to Bangladesh where she got her training in microfinance at Grameen Bank from Professor Muhammad Yunus. Prior to that, she had a background in consumer banking at Scotiabank and fundraising at the United Way. From 1992 – 2001, Susan was a consultant providing technical assistance and conducting workshops in team building, communications and microfinance principles for NGOs, UN agencies and donor governments. She is an Ambassador for the Grameen Caledonian College of Nursing (GCCN) in Dhaka and is on Search for Common Ground’s (international peace building) Presidential Leadership Council.

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Susan Gibson | Volunteering and Working in Seventy Countries | June 19, 2024

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Kathy Crutcher has been mentoring young writers since 2003 and is committed to using the power of story to foster a more just and inclusive next generation. Since founding Shout Mouse Press in 2014, Kathy has helped provide platforms for over 500 new young authors and overseen the publication of 50+ books. For her dedication to promoting diversity, inclusion, and narrative change, she was awarded the Changemaker Award in Social Justice by Duke University in 2021. Prior to this work, Kathy was the DC Director for Writopia Lab as well as the regional affiliate for the Scholastic Writing Awards, through which her students won national recognition every year. Her own writing has earned recognition from places like the DC Commission on Arts and Humanities as well as fellowships to writing programs in Kenya and Prague. Kathy received a BA in History from Duke University, an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University. Kathy is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio and enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, and dreaming big dreams for Shout Mouse and its authors!

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Kathy Crutcher | CEO and Founder of Shout Mouse Press | June 12, 2024

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Ambassador Moctezuma was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to the United States of America by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and ratified by the Senate of the Republic with 115 votes in favor of 116 attendees in February 2021. His previous government positions include: Secretary of Public Education (2018 - 2021). Secretary of Social Development (1998-1999); Senator of the Republic (1997-1998); Secretary of the Interior (1994-1995); Undersecretary of Educational Planning and Coordination (1993-1994); Head of the Administrative Office of the Secretariat of Public Education (1992-1993); Head of the Administrative Office of the Secretariat of Programming and Budget (1988-1992); and Secretary of Administration of the Government of the State of Sinaloa (1989-1988). Likewise, he was in charge of implementing the autonomy of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (1994 - 1995). Ambassador Moctezuma's academic credentials include: • Bachelor of Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. • Studied a master's in Development Economics from the University of Cambridge, UK. • Diploma in Regional Development in Tokyo, Japan. • Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Sciences and Arts of Chiapas Beyond his government roles, Ambassador Moctezuma has been actively involved in civil society, serving as President of the Board of Trustees of the National Institute of Public Health (2011-2015), Member of the Assembly of the National Council to Prevent Discrimination (2013-2017), Vice President of the organization “Businessmen in Basic Education,” and President of “Social Commitment for the Quality and Equity of Education.” He has also served as Executive President of Fundación Azteca (2001-2018), where he promoted the Esperanza Azteca System of Children and Youth Symphony Orchestras (2009-2018), and as a trainer of Young Excellence through the Generation Bicentennial Scholarships (2010-2018). Ambassador Moctezuma has also been a prolific writer and commentator, publishing several books and serving as a columnist for various Mexican newspapers.

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Amb. Esteban Moctezuma Barragán | Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of Mexico | June 5, 24

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The entire name of Cameron's and Raj's presentation is: If Generative AI is Like Fire, Can We Safely Bring it Into The Building and Harness Its Power? Cameron Powell, a Harvard Law graduate, combines a rich background in law, technology, and business strategy with a keen focus on AI ethics and human-centered AI applications. As General Counsel and an executive in multiple tech ventures, Cameron has orchestrated AI risk audits and developed AI strategies that align with both corporate and ethical standards. He has been an influential voice in technology policy discussions, providing expert testimony before U.S. legislative and federal bodies. Cameron’s work emphasizes the development of AI systems that respect user privacy and promote fairness, making him a distinguished expert in crafting AI policies that are both innovative and socially responsible. As Head of AI at Holon Law Partners and a leader at SafeSpark Consulting, Cameron now works with the kind of multidisciplinary team of lawyers, technologists, and talent experts that organizations need to truly understand their risks and opportunities from traditional and generative AI. He’s the author of several books, including Ordinary Magic: Promises I Made My Mother Through Life, Illness, and a Very Long Walk, a love story at the end of life. Raj Suri is a seasoned technology executive with over two decades of experience driving innovation and creating value across diverse industries. Most recently, Raj was the Head of Card AI Strategy & Systems at Capital One, where he led teams to transform the credit card business by unlocking the power of data and AI. He previously served as the US Army’s Senior Science and Technology Manager for Countermine. In that role, Raj guided the development of cutting-edge electronic sensor systems and machine-learning algorithms for the detection of landmines and buried explosive threats and built successful international partnerships for joint research and product testing. Earlier in his career, Raj invented, designed, and modeled novel consumer electronics products for Bose Corporation. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a Masters in Product Design from the University of Michigan, and Bachelors degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Literature from MIT.

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Cameron Powell | Generative AI, Can We Safely Harness Its Power? | May 29, 2024

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Gabrielle Webster is a visionary leader and youth development expert serving as President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington (BGCGW). She has fueled unprecedented growth for BGCGW, exceeding financial goals and achieving record accomplishments, including leading a $30 million comprehensive campaign and tripling the number of Clubs in the metro area. Under Gabrielle's leadership, BGCGW has become one of the top 5% of BGCA affiliates nationally and initiated the flagship Center of Transformation at the Nation’s Boys & Girls Club, designed to pilot innovative programs across local sites and within the BGCA movement. Gabrielle brings extensive leadership experience from the nonprofit and public sectors, previously raising over $220 million in various leadership roles. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Xavier University and a Master of Physical Chemistry degree from Clark Atlanta University. Gabrielle is also a graduate of the Leadership Greater Washington program and was awarded a Harvard Business School Executive Education Certificate for Strategic Agility and Inclusive Leadership.

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Gabrielle Webster | President & CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington | May 22, 2024

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The full title of Dr. Heiber's presentation is: "Creating Transformative Change in Urban Areas by Addressing Socioeconomic Disparities, Supporting Youth, and Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline." Dr. David Heiber is the founder and executive director of Concentric Educational Solutions (CES). Under Dr. Heiber’s leadership, CES has been recognized for its innovative approach that places the support of the whole student at the center of the educational experience. Dr. Heiber and his team have partnered with over 100 schools in 20 states. Dr. Heiber’s personal story of grief, poverty, incarceration, and redemption motivates his work. His past provides a means for him to connect with students and challenge them to recognize their potential, honor their promises, and fulfill their purpose. Dr. Heiber graduated from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania with a triple major. He went on to receive his Master of Arts in African American studies from Temple University and his Doctor of Education from Morgan State University in urban education.

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Dr. David Heiber | Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline | May 15, 2024.

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Washington, D.C. native, entrepreneur and business person, Dr. Richard D. Myles, Sr. is the CEO/Chairman and Founder of the nation’s only professional minor football league. Dr. Myles created the Minor Football League (MFL) and MFL Foundation in 1993. An NFL veteran and Sociology major who graduated from Arizona State University, Dr. Myles has used his professional and academic experience to develop and implement drug prevention, violence reduction, and conflict resolution programs. An advocate for youth, he volunteers with a number of children's programs and has sponsored and coached teams in the Special Olympics. He has also supported programs for the Maryland-National Parks and Planning Commission, supporting a variety of programs in various recreational youth centers. Dr. Myles has served on the Montgomery County Police Chief Advisory Board. In addition to being on the board, Dr. Myles was also involved in the Montgomery County Executive Mentorship Program. Dr. Myles is long revered in the business community, having received multiple awards and accolades, including being recognized by He Exist Magazine Dollars and Sense magazine as one of “America's Best and Brightest” business people. The Greater Washington chapter of the National Urban League also recognized Myles as the “Volunteer of the Year.” He was also recognized as one of the top business people in the country by the Next Generation Entertainment Awards. Under his leadership, the MFL was named a 2022 Moxie Award Finalist. As a proud Washingtonian, Dr. Myles is also proud to lead the Washington Chiefs Inc. Cardozo All-Met Hall of Fame dinner at his alma mater. Dr. Myles received his doctorate degree in Philosophy and chaplaincy from Global Oved Dei Seminary and University (GODSU) where he also served as the Assistant Dean of Students.

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Dr. Richard D. Myles | CEO/Chairman and Founder, Minor Football League | May 8, 2024

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Rachel Rose Hartman is the founding Executive Director of the DowntownDC Foundation, which serves and celebrates the DowntownDC community. Since May 2019, Rachel has created and led this new organization to effectively support homeless services, parks and public spaces and events and programming efforts in DowntownDC. Rachel previously worked for five years at the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), where she rose to lead all marketing and communications efforts as the Director of Interactive Marketing & Communications. In that role, Rachel created a robust summer event program from the ground up, established new partnerships and sponsorships in the public and private sectors and increased awareness and communications for the organization and its stakeholders through coordinated PR, marketing and communications plans. Rachel joined the BID after 10 years in political journalism, including working as White House Reporter for Yahoo News. Previously, she served as a national political blogger for Yahoo News, and covered politics and down ballot federal races for Congressional Quarterly. Rachel was awarded an Emerging Leader Fellowship from the International Downtown Association in 2017. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the board of directors for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Rachel holds a B.A. in print journalism from American University.

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Rachel Rose Hartman | Downtown Revitalization and The Work of The Foundation | May 1, 2024

Rotary Club Washington DC 10 views July 15, 2024 8:03 am

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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.