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

December 6th 2023 at 12:30 pm
In Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Watch Democracy Grow

Mary Henrietta Uwera is the current coordinator for Watch Democracy Grow
activities for the USA Chapter.  Watch Democracy Grow is an organization whose
mission is to integrate democracy on the continent of Africa based on its history
and to promote social stability and peace.  Prior to that, Mary worked as a social
worker in the field of resettlement as a medical and financial assistance specialist
with the Tennessee Office for Refugees in the State of Tennessee.

As a community organizer/developer in the field of resettlement in the US, Mary
worked with different immigrants, such as groups from Sudan, Somalia,
Afghanistan, Burma, Liberia, Burundi, Moldovia, and Iraq.  In addition to this,
she worked in the field of finance and administration overseas prior to coming
to the USA.

Academically, Mary comes from a political science and a public health
background.  Her advocacy and outreach activities concentrate on the integration
of democracy, conflict prevention, dialogues, human rights, public health, and
other social human development aspects as they pertain to communities.
 

December 13th 2023 at 12:30 pm
In-person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Leading Within Author and Strategist 

Sharon Parker is a native of Calvert County, Maryland.  She is a mother, a grandmother
and wears many hats serving as the President of Remembering Our Ancestors
Synergistic Association (ROASA), Inc.  She is a former Commissioner of the
Maryland Commission of African American History and Culture, appointed by the
Governor of Maryland (2013-2015).  She is the former President of Robert C. Weaver - Blacks in Government Chapter. 
Sharon is also the former President of the Maryland 
Association of American Mothers (MD-AMI) President (2016-2022).  


Sharon is a long-time Federal government employee and has worked with the Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) for over 35 years.

Sharon is the author of the book "True Synergy Works, Leading Within - Seven Defining

Principles of Knowing Self to Birth Greatness.”  She uses all her leadership tools, skills
and technical background to help the next generation to connect with today's
professionals while learning about trailblazers of the past.

 

December 20th 2023 at 12:30 pm
In-person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
Please join club president, Lisa Cohen for a holiday luncheon event.

December 27th 2023 at 12:30 pm
Washington DC Weekly Club Meeting
No Meeting.  Happy Holidays!

Missed the meeting? Watch the speaker’s presentation.

YouTube

Alaha Ahrar is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of International Kindness Sharing (IKS), which spreads kindness and helps people in need. IKS advocates for equity, equality, justice and fairness and is anti-poverty, anti-human trafficking, anti-human smuggling.
Prior to founding IKS, Alaha was the Director of Youth for International World Poetry, Canada since 2011 and she has been on the Board of Directors for the Afghan Women’s Writing Project since 2011.

Alaha has a passion for writing and public speaking and has used these skills extensively to advocate for human rights, justice, and peace.  She is an award-winning poet, writer, and social justice and human rights expert.  In 2008, she received the Talent Scholarship of University of Mary Washington (UMW).  In 2011, she was awarded the “Best Poet of the Year for Afghanistan and the United States” by International World Poetry, Canada.  In 2012, she was appointed as the Ambassador of Youth and Peace for Afghanistan and the United States by Canada.  In 2016, she received the “Big Heart” Award by Facets for her tireless efforts to help people in need.  In 2018, she received the Global Goodwill Ambassadors’ award.

In 2018, Alaha initiated a project that won the 2nd Project of the Year Award through Virginia Statewide Neighborhoods Conference 2018.  She won that award for her advocacy and leadership efforts of bringing the entire community together to work on Paradise Park Project at Barros Circle in Centreville, Virginia.

Alaha Ahrar graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a triple major and one certificate. Her majors were Human Rights, Political Science, International Affairs, and her certificate is in Middle Eastern Studies.  
Alaha Ahrar completed her master’s degree in Social Justice and Human Rights programs at George Mason University in December 2020.

Alaha Ahrar is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of International Kindness Sharing (IKS), which spreads kindness and helps people in need. IKS advocates for equity, equality, justice and fairness and is anti-poverty, anti-human trafficking, anti-human smuggling.
Prior to founding IKS, Alaha was the Director of Youth for International World Poetry, Canada since 2011 and she has been on the Board of Directors for the Afghan Women’s Writing Project since 2011.

Alaha has a passion for writing and public speaking and has used these skills extensively to advocate for human rights, justice, and peace. She is an award-winning poet, writer, and social justice and human rights expert. In 2008, she received the Talent Scholarship of University of Mary Washington (UMW). In 2011, she was awarded the “Best Poet of the Year for Afghanistan and the United States” by International World Poetry, Canada. In 2012, she was appointed as the Ambassador of Youth and Peace for Afghanistan and the United States by Canada. In 2016, she received the “Big Heart” Award by Facets for her tireless efforts to help people in need. In 2018, she received the Global Goodwill Ambassadors’ award.

In 2018, Alaha initiated a project that won the 2nd Project of the Year Award through Virginia Statewide Neighborhoods Conference 2018. She won that award for her advocacy and leadership efforts of bringing the entire community together to work on Paradise Park Project at Barros Circle in Centreville, Virginia.

Alaha Ahrar graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a triple major and one certificate. Her majors were Human Rights, Political Science, International Affairs, and her certificate is in Middle Eastern Studies.
Alaha Ahrar completed her master’s degree in Social Justice and Human Rights programs at George Mason University in December 2020.

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Alaha Ahrar | Founder and Chief Executive Officer, International Kindness Sharing | October 4, 2023

Rotary Club Washington DC 10 views October 5, 2023 12:47 am

Jacques Pitteloud was appointed as Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States of America in 2019.  Ambassador Pitteloud was born on November 12th, 1962, in Zurich, Switzerland.  He joined the Swiss Foreign Service in 1987, being first assigned as an Advisor to the Foreign Minister. From 1988 to 1989, he served as a trade attaché at the Swiss Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  From 1990-1995, he served in the Swiss Strategic Intelligence Service.  Following his service there, he acted as a personal advisor (General Staff matters and Intelligence) to two successive Defence Ministers until 1999.  In 1999-2000, he served as the Head of a Study Group tasked to develop the future structures of the Swiss Armed Forces. 

After having been a witness of the Rwanda Genocide in 1994, Dr Pitteloud created an organization dedicated to the task of hunting down and bringing to justice the perpetrators and he managed to have several of them prosecuted both by the international as well as by domestic courts.  Dr Pitteloud then served as the first Intelligence Coordinator for the Swiss Government from 2000 to 2005: this function entailed drafting intelligence requirements for the executive, overseeing the drafting of strategic assessments on security-relevant topics, coordinating the work of the various intelligence services as well as of law enforcement and analysis agencies.  He then became the Director, Arms Control, Disarmament, Security Policy and Intelligence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bern.  For the duration of his tenure, Ambassador Pitteloud also headed the Swiss Delegation to the Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

From 2010 to 2015, Jacques Pitteloud was Swiss Ambassador to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and the Seychelles.  He was instrumental in initiating and supporting various civil society initiatives as well as conservation programmes.  Dr Pitteloud was also involved in a series of mediations in the region. 

Jacques Pitteloud was Director General of the Swiss FDFA from September 2015 prior to being appointed as Swiss Ambassador to the United States in September 2019.  As a Director General, he oversaw a budget of USD 3 Billion and was responsible for Human Resources of a 5400-FTE Organization.  His tasks also entailed running IT and communications for the whole Ministry, as well as heading the legal and translation services.  The Director General was also responsible for the management of all FDFA buildings both in Switzerland and abroad. 

Dr Pitteloud earned a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. from the Law School at the University of Zürich (Master 1986, PhD 1987). Following his assignment in the Middle East, he graduated from the International Training Course in Security Policy (ITC) at Geneva University.  He is a retired lieutenant colonel (General Staff) in the Swiss Armed Forces and was the commander of a Mechanized Infantry Battalion.  A passionate bird photographer, Jacques Pitteloud has published his pictures in several books and publications in Kenya and South Africa.

Jacques Pitteloud was appointed as Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States of America in 2019. Ambassador Pitteloud was born on November 12th, 1962, in Zurich, Switzerland. He joined the Swiss Foreign Service in 1987, being first assigned as an Advisor to the Foreign Minister. From 1988 to 1989, he served as a trade attaché at the Swiss Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From 1990-1995, he served in the Swiss Strategic Intelligence Service. Following his service there, he acted as a personal advisor (General Staff matters and Intelligence) to two successive Defence Ministers until 1999. In 1999-2000, he served as the Head of a Study Group tasked to develop the future structures of the Swiss Armed Forces.

After having been a witness of the Rwanda Genocide in 1994, Dr Pitteloud created an organization dedicated to the task of hunting down and bringing to justice the perpetrators and he managed to have several of them prosecuted both by the international as well as by domestic courts. Dr Pitteloud then served as the first Intelligence Coordinator for the Swiss Government from 2000 to 2005: this function entailed drafting intelligence requirements for the executive, overseeing the drafting of strategic assessments on security-relevant topics, coordinating the work of the various intelligence services as well as of law enforcement and analysis agencies. He then became the Director, Arms Control, Disarmament, Security Policy and Intelligence at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bern. For the duration of his tenure, Ambassador Pitteloud also headed the Swiss Delegation to the Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

From 2010 to 2015, Jacques Pitteloud was Swiss Ambassador to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and the Seychelles. He was instrumental in initiating and supporting various civil society initiatives as well as conservation programmes. Dr Pitteloud was also involved in a series of mediations in the region.

Jacques Pitteloud was Director General of the Swiss FDFA from September 2015 prior to being appointed as Swiss Ambassador to the United States in September 2019. As a Director General, he oversaw a budget of USD 3 Billion and was responsible for Human Resources of a 5400-FTE Organization. His tasks also entailed running IT and communications for the whole Ministry, as well as heading the legal and translation services. The Director General was also responsible for the management of all FDFA buildings both in Switzerland and abroad.

Dr Pitteloud earned a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. from the Law School at the University of Zürich (Master 1986, PhD 1987). Following his assignment in the Middle East, he graduated from the International Training Course in Security Policy (ITC) at Geneva University. He is a retired lieutenant colonel (General Staff) in the Swiss Armed Forces and was the commander of a Mechanized Infantry Battalion. A passionate bird photographer, Jacques Pitteloud has published his pictures in several books and publications in Kenya and South Africa.

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Ambassador Jacques Pitteloud | Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States | September 27, 2023

Rotary Club Washington DC 146 views September 27, 2023 3:34 pm

Fanny Bondje, Rotary Global Grant Scholar | Living a Lifetime in One Year | September 20, 2023.

Rotary Club Washington DC 4 views September 26, 2023 6:15 pm

Jayshree Sridhar is a television producer and Media Consultant who specializes in Creative Inputs and Content Development for the Print, Radio, Television and Film industry. She has worked on several television channels and has produced programmes for Doordarshan, Sun TV, Raj TV, Vijay TV, and Zee Tamil.  Production of Corporate Films, Ad Campaigns and Biographical works are her forte.  She has the unique distinction of starting  dedicated Time Bands for Women's programs, and is also the recipient of the ‘Centenarian Seva Ratna Award’ for her contributions to society through her pioneering work in the television industry.  She has also been a visiting faculty member at several institutions in Chennai, where Visual Communication and Film Technology are taught.

Jayshree joined the Rotary Club of Madras in 2010.  An active participant in all the activities of the club, she became the Chair of the Women Empowerment programs in 2012.  She has spearheaded vocational training for women from underprivileged sections of society with the aim of making them financially independent.  She has also been working with Interact Clubs in many schools as part of the Youth Service activity.

She was President, Rotary Club of Madras, District 3232 in the year 2022-23.  Her theme for the year was Women and Health.  Free Health screening programs were started to help underprivileged women with specific reference to cancer screening.  The largest rural outreach project of USD 100,000 value was set up in interior South India, where the first of its kind Free Digital Mammogram Project was started.  This is helping over 2,000,000 women in the region.  Her other initiatives included “Save a Little Heart”, “Literacy and Vocational training for Women”, “Project Vision” and many others which directly benefited the most economically backward sections of society.

Jayshree Sridhar is a television producer and Media Consultant who specializes in Creative Inputs and Content Development for the Print, Radio, Television and Film industry. She has worked on several television channels and has produced programmes for Doordarshan, Sun TV, Raj TV, Vijay TV, and Zee Tamil. Production of Corporate Films, Ad Campaigns and Biographical works are her forte. She has the unique distinction of starting dedicated Time Bands for Women's programs, and is also the recipient of the ‘Centenarian Seva Ratna Award’ for her contributions to society through her pioneering work in the television industry. She has also been a visiting faculty member at several institutions in Chennai, where Visual Communication and Film Technology are taught.

Jayshree joined the Rotary Club of Madras in 2010. An active participant in all the activities of the club, she became the Chair of the Women Empowerment programs in 2012. She has spearheaded vocational training for women from underprivileged sections of society with the aim of making them financially independent. She has also been working with Interact Clubs in many schools as part of the Youth Service activity.

She was President, Rotary Club of Madras, District 3232 in the year 2022-23. Her theme for the year was Women and Health. Free Health screening programs were started to help underprivileged women with specific reference to cancer screening. The largest rural outreach project of USD 100,000 value was set up in interior South India, where the first of its kind Free Digital Mammogram Project was started. This is helping over 2,000,000 women in the region. Her other initiatives included “Save a Little Heart”, “Literacy and Vocational training for Women”, “Project Vision” and many others which directly benefited the most economically backward sections of society.

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YouTube Video UExJdHZDNlFoRVI5bHJDYUJMemN4bjd2dFZpcEVJRFFKZy5CQzUwREI3MzkxQjdBM0E0

Jayshree Sridhar | IPP Rotary Club of Madras, India | September 31, 2023

Rotary Club Washington DC 7 views September 26, 2023 4:32 pm

Ally Shaw is a fierce survivor who has reinvented herself multiple times after devastating loss.  Ally is a cancer survivor who became an opera singer.  She is a divorced single mom of two who found the love of her life, married, and became a mom to a blended family of seven amazing children. Ally is an author, entrepreneur, core value ambassador, and a motivational speaker.  

Ally earned a bachelor's degree from Elon University and a master's degree from Loyola University New Orleans.  Ally and her husband own a seventeen-store Domino's franchise in Virginia and West Virginia, are seven-time Gold Franny winners (top 2% of Domino's franchisees worldwide) and employ over 300 people.

Ally and her husband, Kevin, are passionate about giving back to kids and families in need and have financially supported St. Jude Children's Hospital for decades.  Additionally, their commitment to service and a Coats for Kids campaign awarded Kevin a Paul Harris Award in 2012.

Ally is a first-time author of the narrative non-fiction book "Chasing Tigers in the Dark, Life Lessons of a Fierce Survivor” and is represented by Library Tales Publishing in NYC. She launched a new career as a motivational speaker in 2016 and her proudest moment was presenting to an audience of 10,000 at a conference in Las Vegas.

Ally's purpose is deeply rooted in the intersection of trauma recovery and mental health awareness and how each informs our personal development and professional success. Ally's brand is characterized by vulnerability, authenticity, and an abiding zeal for justice. Ally splits her time between Blacksburg, Virginia and Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
Finally, Ally dedicates this talk and speaking tour to her father, who recently passed away and who was a Rotary Club member.

Ally Shaw is a fierce survivor who has reinvented herself multiple times after devastating loss. Ally is a cancer survivor who became an opera singer. She is a divorced single mom of two who found the love of her life, married, and became a mom to a blended family of seven amazing children. Ally is an author, entrepreneur, core value ambassador, and a motivational speaker.

Ally earned a bachelor's degree from Elon University and a master's degree from Loyola University New Orleans. Ally and her husband own a seventeen-store Domino's franchise in Virginia and West Virginia, are seven-time Gold Franny winners (top 2% of Domino's franchisees worldwide) and employ over 300 people.

Ally and her husband, Kevin, are passionate about giving back to kids and families in need and have financially supported St. Jude Children's Hospital for decades. Additionally, their commitment to service and a Coats for Kids campaign awarded Kevin a Paul Harris Award in 2012.

Ally is a first-time author of the narrative non-fiction book "Chasing Tigers in the Dark, Life Lessons of a Fierce Survivor” and is represented by Library Tales Publishing in NYC. She launched a new career as a motivational speaker in 2016 and her proudest moment was presenting to an audience of 10,000 at a conference in Las Vegas.

Ally's purpose is deeply rooted in the intersection of trauma recovery and mental health awareness and how each informs our personal development and professional success. Ally's brand is characterized by vulnerability, authenticity, and an abiding zeal for justice. Ally splits her time between Blacksburg, Virginia and Sunset Beach, North Carolina.
Finally, Ally dedicates this talk and speaking tour to her father, who recently passed away and who was a Rotary Club member.

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YouTube Video UExJdHZDNlFoRVI5bHJDYUJMemN4bjd2dFZpcEVJRFFKZy43ODA2MDVCQzY5QzZDMjUw

Ally Shaw | Living Your Best Life Before, During or After Trauma | August 30, 2023

Rotary Club Washington DC 14 views September 7, 2023 12:02 pm

Jason and Kendra, the united force behind MORE, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering historically marginalized communities through entrepreneurship, innovation, and real estate investment.  Together, this loving married couple and co-founders are making strides towards a more inclusive and equitable society, while nurturing their four wonderful children.

Kendra's visionary spirit, boundless creativity, and relentless work ethic began with a BS in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from UNC Greensboro.  Her early years as an inspiring teacher led her to a successful career as a realtor and entrepreneur.  Now, as Executive Director of MORE, she tirelessly advocates for affordable housing and wealth equality. Whether at work or exploring new destinations, hosting memorable events, or spending quality time with family, her dedication and creative spark inspire all who know her.

Jason, MORE's co-founder and COO, complements Kendra's mission. With his rich background as a former realtor, business coach, and online course creator, he has ignited passion and guided many toward success.  Outside his professional life, he cherishes time with his loving wife and children and enjoys traveling and golf.  His unwavering determination and leadership have been pivotal in steering MORE towards its goals.

Together, Jason and Kendra's unique talents and shared commitment have shaped MORE, making a significant difference in many lives. Their story of partnership, both in business and life, is a beacon of love, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of positive change, making them true ambassadors for good in the world.

Jason and Kendra, the united force behind MORE, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering historically marginalized communities through entrepreneurship, innovation, and real estate investment. Together, this loving married couple and co-founders are making strides towards a more inclusive and equitable society, while nurturing their four wonderful children.

Kendra's visionary spirit, boundless creativity, and relentless work ethic began with a BS in Education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from UNC Greensboro. Her early years as an inspiring teacher led her to a successful career as a realtor and entrepreneur. Now, as Executive Director of MORE, she tirelessly advocates for affordable housing and wealth equality. Whether at work or exploring new destinations, hosting memorable events, or spending quality time with family, her dedication and creative spark inspire all who know her.

Jason, MORE's co-founder and COO, complements Kendra's mission. With his rich background as a former realtor, business coach, and online course creator, he has ignited passion and guided many toward success. Outside his professional life, he cherishes time with his loving wife and children and enjoys traveling and golf. His unwavering determination and leadership have been pivotal in steering MORE towards its goals.

Together, Jason and Kendra's unique talents and shared commitment have shaped MORE, making a significant difference in many lives. Their story of partnership, both in business and life, is a beacon of love, leadership, and the relentless pursuit of positive change, making them true ambassadors for good in the world.

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YouTube Video UExJdHZDNlFoRVI5bHJDYUJMemN4bjd2dFZpcEVJRFFKZy5EMUJFNzRCNDRFQjE5RjM4

Jason Shine, Kendra Whitaker Shine | MORE, a Non-profit Org. Empowering Hist. Marg.Comm. | Aug 9, 23

Rotary Club Washington DC 16 views August 12, 2023 9:34 pm

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.