Sunday, February 19, 2023
By: Chelsea UzarowskiOn February 8th, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom and welcomed guest speaker Makeba Clay, an International Expert
on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.On February 8th, 2023, the Rotary Club of Washington, DC, held its regular weekly meeting in person at the University Club of Washington, D.C. and via Zoom.
President Marilyn Nevy Cruz called the meeting to order at 12:30 PM and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Deputy Secretary Debbie Peters introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians.
Sergeant-at-Arms Lola Perez recognized birthdays and anniversaries for the week.
President Nominee Bob Schott asked everyone to support the Club Foundation. He emphasized that purchases of pink gin from him also benefits the Foundation and that the gin makes a great Valentine’s gift.
President Elect Lisa Cohen announced a Vision Board event at her house and invited other members to share ideas for her upcoming year as President.
Alphonso Westley discussed the Career Fair to be held on February 23 at the Richard Wright Public Charter School. He announced that volunteers are needed to present their respective careers at the fair.
Mark Wilson asked the Twin City Club liaisons to submit the contact information for their designated Clubs by February 10. There will be a Club Assembly/Twin City Clubs Open House on March 1.
President Marilyn reminded everyone of the Mount Zion Cemetery Work Day on February 11, hosted by the Rotarians for Equality for Black People Committee and Metro Bethesda Rotary.
President Marilyn announced the “Write Lunch” with Free Minds after the Club luncheon meeting on March 1.
President Marilyn introduced the speaker, Makeba Clay. Ms. Clay is the past national president of the Association of Black Women in Higher Education (ABWHE) and has also served on numerous Boards and Advisory Councils, including, The Maryland Roundtable for Diversity, Princeton in Africa, the New Jersey Chapter of the American Council on Education Network, and The Maryland Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism and Service. She currently maintains board leadership or professional affiliations with numerous organizations, among them, The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the National Speakers Association (NSA), The Maryland Humanities for the Arts, Museum Hue, DC Commission on Arts and Humanities, ArtTable, Arts Administrators of Color, and the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated.
Ms. Clay spoke of her work in diversity, equity and inclusion and different techniques she has used to help many companies grow their awareness and actions in that area.
After questions and answers, President Marilyn presented Ms. Clay with a certificate for the planting of a tree under the Club’s Trees for the Capital program.
Sterling Hoffman conducted the Raffle, which was won by Chelsea Uzarowski, but the Ace of Spades was not drawn.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 PM. Sarah Ross was the producer in the room, and Steve Liston the producer on Zoom. Balraj Gupta provided hospitality; Amaaragchaa “Amaa” Damdindorj was the greeter.
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