Member Moment - Mariama Keïta-Thiero

By Sunday, April 2, 2023
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Main article image for story titled 'Member Moment - Mariama Keïta-Thiero'At an early age I discovered that I was passionate about writing, English was my favorite subject, and my multicultural upbringing in the heart of New York City manifested my interest to explore the world.

My introduction to the DMV area dates back to my college years, attending the University of Maryland at College Park, (any Terrapin alumni in the Club?) with a goal of becoming an international broadcast journalist/anchor.

Instead, after college I began an unconventional career path in the creative industries working with diverse brands such as BET networks, to Gianni Versace.

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Rotary Club Washington DC

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Learn more about the Rotary Club of Washington, DC's service projects and activities.

Rotary Club Washington DC
Membership Chair '25-'26 Brian Blum Inducts Daniela Rodas as a new member of the Rotary Club of Washington DC. Daniela Rodas | International Projects – Migration | Project Assistant, IOM

Daniela Rodas | International Projects – Migration | Project Assistant, IOM

Rotary Club Washington DC 3 views August 22, 2026 8:03 am

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. David Trigaux | Enriching our Local DMV Youth and Community at-large thru Debate | January 7, 2026

David Trigaux | Enriching our Local DMV Youth and Community at-large thru Debate | January 7, 2026

Rotary Club Washington DC 2 views August 21, 2026 8:03 am

Past President of the Rotary Club of Washington, DC gives a brief history of the Rotary Foundation of Washington, DC and makes an ask for contributions. Past President Lynn Holec | Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Appeal

Past President Lynn Holec | Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Appeal

Rotary Club Washington DC 1 views August 20, 2026 8:03 am

Ben Ali is an entrepreneur, community leader, and motivational speaker committed to elevating lives through business, advocacy, and empowerment. As a driving force behind the iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl, Ben’s Next Door, and Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation, he has built on his family’s legacy while using his platform to uplift others. From expanding a historic business to working with nonprofits addressing gun violence and systemic challenges, his work reflects a deep commitment to progress, unity, responsibility, and self-determination. Through his book ASCEND, speaking engagements, and mentorship, Ben is walking in his calling to challenge Black men to break detrimental generational cycles, reclaim excellence, and lead with purpose. His mission is clear: to help others rise beyond survival and ASCEND toward lasting wealth, wisdom, and legacy. A native Washingtonian, Ben attended Shepherd Elementary and Georgetown Day School before heading to the University of Pennsylvania. For over 27 years, he has been married to Sonya Ali. Together, they have twins, Jaleel and Suraya. Sonya helps lead operations at Ben's Chili Bowl, and the Ali family's deep-rooted commitment to the city shines through their business and community engagement. Ben Ali, Transformational message of faith, discipline, self-mastery & economic empowerment 12/10/25

Ben Ali, Transformational message of faith, discipline, self-mastery & economic empowerment 12/10/25

Rotary Club Washington DC 3 views August 19, 2026 8:03 am

DC Rotary Foundation board member and Washington, DC Rotarian Natalie Korytnyk Forrester gives a brief description of the DC Rotary Foundation including how to contribute. Natalie Korytnyk Forrester | DC Rotary Foundation Update | December 10, 2025

Natalie Korytnyk Forrester | DC Rotary Foundation Update | December 10, 2025

Rotary Club Washington DC 3 views August 18, 2026 8:03 am

Dai Hozumi is an accomplished international executive with over 25 years of experience in driving innovation and growth for global development organizations in more than 25 low- and middle-income countries. As the Chief Executive Officer of ThinkWell Institute, Dai specializes in forging strategic partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and for-profit corporations to create impactful solutions in health systems strengthening. Before assuming his role as CEO in March 2023, Dai served as the Managing Director of Programs at ThinkWell. His career includes notable positions at organizations like PATH, Management Sciences for Health, and IntraHealth International. Dai is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and a published author. He holds advanced degrees in Medicine (MD), Public Health (MPH), and Innovation Management (MS). Dai Hozumi | Propelling Change Makers through Innovation | December 3, 2025.

Dai Hozumi | Propelling Change Makers through Innovation | December 3, 2025.

Rotary Club Washington DC 6 views August 17, 2026 8:03 am

What if our emerging adults could graduate from college and launch straight into a career they love—with clarity, confidence, and a plan? Too many students leave high school with a diploma but no direction. According to Fortune magazine, over 4 million GenZ-ers are considered NEETs – Not in Education, Employment, or Training. That’s where today’s speaker comes in. Tonda Bean is on a mission to help families stop guessing and start guiding their kids toward real-world success—starting now. Imagine having a roadmap that connects your teen’s strengths, interests, education, and experiences into one clear path forward. Tonda has created that system—and it's helped over 1,000 families do just that. With Master’s degrees in Business and Organization Development, Tonda is the founder of Wisdom In Minutes, author of the Life Launch Prep workbook series, and a respected speaker and coach. Her proudest accomplishment? Using her own system, both of her children graduated from NYU and Harvard and stepped right into meaningful careers. Get ready to take notes, because what Tonda shares today could change how you prepare your students for success. Tonda Taylor Bean | They Can Walk at Graduation, But Can They Stand on Their Own? | Nov. 12, 2025

Tonda Taylor Bean | They Can Walk at Graduation, But Can They Stand on Their Own? | Nov. 12, 2025

Rotary Club Washington DC 5 views August 14, 2026 3:55 pm

Highlight reel of the Rotary Club of Washington DC's Ambassadorial Reception at the Embassy of Colombia. Ambassadorial Reception 2026 Embassy of Colombia

Ambassadorial Reception 2026 Embassy of Colombia

Rotary Club Washington DC 54 views April 29, 2026 12:39 pm

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

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

Rotary Club Washington DC 51 views November 20, 2025 9:03 am

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