SPECIAL EVENT: Peace in the midst of diversity
“Rotary continues to connect me to people I never knew I needed in my life.”
This guiding truth reflects Dawn Rochelle’s Rotary journey and the deep relationships, purpose-driven service, and global impact that continue to shape her life. Dawn is a community organizer with a heart for change—committed to creating a different future for children and families. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Chief Executive Officer of One Place, a child- and family-serving nonprofit in a military community in Eastern North Carolina, Dawn leads initiatives that equip others to live the best possible life. Professionally and in Rotary, Dawn has been a catalyst for action in ending child abuse, expanding mental health access, and championing girls' empowerment. A John Maxwell Certified Leader and co-author of The Confident Board Member, she is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and leadership and governance consultant who inspires others to reimagine what’s possible.
Since joining Rotary in 2004, Dawn has embraced service at every level. She served as District Governor for District 7730 in 2020–21, a year defined by global crisis—but also a year of extraordinary connection through service. She is especially proud of the innovative projects and compassionate actions Rotarians delivered during the pandemic. A champion for new club models, Dawn helped charter three cause-based Rotary Clubs (Rotary Club of Safe Childhoods, Rotary Club of Empowering our Girls and Rotary Club of Global Partners in Peace) and a cause-based Community Rotaract Club to better reflect the passions of today’s changemakers. Dawn has served as a Rotary International President’s Representative in 2025 and has been invited to speak at District and Zone events throughout Zones 33/34. Her past leadership roles include Zone 34 Calgary Promotions Chair (2024), Assistant Rotary Public Image Coordinator (2022–25), and member of both the Naples Summit Executive Team (2021) and the Pittsburgh Summit Emerging Leaders Training Team (2024). She currently serves as our District’s Representative to the Council on Resolutions and Council on Legislation and as a District Major Gifts and Endowment Chair. From 2021 to 2024, Dawn served as one of Rotary’s original 34 global Ambassadors for the Rotary International Presidential Initiative on Girls’ Empowerment. In April 2025, Rotary International approved the formation of the Rotary Action Group for Girls Empowerment, where Dawn now serves as Founding Co-Chair. She is a member of the Rotary Foundation CADRE of Technical Advisors, contributing expertise in Global Health (Maternal and Child Health, Disease Prevention and Treatment) and Peace and Conflict Resolution. Dawn and her husband, Henry—also a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Safe Childhoods—find joy in the lifelong friendships and shared mission Rotary brings. Dawn hastraveled on two National Immunization Day trips to India, experiencing firsthand the power of the Rotary Foundation. They are Major Donors, Bequest Society Members, Paul Harris Society Members, and PolioPlus Society Members. For Dawn, Rotary is not just service—it’s connection, transformation, and purpose. It is the call to do more, give more, and love more. Register and get more details on Peace event Here: https://rotarycaribbeanplus.org/events/celebrate-international-day-of-peace-2026/