Women have long been a powerful force behind Rotary’s mission, helping lead, support, and grow programs that have changed communities around the world for generations.

On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, we had the honor of welcoming Lt. Colonel (Ret.) W. Larry Dandridge, Vietnam War veteran and author, who shared powerful frontline experiences and stories that stayed with all of us.

Ashley Burman A brave soul dedicated to polio eradication With a Master of Public Health from Tulane University, experience in public service, and roles with the World Health Organization focused on polio eradication, Ashley has spent her career on the front lines of prevention, preparedness, and community health. She’s also lived the work, serving internationally and learning firsthand how public health succeeds or fails based on trust, access, and local partnership. That pe

2025 CX-MAS Cyclocross Race at Dix Park On December 14, 2025, members of our Rotary Club of the Capital City showed up at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh for a day that was equal parts cold, muddy, and incredibly uplifting. The CX-MAS cyclocross race featured an adapted category that welcomed 13 adapted cyclists from North Carolina Adapted Sports and the Wounded Warrior Project (NC), tackling a 1.3-mile course in true winter conditions. North Carolina Adapted Sports (NCAS) exis

Patricia Burch When Patricia Burch stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Wake County in October 2022, she didn’t arrive as a visitor to the affordable housing conversation; she arrived as someone who has spent years in the work, learning it from the inside out. After nearly 16 years with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham (including time as Executive Director), Patricia brought that hard-earned experience to Wake County at a momen

Halie Sue Clifton Meet Halie Sue Clifton Some people make a career out of moving fast. Halie Sue Clifton has made a career out of moving purposefully and that distinction matters. Halie serves as the Director of Special Gifts at Methodist Home for Children, and she’s been doing that work with steady joy for the past eight years. Before that, she sharpened her development experience with UNC–Chapel Hill and at Meredith College (her alma mater), learning how to connect mission-