By Rachele Bouchand, Rotary Club of Bellevue, Washington, USA
When I was first introduced to Rotary as a young professional, I honestly had a very different idea of what Rotary was. I thought it was a club for mostly older people who greeted each other with a secret handshake. It felt like a world far removed from my own.
But then my mentor, George, challenged that assumption. He told me that Rotary could be the key to enhancing my leadership skills, growing my network, and making a larger impact in the community. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp how much Rotary would change my life – but George was right. It did, and continues to, in ways I never imagined.
From doubt to action
In my very first year as a member, my club president, Rich, asked me to chair a committee that helped children in the foster care system find permanent families. I immediately thought, I’m not qualified for this. I don’t have the skills or experience. But Rich looked me in the eye and said, “You’re not doing this alone. We have subject-matter experts in the club, and we believe in your leadership abilities.”
That moment changed everything. His belief in me sparked my journey into Rotary leadership.
Leading through every season
I kept saying “yes.” Yes to new challenges, yes to new opportunities, yes to growth.
When I started my term as club president, my daughter was just 18 months old. By the time I entered the line to become a district governor in the Seattle, Washington, USA area, she was 4. My husband and I both work full-time. Saying “yes” wasn’t always easy – but it forced me to redefine how I approached leadership. I learned to lean on others, collaborate deeply, and value the unique talents of our members.
And what I discovered amazed me – our clubs are full of passionate, talented people who are eager to serve. My job as a leader became about empowering others to find their voice and step into their own leadership journey.
Rotary as a launchpad
Rotary has made me a better leader – not just in the club, but in every area of life. It unlocked access to world-class training that sharpened my communication, expanded my empathy, and elevated my professional performance. And my workplace noticed. Not only do they support the time I dedicate to Rotary – they’re grateful. My company has seen how Rotary leadership lifts not just me, but also the emerging professionals I now mentor and support.
The thing people don’t always realize: Rotary isn’t just community service. It’s professional development. It’s leadership training. It’s legacy building.
RISE Up
Inspired by my own path, my friend Lisa Edwards and I launched a Leadership Development Program called RISE (Rotarians Inspired to Succeed and Engage). Based on a servant leadership course started by past RI director Jerry Hall, we added mentorship and networking – and over the past two years, more than 85 Rotarians have participated. It’s a movement to broaden access to leadership and help others find their purpose in Rotary. You can learn more about the program at district5030.org/rise.
Bouchand is the immediate past governor of District 5030 (Washington, USA)
